JeffDenver
Aquarium Advice Newbie
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2007
- Messages
- 1
I am trying to make my own custom background for a 29 gallon tank.
I am kind of nervous because After visiting sites like these:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...wet-thumb-forum-diy-background-styrofoam.html
http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/janne.html
http://folk.ntnu.no/foksen/Aquascaping.htm
I learned that styrofoam is inert and wont react with water. But some of these people have used latex paint in the contruction of their backdrops. I went to the hardware store, and the sales guy was somewhat horrified that I would even consider using latex paint for a submerged backdrop. He said it was a bad idea and that it would most certainly alter my water chemistry and kill my fish.
The tutorials also suggest using epoxy, but the hardware store guy also seems to think that this will react with the water in a bad way, even when completely dry.
So I am wondering if anyone on here has ever actually done something like this before. It's a really neat idea, but I dont want to risk killing my fish.
Are there different types of Latex and epoxy, and if so, what type do I need to use that will be aquarium safe?
I am kind of nervous because After visiting sites like these:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...wet-thumb-forum-diy-background-styrofoam.html
http://www.thekrib.com/TankHardware/janne.html
http://folk.ntnu.no/foksen/Aquascaping.htm
I learned that styrofoam is inert and wont react with water. But some of these people have used latex paint in the contruction of their backdrops. I went to the hardware store, and the sales guy was somewhat horrified that I would even consider using latex paint for a submerged backdrop. He said it was a bad idea and that it would most certainly alter my water chemistry and kill my fish.
The tutorials also suggest using epoxy, but the hardware store guy also seems to think that this will react with the water in a bad way, even when completely dry.
So I am wondering if anyone on here has ever actually done something like this before. It's a really neat idea, but I dont want to risk killing my fish.
Are there different types of Latex and epoxy, and if so, what type do I need to use that will be aquarium safe?