concrete?

[tightline]

want to do a lil aquscaping was wondering can u use concrete or tile grout and be safe in the aquarium after dried and rinsed? and certin type to NOT use?

Edited July 6, 2012 by tightline

[hypertech]

I wouldn't. People do make concrete rocks, but they soak them for a long long time to cure them and get the pH right.

 

How much of an area are you trying to fill? If the tank isn't wet, I've seen some good results with expanding foam. If it is wet, you can fill small areas with plumbers epoxy.

[tightline]

existing tank......i have a big flat rock and i want to add some small rocks around it fill all gaps and fill it with around 1 2 in of sand for the top portion of my tank

[Coral Hind]

How are you planning to use the concrete? What aggregate are you going to add to cement to make your concrete? What ratio of cement to aggregate are you going to use?

 

Concrete is safe, just let it cure to stablilize the pH. If you are only adding a small amount then it is fine without curing, it actually helps raise the pH some, just keep an eye on it.

 

I would use regular portland cement. Portland is the main ingredient in grout mixes but companies also add other proprietary items for strength, adhesion, water barriers, and or mold resistance. I would stick with plain portland cement and mix a concrete for what you need.

[Steve175]

As above, aquarium epoxy likely would work as well: a bit more expensive but known to be reef safe and might be easier to work into the look you want

[tightline]

ok ya havent got any pieces togeather yet ...but im sure i will have some pritty big gaps between the base flat rock and the pieces i want to build the sides with for the shelf and it needs to not leak the sand out of the sides i made a shelf out of plexie glass but DONT like the fake look of it so want to do it out of rock instead and the reef putty would be pritty $ with the size holes i will probably have

Edited July 6, 2012 by tightline