Plaster as rocks?

[Deco]

This may be a dumb question, but does anyone know if I can use plaster in a fish tank? I was thinking about making rock shapes from plaster. Could that work? :confuzeld:

[kSpieler]

Nope, the plaster will break down to fast.

You CAN use concrete ... but it takes a long time to cure all the way.
You CAN use ceramic pottery, just be sure that there isn't a leaded glaze on it.
You CAN use clay/terra cotta pottery, as long as they haven't been used for houseplants first.

You can also use fiberglass over foam ... search for DIY backgrounds ... there are lots of links to different approaches.

kSpieler added 3 Minutes and 7 Seconds later...

As one of my next projects, I was going to look into finding a ceramics studio somewhere in the Plano area to go make some fishy stuff... but I haven't gotten around to it yet ... :rolleyes:

[Deco]

Cool thanks for the feedback. The ceramic is a good idea. Maybe you can sign up for your own class and sit there and make fish stuff. I think i will just go with concrete cement. Thanks

[alta678]

What about fiberglass casting material? Has anybody tried that over say, a wire framework? :confuzeld:

[kewlkatdady]

could plaster be used if it was completely sealed in a poly sealant?

[northtexasfossilguy]

Be sure you know what types of metals are in that frame. It will probably rust and any lead could cause problems with your fish. Be sure its sealed well using spray foam insulation. A better idea is to use cheap plastic pipe instead of metals as it will almost certainly last longer.

[kSpieler]

could plaster be used if it was completely sealed in a poly sealant?

hmmm, not sure ... but I think it would tend to try and float