[Frogzilla]

So I just experienced a somewhat surprising event. I had made a background for a ten gallon out of pond foam with a single piece of wood yesterday, just to get some practice before trying to make a background out of foam for my 40 breeder.

Just now it exploded, blowing foam and glass out the back. Fortunately it was pointed towards a wall that had a large piece of cardboard leaned against it. It occurred behind the wood, so I assume the foam tried to expand behind the wood, but the wood was held in place by the cured surface of the foam so it couldn't expand anymore to the sides due to the small size of the tank. The pressure built, and it exploded... Sounded like a gun going off in the living room.

Anyway I thought I should share this experience, as if that had been pointed a different direction it could have caused severe injury, or massive property damage. The point I guess is to be aware that this can happen and to place your vivarium appropriately while curing.

 

[Frogzilla]

I didn't take any pictures, I just threw it out. Should've, I'll see if it's still out there in a bit a snap a photo or two if so.

Grimm, I think I may have. I touched up a couple gaps around the wood, when I guess I should have just let it expand and then touched it up. I also tried to make a vine like look, so the way I applied it may have played a part. Maybe it created a layer trying to expand under another, but the blast was directly behind the wood making me think it was still a curing dynamic with the surface and underlayer. Honestly I don't think it would have occurred in a larger tank.

Oh well, no one got hurt. I wasted a can of foam, and broke a 10 gallon. 25$ mistake and/or lesson.

 

[Frogzilla]

I think I may try clay next, lol.