Longtime listener, first time caller. Nice site, lots of nice people. Nothing like a well run forum of good people for the dissemination of knowledge.
OK, on to the questions. I’ve searched, and not found them previously asked. If I’ve missed them, my apologies.
First, I'm a bit confused on the use of GE Silicone II, which is what I see everyone (?) suggesting. When in the past I have read discussions on GE Silicone for fish, it was always suggested that the Silicone I should be used, not II because II has a mold/mildew inhibitor, and is not as safe for animals as the Silicone I which has no such chemicals. I believe someone on cichlid-forum.com actually posted an email stating the same from a GE rep "off the record". Apparently they do sell Silicone I to aquarium manufacturers for tanks under a certain size. Any thoughts? Is there a reason for the apparent preference for Silicone II over I on this board that I’ve missed?
Second question: Has anyone tried a product called “rockin’ foam”? I’ve read of it before, and bought some at a local pond store. It is for helping build waterfalls for ponds; you stack rocks fairly stably, then spray this foam in the cracks, or add it to shape the waterfall and/or stream bed. It says all over that it is 100% safe for animals, non-toxic, yada yada. I’ve seen some reef tank pros use this to build a reef display for a salt-water tank, and I’ve got to think it would have to be fairly safe for that. Also, since the foam is black/charcoal, it supposedly resists UV light much better than Great Stuff. Also, it is minimal expanding. As for consistancy and feel, it's similar to minimal expanding insulation foam, not as fast drying though.
I’ve tested this in a patch in my viv, and am preparing to do a foam back wall. From what I can see from my small test dabs, this foam may be able to pass as rock all by itself. In texture/gloss it looks similar to the rock wall built by s.ling with foam, paint, epoxy. I’ll post a pic maybe if it comes out, it sure is a lot easier. I’m just wondering if anyone else has tried this product and has any recommendations or concerns.
Thank you to all that make this a great site, and thank you in advance for you $.02
OK, on to the questions. I’ve searched, and not found them previously asked. If I’ve missed them, my apologies.
First, I'm a bit confused on the use of GE Silicone II, which is what I see everyone (?) suggesting. When in the past I have read discussions on GE Silicone for fish, it was always suggested that the Silicone I should be used, not II because II has a mold/mildew inhibitor, and is not as safe for animals as the Silicone I which has no such chemicals. I believe someone on cichlid-forum.com actually posted an email stating the same from a GE rep "off the record". Apparently they do sell Silicone I to aquarium manufacturers for tanks under a certain size. Any thoughts? Is there a reason for the apparent preference for Silicone II over I on this board that I’ve missed?
Second question: Has anyone tried a product called “rockin’ foam”? I’ve read of it before, and bought some at a local pond store. It is for helping build waterfalls for ponds; you stack rocks fairly stably, then spray this foam in the cracks, or add it to shape the waterfall and/or stream bed. It says all over that it is 100% safe for animals, non-toxic, yada yada. I’ve seen some reef tank pros use this to build a reef display for a salt-water tank, and I’ve got to think it would have to be fairly safe for that. Also, since the foam is black/charcoal, it supposedly resists UV light much better than Great Stuff. Also, it is minimal expanding. As for consistancy and feel, it's similar to minimal expanding insulation foam, not as fast drying though.
I’ve tested this in a patch in my viv, and am preparing to do a foam back wall. From what I can see from my small test dabs, this foam may be able to pass as rock all by itself. In texture/gloss it looks similar to the rock wall built by s.ling with foam, paint, epoxy. I’ll post a pic maybe if it comes out, it sure is a lot easier. I’m just wondering if anyone else has tried this product and has any recommendations or concerns.
Thank you to all that make this a great site, and thank you in advance for you $.02