Build a better aquarium plant

Aquarium decorations are ridiculously expensive.  In this Instructable, I use hydraulic cement and some scraps of aquarium gravel to make a base and turn a cheap-o aquarium plant into a better plant that would cost a lot more at the store.

Step 1 Collect Supplies

1. 1 cheap-o aquarium plant
2. a few handfuls of aquarium gravel (optional)
3. hydraulic cement
4. a small tub to mix cement in
5. latex gloves
6. plastic wrap to protect your work surface

COSTS:

• The plant in this Instructable was $1.99 plus tax. (I also got a pack of four large and small plants for $10.99, which I used for a couple of larger arrangements.)
• The gravel was free in my case because I have lots on hand.
• Where I live you can get a whole 20lb container of hydraulic cement for $12.00. I used about a pound for this project, so $0.60 worth of cement.
• I used a recycled tub to mix cement in, so it was free in this case.
• Where I live a box of 100 latex gloves costs $8.00 at the hardware store, so I used $0.16 worth of gloves.
• The cost of the plastic wrap is negligible in this case.

Grand total of 1.99 + .60 + .16 + 8% tax  = $2.97 approximately.  Comparable plants at my pet store cost at least $8 and up. 


WARNING: DO NOT RINSE HYDRAULIC CEMENT DOWN THE DRAIN!  Even just small amounts will collect down there and harden a little bit at a time until the plumbing is completely ruined.

• To protect my plumbing, I use disposable gloves to work with the cement.  If I get any of it on my skin, I wipe off all that I can using a paper towel.  Then, I wait for whatever is left on my hands to dry completely and brush off all that I can remove that way.  Finally after I've removed every bit that is possible, I wash my hands in a utility sink with a deep trap so if it ever does collect in there, replacing the pipe will not be too difficult or expensive. 

How to mix hydraulic cement: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-mix-hydraulic-cement-for-sculpting/

Comments

[kwh1]

how much cement would u use 4 this ?

[burn317]

great idea! I've been having so much trouble keeping my fake plants in place when I clean my grave.
Thanks!

[sbrown1]

agreeed !!

[Kobun]

Yeah, you want good looking plants in your tank full of dead fish. :p

Is the cement safe for fish, particularly scaleless fish? I've read metals are dangerous to fish, so I'd think that the iron and such in cement could pose a risk here.