cement background needs curing

[nichefish]

hi guys

me new to this wonderful site.. . still have faith that all you masters would like to help me.
i have made a natural looking background for my 50G tank. i put it in the water finally after drying it for a week after painting.

everything looked perfect .. so i introduced my bravest barbs into the water. they seemed to like it it too. but only for a day.:-(

the water become all misty the next day with the school of barbe swiming at the surface as if suffocated. they were put back and are now well again, but i am depressed

believe me that thing looks amazing.. and i have no heart to put it away
plz help me ... advice how shud i make this background inert and hazzardless for my fish..

plz whoever can help !!!
thanks in advance

niche

 

[BillyZ]

Welcome aboard!!

You missed one of the most important steps, but you mention in your subject. You need to cure the cement for a lengthy time. I've never done a cement background myself but most suggest putting in a tub with circulating water for at least a week or so.

IMO, I would get a tub of water, put the background in it with a opwerhead or pump, even an airstone at a minimum, and leave it for 3 or 4 days. Dump the water out and refill it with fresh water and do it again until the water stays clear.

Also, do a search in the DIY forum here, there's been a few folks with successful bakgrounds. Their threads should have some advice on curing.