Is fiberglass safe in aquarium?

Discussion in 'Beginner Discussions' started by Infected Mushroom, Feb 9, 2013.

  1. Infected Mushroom

    Infected Mushroom

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    [FONT=arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif]Hi I recently made a rock looking cave system for my aquarium using fibreglass resin. I painted it in "look like stone" and it looks great! The final step is to seal the entire thing with a coat of resin. I am now stuck, because after doing some research I came to find that the resin can leak over time and pollute my tank. My question is would fiberglass/resin safe for fish?[/FONT]
     
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  3. RaD

    RaD

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    I'm no expert but I've seen some outdoor ponds that have fibreglass rocks and such...
     
  4. Mugsy

    Mugsy

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    I've seen fibreglass used in tanks and ponds alot, so it has to be safe.....the issue might be with the type of resin used but I'm no expert when it comes to fibreglass and resins.
    Maybe you could coat it with something like Durapond (made by Duram) which comes in clear, and is a polyurethane waterproofer.
    Heres a link to the specs : http://www.duram.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Durapond-Datasheet.pdf

    You can find it in most hardware stores......but this is just a suggestion, I'm no expert.
     
  5. Aqii

    Aqii

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    Polyester resin is not safe in an aquarium unless leached for several weeks ( till at least the smell is gone) . Professional aquariums theming companies use a specialy formulated "safe for contact with food" or very low irritant potential epoxy resin. Maybe you can just coat the polyester with a layer of epoxy, though i wouldnt know. Leach it to be safe.
     
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  6. Aqii

    Aqii

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    AMT composites, AMT Composites sell very low irritant potential epoxy resins. The last time i baught it was about R 120 a liter.
     
  7. eros111

    eros111

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    Hey Mushroom,
    Over many years in the landscaping industry, I have seen many many ponds and water features built using fibreglass. A few days later filled with water and I have yet to hear of any problems associated with using it. I personally have fibreglass rocks in my tank and they have caused no problems.
    I do believe that once fibreglass has hardened and the smell has gone it becomes inert and is safe to use. As someone Aquii suggested - I did soak the rocks in a fish pond for a week and then put them into my tank.
     
  8. OP
    Infected Mushroom

    Infected Mushroom

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    Thank's for the advice guys, I will be building the cave shortly. Will post my failure or success in the DIY thread. :)
     

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