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Post by LotharsPeople on Jun 25, 2005 16:41:32 GMT -8
The first picture isthe complete rough blocking of the waterfall using plywood, styrofoam codeboard and spray foam  The second shot is after the first two coats of thinset mortar  All thats left is a final two coats of waterproof cement(coloured brown) and a couple of coats of Acrylic sealer. Just picked up the water pump today, I can hardly wait to fire it up. |
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Post by JennaAndIguanaGwen on Jun 25, 2005 20:36:02 GMT -8
Looks great  What a spoiled lil iggy you have ;D |
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Post by prism_wolf on Jun 25, 2005 21:18:24 GMT -8
Wow...that is really nicce!! You're a pretty handy fella. I would love to learn how to do that. It looks pretty straight forward. What type of foam insulation is that? And is that pink styrofoam?
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Post by LotharsPeople on Jun 26, 2005 4:50:53 GMT -8
PM,
The spray foam is "Great Stuff" brand, although any brand will do. The standard spray foam used to do windows & doors when building or renovating, of course the makers give us a number of choices such as "window & Door" or " Large Gap Filler". Pick the one you want, it really does not matter.The pink styrofoam is referred to as "codeboard", again it does not really matter what type you use. This happened to be on sale at Home Depot when I was shopping and I got a couple of pieces off a job site to make up the rest needed. The foam is only used to support the cement until it dries, after that it's redundant. You could actually get rid of it (after the cement dried) and have no problem, if you could separate it from the cement
I am not what you would call an artistic (or is that autistic) type, my wife was a little bit scared when I started, she wanted to use real rocks instead. After a little wining, I got my way. She's happy with the result.
The mortar is a good quality thin set used the set ceramic tile and the waterproof cement is a product that Home Depot carries. As good as any I can get at my wholesalers.
I used a hot glue gun to stick the foam together and a 4" grinder to shape it.
As for learning how to do this, I've always believed the best way is to try it and learn as you go.
This is my first attempt at a project like this and it's turning out pretty nicely. Total cost on this project was about $50.00 Canadian. Even if it turned out as scrap, it's a fairly inexpensive lesson and the reward far out-ways the risk.
Thanks for the comments.
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Post by IguanaKing on Jun 26, 2005 5:58:27 GMT -8
Wow!  That looks great! I'll be doing something like that in a few years when I have a bit more space to work with. Until then, Hercules and Audrey can just continue to use their imaginations in thinking of the bath tub with running water as their waterfall.  |
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Post by rocmills on Jun 26, 2005 12:15:02 GMT -8
Awesome! That looks good enough to have in my living room! Lothar (or Lola, as the case may be) is sure one LUCKY iguana!
--Roc
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Jun 26, 2005 13:59:22 GMT -8
Very nice!
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Post by kevman on Jul 9, 2005 8:02:00 GMT -8
I was looking into doing something like that for our 50 gallon Turtle tank. But I thought that the foam can kill them.
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Post by IguanaKing on Jul 9, 2005 8:13:49 GMT -8
It can, if you leave it exposed. A sealer will prevent this. I don't know much about acyrlic, but polyester and epoxy based sealers, once cured, are no longer soluble in water. Polyester is quite a bit safer in large applications, because it doesn't generate as much heat as it cures. Only use it in a WELL-ventilated area though, the fumes are quite dangerous while it cures.
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Post by WillemsMom on Jul 9, 2005 10:36:24 GMT -8
Your waterfall is great! Imaginative, creative and good looking too. Is the plan for Lothar to hang out in the pan? Best wishes with it.
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Post by LotharsPeople on Jul 9, 2005 14:33:10 GMT -8
WM,
He'll have the option of hanging out in the pond (shower pan) which is 4-1/2" deep and 33" x 33", or on the flat after the first set of steps down from the top. it's about 7" x 24", flat and will have water cascading over it constantly. I plan on lining the bottom of the pond with some river rock (smooth edges) to help keep him out of the drain (which is the return for the pump and purification system).
Of course I'm also using the same UV technology we are using to treat drinking water to make it potable because he will more than likely use it as a toilet on occasion. We do not want any bacteria floating around in there since it can't be treated with chlorine or any other chemicals.
This is of course a pretty steep learning curve as to keeping the water clean and pure, I'll have to monitor it on a daily basis and make changes as required in the system
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Post by LotharsPeople on Jul 9, 2005 15:00:38 GMT -8
I don't know much about acyrlic, but polyester and epoxy based sealers, once cured, are no longer soluble in water. Polyester is quite a bit safer in large applications, because it doesn't generate as much heat as it cures. Only use it in a WELL-ventilated area though, the fumes are quite dangerous while it cures. IK, Acrylic based sealers are very common and most people have probably used them without realizing it. The typical sealer used for interlocking paving stones or concrete driveways is water based acrylic. It is definitely non-water soluble after it has properly dried and has lower fumes than any other type of sealer available on the market. It comes in a wide variety of finishes as well, such as satin, high gloss or low gloss. One nice thing is it cleans up with water (before it's dry) |
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Post by WillemsMom on Jul 9, 2005 15:25:28 GMT -8
I will love to see more pics as time progresses. Seems to me it takes a lot of brain power to do this right.
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Post by LotharsPeople on Jul 9, 2005 18:19:48 GMT -8
WM,
Not really, just a little seious thought and a touch of common sense. Not to mention the ability to make numerious mistakes and learn a bit from them.
Thanks for your comments.
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Post by IguanaKing on Jul 9, 2005 20:42:20 GMT -8
IK, Acrylic based sealers are very common and most people have probably used them without realizing it. The typical sealer used for interlocking paving stones or concrete driveways is water based acrylic. It is definitely non-water soluble after it has properly dried and has lower fumes than any other type of sealer available on the market. It comes in a wide variety of finishes as well, such as satin, high gloss or low gloss. One nice thing is it cleans up with water (before it's dry) Thanks for the clarification. BTW...by safer, I was comparing Polyester to Epoxy. Epoxy is definitely scary stuff to use for the average guy. Looks like acrylic is a good way to go.  |
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What a spoiled lil iggy you have ;D
That looks great! I'll be doing something like that in a few years when I have a bit more space to work with. Until then, Hercules and Audrey can just continue to use their imaginations in thinking of the bath tub with running water as their waterfall. 
