I was sitting in the livingroom while Kim was on here . I could build a cichlid Motel. Out of styrafoam . Course I would have to use quik crete on it. I figure I could put windows in it too. Maybe even try to incorporate a hotel sign for it.
I saw this dome shaped styrafoam at Wal-mart. Got my mind a workin.
Does anybody here have any expierience with Quik crete? I need some info on how long before I can put it in water and such information like that.
I would appreciate any input. I got one wild imagination.LOL
Pete

Hey, Pete. I built a DIY background using the quik crete. I first carved out all the holes and cracks with a steakknife to the design i wanted. the quik crete is a grayish color so you might want to buy that color add in for it. When you use the QC start off with a little at a time. you want to make it running but not too running( i know that didnt make sense). At first it seems not to stick to good, but if you put enough on the styrofoam it will stick fine. It took me a long time to get the whole thing done. I added a lot of concrete just to make sure i covered all the styro foam. Once i finished it I added it to the tank and filled the tank with salt water for about a week. the salt helps cure the concrete faster. I did water changes every day for the first 4 days then went to every 3 days for about 2 1/2 weeks. Once the ph became stable I added some gold fish to make sure it was fine.

holymoly you added goldfish,,,,how cruel,,,should have used guppies!!! grin

Cap. good to see ya back,,,hows it going with the "bigger" family?

Thanks Cappachino. Appreciate it. thumbs up
Pete

hey Mr. C. what about using sand to pour the concrete into? you could get a tub of sand and dampen it, then make what ever holes and caves in it. then make the concrete a little thin and pour it onto the sand. once its dry, you would have a "rock" with caves and holes, it would have a flat bottom for stability and it would be covered in a layer of sand giving it a semi-natural appearance. i saw an article a few years ago in a magazine where they were rebuliding coral reefs in that way. i dont remember what they were using for concrete, but it wasnt plain old gray stuff i dont think. i cant find the article right now, and i looked it up on the web to no avail. but i'll keep looking and post it here. good luck with the "burning wood".
mongo

I read that article before. I beleieve it use from garf.org. unless i'm thinking of a different one.

Thanks Mongo. Anybody here with any kind of info on this topic. I appreciate it. Even if it's small bits. Anything I can learn is helpful.
Pete

Hey Pete!!! I know that I may be chiming in a little late here, but I thought of an article that mey help you out. The process is for a background, but you can do the caves or "hotel" in similair fashion.........

Heres the link.......DIY Background


Hope this helps...good luck man thumbs up

Thanks Fanman. I'll check it later
Pete

hey "fanmanKC" that was a great read. i have a 75 gallon tank just begging for a background like that.
mongo

mongo:

I was thinking of doing the same to one of my 55 gal. tanks. I've read that article prob. 3 times, as well as asked the author a few more specific questions about the project. Now the hard part......where am I going to put these fish while I have a tank broken down for a month to let this thing cure??? mr.green

Good luck if you go ahead and try it. Let me know how it goes thumbs up