epoxy problem

[Viet-Tin]

ok so I tried doing a foam/rock wall using the pond foam and epoxy resin. Well I bought a cheap ace hardware brand epoxy and sealed the foam but now its peeling off into my tank. The epoxy dried hard but still had a weird smell to it but it went away when I rinsed it off. Now that ive installed it into my tank and filled it with saltwater the smell has come back much worst than before and I can scrape it off with my finger. Im not worried about redoing the epoxy over with a better brand but more worried about whatever leaked out and leeched into the rocks and sand. Any ideas on what I should do? Will my rocks and sand be ok to use?

[dmweise]

Hmm, I'd be a bit wary of epoxy from a hardware store. I always use reef epoxy because it doesn't leech and it cures underwater.

[Viet-Tin]

Im going to reseal it with bondo fiberglass 2 part resin but will my rocks and sand be ok if I rinse them off

[Big_Pun]

if you do a search here on the site for foam wall or foam rock wall someone built a nice wall I believe using great stuff and it looks really nice

[dmweise]

You may want to see if you can find a silicone sealant instead of fiberglass.

[Big_Pun]

found it here you go: http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=50956&highlight=foam+rock+wall

[Viet-Tin]

2 part epoxy resin and the bondo fiberglass resin was what was recommended. I have the fiberglass resin already so im going to drain the tank and reseal after it dries. I was more worried about the other resin soaking into my rocks and leeching out but I dont think there would be enough to cause any harm as there is very little I need to reseal

[Viet-Tin]

I read that thread and got the same idea from same guy. I only used the foam to cover gaps and eggcrate so 90% is real rock. Im starting to smell the epoxy resin and its not as hard after soaking in saltwater so im a bit nervous.

[Bill S]

I would be concerned about the use of any epoxy, other than that which is specifically reef-safe.

Most expoy will vent fumes for days. Many have high concentrations of VOCs. When you get your tank up and running, I'd keep fresh carbon in it for a while.

[Viet-Tin]

it is up and running...it softened and feels like silicon. I thought the smell was the epoxy but I accidently left some macro algae out and it dried.

[Viet-Tin]

Im going to drain rinse and reseal it.