WanaLeime
01-16-2009, 02:10 PM
:popcorn:
Here is it is: HOW TO MAKE FOAM WALL/BACK GROUND
The stuff I used was "Handi Foam" its Black/D.Grey color and made specifically for aquascaping.
The stuff you buy at Home Depot "Great Stuff" or Lowe's "Tuff Stuff" can work but require an extra "expoy" sealant.
http://www.aquatic-eco.com/images/subcategories/large/P10053_rgb.jpg
Each can usually cost $7-$9 per can.
I bought a 12 pack ($6.25ea) from some east coast supplier and they gave me free shipping!!! I cant recall the website... just google it, im sure someone will find it.
now...the little "I wish knew that before I..." tips:
each 12oz can comes with a straw (dont lose it!! )
1cn will cover the back "wall" surface area of a 10gal. I used 7cns for my 90, I could have gotten away with 5cns but I wanted to add Depth and texture...
What are you putting it on Acrylic or all Glass?
Glass tanks or NEW tanks will require "beads", "dots" or "strips" of silicone for the foam to hold on to.
-if you do not do this, the foam will seperate from the glass!!! Put some silicone in random places but be sure to put some near edges and the corners...
Acrylic - NO NEED FOR SILICONE
Curing Time - is about 3 -10 mins for the skin (top layer) FULLY CURE is like 24-36 hrs.
Step by Step:
1. place aquarium on "back side" or the side you wish to apply the foam to. Dont forget to put a blanket or card board down to protect the galss on the outside...
*2. (for glass tanks only) Apply silicone. Now, you have a choice, wait for the silicone to cure or not.... I tired both ways and I didnt notice a difference....less fumes????
3. Put on OLD clothes and Latex gloves!!! It gets a bit messy.... Well, my method at least...
4. Shake up the can!!!! place the nozzle, and apply... It's going to come out like "skinny" POOP but it WILL expand. I like to go in a horizontal direction, you can go short or you can go long.... your pref... I also did MULTIPLE layers on random areas... try not to "break" your flow - meaning dont stop half way through can. It may get clogged or ozze out on you.
when applying the foam to the back wall, try to leave a 1/2" gap between the back wall from the side walls...to me it just looks better.
**********WARNING THIS STUFF IS STICKY!!!!***************
5. Wait between 3-10mins, for the "skin" to cure. You'll know when it's ready to be handled.... It's usually around 5mins, depending on the humidity in your area....
6. Once it's cured... Start pressing, squeezing, pinching, knuckling, fist twisting, imprintiing or flattening the foam. BECAREFULL NOT TO brake your glass!!!! I some times I use base rock to imprint shapes into the foam. Flatting also help the foam adhere to the glass better. But I like to leave some puffy areas.....
The main goal in this step is make it look "natural"...try to blend in the lines and layers...if you want...add more foam for that perfect "blend". Try to make the whole back ground look like one piece, use random lengths of foam so it looks natural....
:shocked: AND DONE........wait a day or two...water test (for bouyency?) if you did it right the foam ROCK WALL should stay put.
~Dennis
BTW - I did practice on a 10 gallon and card board before I applied my "skills" on C.Maximus....you know what they say practice makes perfect!!!! :bounce:
Here is it is: HOW TO MAKE FOAM WALL/BACK GROUND
The stuff I used was "Handi Foam" its Black/D.Grey color and made specifically for aquascaping.
The stuff you buy at Home Depot "Great Stuff" or Lowe's "Tuff Stuff" can work but require an extra "expoy" sealant.
http://www.aquatic-eco.com/images/subcategories/large/P10053_rgb.jpg
Each can usually cost $7-$9 per can.
I bought a 12 pack ($6.25ea) from some east coast supplier and they gave me free shipping!!! I cant recall the website... just google it, im sure someone will find it.
now...the little "I wish knew that before I..." tips:
each 12oz can comes with a straw (dont lose it!! )
1cn will cover the back "wall" surface area of a 10gal. I used 7cns for my 90, I could have gotten away with 5cns but I wanted to add Depth and texture...
What are you putting it on Acrylic or all Glass?
Glass tanks or NEW tanks will require "beads", "dots" or "strips" of silicone for the foam to hold on to.
-if you do not do this, the foam will seperate from the glass!!! Put some silicone in random places but be sure to put some near edges and the corners...
Acrylic - NO NEED FOR SILICONE
Curing Time - is about 3 -10 mins for the skin (top layer) FULLY CURE is like 24-36 hrs.
Step by Step:
1. place aquarium on "back side" or the side you wish to apply the foam to. Dont forget to put a blanket or card board down to protect the galss on the outside...
*2. (for glass tanks only) Apply silicone. Now, you have a choice, wait for the silicone to cure or not.... I tired both ways and I didnt notice a difference....less fumes????
3. Put on OLD clothes and Latex gloves!!! It gets a bit messy.... Well, my method at least...
4. Shake up the can!!!! place the nozzle, and apply... It's going to come out like "skinny" POOP but it WILL expand. I like to go in a horizontal direction, you can go short or you can go long.... your pref... I also did MULTIPLE layers on random areas... try not to "break" your flow - meaning dont stop half way through can. It may get clogged or ozze out on you.
when applying the foam to the back wall, try to leave a 1/2" gap between the back wall from the side walls...to me it just looks better.
**********WARNING THIS STUFF IS STICKY!!!!***************
5. Wait between 3-10mins, for the "skin" to cure. You'll know when it's ready to be handled.... It's usually around 5mins, depending on the humidity in your area....
6. Once it's cured... Start pressing, squeezing, pinching, knuckling, fist twisting, imprintiing or flattening the foam. BECAREFULL NOT TO brake your glass!!!! I some times I use base rock to imprint shapes into the foam. Flatting also help the foam adhere to the glass better. But I like to leave some puffy areas.....
The main goal in this step is make it look "natural"...try to blend in the lines and layers...if you want...add more foam for that perfect "blend". Try to make the whole back ground look like one piece, use random lengths of foam so it looks natural....
:shocked: AND DONE........wait a day or two...water test (for bouyency?) if you did it right the foam ROCK WALL should stay put.
~Dennis
BTW - I did practice on a 10 gallon and card board before I applied my "skills" on C.Maximus....you know what they say practice makes perfect!!!! :bounce: