Fiberglass

27 Oct 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Fiberglass Permalink

Fiberglass Vs Concrete Pools

Sticky Post By On October 27, 2014

Fiberglass Vs Concrete Pools

If you are looking for a smaller pool for residential purposes then a fiberglass pool is preferred. Fiberglass pools are limited in size because they are made from a mold. Concrete pools on the other hand can be much larger. The downsides with concrete however are the maintenance requirements. They are more porous which means more algae and chemical treatments. Fiberglass pools are generally slicker on the sides and debris will simply fall to the bottom where it can be vacuumed up. One might require daily chemical treatments for a concrete pool as opposed to one every few weeks with a fiberglass pool.

The increasing popularity of salt water pools favors fiberglass pools because they will not corrode. Saltwater and other chemicals can corrode concrete pools.

Cost is also an important decision making factor. Fiberglass pools will cost less in the long run. Concrete itself costs less however the cost to maintain a concrete pool can be in the tens of thousands every decade (depending on the size of the pool of course). Leaks in concrete pools caused by poor construction can be extremely costly to repair which is why it is always a smart choice to spend a little extra and buy from a reputable pool builder from the start.

People want low maintenance, longevity, and aesthetics. The fiberglass pool will provide all of those things better than concrete and vinyl pools.

Do you plan to use your pool beyond 10 years? Fiberglass is a good option. Get quotes from several different companies to see which one is the right fit for you to make a more informed decision.

Fiberglass Vs Gunite

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/pools-spas-hot-tubs/240932-concrete-vs-fiberglass-pool.html

http://waterfallnow.org/how-to-keep-the-water-in-your-pool-crystal-clear/

12 Oct 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in 3d rock aquarium background, Aquarium, DIY, Do It Yourself, Fiberglass, Fiberglass Rock, Fibreglass Rock Permalink

3d Aquarium Rock Background (Fiberglass)

Sticky Post By On October 12, 2014

Due to several requests, WaterfallNow has recently experimented with different 3d rock backgrounds for freshwater and saltwater fish aquariums and reptile tanks.

I looked at a few sites online to research whether or not regular epoxy resins (the kind used to seal boats).

One concern is whether or not non specific resin could potentially leak chemicals into the containing water and kill the fish.

 

When resin mixed with hardener that is properly mixed fully cures, it will not leach and basically becomes similar to a hard plastic. To be on the safe side, a hot curing process can create a stronger fiberglass product. In most cases direct sunlight on a hot day can do in a pinch however a hot box with a higher temperature will also create a much stronger bond.

A specific resin I came across that is specifically designed for use in aquariums is Sweetwater Epoxy made by Aquatic Ecosystems Inc.

Another resin is Max ACR resin which can be purchased on Amazon.

While general purpose resin is used for the construction of many aquariums, it is also sanded down and in some cases painted.

The worry with a 3d rock aquarium wall made with fiberglass resin would be that since natural rock sediments are mixed in, there may be some potential for leaching.

In the coral video below, one fellow claims to have tested his fiberglass coral for 12 months without incident.

I have not yet tested  this out myself with real fish but have begun with putting a fiberglass rock in a water tank and will run a few tests in several months to see if the water quality has been affected.

Because most people will change out an aquariums rock wall background or fiberglass corals out every year or so, the chances of leaching are likely very small when the correct ratio of hardener to resin is used.

There is very low risk of leaching when used for reptile tanks as there is no water in the tank. However, you could risk creating a toxic environment for your lizards if there was to be humidity combined with improper curing techniques. In general, once fully cured, the resin can be assumed to be safe for use. To be on the safe side, you could opt to use a foam or rubber type material instead which can also be found and purchased on Amazon.

Sample of some of our fiberglass faux rock panels. The panels made using concrete GFRC are much heavier and thicker.

Making a small intricately designed rock mold and 3D rock background is not a difficult DIY project however it will cost more than simply purchasing one online at aqua-maniac.com

Faux Rock Panel Faux Rock Panel waterfallnow waterfallnow

How to measure aquarium in order to get 3d aquarium background – short video tutorial

NEW 3D BACKGROUND REVIEW – YOUR FEEDBACK NEEDED

Aquarium Decoration Tutorial: How to Make Custom Foam 3D Aquarium Backgrounds

DYI – 3D aquarium coral reef background (using fiberglass)

24 Mar 2014
Sticky Post By Posted in Artificial Rock Wall, Backyard Waterfall, Fiberglass, GFRC, Surrey, Vancouver Permalink

GFRC – Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Sticky Post By On March 24, 2014

WaterfallNow employs a similar method used in the production of many sinks, bathtubs, shower walls, and more. We utilize a blend of natural stone powders (to achieve the right pigment or texture for the application). We combine that with synthetic materials such as fiberglass (or fibreglass) to increase the strength multiple times over.

“Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete, also known as GFRC or GRC, is a type of fiber reinforced concrete. Glass fiber concretes are often used in exterior building façade panels or as architectural precast concrete. Somewhat similar materials are fiber cement siding and cement boards.” – Wiki

WaterfallNow has in the past utilized GFRC on applications for larger commercial projects but the price tag was often far too great for the average home owner.

Back in our landscaping days we noticed a large market for home owners who wanted a waterfall in their backyard. Often times we found that they settled on natural rock formations. We were the guys that people called to clean their green coloured ponds. Eventually they just told us to remove the pond and install fresh turf. This led us to believe that there had to be a better way.

We have tried all sorts of different methods for creating artificial rocks (believe me). Some of these methods might even remind some people of their grade school days… Think paper and styrofoam. Interestingly enough the styrofoam idea did work for a bit but we required something more scalable.

Eventually we turned to a lightweight and more ideal method of creating backyard waterfall features for our clients with fiberglass as the key ingredient. Each renovation project is a blank canvas for us to display our artwork.

This is not our video but this is what a GFRC Rock Panel typically looks like.

GFRC is much heavier than fiberglass and can be difficult to move once created. Our technique usually requires fiber materials, resins, chemical hardeners, natural stone powders, a mold, and some time.

You will see halfway through the video a sample of the rock mixture. This is the method WaterfallNow previously employed.

WaterfallNow’s rock panels have realistic rock textures

waterfallnow

Though the market for rock waterfalls is not yet as big in BC as in the US we know that overtime (just like our experience with artificial turf) we will create it. Moreover, we are positioning ourselves this year to make it a growing trend in Surrey. We look forward to partnering with others in the water features industry that are looking to spur this change in garden renovations.

Because our main market is for homeowners we had to find a different way that would offer more customization with half the cost to the client. We employ a method that is light enough to be cut or bent, strong enough to withstand natural elements, and looks better than the real thing. Perhaps in the future we will again employ GFRC if we get a request but it is no longer our focus.

There are many different variations for creating artificial rock panels and a wide variety of materials that can be used. In the end it all depends on what the client wants and exceeding their expectations to provide many great experiences.

 fiberglass rock panel

waterfall feature

Once you create some rock panels and begin putting them together, the possibilities are endless. This could potentially be a DIY project (at least half of the process).

Once the surrounding landscape is complete with plants, grass, trees, and lighting, this water feature will look very nice. Can be remote operated, moved to another location, and even painted to a different colour.

Want to showcase your yard with a beautiful waterfall feature? Call WaterfallNow

https://www.facebook.com/waterfallnow

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