Floating raft system question
 

A couple of questions regarding the styrofoam used in this type of system. Is there a "good" foam versus a "bad" type of foam? My thinking is related to possible chemical degradation of the foam from UV, age or ??? Would a normal home center have, or art supply store? Thanks in advance.

Like in most things UV degrades most things, but any Styrofoam that is UV resistant is likely to be expensive. But I have never herd of any problems using regular home Styrofoam insulation, in fact the Styrofoam around one of the trash cans I used as a reservoir last summer has been sitting outside in direct sunlight all year and has no discoloration from UV yet. If you were worried I would just use a spray adhesive and line the top with a white plastic trash can bag. Personally I would not even bother. Even if I was worried, as the plants grow they will shade the top of the Styrofoam anyway. I get my Styrofoam from the local home improvement stores, they use it for home insulation. Here it comes in 1/2 inch, 1 inch, and 2 inch thick sheets.

Thanks for your reply.

I use to grow like this all the time. i used styrafoam that they package meats on at the super market. lots of styles from plates to cups to bowls. i also use to make floating islands out of expanding foam and foaming in net pots. they do this for huge islands for ponds.