Lee-cee Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Hi. First post here I am going to attempt my first DIY background in the next few months. I have been reading lots on the subject. I am going to use styrofoam coated with concrete then sealed with (most likely) a pond sealer to avoid the pH spikes. The only problem I have encountered is the lack on info on the subject. Most DIY's just state to coat with a pond sealer but do not mention a brand. What brand of pond sealer is best? I have read some can turn white over time. Anyone experienced this? Any brands worse than others? If not pond sealer, what epoxy can you recommended? Would prefer stuff I can just pick up at bunnings or masters. I have seen mention of crommelin and pondtite. Anyone used these? This is all going in a frontosa tank so I don't want to take any chances. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigPete86 Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 (edited) Bitumen Rubber mate, dries black, inert in water once cured, flexible & a great sealer. Bunnings, Masters, etc. will have it. I use the Betta brand but there's a few other brands out there. Quick tip to colour it, once the last coat of rubber goes on, before it dries (sooner the better), spray a bit of Krylon Fusion onto the wet rubber to highlight/colour/detail & the paint will bond with the rubber as they both set. Krylon Fusion is hard to find but it's the ONLY paint I'm willing to use in any of my aquaria. This "rock" is bitumen rubber coated & Fusion painted: That's just a small one with bugger all detail but it'll give you an idea of what the finished product looks like. The bitumen rubber is all the black, the green & grey "highlights" are Krylon Fusion Edited August 19, 2013 by BigPete86 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee-cee Posted August 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Cheers. Looks good. I have heard the krylon is the best way to go. Dunno if I've ever seen it in the shops but then I've never been looking. Should have mentioned I am looking at tinting the concrete a sandstone like colour so a clear pond sealer is what I'm after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigPete86 Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Then any of the clear pond sealers should be fine, if you're worried about leaching just double up on the recommended coats to be sure. I get my Fusion online from Crockers paints in Sydney. Looked for ages tryin to find a seller who's closer but no craft/hobby shops have stocked it for a couple yrs now & most paint shops haven't even heard of it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
