Kilz Water-Stop Cement

[Kaitlyn]

I'm attempting to make a 3-D aquarium background for a newt tank. I carved the bones out of styrofoam from a cheapo ice-chest, and attempted to sand it so I could get some quickrete to stick to it. However, that was a failed attempt. So, with some research, I went and got some Great Stuff expanding foam insulation, which I've read to be inert after hardening. However, I still would like to dress up this foamy looking goop. So, I was looking through walmart today and saw a product called "Kilz Water-Stop Cement." It's made to seal cracks or leaks in masonry. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with it. It's much cheaper/more accessible than a large bag of cement. But I'm worried if it would be toxic to the newts, or if it would break down in the water. Ideas? Concerns? Alternatives?
Any help is appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Kaitlyn.

 

[Mac Myers]

I don't remember what is in Killz exactly... but when I was involved building dart frog enclosures we avoided it. It apparently has mold stoppers and stain blockers and what not in it. Try Silicone. You can stick stuff to it before it dries and then use it after it's fully cured. :happy:

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Do not use Kilz brand. It contains anti-fungals harmful to amphibians.

I use QuickCrete and the acrylic fortifier in place of water. Enter that in the forum search function for more info.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Also keep in mind that expanded foams leach harmful VOCs and solvents for many months. As a result I have stopped using it.

 

[JWERNER]

I would use latex based Dry-Lock rather then Killz or concrete. No need for anything else but color. You could use Krylon Fusion which is aquarium safe or concrete dye. I use black Krylon Fusion first to fill in all the cracks and gaps to help with shadowing. Then I mix some of what ever dye Im using with more drylock and lightly brush from top to botom in one stroke as I make my way across the BG. This also helps preserve the depth in the shadowing.
I never had a problem with any spray foam leaching out anything in the years I have been doing DIY backgrounds. I never heard of anyone on Cichlid-Forums with such a problem either which is where I heard about this method and see it done the most.

If you are scared you could use the 3M expanding foam for ponds. Or, just cover the entire BG with a good coat of Dry-Lock first. I also see lots of people just spraying the foam in the tank but I found it so much more easy to work with if you cut a sheet of foam to the size of the tank and spary the foam onto it.

You could also find foam in different depths. I have already cut shapes out of those and just siliconed them on to a sheet of foam with aquarium safe sealant. Once its all in place I take a small butane tourch or grill lighter to add some charecter to the pieces that have been cut out so they arent so perfect looking.

Getting a cheap $6.00 soldering iron is the best way for carving the sheets of foam but do it outside and it dont hurt to wear a cheap paper resperator either. It gets nasty. Suck some of those fumes in and youll be hacking up black **** for a few days:nono:

Everything mentioned can also be found cheap at Lowes or Home Depot.