Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, i always use the weldbond method for my backgrounds, but i was wondering if there was any benefits using silicone. Usually, i have to go through two bottles (of weldbond) for my 20g, but the silicone is much bigger and cheaper to use.

Anyone know the better alternative to use?

Thanks,
M.N

personally I prefer weldbond over silicone, hands down. Are you using the weldbond in a concentrated form or are you cutting it with water? I've experimented with weldbond and found that a 1:1 ratio of weldbond:water does well and makes a nice paste that can be spread across the foam and then, while it's tacky, thoroughly spread your organic matter over the past (in my case it was ground coconut husk that resembles coffee grounds). So, why not silicone? Silicone is a pain in the ass to use, triggers the gag reflex with it's strong acidic smell and does not adhere well to the foam once it cures. I started out covering my foam with silicone and found that once it cured, I was very easily peeling off large sections from the foam...what a waste!! Weldbond is great and my first 20 gallon is now planted with a few plannts that I propogated from my own collection and I'll be adding a few other plants as time goes on.

-Bill J
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Yes, but the weldbond rehydrates, and turns back to glue after being exposed to water. Has that ever happened to you?

M.N

Yeah, that can happen if you don;t allow the Weldbond to cure completely. Your best bet would be to keep the finished product in a room thta is very warm and low humidity. I allowed mine to cure for 2 weeks and there were still a few places that rehydrated but still remained solid and held strong. I can;t stress enough, the importance of allowing this stuff to cure. The more concentrated the weldbond is, ythe longer the curing time.

-Bill J
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I have heard the samething. I think letting it dry is the key. I agree silicon is a pain. I just bought a gallon of weldbond, and and will be trying it soon. I plan to run a fan over the tank after it is done for about a week or so. We will see. I am still waiting for the ecoearth to dry after expanding it, and working on the form I want.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Actually, i let it dry for longer. I even had a 50W bulb over it for the first 3 days. When it was completely submerged with water, it did rehydrate, but an occasional misting didnt effect anything though. The part that rehydrated was below the water line for the gravel bottom (i used the stuff to glue the bark to the back).

M.N

Now you got me wondering... I just spent $33 on a gallon of this stuff. I have heard a lot of people using it, I am just wondering how it rehydrated? Did it come off the glass or what?
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

It didnt come off, but turned the white color, and seems 'liquidish' again. If i were you, id use the silicone for places that are going to be sumberged with water, but use weldbond for the dry. I think i drip wall wouldnt be a problem with the weldbond though.

M.N

I might pass on the water feature with this tank, but I have not made up my mind just yet. I may just leave a small pool in a corner, we will see.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators