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Just wondering if anyones done the concrete/styro backgrounds for a tank before. Most all the instructions I've seen have said to use quickrite concrete mix, home depot doesn't seem to carry it so would any brand work or is it something specific about that brand?
T'anks in advance .

^_^



[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

I remember reading this by Dr.Bonke somewhere....

Gee

Edit:
Ahhhh here it is
http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Technical%20Tinkering/38674.html

Last edited by BigGee168 at 28-Mar-2005 14:05

Maybe ask him

Last edited by BigGee168 at 28-Mar-2005 14:06

Gee

!!I think I just learned somthing new!!

T'anks BigGee168,
I'd found those too but you'll notice he doesn't use concrete in his .
I'm thinking of doing a bit more than just the average background....not that 3-D backgrounds are all tha average .

^_^




[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

Oic, wouldn't a backgroud waste alot of space in the tank?

Gee

Gee

!!I think I just learned somthing new!!

I do concrete work for a living, never tried it in a tank though.....I like the nature rocks myself....
But i can probably help.....
What have ya got so far? even an idea is a good start

Dave

Well it's based on [link=this concept]http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_background.php" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] ...but I was worried about the fact that they call for Quikrete Mason Mix Cement...and didnt know if there was a reason that specific brand was given?
The two brands I found @home depot were Bonsal and Sakrete. I can look in lowes this weekend although they are generally (IME) more expensive than home depot.

Also I dont' think I really need 60lbs of concrete mix for my project .

^_^[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

The mix there calling for is a masonary mix. it differs from say sakrete in the fact that it has no rocks in it to hold it together.
The masonary has a higher amount of portland, thats what makes it actual cement.
If you can't find what there calling for i would use grout mix as it's the closest to what they advise.....
What there calling for is also a fast setting mix, but your not putting in fence posts, so you can afford to wait long for it to set and dry

If you don't use the whole bag, seal it and sop long as water doesn't get to it you can use it later. It won't go bad
Anything else

Last edited by mr_cichlid at 29-Mar-2005 08:23

Hi,
With all this talk about using concrete or something
similiar as materials for making a background for your
tanks, please do take serious note of the last comments
in the article.

YOU MUST keep checking the water chemistries after filling
and BEFORE adding the fish. As Concrete cures and for quite
a while after that, it will leach chemicals into the tank's
water, some of which are toxic to the inhabitants.
Generally speaking, when concrete is used in a tank it is
painted (after setting [curing]) with an epoxy or concrete
paint. This paint prevents the water from getting into the
concrete and the chemicals from getting out of the concrete.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks for pointing that out MR_CICHLID I always knew reading skills were actually important *hides in embarressment* .

Frank...so far the plan is for a PO tank....I do realize that concrete can raise ph, and that it's important to let it soak for awhile before use in the tank/adding the fish. Someone suggested soaking in vinegar as well.

^_^


[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

According to [link=this DIY article]http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_aquarium_background3.php" style="COLOR: #4040FF[/link] Quickcrete is used because it doesn't have fiberglass in it.

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

Sakrete, and grout mix also don't have fiberglass in them.
The only ones the will have are the ones labelled as such

home depot should stock quickrete (SP?) my one does, and they are all the same

I don't think I'd have posted this thread if I'd found it in home depot .

They may all be the "same" but they don't all have the same stock @the same time. Pure white landscaping sand is only found in mine in the spring. I suppose quickrite is only found in morter season .

^_^


[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

Now I realize I'm in Canada, and your in the States....
But they also carry it at Home hardware, and most big lumber/building stores here...

I say flip through the Phone book and see if you can find a similar store that has it in stock right now.
And let the fun begin