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Hello All!

I am getting a sizeable aquarium for my game room at the house and want to put together a battle diorama made with 40k models. However, I am not sure what would be best to seal the models for the safety of the very small fish and the integrity of the models. Thanks!

any clear polyeurethene varnish should be ok, provided you ensure it is molluscicide free!

I'd paint it on too to ensure it gets everywhere

You might even encase the whole thing in some sort of clear plastic bubble so you cant get any algea growing in the crevices on the minis.

Dont know which materials are safe for animals to live around though.

Dip them in a polyurethane varnish. Shake them off. Let fully cure (at least a week).

Most polyurethanes are fine for aquarium use (just avoid exterior varnishes as they often have anti-fungal and algaecides to keep the wood looking clean).

Dipping ensures complete coverage, shaking it off should prevent any areas of excessively high build up. I have never done it with miniatures, but I have done it with other models and it works just fine.

ID test it first with a spare mini.

I have a feeling it might look weird if the coat is tooo think as well the way the light might refract.

I own tropical fish, one thing to be sure of is to leave it in the sun for a while after varnishing. When you take them out to clean it also put them in the sun for a while.

I normally "sundry" ornaments for 3 days before adding them back into the tank or fresh from the store. Its generally recommended from my Fiancees boss who owns a pet store. I have noticed less deaths in my tank since this has been implemented.

I wouldn't worry about refraction if it is going to be fully submerged to be honest - I'd be kind-of tempted to do the dome suggestion by wurrkop personally though.