Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => General Fishkeeping advice => Topic started by: finn on February 18, 2017, 01:33:23 AM

Title: Polystyrene as decor
Post by: finn on February 18, 2017, 01:33:23 AM
I got some polystyrene packaging, and was considering making some cave decorations with it, if I use correct adhesive would this be safe in a tank?
 :fishy1:
Title: Re: Polystyrene as decor
Post by: Matt on February 18, 2017, 06:30:04 AM
I would think so as its often used under e.g. large rocks to protect the glass / spread out the weight.
Title: Re: Polystyrene as decor
Post by: Sue on February 18, 2017, 09:01:42 AM
The polystyrene should be safe as Matt says. Make sure the glue is fish safe as well. I know cyanoacrylate glue is fish safe but I don't know if it can be used on polystyrene. And of course silicone sealant - without any anti-mould etc additives - is fish safe but again I don't know if it will work on polystyrene
.
Title: Re: Polystyrene as decor
Post by: finn on February 18, 2017, 12:30:07 PM
Thanx,. Was gonna try silicone,  see if that works. :)
Title: Re: Polystyrene as decor
Post by: MarquisMirage on February 18, 2017, 02:06:07 PM
Were you planning on leaving them the polystyrene colour or using a coating?  This link shows how this kind of thing is usually done.  Enjoy your project!

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_background.php
Title: Re: Polystyrene as decor
Post by: finn on February 18, 2017, 10:17:19 PM
Was considering coating it with black sand,(would have preferred grey). Any advice would be welcome,(as I think there's a good chance of a fail :-\).  ;D
Title: Re: Polystyrene as decor
Post by: MarquisMirage on February 19, 2017, 12:53:43 PM
I used silicone to coat my DIY PVC caves in 2-4 mm gravel.  There are always bits falling off and because it begins curing quickly (and is so tacky the whole time) it was a case of doing a bit then waiting 24 hours to do the next bit.  Three caves took around a couple of weeks so make sure you have an area you can put aside for that period.  You definitely don't want to be moving it around as it makes a mess.  Personally I found silicone very difficult to work with.