Styrofoam q's

MELLOWROO421 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 05:40 PM

I am starting to build a 40 vert and I was planning on using styrofoam instead of GS for the background. Are there any types of foam I need to avoid, or will all of them be about the same? I am gonna use the quickcrete method instead of silicone. I have lots of foam from things like my tv packaging, etc. Just want to make sure it will be ok. Thanks.
Brian

defaced · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 06:28 PM

Polystyrene is fine to use (that's what egg crate is made of), many people already have used it.

carola1155 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 06:32 PM

^^ I agree

just make sure its not REAL old styrofoam (CFCs are bad) haha

but yea I just used a whole bunch of stuff from some tv boxes to kinda experiment with some waterfall ideas.

denfrogs · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 10:39 PM

Styrofoam works great !

Ed · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 11:19 PM

It is what many Zoo exhibit bases are sculpted from... it works fine but you are better off using the high density foam as it is easier to sculpt (it doesn't flake off as much as you sculpt it).

After you cover it with the quickcrete you need to seal the quickcrete with a good grade marine epoxy and that you leave a small indent at the tank sides and bottom so you can seal the edges with silicone.

Ed