This is a rundown of my first attempt to make a spray foam background. I have done styrofoam sheet and plastic cement backgrounds before and this is much easier. If you are looking for something different I hope this will give you some ideas.
I bought some white plastic light diffusers from Home Depot, they are in the lighting dept.
Next Aquarium Silicone.
Finally Handi Foam, this can be purchased from Dr. Fosters web site or sometimes at the LFS. I would get about 6 cans for a 125.
Rubber gloves (lots) this foam is messy and sticky.
First lay the tank on its side or even slightly propped up, say 25deg or so. Then attach the light diffuser to the back inside wall of your tank with the silicone. It is very simple to cut to size with a nippers.
After letting this dry for a day its time to apply the foam. It is a good idea to practice on something else before doing your tank.
I would recommend applying thin lines as it will triple in size. If your lines are more random, this will keep you from getting nice even lines. While it is wet you can manipulate the foam to add texture gently. Be careful it will dry fast and if played with too much becomes like a melted marshmellow. If sprayed fast it will not be such a nice smooth surface, but rough and cragged. The foam will expand to max size in about an 1-1:5 hours.
If the foam gets on the floor don't wipe it, just let it sit for a while and then it will scrape up in a glob. I have a small blob that smeared from wiping that is not coming off very nicely. Also the can will continue to ooze for 20 min after you stop spraying, so put something under it.
After it dries you can make hills, caves, ect. on top of the thinner back layer.
This is very easy to do and once set up in a salt tank the growth starts very quickly add a new dimension...
I bought some white plastic light diffusers from Home Depot, they are in the lighting dept.
Next Aquarium Silicone.
Finally Handi Foam, this can be purchased from Dr. Fosters web site or sometimes at the LFS. I would get about 6 cans for a 125.
Rubber gloves (lots) this foam is messy and sticky.
First lay the tank on its side or even slightly propped up, say 25deg or so. Then attach the light diffuser to the back inside wall of your tank with the silicone. It is very simple to cut to size with a nippers.
After letting this dry for a day its time to apply the foam. It is a good idea to practice on something else before doing your tank.
I would recommend applying thin lines as it will triple in size. If your lines are more random, this will keep you from getting nice even lines. While it is wet you can manipulate the foam to add texture gently. Be careful it will dry fast and if played with too much becomes like a melted marshmellow. If sprayed fast it will not be such a nice smooth surface, but rough and cragged. The foam will expand to max size in about an 1-1:5 hours.
If the foam gets on the floor don't wipe it, just let it sit for a while and then it will scrape up in a glob. I have a small blob that smeared from wiping that is not coming off very nicely. Also the can will continue to ooze for 20 min after you stop spraying, so put something under it.
After it dries you can make hills, caves, ect. on top of the thinner back layer.
This is very easy to do and once set up in a salt tank the growth starts very quickly add a new dimension...
