Sealing Concrete?

[troysdiiscus]

I know the 635 3:1 is non toxic and should seal the concrete when its cured, as long as there are no blushing. Doing a thin first coat and second thicker coat should be fine. I had a buddy use it but not in an aquarium. I would be interested in the outcome. I know they say its non toxic but putting something that I dont know first hand in my discus tank was not a chance I was willing to take. I will be looking for your results...keep posted....

[SejRamkas]

I know the 635 3:1 is non toxic and should seal the concrete when its cured, as long as there are no blushing. Doing a thin first coat and second thicker coat should be fine. I had a buddy use it but not in an aquarium. I would be interested in the outcome. I know they say its non toxic but putting something that I dont know first hand in my discus tank was not a chance I was willing to take. I will be looking for your results...keep posted....

Yea I have my reservations as well, but I figured for the price its worth a shot. I've read a lot and it seems people say most if not all waterproof epoxies cure to be non toxic and inert. I will definitely be testing in a tank without the fish in it first and making sure water quality is not degraded before putting it in my display tank. I will be giving it at least a week or two to cure before doing so and if there is any funny smell at all after that I will not be putting it in my tank.

[SejRamkas]

So I emailed the company to inquire about the toxicity of this epoxy and here was the reply:

John,

Blush is considered somewhat toxic until removed with warm, soapy water and a white 3M scotch pad. Not all epoxies get blush. To be non-toxic to fish, make sure to remove any blush first.

Steve


What do you guys think?

[troysdiiscus]

yeah thats what I was thinking about the blush, I think if you put a thin layer first, then go back with a thicker coat, shouldnt blush again shouldnt. I am with you definately test it for a couple of weeks first. I am so skidddish about putting anything in my discus tank unless 100% sure its ok. Good luck let me know how it turns out.....

[SejRamkas]

I am pretty much trying to find the lesser of two evils. I can either leave it unsealed and worry about it raising the ph of my tank to undesirable levels, or try an epoxy that I'm not 100 percent sure on. Either way could lead to possible stress to the fish, but at this point I think the epoxy would be better.

If the rock permanently raises the ph level in my tank even after it has cured and been soaked then the ph will not be the same as that in my aging barrel, and defeats the purpose of the aging barrel all together. this is my main reason for wanting to seal it in the first place.

[Cullymoto]

Use ECOPOXY. not wet or dry is there a single toxic component. gives you the same final result as a regular epoxy, but with absolutely no drawbacks. I used it inside with the windows closed... it doesnt even have an odor. Most epoxies would have killed me under those conditions.

[SejRamkas]

Use ECOPOXY. not wet or dry is there a single toxic component. gives you the same final result as a regular epoxy, but with absolutely no drawbacks. I used it inside with the windows closed... it doesnt even have an odor. Most epoxies would have killed me under those conditions.

I'm assuming this requires purchasing the epoxy and hardner?

[CrazyAngels]

Sej, epoxies are 2 parts always, using one part alone would never cure. Some people call the 2nd part hardener and some catalyst, no matter what you call it, once mixed it will cure and harden. How hard the epoxy gets is a matter of the chemical components in the mixture.. Therefore you may see some epoxies which are kind of soft to the touch, yet some which almost cure as hard as steel and can actually be machined.

Anyway, the kit should always include both parts for you to mix once you are ready to use. HTH

[SejRamkas]

Thanks for clarifying Jorge. I thought all epoxies were 2 parts that were supposed to be mixed, just wasnt sure if this ecopoxy was different for some reason.

[CrazyAngels]

Sej, I would still contact them so they can recommend the right system for your application if you go that route. Good luck