I have used parafin wax to create water, or at least that is what I think it is. Because I was looking for a cheap way to create water when I came across this water system that uses these wax "cakes" and some of these coloring pelets. Also it came with this bottle of what I believe to be gloss-cote. I have tried it and it works prety good. Just make sure that you have a good seal on your corners. You could probobly get some wax and pour it and then maybe paint over it with some glossy paint. But that won't show much depth especialy along the banks. But its cheap and it should work.