1st try at DIY background

[Alasse]

I've had a spare 3ft tank laying around for a while that i've been planning to do something with for ages. Well, today i finally started the project. Unsure how long it will take, but i'll definately update as more is done.

So your more than welcome to trip through with me, wether it turns out well or not. All trials and tribulations will be documented LOL

26th January 2010

Cut the backing piece (what the 'rocks' are sitting on in pic), to tank size, doubled foam to give a bit more strength.

Started layering foam and shaping some of the 'rocks' (these are not in their final places)

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i124/Alasse_au/3ft%20facelift/Foam26thJan10.jpg

***I've really enjoyed doing this so far....though i will warn you.....the shaping makes a REAL big mess...thankfully my family are tolerant and my vacuum works well *LOL*

[Scrup]

looks good! you planning on using spray foam?

[Alasse]

Thanx Scrup :)

I havent decided wether to use spray foam as yet.

[HeatherB]

You better invest in a shop vac! I HATE sytrofoam! But I'm anxious to see how this goes. It would be fun to build- kinda like the volcano I had to make one time outta foam.

[Scrup]

One thing you could consider (may be a little late now) is building in spots for your equipment to hide it from view. What kind of filtration are you planning on using? You wont be able to use a HOB if the background is too thick, unless you plan for it.

[Alasse]

A HOB wont work for this tank. I'm planning on it not being completely filled with water (about 1/3 filled), so will probably use a small internal. Dunno still thinking about filtration logistics

[Scrup]

What are planning on coating it with once the styrofoam is the way you like it?

[Alasse]

It will be coated with layers of a mix of concrete render & hydrocrete. Then top coated with a mix of render, hydrocrete and cement colours :)

[Alasse]

Been a while, tis going slowly as i can only get to it when i have a fair bit of time.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i124/Alasse_au/3ft%20facelift/3ft21Aug2010.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i124/Alasse_au/3ft%20facelift/3ft22Aug2010.jpg

Its now been put away again for a bit til i can get some Hydrocrete, been having some probs getting my hands on some

[Lady Hobbs]

You can do a lot of your shapes with the concrete and save yourself cutting so many tiny rock pieces. I think you're going to have a hard time getting the concrete in between all those tiny cracks but it's coming along well.

[korith]

Looks good. I been working on one on the deck outside for a 20g long. The worst thing about styrofoam projects is the static cling that makes the stuff cling to you and everything else. Will probably be using quikrete.

[Alasse]

Cant make solid shapes from the concrete mix (for the reason below)Shouldn't be too hard to paint, the concrete mix is fairly runny, so it should flow on relatively easy.

Picking foam from places foam shouldnt have been has become part of life in this house *LOL*

[Alasse]

**Sorry pics are missing, cant edit to fix links

Been 12 months and still havent finished this *LOL* One day i'll get around to it i spose

[Alasse]

The pics that are missing

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee514/BecLeeFotos/Fish%20Tanks/Background/Foam26thJan10.jpg

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee514/BecLeeFotos/Fish%20Tanks/Background/3ft21Aug2010.jpg

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee514/BecLeeFotos/Fish%20Tanks/Background/3ft22Aug2010.jpg

[billy3]

Very cool, looks great so far! I recently got done with my own DIY background and I could not be happier. It did take about 4 months to balance my pH as a consequence of using quickrete. Of course after I applied my last layer of concrete I read about others coating it with epoxy which either eliminates or quickens the process of balancing the pH. I would encourage looking into it as waiting is never too much fun after putting so much time into it. Keep up the good work!

[Alasse]

Its going to be a frog tank, only filled to about halfway. The tank cannot ever be fully filled as it is slightly bowed due to a missing brace

The wait doesnt worry me, waited 12 months so far *L*