Making Fake Rocks

Onagro · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 01:50 AM

Does anyone know how to make fake rock for backgrounds? It's not for darts, but it does need to be able to be submerged long-term. Would great stuff work?

Frog10 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 02:03 AM

are you asking what would you use to make a false backround? If so, yes great stuff would work

Rain_Frog · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 02:07 AM

epoxy...

zBrinks · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 04:21 PM

check out this link:

http://geckosunlimited.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8200

*I dont know how to resize it, dont hate me!*

Onagro · #5 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 04:36 PM

Thanks, everyone! The reason I'm asking is because I'm trying to make fake limestone backgrounds for a group of blind cave tetras. Is there any type of waterproof, non-toxic paint that could be used?

*slddave* · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 05:04 PM

I believe the europeans use epoxy resin for the water section of their paladiums.

Rain_Frog · #7 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 08:10 PM

onagro, I made a fake rock background with epoxy and the results are nearly fool proof. If you throw a lot of sand and clay on it and then sand it afterwards...it looks real.

Please search here for the article "mixing epoxy for water tanks" by me. I got it from West System when I made my own background.

Onagro · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 10:22 PM

Rain Frog, I read that post on the epoxy background and really appreciate your help! That sounds like a great idea. I will let you know how it turns out (it will probably be after Christmas because that's when I'm getting the biocube)

I've had these fish since I was 11 years old and just think they deserve better than a 10 gallon with blue gravel and a castle.

costaricalvr12 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 10:34 PM

Don't speak to soon... check this out:

http://www.vivariumconcepts.com/content/view/40/25/

Rain_Frog · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006, 11:32 PM

Rain Frog, I read that post on the epoxy background and really appreciate your help! That sounds like a great idea. I will let you know how it turns out (it will probably be after Christmas because that's when I'm getting the biocube

that's ok, because epoxy is best cured in warm temperatures...this is really not the best time of the year to try it. I advise you to mount some heat lamps over the curing epoxy in a shed to raise the temp at least to 120 degrees for four hours (or whatever the article says).

The vivarium mortar I've been told by Cindy herself is designed for small applications. You have to be careful not to make layers or anything too thin or it'll crack. So, not a good idea if you want to make a background.

However, for small rocks or something it'll probably work well. Just be careful with pH if this is for a fish tank.