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 #1726523


Froggy&Gribbit
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 Great stuff

OK I am thinking of getting creative in our WTF tank and making a more interesting background with the expanding foam GREAT STUFF. I am thinking of molding and sanding it into the shapes I want then after it has cured painting it.

I’d like to hear from anyone who has used this or any concerns you think I may have with using it. I would silicone around where it attaches and paint with a paint I know to be safe. Zinser I think is the brand paint I would use. The current tank they are in was painted with this.
05/05/08  10:13pm

 #1727034


Gretchenellie
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   Message To: Froggy&Gribbit   In reference to Message Id: 1726523


 Great stuff

i have used great stuff in the past, as well as for an up coming project for some mantellas..

as long as you give the foam time to dry out thoroughly, say a week or so, and paint it with a non toxic marine paint ( the kind for boats) it will be okay..

some have also had success using a cement mixture and then adding coco fiber on top of that...

for optimum results, put a layer of silicone down on the glass right BEFORE you put the great stuff on.... this will help the foam adhere better....

over time the great stuff will begin to peel off from the back and will collapse in the terrarium under the strain of heavy epiphitic plants and drift wood without something to help stick it on the glass.....

hope this helps!!
05/06/08  02:39pm

 #1727092


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Gretchenellie   In reference to Message Id: 1727034


 Great stuff

Thanks. This is actually a plywood tank so I am thinking of actually nailing a mess framework on to the back first and putting the foam on that to help hold it and give it strength.
I won’t use marine paint. AS boat paint continues to emit toxins for the entire life of the paint. It is designed to do so to try and stop algae etc from growing on boats. I know this as I have painted boats for a living!!

Pond or aquarium paint is safe as is some of the latex paints. I will be using the latex zinser paint. The same that I used for the tank in the first place.
I am just wondering how the paint will adhere to the stuff too. Maybe the pond paint would be better??

What I don’t have experience using is the Great Stuff.
How long did it last before it began to fall part?
I am also thinking of sealing around the edges with aquarium silicone to help stop the moisture from getting in behind.
I don’t think I will be having plants or wood on the formation. I am thinking of just ledging for the froggies to sit on................

I would not use cement. In moist environments it continues to emit toxins too. I know it can be sealed but I still don’t trust it........

I’d love to see a picture of what you did with this stuff!!
Thanks



05/06/08  03:40pm

 #1727430


Bryanskimmy
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   Message To: Froggy&Gribbit   In reference to Message Id: 1727092


 Great stuff

id cover the plywood with silicone or something to seal it first cause moisture will make its way behind the foam, and eventually rot the wood, and your talking about all the chemicals in the other products, plywood definetly would leak toxins into the tank if it gets wet
05/06/08  08:16pm

 #1727660


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Bryanskimmy   In reference to Message Id: 1727430


 Great stuff

the plywood is already sealed. It has been painted and sealed with aquarium silicone.
05/06/08  10:42pm

 #1727707


Rrrragdoll
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   Message To: Froggy&Gribbit   In reference to Message Id: 1727660


 Great stuff

I have been researching this a LONG time! There seems to be no clear answers on painting the GS though some have said it is fine as long as you let it cure all the way (a few days minimum). It seems if it isn’t totally cured then there has been collapsing or "melting" away.

On another note, there is another product like Great Stuff made specifically for ponds and the best part is that it is already brown! I think it is called "Breckens"? I believe I came across the name on vivaria forums. That would seem to be the better way to go since the yellow GS is pretty ugly.

Keep us posted on how you do it and how it turns out, I’m looking to do something different than the slicone/cocoa deal since it will be for crested geckos which are really messy.
05/07/08  12:13am

 #1727749


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Rrrragdoll   In reference to Message Id: 1727707


 Great stuff

I’ll look up Breckens............ never heard of it........

I am think it should be fine, it seems it has been used safely so long as it cures properly....



05/07/08  01:55am

 #1729983


Chombythefrog
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   Message To: Froggy&Gribbit   In reference to Message Id: 1727749


 Great stuff

There is another kind of foam called "Handi-Foam." I believe it’s also suppose to be for ponds.

Check it out.



05/09/08  12:32am

 #1730010


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Chombythefrog   In reference to Message Id: 1729983


 Great stuff

thanks I will. Do you know where I can get it???



05/09/08  01:43am

 #1730542


Chombythefrog
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   Message To: Froggy&Gribbit   In reference to Message Id: 1730010


 Great stuff

The Handi-Foam will probably have to be ordered online.

They don’t have it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. :(

You could try a pond supply store? They have it at drfostersmith.com. It’s $7.99. More expensive than GS, but the price difference is suppose to be really worth it.
05/09/08  05:47pm


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