epoxy sand

szeth13 · #1 04/21/2006, 02:09 PM

i am setting up a 40 breeder and want an epoxied sandbed, but i don't know how it is done. does anyone know how to do it and what with?

douggiestyle · #2 04/21/2006, 03:43 PM

their is an epoxy grout available not cheap. it looks like regular grout (sandy) when used. i would be concerned with expansion and contration though.

Reefin' Dude · #3 04/21/2006, 03:49 PM

here is mine. this is a closeup of it before water was added. right now i am still in the cycling process.

G~

Reefin' Dude · #4 04/21/2006, 08:42 PM

i used Southdown sand mixed with a two part epoxy called Glaze Coat. there is a bigger thread running around here where i got the instructions. i used 3 parts Southdown to 1 part epoxy. for the amount of FSB i poured i prolly should have done 4 parts Southdown to 1 part epoxy.

G~

szeth13 · #5 04/23/2006, 10:52 AM

where did you get this glazed coat and how much was it? did you put it directly on the bottom of the tank?

BtheReef · #6 04/23/2006, 11:32 PM

However you make your faux sandbed, DO NOT put the epoxy directly on the glass of your tank. I have read two threads where it was applied this way and the curing epoxy expanded and cracked the glass.

Make the bed outside of the tank on a rigid surface and then place it into the aquarium when it's cured.

Aquayne_wv · #7 04/24/2006, 06:54 AM

I did the same thing much cheaper by mixing a tube of aquarium grade silicone with sand. It is like putty and must be done outside due to fumes. looks good and safer.