3D in tank back ground !

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Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Mar 22, 2006
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Clinton Twp , MI
This will be a 1 to 2 week project . I did some back ground research and decided to go swing this way to complete my DIY 3-D back ground I'm in stage 2 rite now of a 5 stage project . So far I am happy with the way things are going , one thing I learned so far is there is no written manual on how this will work for U! I will keep the pic's and progress coming . At the end I will do A cool video with caption to enplane what I did and how you your self can pull this off probably under 50$ on a 180gallon tank ;)
so far I am only 28$ out of pocket and 4 hrs invested in time . This is a link I used to give me a helping hand to build the 3-D in tank background , But I NOTE: you need to use your imagination and NOTHING is in concrete (except your background) . I built this in 2 parts length ways to be able to get it into my already established tank , the beer can marked where it will rest together ... Finding the materials other that the foam will be easy , Fortunately I happen to live by a foam factory so the cost was way low . The tank stand and canopy are also DIY witch cost me around 150$

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Here is a up rite pic of the 3-D background , AND THE LINK THAT I USED TO HELP ME ALONG MY WAY : http://dramaticaquascapes.com/AS0004-1.html . I might not be as talented but I think this is going to turn out cool . The only problem I for see in the last stage is flotation dew to the foam , BUT I will handle that situation with helpful tips when the situation arises .

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Great project and primo job on the stand/canopy!I'm going to be following this thread because I might want to this myself.
 
I cemented the back of the (Background) , I don't know if this step is necessary but I believe it will help weigh the Styrofoam down in the watter . I used my hand to get the best mix on the cement . I only plan on doing the one coat of cement on the back side unless things in the near future steer me in another direction ... Like I mentioned this is going into a established tank (Step 5) . SO far all I have done is cut my foam use aquarium silicone to adhere it in my desired sculpture and added one layer of cement to the back side to help with buoyancy .NOTE: When u cement the foam it may want to take its own shape / bend ecx... so it is important to brace it somehow so when the cement dries its still in somewhat of the position u want it .

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This is in two pieces so that is will fit into a 24x24x72 tank with 2 braces on top a test fit has already been ran , The back ground pieces will shelf together one on op of the other .
 
2end layer of cement has been applied , some spots are dry already . This is turning into a 3 week project with how little time I get to dedicated towards it . ADVICE : use a more watter down coat for first application to give you a more adhering surface for the second coat to apply to ;).
This is a pretty tough project I hope it turns out alright and not ending up at the curb for pick up ...

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