Large DIY 3D Background - Durability and Advice

[ShanerBock888]

I'm about to install the viewing panel on a plywood tank I'm building and of course I started considering adding more work for myself by doing a DIY 3D background. Before I pull the trigger I wanted to get some advice from people that have experience or just know about this stuff.

My main concern is durability. For a couple years it will be housing an RTCxTSN and a TSN. I'm also considering adding a Giraffe Catfish. Basically, I'll have at least two large fish in this until they get moved into a pond, so I want to make sure that the background is going to last. The method I'm considering is the common method of styrofoam coated in cement. Do you think this will be durable enough? Is there something special I should do over it to harden it?

I also wanted to ask if there's anything else I need to keep in mind, or any methods, tips or tricks I should keep in mind.

Oh and the back panel is 86" x 36", side panels are 48" x 36". I'm not sure If I want to do 3 sides or just the back. Don't be afraid to tell me if you think it's too big of a first attempt, it's definitely a concern of mine.

Any help is appreciated

 

[pacu mom]

Consider using Polygem's Zoopoxy.
http://www.polygem.com/general-gallery

Many of the big boys in the industry use Polygem products for backgrounds and decorations. 307 Lite is waterproof, however, if you paint it, the paint needs to be sealed with a clear epoxy.

There are a lot of pics of creations and backgrounds made with Polygem in Jrt's tank builds thread.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/tank-builds-and-projects.551966/

 

[Egun1010]

I'm about to install the viewing panel on a plywood tank I'm building and of course I started considering adding more work for myself by doing a DIY 3D background. Before I pull the trigger I wanted to get some advice from people that have experience or just know about this stuff.

My main concern is durability. For a couple years it will be housing an RTCxTSN and a TSN. I'm also considering adding a Giraffe Catfish. Basically, I'll have at least two large fish in this until they get moved into a pond, so I want to make sure that the background is going to last. The method I'm considering is the common method of styrofoam coated in cement. Do you think this will be durable enough? Is there something special I should do over it to harden it?

I also wanted to ask if there's anything else I need to keep in mind, or any methods, tips or tricks I should keep in mind.

Oh and the back panel is 86" x 36", side panels are 48" x 36". I'm not sure If I want to do 3 sides or just the back. Don't be afraid to tell me if you think it's too big of a first attempt, it's definitely a concern of mine.

Any help is appreciated

I don't really think any project is to big as long as you got the money and the time to do the build

 

[ShanerBock888]

Consider using Polygem's Zoopoxy.
http://www.polygem.com/general-gallery

Many of the big boys in the industry use Polygem products for backgrounds and decorations. 307 Lite is waterproof, however, if you paint it, the paint needs to be sealed with a clear epoxy.

There are a lot of pics of creations and backgrounds made with Polygem in Jrt's tank builds thread.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/tank-builds-and-projects.551966/

great, thanks a lot. Never heard of it but seems like a great product. Will definitely be considering it

I don't really think any project is to big as long as you got the money and the time to do the build

very true, and next to the time and cost of the tank itself the background is nothing!

 

[Nathan P]

Aves Apoxie is another possibility for covering the background. The advantages of epoxies over cement are that they are very durable in relatively thin layers, they're easy to sculpt and shape, and they won't mess with your water chemistry. The only disadvantage is that they're pricey.

If you don't want to fool with painting and sealing, you can get Aves in different colors.

Definitely do some small trial pieces before jumping into the deep end with this project. Buy small quantities of the different materials you're considering and try out different techniques with them.

 

[ShanerBock888]

Definitely do some small trial pieces before jumping into the deep end with this project. Buy small quantities of the different materials you're considering and try out different techniques with them.

Yeah that's the plan. Going to be doing the background in 4-5 pieces, so will be doing one piece start to finish before I move on to the rest. That way if something isn't working I can change course. DIY stuff is like that, second time's the charm.

 

[pacu mom]

Read of lots of DIY bg fails with time using cement over the foam. If you are thinking of a permanent background, apply Pond Foam directly to the tank walls and then sculpt. Hopefully, we will finally be installing our background panels--foam panels covered with Polygem used as a canvas for our artist to paint a scene. I wish I had considered putting the Polygem directly on the acrylic tank walls, but then our 86 yr old artist would have had to climb into the tank to paint. I decided to put Polygem directly on the tank floor for a bare floor tank that doesn't look bare floor.

Two right side panels agains a back panel during fitting process before taking to the artist for painting.