Water feature dilemma?

[froggsong]

You can do some shaping of the GS after it skins. I've done that. It doesn't expand as much when you do it, but it is much easier than carving (and less messy) you just have to be careful not to puncture the skin while you are gently shaping it.

[beckdg]

water is sneaky... best to seal everywhere it can get to.

[all4x]

Sweet thanks again! I have to many questions I don't understand how you put up with it all but I really do appreciate it

Ok, so right after it bubbles up and starts to set a little bit I mold it to what I want...interesting Probably a butter knife or even a spatula would work I bet. When sealing I'll seal everything I guess. I bought DAP dynaflex 230 for windows, doors, and siding. It is black and I read that black sets in well with color compared with others but I really don't care about color as much as water drinkability. Even though I do know cresteds a lot of time drink from walls I've seen mine drink from his waterfall multiple times. So what is the best sealant to use even, or will every sealant you use work as long as you let it set for a long time?

So...I get all my questions out at once so I'm not asking so many:| I was wondering about putting coco fiber on the gs which would look better in the water too. Would that make the water really bad? I bought filter with pump so I bet it would clean it up but would it bleed all out and uncover the gs after a while? And when exactly is the right time to stick the coco fiber on it, right after I mold or before?

[beckdg]

Originally Posted by all4x

I really do appreciate it

we thank you

Originally Posted by all4x

Probably a butter knife or even a spatula would work I bet.

or lightweight disposable gloves... much suggested anyway

Originally Posted by all4x

When sealing I'll seal everything I guess

basically yes... not necessarily behind... but so water can't get behind if not

Originally Posted by all4x

I bought DAP dynaflex 230 for windows, doors, and siding

you're looking for 100% silicone

Originally Posted by all4x

I was wondering about putting coco fiber on the gs

any natural substrate is going to break down over time... faster under harsh conditions... for that reason, something else would be best under water.

Originally Posted by all4x

when exactly is the right time to stick the coco fiber on it

when the gs is cured, the coco fiber is sufficiently dried and the silicone is still wet and smothered... grab a handful and press it in

[all4x]

Quote:= "any natural substrate is going to break down over time... faster under harsh conditions... for that reason, something else would be best under water."

So I've seen people on these forums painting the foam and grouting it? How would you go along to make it safe for water but look natural? I'm actually kinda switching up my idea a little bit or tweaking it you might say. I'm going to let the waterfall/river be a continueing waterfall or I might not even use the exo terra and just have a tube come from the rock wall and roll down some rocks and at the bottom make a waterfall cliff I know I'm nuts but I'm just thinking.

P.S.- sorry for the quote I don't know how to do quotes without quoting the whole thing:|

[beckdg]

you can color grout. when your done you'll seal it anyway. i am now changing my signature to have a link in it people can refer to... posting it on every thread is getting old. you should look over it maybe check the links contained therein... there's alot of info. you can get some really good ideas, plus the guy does things a little differently than typical around here.

[all4x]

Well what would be the easiest to use for a noob like me in painting GS to make it look natural? That is a more defined question I guess. I'm looking for the easiest way I can do this but the best way possible as well. K, I look forward to that link too man thank you

[beckdg]

the grout looks great if you use different colors and can make it look natural. it's more of an art thing... choose natural colors for better results. btw the link is in my signature and it does work now. it should be white and say my favorite link.

[all4x]

Alright thanks again Beckdg just one more thing then I'm off to school again this week and I'll see you next weekend...give you a break I am always worried about safety of chemicals and everything. 100% silicone I got but as far as any other products I use for like grout or say the gs touching the water or anything like that. Are there any concerns with water being to heavy or contaminated in some way it could kill a gecko or frog?

[beckdg]

of course... like i said sealing would be a major priority... make sure you do it right the first time and save yourself the headache.