Caligo'sKeeper

Hi,

I haven't gotten any decorations for my new tank yet and I was looking arround and saw some "model" buildings that I thought would be really great...lots of holes and places to hide. I was wondering if they are safe to use since they aren't made for aquariums, they're unpainted poly resin or dry stone... Are aquarium decorations made out of something special or can I use something like these? Also, is there a special paint safe to paint them with?

Thanks!

Shawnie

it depends on what type of stone...some change the pH drastically and some are not water soluble ...can you post a pic as there are a few members that are great with types of stones and rocks (prairielilly..where has she been btw? )

Caligo'sKeeper

http://tigerdio.com/storepro5/agora.cgi

I'm not 100% sure which model I'd get but here's an idea of what I was looking at, it just says resin.

Psychlist1972

Dry stone, if it's the same stuff we use in model railroading (hydrocal), is like plaster only harder. It won't work under water.

Resin, if fully cured (not soft), unpainted and thoroughly washed to remove all the mold release, and then to remove the soap you used to wash it, should be ok. Note, however, that mom and pop resin casting services can't really tell you 100% what's in the resin, how much mold release is on it, or if it is aquarium-safe. Most model resin casting services are basement operations.

I did resin casting for a bit. Folks use all sorts of things for mold release ranging from silicone spray to talcum powder to PAM. The molds themselves are typically specialized silicone, but can be clay, modeling wax, or just about anything that will hold its shape when heated by the curing process.

So, I wouldn't

Pete