Silicone is making this tough to do. Is there anything else I can use to hold the bark to the background?

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You're foam is kind of rough. That will make it tougher. You'll need to use a thick layer of silicone. Goop it on and lay it on it's back. Then press it into the silicone. If you can smooth out the foam a little first with a hair dryer on high.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

as we discussed in the chat, you didn't expand the coco-husk brick.

I came up with an idea. Spray hot water on it and it should expand. Soak it really well. let it dry for a day and brush off crumbs. See where that gets you. You may only then need to touch up with some of the newly crummed coco-husk and a bit more silicone.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

When I made a similar wall, my biggest issue was the fumes from the silicone. Hope you're working in a well-ventilated area! Expanding the coco-husk bricks is a pain, and then you have to wait for them to dry... But they sure work better that way.

The contours of your wall look nice!

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Amy

Hi Mike-

Yes, I agree with Mike also. The foam is rough and now I clearly see why you are having trouble applying the silicone. I would suggest sanding the foam down to make it smoother, or a blow dryer as Mike suggested. Otherwise you will need a pretty heavy layer of silicone to fill all those nooks and crannies.

I think what Liz suggested is worth a try also, it just might work and can't really hurt anything.

Hang in there man! The finished product will be something you'll be truly proud of.

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

Also, using black or brown silicone will cover the pale foam and help hide any gaps in the coco husk.

It'll be worth it when you've finished!

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~~Steph

"This I believe: That the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world." John Steinbeck

i am going to get some more silicone and some more foam tomorrow and ill tackle it after I get home from work. i was really hoping to get most of this done today, but it was the new holiday today and everything closed even walmart so I couldnt get the stuff I need :| thanks for all the helpful tips...ill post more pics when I make some more progress



mike

Sounds like your along the right track, Im about halfway through finishing the backround on my Vertical tank. I've had a few problems siliconing the coconut substrate into some of the hard to reach reccess in the foam, still needs touch ups where i've already attatched the Coco substrate, after getting this far, i sorta wish I had built a few ledges with the foam like you did, or gotten a few pieces of driftwood stuck in, but with the pots I have secured into the backround it should come out nice anyway.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."

well I went to owes(new hardware store in canada) and picked up some brown silicone. when I got home I soaked the chunks of cocohusk and then dried it in the oven. it didnt really seem to expand as much as I was expecting but the chunks did fray a little which I think helped it to stick the silicone. the brown silicone makes it alot easier to see where you have a applied it. it definaetly worked better than my first attempt!!! thanks guys ill post pics tonight when I get in from work



mike

excellent news!

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.