Qn: How to rid the 'greasy' stuff off Styrofoam backing

[Nicky]

I got my hands on some black styrofoam backing for tanks. They are the generic and cheap type, not those expensive branded type.

My hand feels 'greasy' after holding them. And also notice some small 'beads' of foams actually stick on my hands.

Qn:
- Do you wash off the 'greasy' feel before introducing the board to your tank? How? With soap? (I tried using detergent but the 'greasy' feel remains)

- How about the loose small beads of foams? How do you rid them? Do you let it float to the surface and make the surface skimmer does its job?

Thanks.

[sherchoo]

MIne shuold be the same styro but no greasy feel. Probably a contaminent or they wax it. Give it a wash but make sure it properly rinsed if soap water is used.

[tawauboy]

try pouring hot water on the styrofoam.
however, try on a small patch at a corner first.
take more than boiling water to melt styrofoam but you never know.

[DEA]

nicky
is the styrofoam the black colour one that you get in 2 pieces (2x1.5) and readily available?
i have it in my tanks and have never noticed the symptoms you mentioned

[Nicky]

Yah DEA, the type I got are the 2-pc-pack for about S$20.

Surely I cannot be so damn unlucky to get all 4 pcs 'greasy'.. But have you noticed that after holding the board, your hands seemed rather 'water-proof'?

[sherchoo]

Could it be wax? If it's oil, there should be a layer oil if you collect the water you rinse the styrofoam with.

[loupgarou]

well, ignore it, seems to be a residue of the sytrofoam itself. (maybe to prevent it from sticking onthe mould?)

ocean free brand doesn't have that feeling but its silvergrey in color so quite unnatural.

the other brand i'm using is pure black but its waxy/greasy.) but no surface oil