Question on 3D Background

[Fishalicious]

Hello I will be building a 3D background for my 75 soon and I'm just gathering supplies. I was wondering if I need any special type of styrofoam. I know some are denser than others and are cheaper.

Also, my local craft store,HD, and Lowes only have up to 2" thick. I need 3" for my ideas. Anyone know of any local places I can call? Would lumber places or like roofing places have it? Also, the styro at HD and Lowes I think is made for insulation...Wouldnt this have some type of chemical in it toxic to the fish?

One more question...
If I cant find 3", can I just silicon a 2 inch and a 1 inch together and then cut it up? I wanted to cut it into big individual pieces so I can put it together like a jigsaw, but would that work??

TIA!!
-Dan

 

[malkore]

Read this DIY instruction manual, just a few posts down: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=35055

Should answer all your questions.

 

[Fishalicious]

Not to sound rude but it didn't really answer all of my questions. I've read just about every DIY backround thread on this website and cichlid-forum. Although it did help my decision on the type of styro. The pink styro looks cheap to work with so I think I'll go with the regular white, but I'm not sure on the density.
So thank you malkore for your effort!!!

So to post my question that wasnt answered:

If I cant find 3" thick, can I just silicon a 2 inch and a 1 inch together, wait for it to cure and then cut it up? I wanted to cut it into big individual (rock) pieces so I can put it together like a jigsaw, but would that work??

I appreciate the help as always
-Dan

 

[XXFirefighter]

just make sure it's waterproof expoxy !

 

[Fishalicious]

Well I plan on using the GE Silicone I. I've read about many people who have used it for many years and it's worked wonders. Even read a whole 17 page thread on the stuff. It should be fine. Thanks though!

-Dan

 

[malkore]

Sorry, I thought that post I supplied talked about siliconing the sheets of styrofoam together, which is indeed what you'd do. Just be sure you use aquarium safe silicone.