3-D background

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Adam-011

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 24, 2008
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Hampton VA
I am thinking of making a 3-D background for my 75.
I want to get a sheet of styrofoam silicone it to the back, then cut another one in shapes of rocks to layer onto the other sheet of styrofoam. Then cover the whole thing in cement. Has anyone ever done this? If so can I see some pictures maybe the steps of how u did it?
 
I've heard of two ways to build a 3D background. The first used styrofoam and they cut caves and such into it, then painted it and siliconed it into the aquarium.

The second one used the Great Foam that's made to insulate plumbing. It comes in a spray can and its made to expand and fill whatever you're insuating. The trick with that one was to do it a layer at a time and give it time to dry between each layer. This one ends up looking more like a mudbank.
 
I think I am going to do somthing like that second link, just cut out styrofoam shapes and cover the whole thing in cement then silicone it to the tank. I am not going to worrie about coloring the cement. But we will find out soon enough, I think I am going to run by home depot tomorrow and pick up the supplies.
 
I WAS THINKING ABOUT DOING THE SAME. I did a back drop out of expanding foam, carved into desired shapes. then covered it with grout and sand to add even deeper texture. then also watered down black paint and poured it all over the back drop the dark very thin paint will show all the "highs and lows" for a lack of a better word. but why i chimed in is because how do you seal it so that it wouldnt be harmfull to the fish and to increase the longevity of the design.
 
You can use an epoxy grout that would require no sealing, use regular portland concrete and leave it in a tub to leach changing the water every day as you shower around it and refill (this is what i tried but I used to much Styrofoam and could not get my caves to sink all the way and did not want to try and silicone they into an acrylic tank), or you could get an epoxy resin at an local hardware store and put it over the top. I am going to try and do a background but this time use the foam as a mold so it is pure concrete and will not have any sinking issues. Oh and do the tub thing again it worked out pretty well.
 
sssoooo.... let me get this straight. All you need to do is cut out styrofoam to whatever template you like... then just fill it over with quickrete?

That sounds easy enough... I might just give it a try. Is it really that easy or am I missing something... lol
 
It is that easy; silicone pieces of styrofoam onto another thinner styrofoam sheet. make sure everything drys between coats including silicone. do about 3 coats of concrete, each time a bit thicker; the first should be thin and watery to fill in any gaps and pores. Use alot of silicone gluing it together and to tank back; theres an incredible amount of pressure to become bouyant with even 1" thick; have fun and be creative
 
I actually picked up the supplies today. I cut styrofoam into rock shaped peices and siliconed them to a sheet the size of my tank. Hopfully tomorrow I can begin to layer on cement. I am going to apply the cement with a paint brush. I am taking alot of pictures and hopfully this turns out good lol.
 
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