DIY 3D aquarium background

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Slipperypete

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 7, 2012
175
2
18
Fort worth
I am trying to create a 3D background for a new 220g tank. Here is my problem. I was going to do the styrofoam method that you cover with concrete and had it all planned out until..... I REALIZED HOW F'N EXPENSIVE STYROFOAM IS. So... I did a little research and found the egg create and spray foam method. But I'm not too sure if thats going to work for what i want. I am looking to make a big tree trunk and lots of roots for the south american look I am going for. So what do you guys think? Also can you cover the spray foam with concrete like you would the styrofoam method?
 
I am trying to create a 3D background for a new 220g tank. Here is my problem. I was going to do the styrofoam method that you cover with concrete and had it all planned out until..... I REALIZED HOW F'N EXPENSIVE STYROFOAM IS. So... I did a little research and found the egg create and spray foam method. But I'm not too sure if thats going to work for what i want. I am looking to make a big tree trunk and lots of roots for the south american look I am going for. So what do you guys think? Also can you cover the spray foam with concrete like you would the styrofoam method?

it is cheaper than spray, i have done both but dont use it anymore due to having the silicone it to the bottom or wall to hold it and then cant remove it to clean or rearrange it. i use large diameter pvc pipe. i cut it length wise and then into sections, then use a heat gun to soften and make it moldable and then shape them, then you can either chem weld together like you would normally or use the aquarium water weld epoxy, let it cure and then use the skim coats to texture and further shape. then it stays put, no silicone to wait for so you can make and install in a running tank and you can remove it if needed.
i will try and get soe pics together of the few background/center caves systems i have made and the large recirc gravel vaccum setups i made and use.
 
that looks great man. but those sheets are 11 bucks each. and i was wanting to have a big tree trunk come out of the background with roots. more of an amazon look.
 
I've just been saving scraps from shipments from online orders and picking up huge chunks I saw in the street. Almost all of these are the spray in form Styrofoam that are made of small beads that stick together when forming a shape. I plan to go over whatever I come up with something that will seal in the structure in a waterproof, non-toxic manner.
 
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