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Foam Rock Walls Builds

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by a12ptbk, Jun 15, 2011.

  1. a12ptbk

    a12ptbk

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    Has anyone done one of these?  I am thinking about doing this for my next build which is a 125. I have been doing some reading on other sites and found the waterfall pond foam with UV protection seems to be the recommended choice. Some are using epoxy. Does anybody know if this is necessary if using the foam with uv protection in it? or is it just used to get the sand to stick.  I can't seem to find a good answer on this.
    IF anybody has any tips let me know.


    Thanks
     
  2. adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper

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    The epoxy is used for attaching sand to the foam after it dries. I've also seen people throw the big grain salt(epsom?) on top of the foam when it's expanding to create texture, then filling the tank dissolves that salt. There was actually a Reef Central tank of the month who used pond foam a long time ago, so the stuff works pretty good. I built a 29 gallon tank for my brother using the stuff and I think it turned out pretty good. I'll see if I can find you some links for what I read when researching it.
     
  3. adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I thought this guy did a pretty good job: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1917733

    Here's a quick search for "foam wall" title search on RC, I'll try to find more links when I have more time: http://reefcentral.com/forums/search.php?searchid=5134801
     
  4. Troy

    Troy Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I did a rock wall.
    here is the link to by build
    http://www.greateriowareefsociety.org/Community/DiscussionForums/tabid/78/aft/18000/Default.aspx

    I don't know about the UV part, but if I could do it again, I would use the black pond foam. I used Great Stuff (red can) and have ammonia and nitrates issues for the longest time. The epoxy is to hold the sand on the foam, but it also helps protect the foam too.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 26, 2015
  5. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
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    +1,821 / 14 / -0
    Matt Nelson did this on his tanks. It looks way cool. ninjazx777 is his username, DSM area. I'll see if I can snap a few pics this weekend he's tearing down tanks and re-piping everything before shoulder surgery. I'm not sure what he used but I think he let it leech out for like 6 months before stocking.
     
  6. Troy

    Troy Experienced Reefkeeper

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    This is what I had to do with mine, and still if I don't keep up with regular water changed my ammonia and nitrates will still start to spike.
     
  7. a12ptbk

    a12ptbk

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    Thanks for the links Adam. Some cool ideas in those that I might have to implement.
    Troy your wall looks killer and thanks for the headsup on the Great Stuff. I am going to try and find that Black pond foam.
    Bud Thanks if you could get some pics that would be cool. I am interested to see what his looks like.
    Interesting on the leaching of ammonia and nitrates. I wonder if its from the foam or epoxy or both. I will have to research this some more to see if the black pond foam leaches like the regular great stuff.
    ABout the UV aspect in the foam. I guess the UV from the lights can break down the foam over time how much time I don't know. So basically the foam will start falling apart. THe pond foam is supposed to have the protection in it.
     
  8. iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

    775
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    Seascapes used a lot of foam on their 1500 gallon tank. It looks really good.
     
  9. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
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    +7 / 1 / -0
    I used Portland cement, oyster shells, and crushed coral on my wall. no foam
     
  10. cowdust9

    cowdust9 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    we just got some of the black pond foam at menards we are putting one on a 220
     
  11. a12ptbk

    a12ptbk

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    That would explain the leeching with the portland cement. I made abunch of DIY rock last summer finally got it cured for the most part after having outside all winter.
    I will check out Menards and Home Depot for the foam. Thanks for the heads up that Menards has it as well.
     
  12. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    There was a guy in the QC area that did one of these, Nuccatree I think his name was. One thing i remembered him having issues with was the buoyancy. He had to add much more rock and stuff to weigh it down enough because of the foam.

     

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