My New Background build...concrete or not??

[kevinfleming21]

this sweet, giving me ideas for a background on my next tank!

 

[we4wieners]

Just slopped some concrete on....letting it dry and will repeat later tonight or tomorrow. Want it complete;y cured before proceeding to thte next coat.







will post some pics tonight when dry.

 

[JK47]

You know what would make this thread next level is to post how long it takes to DIY and cost of materials so people can compare looks, price and effort over buying one online. I didn't trust myself to build one so I took the easy road. I still wouldn't mind doing a comparison thread one day though. Nice job so far, your design looks like one of the better ones I've seen!

(for paint, I would paint straight on dabbing with a brush similar to the old shaving cream brushes, it willl look more natural for the final colors because of being broken up. Light over dark. drop me a PM if you want me to grab some pics of my backghround colors close up for inspiration)

 

[MonsterChef]

Make sure to spray it with water or a damp rag on the concrete to help not cracking.

 

[we4wieners]

You know what would make this thread next level is to post how long it takes to DIY and cost of materials so people can compare looks, price and effort over buying one online. I didn't trust myself to build one so I took the easy road. I still wouldn't mind doing a comparison thread one day though. Nice job so far, your design looks like one of the better ones I've seen!

(for paint, I would paint straight on dabbing with a brush similar to the old shaving cream brushes, it willl look more natural for the final colors because of being broken up. Light over dark. drop me a PM if you want me to grab some pics of my backghround colors close up for inspiration)

I will do that this evening...break down total cost, time, and level of difficulty. In regards to the paint I will drylok the concrete so it doesn't leach and then dab and texture paint the entire thing. That is what I CAN NOT do...paint. No talent!!

 

[we4wieners]

Make sure to spray it with water or a damp rag on the concrete to help not cracking.

Got a spray bottle right next to it...youre right though !!

 

[MonsterChef]

I did a quicky test 20gl just playing around.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=351869

 

[keni]

its good that you decided to do the concrete. the spray paint on the foam without concrete will cause the paint to melt the foam and destroy your hard work. i would make shure there is enough coats to seal it good. also the krylon fusion paint is safe to use...

 

[we4wieners]

I am going to apply 2-3 more thin coats of concrete. Then I will apply the Drylok with 2 coats, then I will Krylon the entire thing and dab brush patterns along the roots and the caves.

 

[we4wieners]

Here is the breakdown:
COST
Foam - $20.
Great Stuff - $12 3cans @$4
Silicone - $12 3tubes@$4
Concrete - $10.
Drylok - $24.
Paint - $18 3cans@$6.
TOTAL $96.00
TIME
Cut, carve, and assemble.......2-3hours
Great Stuff apply and dry.......3hours
Concrete 1st coat................12hours
2nd coat................12hours
3rd coat................12hours
Drylok 1st coat..................3-5hour
2nd coat.................3-5hours
Paint 4 hours...................depends how much detail u want
Background application time....12hours - Silicone the piece to the tank
Lay tank on back and silicone, 3-5 tubes
Apply liberally and weight the background
down with something heavy.
Submerge background for a day...drain. Fill & Drain at least 5 more times with about 3 hours of soak time in between.