Foam wall

[eli13]

Hi,
Thinking of making a Styrofoam wall ,spray painted, with a couple of archways coming off it. Using a couple of pieces of real live rock as anchors. Coated in epoxy resin. If I shaped the corners around the heater (not a perfect fit but to cover it with slight gap) do yous think it would melt the foam if coated in resin? There is no sump so heater has to be in tank.
Any advice welcome , thank you

 

[sp1187]

don't know about the heater question.
on another note about spray painting styrofoam.
most spray paints melt styro. I used to make styro duck decoys. you have to seal styro before using spray paint on it.

 

[TLO45]

I have used pond foam in the past. I purchased at a local hardware store. Not sure what color you want to paint but the foam I had was black and I placed rubble rock and sand on mine. Once in the tank and coralline started growing it looked fine. Just a thought to avoid the whole painting thing.

 

[wcroft987]

I would say at min 1/2” gap with a power head pointed at it for flow to keep the temp of the water lower should be sufficient.

 

[eli13]

Thank you all, great advice. I may get some black pond foam instead ,that sounds a better option if the paint reacts.
What would be the best option to adhere rock/sand. Silicone?
I'll point the power head to it aswell ,good idea.
Thank

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

There is a guide on the diy articles for pond foam. Works great as long as everything is squared up. I believe it was an epoxy but can’t remember. I took mine done eventually because of nutrient issues but you can search my old build threads or I can find all the links when I get back to my computer later

 

[eli13]

There is a guide on the diy articles for pond foam. Works great as long as everything is squared up. I believe it was an epoxy but can’t remember. I took mine done eventually because of nutrient issues but you can search my old build threads or I can find all the links when I get back to my computer later

Thanks I'll have a nosey.
What issues did you have?

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

largely my issue was removing the detritus that built up fairly quickly in the chambers I made. A apartment move was eminent and wanted to change to a sump. I would try one again in the future as it had a cool look to it that other AIO just don't have.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

AIO Build - 40G Breeder AIO Custom Build

I currently have a 30 gallon with some softies and LPS that I have been looking at rehoming into a larger tank. After running the tank for 3 months I decided that I hate the look of it. HOB equipment is ugly and I have been too nervous to go the sump route (and girlfriend is fairly against the...

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