Fimo?

[Matt]

Just wondering is baked Fimo is safe to use in a tank?

[GoGuppy]

Just wondering is baked Fimo is safe to use in a tank?[/b]

G'day Matt

I understand from a short google session that Fimo is a brand of polymer clay. Wikepedia states that these are not real clays, but actually (Quote:" ... contain a basis of PVC and one or more of several kinds of liquid plasticizer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasticizer) to keep it soft until cured. Small amounts of kaolin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaolin) or white china clay are added as an opaquing agent to some colors. Others remain more translucent and can be left without pigment, or pigments can be added. Mica is also added in some colors by some brands....... Today's clays are non flammable and certified as non-toxic art supplies. ........ Polymer clay hardens by curing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curing) at temperatures created in a typical home oven (generally at 265 to 275 °F (129 to 135 °C), for 15 minutes per 1/4" (6 mm) of thickness), and does not shrink or change texture during the process. When properly cured, most clays create items which won't break if dropped or normally stressed. It also comes in liquid form and in permanently flexible solid form, as well as speciality formulations such as eraser clay and glow-in-the-dark clay. A piece may have additional layers or enhancements added to it, and re-cured with no ill effect. As long as the maximum curing temperature is not exceeded, there is no limit to the number of times a piece can be re-cured.........Polymer clay is available in many colors. Special-effect colors such as translucent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Translucent), glow-in-the-dark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glow-in-the-dark), mica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mica)-containing "metallics," and "stone" colors are also available. Clays can be mixed together to create new colors, gradient blends, or other effects....

Polymer clay can be colored with other media. Paint, ink, colored pencil, chalk, metallic (mica-containing) powder, metallic leaf (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Metallic_leaf&action=edit) and foil, glitter, and embossing powder can be applied to the surface. The same materials also can be mixed in as inclusions; this is often done with translucent clay. When acrylic paint is cured onto the surface, it forms a permanent bond with the surface.

After it has cured, the clay surface can be left as is, sanded and buffed, or finished with a varnish." Unquote).



Sorry Matt, I'm sure you're familiar with the material Fimo, but many forum members may not be... :wink: .

Given the above, I would be hesitant to use it in an aquarium, as some of the additives (particlarly the colourings, metallics and chalk) may dissolve or leach into the tank water. You could of course coat the item with epoxy paint (preferably a marine grade) that is then cured for at least a week before placing it in the tank. :biggrin: .

Cheers

[Matt]

Thanks for that. Maybe I'll look into the epoxy paint you mentioned. What mould-able materials do people usually use in aquariums? Anything apart from clay?

[joz]

Just for curiousity,what are you wanting to do? :)

[volenti]

Well it appears that the basic clay would be safe and it's just the flash additives that could be toxic, presumably you want to build caves and stuff then the additives you would mix into it would be natural sand/gravel ect, I don't see any issues with that, may have a look into it myself...

[Matt]

Just for curiousity,what are you wanting to do? :)[/b]

Nothing specific yet, but I thouhgt it could be good for caves, ledges etc. Also, my wife likes the idea of themed tanks so it could be helpful there.

[GoGuppy]

Nothing specific yet, but I thouhgt it could be good for caves, ledges etc. Also, my wife likes the idea of themed tanks so it could be helpful there.[/b]

Hi Matt

As Volenti said, just the basic Fimo clay without additives and colouring maybe OK for the tank, but I don't know what colour is then is. For caves and ledges, you may be able cover it with fine aquarium grade gravel, either before it dries, or if you do decide to use an epoxy paint then you could try to use this as a glue for the gravel. I haven't tried this, just a thought, so who knows it may work??

Let us know how you go. Cheers.