"Painted" Rockwork using Colored Mortars

[jft]

You can also Paint rock w Liuquitex acrylic paints. I have done it for years w GREAT results, The paint is waterproof after 24 to 48 hours drying.

 

[polyppal]

A new rock for my new 90g tank. In the "Mk II" Version, I attached and then reinforced the joints with hydraulic cement first, let it dry for several days, then coated the joints in E-Marco, and finally coat the rock in the thinned out Emarco. I put the purple coat of Emarco on thicker in this version, and prefer it that way to the much thinner version on my existing pieces.

I have found that the mortar along may not be strong enough to support the heavier rocks in positions like this, so I prefer to use mortar cement for those connections. I have used Quickcrete for this on all my rockwork without incident or any issues with water quality (I do cover the joints with E-Marco after it dries)

Quikrete 10 lb. Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement 112611 - The Home Depot

Quikrete 10 lb. Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement blocks running water and seals leaks in cracked masonry and concrete surfaces. It is suitable for above-grade and below-grade concrete and masonry repairs. Quikrete 10 lb. Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement sets very quickly enabling it to stop active water...

www.homedepot.com

 

[Gort]

You can also Paint rock w Liuquitex acrylic paints. I have done it for years w GREAT results, The paint is waterproof after 24 to 48 hours drying.

@jft - that looks like a good option. What color(s) did you use?

 

[jft]

@jft - that looks like a good option. What color(s) did you use?

4 0z tubes of purple mixed w white. Then dab on a little orange or red and green to mimic sponges and algae. Let dry for 72 hours. My new 125 gallon is totally painted rock, Abut 75 pounds. Setup lots of tanks over the years like this. The Fish are healthy and don t care except whats for Dinner. LOL

 

[Gort]

4 0z tubes of purple mixed w white. Then dab on a little orange or red and green to mimic sponges and algae. Let dry for 72 hours. My new 125 gallon is totally painted rock, Abut 75 pounds. Setup lots of tanks over the years like this. The Fish are healthy and don t care except whats for Dinner. LOL

Sounds like a great plan @jft - I'll have to track down some of your tank photos.