Anybody ever made faux rock for an outdoor application?

[parker002]

I need something like this.



My pond waterfall has filtration media in it, so I need to be able to access it. However, if I leave it uncovered it gathers algae really bad.

I originally covered it with a sheet of flagstone but I'm getting too old to move that 150-lb. monster every time I want to clean the filter media.

The reason I'm interested in making is that the ones available online are REALLY expensive - some of them are over $300!

[Carl]

My thought is this:

(1) Chicken wire form

(2) Paper mache (I used newspaper soaked in flour water)

(3) Woven Fiberglass Tape

(4) Paint

(5) 2 Part Marine Epoxy Resin

Carl

[parker002]

How would the epoxy be applied? I assume the epoxy would be used to seal the paint and make sure it doesn't chip?

I understand making the form and covering it in fiberglass.

[Carl]

While I have not made something exactly like this, I have used 2 part epoxy resin to make ornaments and build backgrounds into aquarium (in particular the "Bahooka Restaurant).

I would mix the epoxy and either pour for gaps or paint with a brush where a thin coat is needed

Carl

[childofiam]

Aug 10, 2016 11:58:14 GMT -5 Carl said:

My thought is this:

(1) Chicken wire form

(2) Paper mache (I used newspaper soaked in flour water)

(3) Woven Fiberglass Tape

(4) Paint

(5) 2 Part Marine Epoxy Resin

Carl

would this work for back ground inside of a Aquarium?

[Carl]

Aug 12, 2016 10:33:02 GMT -5 childofiam said:

Aug 10, 2016 11:58:14 GMT -5 Carl said:

My thought is this:

(1) Chicken wire form

(2) Paper mache (I used newspaper soaked in flour water)

(3) Woven Fiberglass Tape

(4) Paint

(5) 2 Part Marine Epoxy Resin

Carl

would this work for back ground inside of a Aquarium?

Yes it should assuming everything was/is well sealed with Epoxy Resin (not one gap)

What I made were ornaments where I used decorative substrates that were already 100% aquarium safe and the made molds for a base, then added more pieces, including shells. Each step had resin poured into it, but even if there was a gap, it did not matter since I was working with aquarium

Carl