How to Make Hard Gravel Bases for Plastic Aquarium Plants

Plastic plants offer some advantages over live plants when you decorate your aquarium. They don't die or break off and plug up your filter. If they are well anchored, they will remain where you place them and maintain a well-kept appearance. Unfortunately, most aquarium plants are equipped with cheap plastic bases that are difficult to anchor securely in the loose gravel on the bottom of your aquarium. You can eliminate that problem by making your own gravel bases for your plants. By using the same gravel you currently have in your tank, the bases will become virtually invisible.

Things You'll Need

  • Epoxy
  • Hardener
  • Empty tin can
  • Mixing stick
  • Silicone rubber muffin pan
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Gravel
  • Plastic aquarium plant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on your rubber gloves and pour the epoxy and hardener into a clean, empty tin can.

    • 2

      Stir the epoxy and hardener slowly and thoroughly with a mixing stick. Stirring the epoxy too quickly will cause it to foam. Foaming the epoxy will give it a milky appearance that will not clear as it dries.

    • 3

      Rub a light coat of petroleum jelly on the inside of a cup in your muffin pan. The petroleum jelly will assure an easy release once the base has dried.

    • 4

      Fill the muffin cup with clean, dry aquarium gravel.

    • 5

      Remove the plastic base from your aquarium plant. Insert the base of the plant into the center of the filled muffin cup.

    • 6

      Pour enough epoxy over the gravel to thoroughly wet all of the gravel and the base of the plant. Filling the cup entirely with epoxy will result in a clear disk with gravel embedded in it rather than a graveled base. Once all the gravel has been coated with epoxy, stop pouring.

    • 7

      Allow the epoxy to dry for at least 24-hours before removing your plant base from the mold.