Waterfall Build Log...w/ Pics

Est. 1983 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 01:03 AM

Hey guys...I have been looking at waterfalls online...and really think they are crazy too expensive...so i googled "how to make a waterfall" and came across this killer site...this guy shows how to build a huge waterfall for a 75 gallon tank...my tank isn't that big, but it gave me a good idea on how to build one...

Here is the link: How to build a waterfall for a terrarium

I made a few adjustments to my waterfall...I decided that i wasn't going to take the 'great stuff' route because me and that stuff do not get along...instead I am going to use grout...I have built a background before using grout and am comfortable using it...I just have one or two questions before i get to the grout stage...Should i use an aquarium silicone before i grout or will i be fine? The other question I have is, after i grout it a few times and seal the grout with a sealer, how do i make sure it is safe? Don't I have to submerge it in water a few times to make sure the ph level is correct? Here is what I have done so far...

This is the base...or where the pool of water is going to be...

This is where the water will come out of the pump to and fall down to the pool...

This is the top...it is going to hide where the pump is pumping water to...And yes that is blood...i cut myself being careless while i was carving the rocks...Damn that sharp knife...lol...

And this is what it looks like all together...

If anyone has any suggestions...I am open to them all...

aquariumreef · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 02:35 AM

Here's a good suggestion: Don't cut your self!

You should take a lighter and shape it a bit, especially around the corners.

Est. 1983 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 02:39 AM

i am planning on doing that...I just wanted to let the paint dry some before i do that...i also think i might do a lil bit of great stuff to some of it...but just a lil bit...

aquariumreef · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 02:56 AM

Sounds like a good plan. But please don't paint it those bright colors like in that video, I'm begging you!

Est. 1983 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 10:48 AM

I'm not...I am going to put it in a darts terrarium...so i am going to paint it to look like a rainforest waterfall...

beckdg · #6 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 06:49 AM

if the sealer is safe you should be good once it's dry.

Est. 1983 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckdg

if the sealer is safe you should be good once it's dry.

good from having to submerge it in water to lower the ph level?

beckdg · #8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 02:45 PM

as long as it's sealed wherever water is touching it it should be safe from anything that water would cause to leach. so; ph level or whatever your water-related issue may be AS LONG AS THE SEAL ISN'T BROKEN. if it's just ph you're worrying about, i wouldn't worry.

i wouldn't use silicone in mine though. maybe add some water-soluble acrylic (it should dry waterproof) to your grout mix and give a once over to the final product. tightbond III, pond coat or sealer, famowood, epoxy clear coat, etc. ... there's a bunch of options if you're willing to search them out.