DIY styrofoam background + rocks

the_deeb

Blue Tier VIP
MFK Member
Apr 22, 2006
1,089
404
397
NYC
Ok, time for some updates.

I'm recommissioning the stand from my old 40g for this setup. The stand is also DIY and I don't think I've ever posted pics of it so I thought I'd include some pics of the construction.

It's a pretty simple design. I was going for the smooth lines of the ADA-style tanks but wanted wood grain.

Here are the top and bottom frames made from 1X4s:
P1020311.JPG

Sides are 3/4" birch plywood:
P1020314.JPG

Additional 1X4 struts up the side for extra support of the top frame.
P1020323.JPG

Additional back vertical and horizontal pieces added to the back for shear support
P1020519.JPG

And here's the completed stand
P1050820.JPG

P1020311.JPG

P1020314.JPG

P1020323.JPG

P1020519.JPG

P1050820.JPG
 

Tstone

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 2, 2012
265
0
0
United States
Is the drylok fish safe? Like could that be used to waterproof an aquarium?
 

the_deeb

Blue Tier VIP
MFK Member
Apr 22, 2006
1,089
404
397
NYC
Drylok is fish safe but I wouldn't use it to waterproof a plywood tank. I've seen a couple of failed drylok plywood builds. There were a few sections near the top of my paludarium where I used drylok to seal the wood and they started molding and rotting after a few months (and that wasn't even submerged, just high humidity).

Apparently it works better if you put a layer of concrete backer board on top of the plywood and then apply the Drylok over that, but at that point it's probably no longer cheaper. For waterproofing plywood tanks I would stick with the tried and tested epoxy or a liquid rubber product.

See this thread that I wrote a couple of years ago: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?356641-How-to-waterproof-a-plywood-aquarium
 

apisto

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 7, 2009
194
2
16
Cork, Ireland
very nice job. It looks like the tank sits directly on those 4x1s. I would put plywood between the stand. That makes for a better weight distribution. Maybe even add some foam like a camping mat or styrofoam
 

anarekist

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Apr 4, 2011
2,177
9
38
Los Angeles
with 65 gallons i wouldnt worry. awesome tank and setup btw. cant wait to see the stock.
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store