Can I Use Geneal Purpose Cement In An Aquarium?

[plecostomus-mad]

as the title states

mark

 

[fatheadminnow]

They make aquarium silicone.

-FHM

 

[Neesmo]

I think its more likely that he is asking about using general purpose cement for a 3D background maybe?

Im not sure on that one but I know for 100% sure you can safely use Quikrete "quick setting" in the yellow pail
http/www.hardwarestore.com/media/product/108255_front200.jpg

Kyle

 

[plecostomus-mad]

They make aquarium silicone.

-FHM

i have some i mean like builders cement / concrete to build something like this....My link

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yes, cement should be just fine to use.

-FHM

 

[plecostomus-mad]

Yes, cement should be just fine to use.

-FHM

sweet i can get a 25kg bag for under £5 so off to the diy store tomorrow. look out for my fake rock background build thread

 

[ian]

would it not be to heavy for the glass?!, i wouldn't use it personally. There are better things out there for making backgrounds.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/321741-rear-rock-wall-with-caves/

^^check this out.

 

[dave_oddballs]

its not heavy, the guy who built that background in that you tube clip made it from polystyrene, not cement.
you make a background however you want out of sticking rock shaped lumps of polystyrene to a sheet of polystyrene, when you have it the desired shape/design you mix a very watery mixture of cement and coat the lot, you have to put on quite a few coats until it is solid, leaving it to dry properly between each layer, then its still not ready as you can't just dump bare cement in your tank, you have to seal it, you can do this with pond paint, obviously you choose which colour you want, but you will have to cover it all to make sure no bare cement is exposed. the structure wouldn't be heavy in the slightest, the only thing is it would have to be siliconed to the back of your tank, something im not keen on, and whilst building it you would have to take into consideration your filters/inlets/outlets etc.

 

[saz326]

Doesnt the lime leach out into the water? I guess if it is mixed well and the correct quantities are used then there wouldnt be any lime available to leach. Unsure.

 

[dave_oddballs]

well thats why you seal it, as i suggested pond paint as you can get it in natural colours, or obviously there is other non-toxic paints available which would be suitable to use. you just need to make sure it is completely sealed before putting it in your tank.

 

[plecostomus-mad]

would it not be to heavy for the glass?!, i wouldn't use it personally. There are better things out there for making backgrounds.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/321741-rear-rock-wall-with-caves/

^^check this out.

thanks for the link but thats not really the look im looking for.lol, besides all those rocks he used would actually be heavier than what i intend to build.lol

its not heavy, the guy who built that background in that you tube clip made it from polystyrene, not cement.
you make a background however you want out of sticking rock shaped lumps of polystyrene to a sheet of polystyrene, when you have it the desired shape/design you mix a very watery mixture of cement and coat the lot, you have to put on quite a few coats until it is solid, leaving it to dry properly between each layer, then its still not ready as you can't just dump bare cement in your tank, you have to seal it, you can do this with pond paint, obviously you choose which colour you want, but you will have to cover it all to make sure no bare cement is exposed. the structure wouldn't be heavy in the slightest, the only thing is it would have to be siliconed to the back of your tank, something im not keen on, and whilst building it you would have to take into consideration your filters/inlets/outlets etc.

got it in one

 

[Neesmo]

If you dont seal it, people recommend that you fill and empty the tank completely 10 times to get the PH back down as the cemement will cause a spike. Im half done the exact 3D background you posted a video of above. All I have left on mine is to cement mine and Im just adding cement colouring instead of sealing it with something.

Good luck with the project and lets see some pics after!

Kyle

 

[plecostomus-mad]

If you dont seal it, people recommend that you fill and empty the tank completely 10 times to get the PH back down as the cemement will cause a spike. Im half done the exact 3D background you posted a video of above. All I have left on mine is to cement mine and Im just adding cement colouring instead of sealing it with something.

Good luck with the project and lets see some pics after!

Kyle

will do buddy, id like to see yours as it is now and after

 

[Gill]

I would suggest having a read thru the DIY projects over on MFK, Lots of very good DIY Background Builds using Cement.