3d background... other than styrofoam?

[traumajeff]

i've seen a bunch of different DIY backgrounds on here. most were styro. some with PVC, egg crate, slate...

my question: anybody use anything like fiberglass or a rubber "mold" type of set-up? i'm trying to brainstorm materials to use. trying to keep it light and thin.

i'm not up for the whole carving, crete, paint, and cure involved in a styro DIY. i was going to paint the back black, but i really like the 3d look!

 

[syndicate]

if u couldnt be bother putting the effort in why not just buy one

http://www.aquaterra-intl.com/gallery.html

 

[traumajeff]

if u couldnt be bother putting the effort in why not just buy one

http://www.aquaterra-intl.com/gallery.html

umm... ok.

i want to make one. that's the whole point of this post. i'm looking for something other than a styrofoam background though. i've got a 84Lx32H tank... 2 things limit my purchase of a pre-fab one. 1: the height of my tank... haven't found any this tall. 2: price...

i've thought about using something like the faux rocks that are used to cover outdoor speakers, or something similar from a craft store or hardware store.

 

[thepede]

Purchasing prefabs are pricing, I've looked. To keep it thin, so you don't compromise water volume, try resins and fiberglass, my brother works with these but they may be harder to find. you don't need a lot of protruding rocks, etc., just the look of it and this can be accomplished with the resins. Unfortunately, like with the concrete, each has its curing time and expense, but it will be the way YOU want it. good luck

 

[traumajeff]

i kinda think something like this would be cool to.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Moss-Wall-Mesh-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a48b96be5

 

[FSM]

Get a sheet of insulation styrofoam (extruded polystyrene, 8x4' costs $10)

Make your design and coat it in drylock ($20 per gallon)

throw some sand/rocks on it, maybe stick some driftwood branches in.

No need for concrete.

 

[thepede]

the greenery is pretty cool AND original, not to mention inexpensive (notice i didn't say cheap...there is a difference). Keep in mind the inevitible algae...does it look nicer on plants or on rock type backgrounds?

 

[Just Prince]

You don't even have to dry lock it. Textured Krylon Fusion or GE I and sand or coco bark.

 

[Cakilla]

if he used that texured krylon fusion paint would it contaminate the wate ? I really do not know .