3d backgrounds.

[Eron]

These are some of the stumps I've made using the fiberglass method

 

[PhysicsDude]

I used foam and concrete. If you're going for a "rocky" look, I'd go with concrete and then cover it with epoxy or whathave you. Otherwise it might be hard to get a realistic texture IMO.

I didn't use any sealant, just concrete (mortar actually), and have had no issues.

Foam


A few layers of dyed concrete


finished display


How it looks a year later

 

[Eron]

That really looks good. I've made some concrete back grounds. Does the concrete dye effect the fish any?

 

[Eron]

I used foam and concrete. If you're going for a "rocky" look, I'd go with concrete and then cover it with epoxy or whathave you. Otherwise it might be hard to get a realistic texture IMO.

I didn't use any sealant, just concrete (mortar actually), and have had no issues.

Foam


A few layers of dyed concrete


finished display


How it looks a year later

actually the pic of the stump I posted is the resin over concrete. Has a glossy fake look.

 

[Eron]

This is actually half of the back ground I'm currently wrkn on for my 150 low boy. Should have the other half done by the weekend so I can install it. Ready to get this puppy up and going.

 

[PhysicsDude]

That really looks good. I've made some concrete back grounds. Does the concrete dye effect the fish any?

I've read that people have mixed sand into the epoxy to give a more textured look. Haven't tried it myself though. I did have some great results mixing aquarium gravel and black sand into mortar to give a "wall of dirt" look:



The dye doesn't affect the fish at all, and I don't think it ever leeched, although I don't have a way to confirm that because my driftwood leeched a lot for ~6 months.

 

[pacu mom]

Polygem makes Zoopoxy, a safe epoxy for fish/animals. They also sell a clear epoxy for sealing the painted finished work.

http://www.polygem.com/general-gallery


jrt and his crew use it in their tank builds/setups.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/tank-builds-and-projects.551966/page-14


This product is used by the pros in the industry, including a tank builder with a TV show. This is the product I would use. Many of the MFK foam/cement builds have failed over time....I suspect probably due to how the background was sealed or not sealed.

 

[tomojsg]

Polygem makes Zoopoxy, a safe epoxy for fish/animals. They also sell a clear epoxy for sealing the painted finished work.

http://www.polygem.com/general-gallery


jrt and his crew use it in their tank builds/setups.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/tank-builds-and-projects.551966/page-14


This product is used by the pros in the industry, including a tank builder with a TV show. This is the product I would use. Many of the MFK foam/cement builds have failed over time....I suspect probably due to how the background was sealed or not sealed.

+1 this is the real deal! but not cheap, like they say you get what you pay for
and this is quality stuff.

ive seen lots of diy builds/projects that never get sealed or is sealed improperly
which is probably the reason why most fail over time.

 

[SingAlongWithTsing]

Polygem makes Zoopoxy, a safe epoxy for fish/animals. They also sell a clear epoxy for sealing the painted finished work.

http://www.polygem.com/general-gallery


jrt and his crew use it in their tank builds/setups.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/tank-builds-and-projects.551966/page-14


This product is used by the pros in the industry, including a tank builder with a TV show. This is the product I would use. Many of the MFK foam/cement builds have failed over time....I suspect probably due to how the background was sealed or not sealed.

what color does it become when it dries? light grayish?

 

[pacu mom]

A light tan. It can then be painted with acrylic paints and then painted with a clear epoxy coating. You can see all the things that jrt and he crew make with it. The Polygem gallery also has great pictures.