Custom 3D-BACKGROUNDS

[Hawkman2000]

I would mix some Portland type 5 cement with concrete dye, sand, and some crushed gravel for texture, and apply it with a sponge. Portland type 5 is water proof so there should be no leaching.


My only issue with drylok is that I have seen it peel on concrete and block many times. I don't know how well it hold up to being immersed, not to mention pleco munching and fish scratching. Many people use it though so it should work.

 

[Italy592]

Have you used either one ??


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[69cichlids]

Well it the type of foam good for water and fish


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I'm not familiar with drylock, I thought it was like a clear coat that went over cement or something

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[Italy592]

It's nothing like that


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[Tony]

I would mix some Portland type 5 cement with concrete dye, sand, and some crushed gravel for texture, and apply it with a sponge. Portland type 5 is water proof so there should be no leaching.

It is my understanding that any type of cement will have an effect on water chemistry. I'd still soak it just to be safe.

 

[Italy592]

I was always going to soak it !! If I soak it will it have an affect on the chemistry after I soak it still??


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[Tony]

From what I've read, most folks soak them 2-3 times to get them to leach. Maybe 24 hrs the first soaking, then change water, let it sit a couple of days and maybe a week the third time. Test the water's pH as you go. It should steadily go from very basic to slightly basic.

 

[Italy592]

I'm puttin it in an established tank tho


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[Tony]

Soak it in a Rubbermaid container outside before you put it in your tank.

 

[Italy592]

What's that ??


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[Tony]

What's that ??


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Seriously, you don't know what a Rubbermaid container is? :wacko:

 

[Italy592]

I do I was just like I thought it was so basic that you ment something else haha


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[jonclark96]

Just soak it in any large container that doesn't have your fish in it. You can get them at any home improvement type store.

 

[Italy592]

Ohh well does it have to have filtration !?!?


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[jonclark96]

Ohh well does it have to have filtration !?!?


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No. You are trying to get anything that is going to leach out of the background to do so before you put it in your tank. It is the same thing folks do with getting tannins out of driftwood. Soak, dump water, repeat. Monitor the pH. When the pH stabilizes after several water changes, I would think you'd be okay to put it in your tank.

 

[Italy592]

Ok but do I still regular check the water if I'm putting in a bucket ???


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[Italy592]

Well not a bucket but a Rubbermaid bin


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[jonclark96]

Yes


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[Italy592]

Ok so just to cap what I'm doing I'm going when I'm finished dryloking it I put it in a large Rubbermaid obtained with tap water ?? And I'll regularly check water till the ph is stable ??


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[jonclark96]

Go back and read the previous posts. You are trying to get the drylock to leach out whatever it is going to leach out prior to putting it in your tank. Soak it in a rubbermaid container. Change the water that you are soaking it in regularly until it isn't leaching anymore.