Is there any way I can make a nice 3d background from scratch? Searched on the forums but I was unable to come accross any tutorials.
DIY 3d background?
- Thread starter dragonsong
- Start date
I completed a search when I started doing my background a few months ago. There are quite a few postings relating to this online...just have to search a bit. In any event, here is a link to my posting which goes through the basics.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368364
Let me know if you have questions. It was actually a LOT easier than I thought it would be. Important thing is if you are using cement (as I did) you need to make sure you leave it soaking for a few weeks with multiple water changes.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368364
Let me know if you have questions. It was actually a LOT easier than I thought it would be. Important thing is if you are using cement (as I did) you need to make sure you leave it soaking for a few weeks with multiple water changes.
Thanks for the linkruggles531;4911062; said:
I really like how your's came out! Few Q's though, how do you tint the cement? And are there any alternatives to using cement to cover it?
I picked up some cement tint from Home Depot. I can't remember the brand, but they had 3 or four different colours that you mixed in with the cement.
Some people use epoxy instead of cement but I found that cement was much cheaper to work with. The drawback is the cure time.
Some people use epoxy instead of cement but I found that cement was much cheaper to work with. The drawback is the cure time.
Quikcrete make liquid tints.
Some people use Latex Base DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer instead of cement. You paint it on. You can sprinkle sand on the wet base coat if you want for texture. I haven't used it, but I think it's tintable.
Some people use Latex Base DRYLOK Masonry Waterproofer instead of cement. You paint it on. You can sprinkle sand on the wet base coat if you want for texture. I haven't used it, but I think it's tintable.
This is similar to the one posted by ruggles
http://www.sydneycichlid.com/fishtank-background.htm
For this one the guy actually cut out pieces of styrofoam and stuck them back on afterwards. Looks like you can make more bulges with this method and maybe hide stuff behind the background. But it does seem more difficult and time consuming, plus it will take up a bit more tank space. Idk just my two cents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es76DnaQDwI
http://www.sydneycichlid.com/fishtank-background.htm
For this one the guy actually cut out pieces of styrofoam and stuck them back on afterwards. Looks like you can make more bulges with this method and maybe hide stuff behind the background. But it does seem more difficult and time consuming, plus it will take up a bit more tank space. Idk just my two cents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es76DnaQDwI