Idea for Faux sand bed. Envirotex Lite high gloss finish. - Page 19

Marshall · 08/17/2005, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeeZeal
Has anyone tried to make a mold out of plywood or something to the exact shape you want, lining it with wax paper or something similar, letting it dry and then peeling the wax paper off to create a custom board?

I made my custom boards yesterday and today by casting 2 on panes of glass with tape and cardboard to create the shape I wanted. I cast an additional regular rectangle on a plastic table (actually the underside of an old dog crate tray). It peeled off very easily from the glass and not easily off the plastic. Therefore, do this on sheets of glass and it will peel off very easily. I used the Home Depot Glaze Coat Epoxy Resin.

I peeled them off approximately 20 hours after pouring. I used 3x32oz packages with about 40lbs of sand mixed in and 10 lbs of sand sprinkled on top. This is for my 72"x18" 150 gallon tank.

Cheers,
Marshall

Red Sea Purple Tang · 08/17/2005, 10:06 PM

Is it possible, once the first layer or resin/sand is dry, to add another layer on top to create a higher spot? I'm not sure how thick the mixture is.

Sindjin · 08/26/2005, 07:48 PM

BUMP!

So can anyone tell me any long term successes with their faux, epoxied sand beds?

luckycat · 08/26/2005, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Red Sea Purple Tang
Is it possible, once the first layer or resin/sand is dry, to add another layer on top to create a higher spot? I'm not sure how thick the mixture is.

You might be able to do this, if you perhaps wait for the epoxy/sand to set a bit, and depending on the thickness of the mix. My ground is definately not completely level, but the epoxy when first mixed does tend to level itself out.

kstuart · 08/29/2005, 09:07 AM

Whats the best way to make a mold to make a one piece drop in for this stuff

Marshall · 08/29/2005, 09:19 AM

Use tape on glass with cardboard cutouts (overflows etc) and make the mixture thick so it isn't runny.

Hef · 08/29/2005, 09:30 AM

Phrawd, how thick are you making these that you can "Peel" them off.

kstuart · 08/29/2005, 09:32 AM

Did anyone ever say if the acrlic instead of glass works

Marshall · 08/29/2005, 09:38 AM

I know someone that did it on acrylic and I also did it on plastic. Glass peeled WAY easy. The plastic took chunks out of the bottom and I had to use a spatula/scraper to get it off. Glass took 5 minutes to peel, plastic took over an hour and a lot of sweat.

I used 3x32oz packages with about 40lbs of sand mixed in and 10 lbs of sand sprinkled on top. This is for my 72"x18" 150 gallon tank.

kstuart · 08/29/2005, 09:40 AM

Couldn't you just leave the plastic attached to it?

Marshall · 08/29/2005, 09:48 AM

Yes that is the idea behind doing this on starboard. However, I didn't have starboard and the plastic was not cut to spec (I don't have many precision tools for that kind of thing). So for me I just needed a surface to pour it on to that would let me flow around space for the overflows, etc. I used an old tray from a dog crate just because I had it. I wish I had another piece of glass to do it on.

kstuart · 08/29/2005, 09:50 AM

Does southdown sand work ok or should i get something else

Marshall · 08/29/2005, 09:56 AM

That will work fine. THis is a really easy project and I way overthought it. You could glue anything to it, including crushed coral, any kind of reef-safe sand, rocks... anything really.

kstuart · 08/29/2005, 09:58 AM

What about the drying part, how do I dry sand?

Marshall · 08/29/2005, 10:03 AM

You might want to get all of your questions in one post so we don't flood this thread. You only need dry sand for the sprinkling part. I didn't dry it I just sifted it with a fruit collander (the misses didn't see

). In retrospect I would have laid it out in an oven and dried it on a cookie sheet first (just the last bit of sand to sprinkle on top). Maybe a microwave would work? I don't know.

Dolfan · 08/29/2005, 03:41 PM

Any rule of thumb for the curing time on these epoxys before introducing the epoxy covered plastic to the display tank? Maybe it might be good to cure in water for a day or tow before????

Sindjin · 08/29/2005, 03:44 PM

Yeah...but the real question is :

Is it safe LONG term to use in a reef tank?
Does anyone have any long term results?

King-Kong · 08/31/2005, 06:56 PM

This thread is AWESOME! Thanks to you guys, I completed my faux sand bed for my 90g, and just wanted to repay with some photos.

I purchased 2 24"x18" white cutting boards from www.usplastics.com and then cut them to shape using a jigsaw. I used duct tape around the edge to contain the epoxy, and I am quite excited with how it came out. Photos below:

This last one is linked because it is an up-close detail shot of the sand: http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/21-faux-sand.jpg

My tank's progress is also being documented here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=640331

Red Sea Purple Tang · 09/01/2005, 06:03 AM

Very nice! Thanks for the pics.

MeuserReef · 09/02/2005, 04:24 PM

Any suggestions for making hills and valleys to replicate real sand? Is there any point in the curing process where the epoxy/sand becomes moldable by hand? I want to use this approach instead of a BB in a 220. I plan on having 2 reefs seperated by an open sand section and dont want just flat sand. I guess the only limit is the imagination of the one making it right?

King-Kong · 09/02/2005, 05:36 PM

I'm sure you could try it.. instead of pouring right away, just keep mixing for 10-15 minutes. It says you have 20 minutes after mixing the two chemicals, so i'd assume that around that point it becomes thicker and more difficult to mold.

Also, you could try placing inverted bowls underneath it, and letting the epoxy sit on that, or other objects to create shapes.

Once you mix the sand in, it becomes very thick and you could probably make just about anything with it in any shape.. if it's too wet, just add more sand.

MeuserReef · 09/02/2005, 08:40 PM

Thats what Im thinking KK.

Thanks

Red Sea Purple Tang · 09/03/2005, 07:51 AM

Hey Kong, what type of sand did you use?

Red Sea Purple Tang · 09/03/2005, 07:51 AM

King-Kong · 09/03/2005, 07:57 AM

I used dry aragonite sand.. the kind found in the Arag-Alive! packages... but the dry version. I liked how it looked in my old tank.

I got 30 lbs (way too much for my tank.. I probably used 10-15lbs). Placed it in a 5g bucket, and rinsed it with a strong pressured hose for like 10-15 minutes. I turned it and turned it and turned it making sure to clear all the dust. Finally, I drained it, and thinly spread it out on many garbage bags to sit outside on the concrete, under the sun. A solid days worth of north-central florida summer-sun dried it. I tried things such as letting it dry indoors under an AC vent -- no good. Also tried a blow drier... that was futile.

08/17/2005, 10:06 PM	#452
Red Sea Purple Tang Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oak Creek, Wisconsin Posts: 2,878	Is it possible, once the first layer or resin/sand is dry, to add another layer on top to create a higher spot? I'm not sure how thick the mixture is. __________________ E Malama O Ke Kai ><))))"> 60g Deep Blue Professional Rimless Cube (24x24x24) Trigger Systems Ruby 36S sump; 2-Vortech MP10wes; Reef Octopus 6 skimmer; Radion LED Fixture; Apex Controller.

08/26/2005, 07:48 PM	#453
Sindjin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,436	BUMP! So can anyone tell me any long term successes with their faux, epoxied sand beds? __________________ SeaTest Hydrometer?.... $8.00 Seachem Marine Test Kit? ...$24.00 The look on my wife's face as I'm staring out into our 35 acre lake and wondering how much salt I'll need?... Priceless. Current Tank Info: 120 gallon, DIY Stand & Canopy, 2-250w 14ks w/ 2- 110 VHO actinics, ASM G-3, 50g sump, 46x tank turnover.

08/29/2005, 09:07 AM	#455
kstuart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	Whats the best way to make a mold to make a one piece drop in for this stuff __________________ Computers allow us to make mistakes faster then any other invention in history....except for tequila and handguns Current Tank Info: 90g RR Display, 2x250w PFO HQI MH's, Phoenix 14k, ASM G3, ACJR, Tunzes/Multi Controller, Kalk Reactor, Basement Sump Room

08/29/2005, 09:19 AM	#456
Marshall Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: west philadelphia Posts: 1,016	Use tape on glass with cardboard cutouts (overflows etc) and make the mixture thick so it isn't runny. __________________ click my red house for the cutest BABY ever!

08/29/2005, 09:32 AM	#458
kstuart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	Did anyone ever say if the acrlic instead of glass works __________________ Computers allow us to make mistakes faster then any other invention in history....except for tequila and handguns Current Tank Info: 90g RR Display, 2x250w PFO HQI MH's, Phoenix 14k, ASM G3, ACJR, Tunzes/Multi Controller, Kalk Reactor, Basement Sump Room

08/29/2005, 09:30 AM	#457
Hef Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fair Haven NJ Posts: 2,291	Phrawd, how thick are you making these that you can "Peel" them off.

08/29/2005, 09:38 AM	#459
Marshall Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: west philadelphia Posts: 1,016	I know someone that did it on acrylic and I also did it on plastic. Glass peeled WAY easy. The plastic took chunks out of the bottom and I had to use a spatula/scraper to get it off. Glass took 5 minutes to peel, plastic took over an hour and a lot of sweat. I used 3x32oz packages with about 40lbs of sand mixed in and 10 lbs of sand sprinkled on top. This is for my 72"x18" 150 gallon tank. __________________ click my red house for the cutest BABY ever!

08/29/2005, 09:40 AM	#460
kstuart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	Couldn't you just leave the plastic attached to it? __________________ Computers allow us to make mistakes faster then any other invention in history....except for tequila and handguns Current Tank Info: 90g RR Display, 2x250w PFO HQI MH's, Phoenix 14k, ASM G3, ACJR, Tunzes/Multi Controller, Kalk Reactor, Basement Sump Room

08/29/2005, 09:48 AM	#461
Marshall Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: west philadelphia Posts: 1,016	Yes that is the idea behind doing this on starboard. However, I didn't have starboard and the plastic was not cut to spec (I don't have many precision tools for that kind of thing). So for me I just needed a surface to pour it on to that would let me flow around space for the overflows, etc. I used an old tray from a dog crate just because I had it. I wish I had another piece of glass to do it on. __________________ click my red house for the cutest BABY ever!

08/29/2005, 09:50 AM	#462
kstuart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	Does southdown sand work ok or should i get something else __________________ Computers allow us to make mistakes faster then any other invention in history....except for tequila and handguns Current Tank Info: 90g RR Display, 2x250w PFO HQI MH's, Phoenix 14k, ASM G3, ACJR, Tunzes/Multi Controller, Kalk Reactor, Basement Sump Room

08/29/2005, 09:56 AM	#463
Marshall Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: west philadelphia Posts: 1,016	That will work fine. THis is a really easy project and I way overthought it. You could glue anything to it, including crushed coral, any kind of reef-safe sand, rocks... anything really. __________________ click my red house for the cutest BABY ever!

08/29/2005, 09:58 AM	#464
kstuart Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	What about the drying part, how do I dry sand? __________________ Computers allow us to make mistakes faster then any other invention in history....except for tequila and handguns Current Tank Info: 90g RR Display, 2x250w PFO HQI MH's, Phoenix 14k, ASM G3, ACJR, Tunzes/Multi Controller, Kalk Reactor, Basement Sump Room

08/29/2005, 10:03 AM	#465
Marshall Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: west philadelphia Posts: 1,016	You might want to get all of your questions in one post so we don't flood this thread. You only need dry sand for the sprinkling part. I didn't dry it I just sifted it with a fruit collander (the misses didn't see ). In retrospect I would have laid it out in an oven and dried it on a cookie sheet first (just the last bit of sand to sprinkle on top). Maybe a microwave would work? I don't know. __________________ click my red house for the cutest BABY ever!

08/29/2005, 03:41 PM	#466
Dolfan Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta Posts: 493	Any rule of thumb for the curing time on these epoxys before introducing the epoxy covered plastic to the display tank? Maybe it might be good to cure in water for a day or tow before????

08/29/2005, 03:44 PM	#467
Sindjin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,436	Yeah...but the real question is : Is it safe LONG term to use in a reef tank? Does anyone have any long term results? __________________ SeaTest Hydrometer?.... $8.00 Seachem Marine Test Kit? ...$24.00 The look on my wife's face as I'm staring out into our 35 acre lake and wondering how much salt I'll need?... Priceless. Current Tank Info: 120 gallon, DIY Stand & Canopy, 2-250w 14ks w/ 2- 110 VHO actinics, ASM G-3, 50g sump, 46x tank turnover.

08/31/2005, 06:56 PM	#468
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	This thread is AWESOME! Thanks to you guys, I completed my faux sand bed for my 90g, and just wanted to repay with some photos. I purchased 2 24"x18" white cutting boards from www.usplastics.com and then cut them to shape using a jigsaw. I used duct tape around the edge to contain the epoxy, and I am quite excited with how it came out. Photos below: This last one is linked because it is an up-close detail shot of the sand: http://www.d3f.org/misc/fish/90g/21-faux-sand.jpg My tank's progress is also being documented here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=640331

09/01/2005, 06:03 AM	#469
Red Sea Purple Tang Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oak Creek, Wisconsin Posts: 2,878	Very nice! Thanks for the pics. __________________ E Malama O Ke Kai ><))))"> 60g Deep Blue Professional Rimless Cube (24x24x24) Trigger Systems Ruby 36S sump; 2-Vortech MP10wes; Reef Octopus 6 skimmer; Radion LED Fixture; Apex Controller.

09/02/2005, 04:24 PM	#470
MeuserReef Welcome to the next level Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,412	Any suggestions for making hills and valleys to replicate real sand? Is there any point in the curing process where the epoxy/sand becomes moldable by hand? I want to use this approach instead of a BB in a 220. I plan on having 2 reefs seperated by an open sand section and dont want just flat sand. I guess the only limit is the imagination of the one making it right? __________________ "Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic." -Anonymous Current Tank Info: tankless

09/02/2005, 05:36 PM	#471
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	I'm sure you could try it.. instead of pouring right away, just keep mixing for 10-15 minutes. It says you have 20 minutes after mixing the two chemicals, so i'd assume that around that point it becomes thicker and more difficult to mold. Also, you could try placing inverted bowls underneath it, and letting the epoxy sit on that, or other objects to create shapes. Once you mix the sand in, it becomes very thick and you could probably make just about anything with it in any shape.. if it's too wet, just add more sand.

09/02/2005, 08:40 PM	#472
MeuserReef Welcome to the next level Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,412	Thats what Im thinking KK. Thanks __________________ "Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic." -Anonymous Current Tank Info: tankless

09/03/2005, 07:51 AM	#473
Red Sea Purple Tang Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oak Creek, Wisconsin Posts: 2,878	Hey Kong, what type of sand did you use? __________________ E Malama O Ke Kai ><))))"> 60g Deep Blue Professional Rimless Cube (24x24x24) Trigger Systems Ruby 36S sump; 2-Vortech MP10wes; Reef Octopus 6 skimmer; Radion LED Fixture; Apex Controller.

09/03/2005, 07:51 AM	#474
Red Sea Purple Tang Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oak Creek, Wisconsin Posts: 2,878	__________________ E Malama O Ke Kai ><))))"> 60g Deep Blue Professional Rimless Cube (24x24x24) Trigger Systems Ruby 36S sump; 2-Vortech MP10wes; Reef Octopus 6 skimmer; Radion LED Fixture; Apex Controller.

09/03/2005, 07:57 AM	#475
King-Kong Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 2,346	I used dry aragonite sand.. the kind found in the Arag-Alive! packages... but the dry version. I liked how it looked in my old tank. I got 30 lbs (way too much for my tank.. I probably used 10-15lbs). Placed it in a 5g bucket, and rinsed it with a strong pressured hose for like 10-15 minutes. I turned it and turned it and turned it making sure to clear all the dust. Finally, I drained it, and thinly spread it out on many garbage bags to sit outside on the concrete, under the sun. A solid days worth of north-central florida summer-sun dried it. I tried things such as letting it dry indoors under an AC vent -- no good. Also tried a blow drier... that was futile.