Cans of black spray foam - interested?

aztbs · 08/21/2006, 08:38 PM

I am going to be buying some black spray foam, and it is cheapest to get it by the case (12 cans) I know jpslicko could use a few cans, I want at least three, so that leaves 5-6 available. They would be about $6.50-$7.00 a can total.

Anyone interested? I can just bring them to the next FRAG meeting. If there is a ton of interest, we can order multiple cases.

I wish I would have thought of this earlier, and I could have got them at the same time as the reeftopia order.

OceanLyons · 08/21/2006, 08:41 PM

Still learning...

What would you use the black spray foam for?

aztbs · 08/21/2006, 08:48 PM

The most common use is to spray texture on the back of an empty aquarium. It eventually covers up with coralline and looks like rock. It can be used (like in my case) to cover\hide ugly PVC pipe structures in the tank.

The most famous users are sidewinder\reefmaiden in the 375 of theirs. Scroll down about halfway on this page of their thread and you can see it - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=2

sir_dudeguy · 08/21/2006, 08:53 PM

when are you going to be doing this? i may get some for the 40 breeder i'm setting up...("may" being the key word lol) but one quick, stupid question...

this stuff doesnt have any filtering abilities does it? my guess is no, but then again...weird stuff happens

aztbs · 08/21/2006, 09:43 PM

No, completely useless when it comes to anything biological. I guess it eventually builds up bacteria and can be beneficial. It makes a good place to mount corals.
No time line really, it depends on interest. I am not in a hurry. I'd guess in the next week or so.

sir_dudeguy · 08/21/2006, 09:49 PM

ya i was thinkin that it wouldnt really do much, but then again i knew that the bacteria is gonna grow over everything so i wasnt sure.

I'll have to think about it tho. Like you say, i'm not in any hurry either to get it, but if theres 5 people that want some and you need one more to make a case, then i'll go for some just to make it a full case.

Fliger · 08/21/2006, 10:00 PM

Can I have the rest? I'll take up to six for sure.

aztbs · 08/21/2006, 10:03 PM

Sure, I can always order more than one case. I will give it a few days and see what the interest is like. Did you want more than 6?

Fliger · 08/21/2006, 10:05 PM

Nah, I'd imagine 6 is fine. I was at Sidewinder's yesterday and realized I need summa that stuff. When I set back up after the move I'd like to incorporate some. I'll be in Chandler maybe you can help. ;-)

OceanLyons · 08/21/2006, 10:43 PM

If available, I'll take a can for pipes and such. I'd take more, but I can't fathom draining my tank to do the back, even though it would look cool. As a newbie, I've had enough work lately.

jpslickorocks · 08/21/2006, 11:12 PM

Evolust and I just ordered a case today

aztbs · 08/22/2006, 01:05 AM

impatient little buggers.... lol
Ok, I still may probably pick up another anyway. How many cans will you have leftover?

And Dave, both times I have used the stuff, I managed to get a big black smear of it on my arm somewhere and IT DOES NOT COME OFF OF YOUR SKIN. No joke on this one. Wear protective gear. It is fun to work with though, so if you need help, just holler.

Che · 08/22/2006, 01:26 AM

I want some, I want some! I'm thinking maybe six to 10 cans? How many do you think it will take to cover the back of my 120? I have a friend who might be interested in some as well. I will check in with him tomorrow if you can hold out that long.

aztbs · 08/22/2006, 01:31 AM

No rush. Get more than you think you would need, but I would guess 8cans would be more than enough. It depends on how many shapes/shelfs you want to make.

vanmle · 08/22/2006, 01:40 AM

I can use about 5 cans.

clkwrk · 08/22/2006, 02:33 AM

I could use some too

I wanna cover some pvc during my acro QT session and tank reaquascape . Plus I wanna build my own tunze rocks outta eggcrate and foam .

sidewinder770 · 08/22/2006, 10:19 AM

I think most of the locals have seen our setup with the foam- we love it and I think it turned out pretty good. People always ask about it and how to apply it and the first and most important rule.....WEAR GLOVES!!! Latex gloves seemed to work the best since you can go through a few pairs and you'll want to throw them away after use. I'd say a long sleave shirt just to be safe as well- like aztbs said- you get this stuff on you and it's a pain to get off! They actually sell a seperate foam removal product just to get the foam off!!

random_ryan · 08/22/2006, 10:25 AM

I am thinkin I should get some . for around my over flo's and pipes.

aztbs · 08/22/2006, 11:19 AM

Ok, it seems there is enough interest. I am not going to do a specific group buy. I will purchase a few cases and then bring them to the next meeting for anyone that wants to buy some. I don't think they would get here by this Saturday's talk.

aztbs · 08/22/2006, 12:44 PM

Ok, for now three cases are on the way. I don't think they will get here by Saturday, but it could surprise me.

cerreta · 08/22/2006, 01:37 PM

I took Scottâ€™s advice when applying the foam: latex disposable gloves (buy a whole box), long sleeve shirt and goggles to look cool! BTW, this 110tall (48x18x30) took 6 cans of foam.

The foam can be a bit tricky to apply so I wanted to give some tips. When I started the project, I screwed up the foam by overworking it and freaked out. Luckily, Scott was on his computer that day and gave me some tips for working the foam. Here are some detailed tips to assist you on spray day.

1. Use the blue painters tape and newspaper to tape off all sections that you do not want sprayed.

2. Do not overwork the foam or the puffiness will flatten and you will end up with a sticky mess. It will look like the standpipe. See how the foam is sporadic and flat in some areas.

3. Work in sections and lay the foam down in nice even strokes. Then allow foam to sit for 1 minute. Then use the back of your hand and stoke the foam lightly with your fingers from top of tank to bottom. This will give texture and little pockets to place corals. After a few strokes some foam will stick to your fingers and aids in texturing the rest of the foam. When done with a section. Throw gloves away and start over.

4. If you start to texture too early then the foam will flatten. If you start too late (after 2 minutes) then the foam will be hard and you wonâ€™t be able to texture it.

5. Use one whole can at a time. Try not to save any foam in the can. After it hardens, it is difficult to use and it comes out very slow if at all. My sections were done one can at a time.

6. The foam will not stick to vertical surfaces. So you must turn the tank on its sides when spraying surfaces. If you spray pipes, remove them and spray them on a flat surface. Only spray the top surface. Texture it and wait to dry. Then roll it and spray the next top surface. This takes time too. I would spray a bit on the pipe and then run over and finish spraying the can contents on the main tank before the foam dried up in the can. For the next can, I would repeat the process starting with spraying pipes first. Scott may have other tricks for spraying pipes in the display with rock already set-up.

7. If you want to create ledges and layers, then tape a piece of wax paper to a piece of cardboard. Bend and cut it to the shape of the ledge. Then spray foam on it and its adjacent surface. Once textured and dried, remove the wax board.

8. When spraying thicker surfaces, I found it easier to spray one layer at a time. Let that layer dry then add a layer on top. Donâ€™t texture the intermediate layers, they will just flatten a bit. This takes a lot of time with all the waiting. Maybe Scott has other tips for thick layers and ledges.

Here are some pictures.

Taped and ready to go.

Standpipe with overworked foam.

Back wall with a fresh layer of foam. Wait 60 seconds after finishing before texturing.

Back wall after texturing.

Tank on its side to spray the overflow.

Overflow with foam.

Viola!!! Finished product. The tank has been running for three months now. The back wall and overflow are 80% covered with corraline algae.

sidewinder770 · 08/22/2006, 01:55 PM

WOW- great write-up! I just have a few comments-

I found that I didn't have to use the whole can in one shot if I used the included straw for the first application and removed it for the second and maybe third application. You'll only get 2 maybe 3 uses but a little better than 1.

It's a little hard to tell from the pics but I think the foam came out a little thicker when we did it and we also didn't make straight lines- I was more spuratic and created more "hills and valleys" with the initial layer (some parts were about 1.5" thick and others were 1/8"). Then as we worked with the foam it added the texture to the already created "hills and valleys" which gave it great depth.

As for making it thicker- just do a few layers about 10-15 minutes apart (after the outside shell has cured) or you can even "embed" base rock into the foam as you apply it- Erin did this on the 50g tank prior to our current tank but we didn't do that this time.

Defiantely were latex gloves and have a few pairs ready to go!

Here is a pic of ours-

Che · 08/22/2006, 02:48 PM

Do you have to rough up the surface of the tank to make sure that the foam will stick to it and not peel off? I was thinking of doing like AZTBS (I think they did it this way) and spraying the foam on egg-crate and then silicone the completed panel in the tank.

1. I am really not excited about laying the 125g on its side

2. I would hate to make an awful mess and be forced to live with it.

Any major drawbacks to this plan?

aztbs · 08/22/2006, 03:23 PM

The glue in wall worked pretty well for me, but the foam is VERY BOUYANT. So you have to use lots and lots of silcone and seal it in real good to prevent weird air/detritus pockets. My wall was actually made out of eggcrate,foam,and concrete. If you have a sand bed, that helps keep it in place as well.

I did not rough up the glass in either type of application, but I don't suppose it would hurt.

My pistol shrimp burrowed through it too, he had a nice little tunnel in the foam.

Che · 08/22/2006, 03:30 PM

Where did you use concrete in the building of your wall?

08/21/2006, 08:38 PM	#1
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	Cans of black spray foam - interested? I am going to be buying some black spray foam, and it is cheapest to get it by the case (12 cans) I know jpslicko could use a few cans, I want at least three, so that leaves 5-6 available. They would be about $6.50-$7.00 a can total. Anyone interested? I can just bring them to the next FRAG meeting. If there is a ton of interest, we can order multiple cases. I wish I would have thought of this earlier, and I could have got them at the same time as the reeftopia order.

08/21/2006, 08:53 PM	#4
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: mesa, az Posts: 10,786	when are you going to be doing this? i may get some for the 40 breeder i'm setting up...("may" being the key word lol) but one quick, stupid question... this stuff doesnt have any filtering abilities does it? my guess is no, but then again...weird stuff happens __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!! Current Tank Info: 16g bowfront, 150w halide, 2 koralia 1's, 2 true percs, firefish..lots of corals

08/21/2006, 09:49 PM	#6
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: mesa, az Posts: 10,786	ya i was thinkin that it wouldnt really do much, but then again i knew that the bacteria is gonna grow over everything so i wasnt sure. I'll have to think about it tho. Like you say, i'm not in any hurry either to get it, but if theres 5 people that want some and you need one more to make a case, then i'll go for some just to make it a full case. __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!! Current Tank Info: 16g bowfront, 150w halide, 2 koralia 1's, 2 true percs, firefish..lots of corals

08/21/2006, 10:00 PM	#7
Fliger Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 9,504	Can I have the rest? I'll take up to six for sure. __________________ Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. Closed minds should come with closed mouths. When life hands you lemons, add vodka! Current Tank Info: Current: 210G Elos System, 2x400W + 6x54W Photon w/Aquaconnects, H&S skimmer, Deltec FR509/ROWAphos+Elos Carbon, 6101's and 6201's, Ocean GEOtronic 900 Chiller/Heater, Biotopus II Controller w/SMS. Elos System 70.

08/21/2006, 10:05 PM	#9
Fliger Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 9,504	Nah, I'd imagine 6 is fine. I was at Sidewinder's yesterday and realized I need summa that stuff. When I set back up after the move I'd like to incorporate some. I'll be in Chandler maybe you can help. ;-) __________________ Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. Closed minds should come with closed mouths. When life hands you lemons, add vodka! Current Tank Info: Current: 210G Elos System, 2x400W + 6x54W Photon w/Aquaconnects, H&S skimmer, Deltec FR509/ROWAphos+Elos Carbon, 6101's and 6201's, Ocean GEOtronic 900 Chiller/Heater, Biotopus II Controller w/SMS. Elos System 70.

08/21/2006, 08:41 PM	#2
OceanLyons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,169	Still learning... What would you use the black spray foam for?

08/21/2006, 08:48 PM	#3
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	The most common use is to spray texture on the back of an empty aquarium. It eventually covers up with coralline and looks like rock. It can be used (like in my case) to cover\hide ugly PVC pipe structures in the tank. The most famous users are sidewinder\reefmaiden in the 375 of theirs. Scroll down about halfway on this page of their thread and you can see it - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=2

08/21/2006, 09:43 PM	#5
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	No, completely useless when it comes to anything biological. I guess it eventually builds up bacteria and can be beneficial. It makes a good place to mount corals. No time line really, it depends on interest. I am not in a hurry. I'd guess in the next week or so.

08/21/2006, 10:03 PM	#8
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	Sure, I can always order more than one case. I will give it a few days and see what the interest is like. Did you want more than 6?

08/21/2006, 10:43 PM	#10
OceanLyons Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,169	If available, I'll take a can for pipes and such. I'd take more, but I can't fathom draining my tank to do the back, even though it would look cool. As a newbie, I've had enough work lately.

08/21/2006, 11:12 PM	#11
jpslickorocks Premium Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Scottsdale, Az. Posts: 2,165	Evolust and I just ordered a case today __________________ We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet: and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us. Current Tank Info: I do at least five water changes a day

08/22/2006, 01:05 AM	#12
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	impatient little buggers.... lol Ok, I still may probably pick up another anyway. How many cans will you have leftover? And Dave, both times I have used the stuff, I managed to get a big black smear of it on my arm somewhere and IT DOES NOT COME OFF OF YOUR SKIN. No joke on this one. Wear protective gear. It is fun to work with though, so if you need help, just holler.

08/22/2006, 01:26 AM	#13
Che Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 908	I want some, I want some! I'm thinking maybe six to 10 cans? How many do you think it will take to cover the back of my 120? I have a friend who might be interested in some as well. I will check in with him tomorrow if you can hold out that long. __________________ "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. - Lloyd Dobler Current Tank Info: Young 125g with 30g sump mixed reef - gieseman 3X250 MH + 156W T5 lighting, 160lbs. pukani live rock, 1-3" ssb, closed loop with OM 2way Squirt, 1/4 HP Arctica Chiller, kalk reactor, 2- Tunze 6100 stream with Multicontroller, Neptune AC III.

08/22/2006, 01:31 AM	#14
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	No rush. Get more than you think you would need, but I would guess 8cans would be more than enough. It depends on how many shapes/shelfs you want to make.

08/22/2006, 01:40 AM	#15
vanmle Moved On Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,732	I can use about 5 cans.

08/22/2006, 02:33 AM	#16
clkwrk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Apache Junction ,Az Posts: 10,317	I could use some too I wanna cover some pvc during my acro QT session and tank reaquascape . Plus I wanna build my own tunze rocks outta eggcrate and foam . __________________ extended vacation ------- Feel free to use my photos for ONLY informative sites, education or enjoyment.All I ask is to include my Reef Central User id and where you got the photo ( RC). Current Tank Info: 44g ssb anemone/clown tank

08/22/2006, 10:19 AM	#17
sidewinder770 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Who knows anymore! Posts: 1,292	I think most of the locals have seen our setup with the foam- we love it and I think it turned out pretty good. People always ask about it and how to apply it and the first and most important rule.....WEAR GLOVES!!! Latex gloves seemed to work the best since you can go through a few pairs and you'll want to throw them away after use. I'd say a long sleave shirt just to be safe as well- like aztbs said- you get this stuff on you and it's a pain to get off! They actually sell a seperate foam removal product just to get the foam off!! __________________ Scott Current Tank Info: Currently between tanks- previous tank was the June 2007 Tank of the month

08/22/2006, 10:25 AM	#18
random_ryan Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: West Mesa "still a west sider" Posts: 4,320	I am thinkin I should get some . for around my over flo's and pipes. __________________ It's Not The Beginning Or The End That Counts It's The Journey That Gets You There That Matters.Autism Is Just A Symptom.Over Coming It Is A Challenge.A Disability Is The Ability To Do Things Differently. Current Tank Info: NO TANKS. :o( .... Taking A Break.

08/22/2006, 11:19 AM	#19
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	Ok, it seems there is enough interest. I am not going to do a specific group buy. I will purchase a few cases and then bring them to the next meeting for anyone that wants to buy some. I don't think they would get here by this Saturday's talk.

08/22/2006, 12:44 PM	#20
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	Ok, for now three cases are on the way. I don't think they will get here by Saturday, but it could surprise me.

08/22/2006, 01:37 PM	#21
cerreta Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,578	I took Scottâ€™s advice when applying the foam: latex disposable gloves (buy a whole box), long sleeve shirt and goggles to look cool! BTW, this 110tall (48x18x30) took 6 cans of foam. The foam can be a bit tricky to apply so I wanted to give some tips. When I started the project, I screwed up the foam by overworking it and freaked out. Luckily, Scott was on his computer that day and gave me some tips for working the foam. Here are some detailed tips to assist you on spray day. 1. Use the blue painters tape and newspaper to tape off all sections that you do not want sprayed. 2. Do not overwork the foam or the puffiness will flatten and you will end up with a sticky mess. It will look like the standpipe. See how the foam is sporadic and flat in some areas. 3. Work in sections and lay the foam down in nice even strokes. Then allow foam to sit for 1 minute. Then use the back of your hand and stoke the foam lightly with your fingers from top of tank to bottom. This will give texture and little pockets to place corals. After a few strokes some foam will stick to your fingers and aids in texturing the rest of the foam. When done with a section. Throw gloves away and start over. 4. If you start to texture too early then the foam will flatten. If you start too late (after 2 minutes) then the foam will be hard and you wonâ€™t be able to texture it. 5. Use one whole can at a time. Try not to save any foam in the can. After it hardens, it is difficult to use and it comes out very slow if at all. My sections were done one can at a time. 6. The foam will not stick to vertical surfaces. So you must turn the tank on its sides when spraying surfaces. If you spray pipes, remove them and spray them on a flat surface. Only spray the top surface. Texture it and wait to dry. Then roll it and spray the next top surface. This takes time too. I would spray a bit on the pipe and then run over and finish spraying the can contents on the main tank before the foam dried up in the can. For the next can, I would repeat the process starting with spraying pipes first. Scott may have other tricks for spraying pipes in the display with rock already set-up. 7. If you want to create ledges and layers, then tape a piece of wax paper to a piece of cardboard. Bend and cut it to the shape of the ledge. Then spray foam on it and its adjacent surface. Once textured and dried, remove the wax board. 8. When spraying thicker surfaces, I found it easier to spray one layer at a time. Let that layer dry then add a layer on top. Donâ€™t texture the intermediate layers, they will just flatten a bit. This takes a lot of time with all the waiting. Maybe Scott has other tips for thick layers and ledges. Here are some pictures. Taped and ready to go. Standpipe with overworked foam. Back wall with a fresh layer of foam. Wait 60 seconds after finishing before texturing. Back wall after texturing. Tank on its side to spray the overflow. Overflow with foam. Viola!!! Finished product. The tank has been running for three months now. The back wall and overflow are 80% covered with corraline algae. __________________ Cheers, Scott

08/22/2006, 01:55 PM	#22
sidewinder770 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Who knows anymore! Posts: 1,292	WOW- great write-up! I just have a few comments- I found that I didn't have to use the whole can in one shot if I used the included straw for the first application and removed it for the second and maybe third application. You'll only get 2 maybe 3 uses but a little better than 1. It's a little hard to tell from the pics but I think the foam came out a little thicker when we did it and we also didn't make straight lines- I was more spuratic and created more "hills and valleys" with the initial layer (some parts were about 1.5" thick and others were 1/8"). Then as we worked with the foam it added the texture to the already created "hills and valleys" which gave it great depth. As for making it thicker- just do a few layers about 10-15 minutes apart (after the outside shell has cured) or you can even "embed" base rock into the foam as you apply it- Erin did this on the 50g tank prior to our current tank but we didn't do that this time. Defiantely were latex gloves and have a few pairs ready to go! Here is a pic of ours- __________________ Scott Current Tank Info: Currently between tanks- previous tank was the June 2007 Tank of the month

08/22/2006, 02:48 PM	#23
Che Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 908	Do you have to rough up the surface of the tank to make sure that the foam will stick to it and not peel off? I was thinking of doing like AZTBS (I think they did it this way) and spraying the foam on egg-crate and then silicone the completed panel in the tank. 1. I am really not excited about laying the 125g on its side 2. I would hate to make an awful mess and be forced to live with it. Any major drawbacks to this plan? __________________ "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. - Lloyd Dobler Current Tank Info: Young 125g with 30g sump mixed reef - gieseman 3X250 MH + 156W T5 lighting, 160lbs. pukani live rock, 1-3" ssb, closed loop with OM 2way Squirt, 1/4 HP Arctica Chiller, kalk reactor, 2- Tunze 6100 stream with Multicontroller, Neptune AC III. Last edited by Che; 08/22/2006 at 02:58 PM.

08/22/2006, 03:23 PM	#24
aztbs Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 4,167	The glue in wall worked pretty well for me, but the foam is VERY BOUYANT. So you have to use lots and lots of silcone and seal it in real good to prevent weird air/detritus pockets. My wall was actually made out of eggcrate,foam,and concrete. If you have a sand bed, that helps keep it in place as well. I did not rough up the glass in either type of application, but I don't suppose it would hurt. My pistol shrimp burrowed through it too, he had a nice little tunnel in the foam.

08/22/2006, 03:30 PM	#25
Che Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 908	Where did you use concrete in the building of your wall? __________________ "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. - Lloyd Dobler Current Tank Info: Young 125g with 30g sump mixed reef - gieseman 3X250 MH + 156W T5 lighting, 160lbs. pukani live rock, 1-3" ssb, closed loop with OM 2way Squirt, 1/4 HP Arctica Chiller, kalk reactor, 2- Tunze 6100 stream with Multicontroller, Neptune AC III.