Great Stuff Pond and Stone Foam

[Wy Renegade]

Anybody worked with this stuff? Curious as to how much expansion it goes through. It says minimal expanding on the can, but I've seen what the red can does so I'm curious. Don't want to open the can to try it as it says its single use application only and seals itself shut in two hours.

Also curious to know if its waterproof (i.e. if I shape a container will it hold water)?

Appreciate any input.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Chompers]

It's difficult to quantify the amount of expansion in words. Pretty much you have to experience it first hand. It doesn't expand nearly as much as the red can, probably about half. It also is a lot denser when cured. And yes, it will hold water if you make a bowl with it. However, it is not impervious to water migration through it (long term). It is classified as hydrophobic but will waterlog if submerged long enough.

 

[kschweer]

I'm not sure if it's the same but I build ponds and use a product by aquascapes called "waterfall foam". Would say that it expands to double the "size" of what comes out. Like stated before it's hard to put into words. Hope that helps some.

 

[Wy Renegade]

Thanks guys, helps quite a bit actually. Trying to find something to do a miniture pond and river system within a terrarium with.

 

[cdness]

Use the foam and coat with epoxy and you'll be just fine. The epoxy will make it water tight and the foam will allow you to form what you need to.

 

[neuwave]

I've been using the pond foam on my tank for years. It adhears really well to rock and its really easy to shape when it is cured. Coraline can cover it fairly easy. So far my tank right now has the foam in it for about 4 years now. A few rules when using the foam. Wear old clothes cause if it gets stuck to it, it will be stained for sure. Also if you get it on your skin it will be a while before it comes off. It does expand wuite rapidly, so make sure you have a good idea how you want to lay out your rocks. After the foam settled I used a dremel and a knife to carve out the rock pattern. Though I just got a hold of some cement live rock mortar and can't wait to test it out. I'll be experimenting on it with nano tank I have started. Though when I decide to upgrade from my current 50 gallon tank, I'll be using the mortar to create a new type of aquascape. Like an Amano type tank.

 

[clowns101]

I wouldnt use waterfall foam. It expands in HUGE amounts, Ive built a few waterfalls and watergardens, and it EASILY expands over double, the tube that is on the can is 1/4 inch, and depending on the amount that u allow out, the wide it is. If I barely let any out, the 1/4 inch will easily turn into a inch or more in no time, but your gonna have a hard time getting a tiny bit to come out.

 

[Poeticlydead]

I've used this product in my reef tanks and it works fine.
The expansion will depend partly on how thick you lay it down but as stated above it will expand a good bit.
I have a youtube video on doing this for a backdrop that may give you some idea on the expansion Foam Rock Backdrop part 2 - YouTube

What I do is lay out what I'm wanting to build (outside the tank if possible), foam it, cover it in solar water softener salt (will help to control expansion and give a intersting texture) then after it sets up soak it in freshwater untill the salt disolves away, coat it in two part finish expoxy resin and sand. Bare in mind I'm using it in a saltwater tank and looking for a natural live rock look but you could do something similiar then shape it with a hobby knife to your liking, you can even lay stone in the foam while it's wet so that is is permanetly affixed.

 

[Zane Paul]

I foam over plastic egg crate then cover it with sand (about a pound of sand per square foot) and that controls the expansion to about double the original size and makes the final product look very realistic.

I like the sand because you can still sculpt what you want, mound up certain areas to make cave like structures and whatnot, then apply the sand and it will keep the design

Plus sand costs about $3. 50 for 20 lbs so it's super cheap