MattScott Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Hi DIY section, I'm building an aquascape for a freshwater aquarium. To build part of it I think I will need some form of craft wire (to adhere the fiber glass to where it would just droop otherwise) and also fiber glass that is aquarium safe. Could someone please recommend me some brands/types etc. Preference to fiber glass that can be slowly built up (build base, then build on top of) and ones that won't splinter or fracture from dremel-ing in details after initially made. I see there's plenty of both craft wire and 2 part fiber glass on TradeMe. But I imagine the 'non-tarnish' coating's probably bad and be great to know what would be the best out of s/s, brass, copper, ally etc. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shilo Posted July 31, 2015 Report Share Posted July 31, 2015 Fibreglass is actually the cloth or reinforcing used in the resin - made from strung glass thus "fibreglass". Any of this is inert and safe to use but 200g woven cloth is the easiest to use as well as one of the cheapest options. Once set in resin its easy to cut, sand etc For resin "fibreglass" can either be polyester or epoxy. Don't use polyester despite being cheap because unless it is coated with a gel coat to seal it is not as waterproof as epoxy and can bubble or lift (osmosis in boat hulls where the gel coats failed). Any of the normal non-specialised epoxy's and brands will be aquarium safe because epoxy is completely inert after curing. There are some specialised ones out that that contain other chemicals that could cause problems but these are more expensive and harder to find. Any brand like Ados, Epiglass, West Systems etc are all ok. Not sure exactly what you are planning but freshly mixed epoxy is like thick varnish in consistency and is not a glue. If you want it thicker then you will have to mix it with some glue powder or filler (also on trademe), for thinner heat both the resin and hardener separately before mixing together. Not sure of using any type of metal in the tank apart from high grade stainless. Copper, brass, aluminium or any of those alloys I would stay well away from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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