Newbie With Some Questions

clownfish1485 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 08:59 PM

Hey all,

I'm planning on starting vivarium construction within a few days. I've been reading the forums for the past week and it has helped immensely but I have a couple of questions just to make sure I'm prepared

1.) I plan on constructing a waterfall in one of the corners that will lead to a small pond. I already have a small filter for this feature, so I can just spread some silicone on the glass where the waterfall will be, then while it's still sticky, spray Great Stuff overtop, let it cure and harden, then use a knife to sculpt?

2.) Can I use Great Stuff on the bottom of the tank for the pond, or will water eventually soak through it?

Thanks in advance!

Rainfrog · #2 (**permalink**) 10-16-2007, 12:47 AM

Great stuff is water proof. It also gets air pockets. apply it in small amounts not one large layer to help avoid big "empty" spaces.

schlegelbagel · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2007, 08:16 PM

oh, and wait for the silicone to cure before you apply the greatstuff!!!

clownfish1485 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schlegelbagel

oh, and wait for the silicone to cure before you apply the greatstuff!!!

wait doesn't "cure" mean the silicone has dried and hardened??

Rainfrog · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 05:37 AM

yes. the silicone is not used as a glue for the great stuff. it provides 1. a solid color back that is more pleasant to look at than wrinkly foam and 2. a rough surface for the foam to stick to.

clownfish1485 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainfrog

yes. the silicone is not used as a glue for the great stuff. it provides 1. a solid color back that is more pleasant to look at than wrinkly foam and 2. a rough surface for the foam to stick to.

Ohhh alright, thank you for telling me this before I add the foam too early!

I do have a concern with my silicone though. I put some of the black (GE Silicone II) on the sides of the glass where I plan on placing the foam and it has not cured yet. It's been nearly 48 hours and it's still sticky. The label says it should fully cure within 24 hours provided it's in a dry room less than 80F, which it is. Should I be worried or does it just sometimes take this long?

schlegelbagel · #7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2007, 03:20 PM

it will remain tacky to the touch. As long as it isn't coming off onto your hand, it should be fine.

Lfduty · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 09:24 PM

The silicone sometimes take's a little longer than they say it will I am doing the same thing with a 70g tank with 2 waterfall's and a big pond in the center and a lott of little pocket's for plants's and a tree or 2 and 1 big pocket for a little tree and some room for the frog's to burow in.

Ajax · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 10:01 PM

If you don't mind, this waterfall leading to a pond interests me. I will be listening in on this topic!

I am probaly going to start right at Christmas. I want a tropical setting...

tikichick · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 10:31 PM

Same here, I'd love to hear more about the waterfall