Homemade Scape

Pittsford_Pets · Nov 24, 2017

Hey everyone! I have a quick question. I build military scale models (another expensive hobby haha) and I'm wondering if I could put a crashed plane in my reef tank, or maybe my planted tank. So I'm wondering if you think it'll cause issues? It's made of plastic and is glued together. The glue "melts" the plastic together to form one solid piece (so I guess it really isn't glue?). Thoughts?

Maritimer · Nov 24, 2017

I wouldn't do it, unless I could get a handle on what might leach out of the plastic or glue, what might get absorbed into the plastic or glue, whether the paint would flake off or dissolve into the water column . . .

I don't remember Testor's smelling particularly reef-safe.

You might be able to continue the look of a coral habitat behind or to one side of the tank, and display a crashed plane (or submarine) there.

~Bruce

pandagobyguy · Nov 24, 2017

Super glue is reef safe if that is a usable replacement. Plastics do leak stuff but I've never heard of it actually becoming an issue.

As for paint i have no idea.

Fin · Nov 24, 2017

Not really my cup of tea for aquarium decor, but a quick Google search turned these up that are pre-made aquarium ornaments. I know that probably negates what it is that you want to do, but it is another possible option.

Pittsford_Pets · Nov 25, 2017

Thanks everyone! Yeah, I don't think it'd work but with the detail you can get on scale models, I think it'd look kinda cool as a centerpiece of a tiny nano...

You're right, testors definitely doesn't smell Reef safe haha

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 25, 2017

What type of plastics can you use? Some are fine.

Pittsford_Pets · Nov 25, 2017

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
What type of plastics can you use? Some are fine.

No idea what kind of is... if anyone wants to try it for themselves, the brand is Tamiya.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 25, 2017

Then I’d be hesitant to say it is ok since it could be anything [emoji23]

delv2323 · Nov 26, 2017

It's polystyrene. I think it should be safe.

pandagobyguy · Nov 26, 2017

There has got to be some sort of covering yoh could put over the paint that wont leach anything toxic...

Epoxy resin? That pva glue they use on fossils? Super glue? There's gotta be something right?

Pittsford_Pets · Nov 26, 2017

pandagobyguy said:
There has got to be some sort of covering yoh could put over the paint that wont leach anything toxic...

Epoxy resin? That pva glue they use on fossils? Super glue? There's gotta be something right?

That's exactly what I've been thinking. I'll do some research

Miss_Bangarang · Nov 27, 2017

I'm anti-kitsch in an aquarium, but with a well-made model this may turn out pretty cool. Doesn't hurt that my father has built and flown model airplanes since I was little, so I have a soft spot for airplane hobbies.

This is certainly a true-to-life situation as these photos show, or just do a google image search for "sunken airplanes." Do you plan on doing a particular airplane model?

I would suggest checking out Pond Armor products or Polygem 1618 clear epoxy. No personal experience with them myself at this point.

smokin'reefer · Nov 27, 2017

One of the managers at my lfs did a Truk Lagoon aquascape that was awesome. He's one of those artistic types with quite an eye. Wish I could find a pic to share. It was a while back though.

That's when I changed my mind on "toys" in my tank. I just went with skulls but the wrecked planes and military equipment was a sweet change.