Progress on the Viv project

[ZacharyLeesWife]

It's getting there! You can't tell from a still image, but the "rock" on the left is a waterfall. I have to cut some of the
hardscape out over there to make more room for the filter but it's not bad for an old 55 gallon tank and some random stuff from the hardware store... I decided on either tree or reed frogs for the residents.

 

[BJ Vynz]

That looks wonderful!
If I'm not mistaken, that's the rock you carved from the Great Stuff foam? I was wondering, if you don't mind me asking, is that stuff easy to tear apart? I was kind of hoping I could use it for my RES turtle but I'm afraid of his large claws tearing the stuff apart.

 

[ZacharyLeesWife]

It's pretty firm, more so if you don't carve it. I couldn't see a red ear doing much damage to it. I painted obviously, but if you went the covering in coco fiber route some might get scratched off.

 

[BJ Vynz]

Thank you! I have much questions about the stuff but I don't want to derail this threat. I truly appreciate your help, and I hope after some practice runs with the stuff I can shape it to something as cool as what you've done in that tank

 

[ZacharyLeesWife]

Thank you! I have much questions about the stuff but I don't want to derail this threat. I truly appreciate your help, and I hope after some practice runs with the stuff I can shape it to something as cool as what you've done in that tank

Thank you! I'd be happy to answer any questions the best that I can.

 

[BJ Vynz]

Thank you! I'd be happy to answer any questions the best that I can.

I've heard that once it dries, only the outer layer of the stuff is actually waterproof? Did you have to seal your stuff after cutting, before filling your water section?
If so, I was hoping that it could be cut before its done drying and the freshly exposed stuff beneath would dry waterproof. Do you think this is possible?

I'm going to order some of it today and experiment with it on small containers soon. Unfortunately my Home Depot doesn't carry it in-store.

 

[ZacharyLeesWife]

I've heard that once it dries, only the outer layer of the stuff is actually waterproof? Did you have to seal your stuff after cutting, before filling your water section?
If so, I was hoping that it could be cut before its done drying and the freshly exposed stuff beneath would dry waterproof. Do you think this is possible?

I'm going to order some of it today and experiment with it on small containers soon. Unfortunately my Home Depot doesn't carry it in-store.

You heard correctly, if it is carved it has to be sealed somehow. Many use silicone and coco/spangum, but I went the paint route which is just acrylic paint with krylon polyurethane spray as a sealant. This stuff is INCREDIBLY sticky, I cannot empathize gloves enough! Cutting it before dry wouldn't work because it is very soft and sticky before it dries. Some have bypassed the need for silicone to hold fiber to it by pressing the fiber on just before it's dry but I didn't even try this method, so I can't say much about it. It will also deflate so to speak if it's agitated before it sets.

 

[BJ Vynz]

Thanks for the info. I am getting a better idea on what to expect, this has been very helpful.

Shame I'll have to wait at least four days to get it shipped. No store near me seems to carry it in-store, they just carry the other ones (cracks, windows, door, etc.)