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Are you a DIY enthusiast with a love for aquatic life? If so, creating a watertight aquarium using Rubberizeit liquid rubber is an exciting project that combines practical skills with the joy of customizing your underwater world. This blog post will guide you through the steps of waterproofing your aquarium using liquid rubber, a method that is both effective and long-lasting.

Why Liquid Rubber?

Liquid rubber is a popular choice for aquarium waterproofing due to its durability, flexibility, and non-toxic properties when cured. It forms a seamless, watertight barrier that can withstand the pressure of the water and the wear and tear of aquarium life.

Materials Needed:

1. Liquid rubber coating
2. Paintbrush or roller
3. Clean cloths
4. Sandpaper (fine-grit)
5. Protective gloves
6. Masking tape
7. Aquarium-safe cleaner

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Empty and Clean the Aquarium: Begin by emptying your aquarium. Clean the interior thoroughly with an aquarium-safe cleaner to remove any algae, dirt, or residues. It’s crucial that the surface is immaculate for the liquid rubber to adhere properly.

2. Sand the Surface: Lightly sand the interior surfaces of the aquarium with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates a slightly rough texture, improving the adhesion of the liquid rubber. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust.

3. Mask Off Areas: Use masking tape to cover any areas where you don’t want the liquid rubber applied, such as the top edges, outer sides, or any fittings.

4. Apply the Liquid Rubber: Put on your protective gloves. Stir the liquid rubber thoroughly before application. Using a paintbrush or roller, apply a thin, even coat of liquid rubber to all the interior surfaces of the aquarium. Be sure to cover every nook and cranny for a watertight seal.

5. Let it Cure: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time. Typically, it takes about 24 hours for the first coat to dry. Avoid rushing this process, as proper curing is key to ensuring a waterproof seal.

6. Apply Second Coat: For added durability, apply a second coat of liquid rubber after the first coat has fully dried. This ensures a more robust and long-lasting waterproof barrier.

7. Final Curing: Allow the second coat to dry and cure thoroughly. This could take several days, depending on the product and environmental conditions.

8. Inspect and Test: Once fully cured, inspect the coating for any missed spots or imperfections. Fill the aquarium with a small amount of water and leave it for a day to test for leaks.

9. Set Up Your Aquarium: If the waterproofing is successful and there are no leaks, you can proceed to set up your aquarium as usual.

Safety Tips:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear protective gloves and possibly a mask, especially if you are sensitive to chemical smells.
• Follow all safety instructions provided by the liquid rubber manufacturer.

Waterproofing your aquarium with liquid rubber is a rewarding project that enhances the longevity and safety of your aquatic habitat. With the right preparation and application, you can create a watertight, durable aquarium that will be home to your aquatic pets for years to come. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions for the best results. Happy DIY-ing!

This guide is a great starting point for anyone looking to waterproof their aquarium themselves. It’s always recommended to do further research and consult with professionals if you have any doubts or specific requirements for your aquarium setup.

DURA-RUBBER – CONCRETE BASEMENT APPLICATIONS

It is always best to waterproof your foundation from the outside with that not always possible Dura-Rubber is an excellent option for water & damp-proof coating for basements. You can follow the general application over concrete instructions below with a few added steps specific to basements. 

Un-like a pond that you are trying to keep the water in and you have the pressure of the water working to push the coating to the concrete. A basement you are trying to keep water out and fighting the pressure of the water to push the coating away from the concrete.

If the water is coming in under pressure the best fix is to re-rout the water or relieve the water pressure with a weep hole and plumb the water to a drain of sump before applying any coating.

The concrete needs to be clean. We found the best way to clean the mold and grease off the concrete was with steam. We hired a carpet cleaning service to clean the floors and walls. This did an excellent job of cleaning without adding more moisture to the concrete that water and a scrub brush would add.

To apply the Dura-Rubber the concrete needs to be dry. We recommend below 10% moisture content with 7% being the target. The application photos on this page the moisture content of the walls is between 12-15% on the high side. The way we made this work was to heat up the room and use a dehumidifier to dry out the room. We applied a thin coat of the waterproof primer this will keep the water in the thick coats of Dura-Rubber adding to the moisture content of the concrete. Let primer coat dry 24 hours before applying Dura-Rubber allow 24 hours between coats of Dura-Rubber.

If you have some water seeping between the walls and floor, we recommend using the reinforcement fabric. You can also use it on cracks and small holes. 

If the walls have pitting, you could get some cracking in the coating do to the water in the Dura-Rubber trying to escape during the drying process. Let dry for 24hr and touch us with Dura-rubber and a brush.