Tips and Tricks

[froggsong]

Shaking the can of GS longer than required can result in larger expansion.

Misting the GS can result in a faster cure.

Cutting the "straw" that attaches to the nozzle can give you better control when applying the GS.

If you do not use the whole can of GS (IME) you can still use it after the nozzle has become sealed by unscrewing the "trigger" pulling off the "straw" and using a coat hanger to push the GS out of the tube. You can also use it to get the GS out of the trigger. If the nozzle on the top of the can is also clogged, you can pull it out with tweezers.

If you are using more than one can is succession, you can unscrew the trigger from the empty can and use it on the next one. Doing this will allow you to have extra triggers on hand if one becomes clogged.

Your second layer of GS WILL expand more than the first. Prepare for it.

[froggsong]

oooooo, I just had a great idea!

When you need to run tubes through your GS background, but you don't want to worry about having to get them out again if they get clogged, you can use another piece of tubing with the ID a tiny bit larger that the OD of the tubing that you'll be using to pump the water. Make the top and bottom accessible so that you can run your tubing through the thicker tube when you need to replace it or clean it. You can also use some PVC if you are running your tubing in a straight line.

[Allyn]

A good way too keep a pump naturally concealed but easily accessed is to keep it in a small "cubicle" in the bank of the water body and cover it with a small piece of cork bark.
Make sure not to bury tubing for water features in the substrate because it is hard to access and adjust. instead run tubing along the back of the tank where it will be hidden by plants and furniture but still easily accessed.

[Paularium]

For cleaning water stains off glass, great for if you're recycling an old tank.

Rub with a small amount of lemon juice. It's fantastic, don't let it run and just use a small amount. Works wonders.

[beckdg]

Originally Posted by Austin

Everything people have said can be used to aid in habitat construction.


I have one to add...


-using water from fish tanks in your mister will help with plant growth.

jamming the intake hose from your mister into a small piece of block foam and then rubber banding a micron filter around that keeps the mist heads from clogging even from stray particles you may accidentally introduce even when not using recycled water.

[Allyn]

you can camouflage electrical chords from pumps and whatnot as vines by coating in silicone and applying various substrates of your choosing.

[froggsong]

drywall sanding screen/paper

it's basically screen coated in fine sand and is the best thing to use when working with any type of foam (expanding and sheet foam). it can be used to carve and sands foam to the perfect surface for silicone, grout, and addmix/substrate mixes (like the ace concrete binder).


ACE concrete binder with peat/sand/etc

DO NOT USE WHERE IT WILL BE WET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (or at least not constantly)

if using peat or coco fiber, mixing a LITTLE (it goes a long way) sand with the peat will reduce shrinkage and cracking.

if you follow a recipe and it is too thick, add WATER not more binder.

for overnight drying, place a fan so that it blows across it, in the morning, it should sound like wood when you knock on it.

if you want live moss growing on it, grind up some that has lots of spores and mix it with the peat.

did i mention it shouldn't stay wet? it shouldn't stay wet... do not use this stuff for waterfalls, waterwalls, verges, banks, or right against any of those or the binder will soften and the mix will fall apart (so disapointing...)

i haven't tried it yet, but a waterproof alternative is Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue.


shopping

when you need to purchase tubing, etc by the foot, check out your local ACE, they sell a large variety by the foot, HD only sells prepackaged lengths coiled so tightly in the middle that half of the length is useless because of kinks.

ACE also carries a misting system that can be hooked to a faucet or pump that it very innexpensive. they have a kit, and they carry all the parts. it's marketed as a patio/pet cooling system. i should be getting one of these soon, when i do, i'll share any tips i come up with.

shop around, most stores prices match, and some add an additional % off on top. HD and Lowe's usually don't carry the same brands, but they do have some common ones, like great stuff.

don't be afraid to check wal-mart, big-lots, and even the dollar tree for things you may be able to use. you might be surprised, both at what you find and how much money you save.

[momerath]

Local hydroponics stores and nurseries often carry coir (coco-fiber), LECA (hydroton) and other useful materials at MUCH lower prices than pet stores

Many cheap finds can be made at goodwill and other thrift stores (old tanks, stands, and ultrasonic humidifiers...)

Keep your GS foam can from clogging in between uses by cleaning it with pipe cleaners, then leave one in the tube and excess foam will dry on the pipe cleaner and then pull out with it when ready to use again.

[brp4e.]

dont (GS} foam a wall of eggcrate thats in a vertical position, the gs just expands and falls off, do it on the ground... had this bad experience last night lol.

[Zip]

Originally Posted by Paularium

For cleaning water stains off glass, great for if you're recycling an old tank.

Rub with a small amount of lemon juice. It's fantastic, don't let it run and just use a small amount. Works wonders.

And if the stain is stubborn.... Put some salt on a damp towel, and rub it on the stain... The salt acts as an abrasive, which won't scratch GLASS (Don't even think of using this tip on an acrylic tank)

Originally Posted by momerath

Many cheap finds can be made at goodwill and other thrift stores (old tanks, stands, and ultrasonic humidifiers...)

Goodwill is AWESOME for tanks, stands and other tank related items!!!


For those of us who culture fruit flies....Michael's and AC Moore sell Excelsior. I had a hell of a time finding it locally till I found out from a friend who crafts...

Okay... Props to everyone who has posted here so far...
Now, my own little tidbit of info......
NEVER use silicone in your tank which already has plants in it....
This goes for the anxious builder who wants to put plants in immediately after using silicone... Let it cure for a few days before planting....

IT WILL KILL EVEN THE MOST HEARTY PLANTS!!! I promise!

Ask me how I know.....