My own attempt at the DIY 3d Background

[stewnew]

After seeing all the recent threads on these DIY backgrounds I decided to give it a shot since it looks fun and simple, and the tanks come out looking fantastic.Couple weeks back robkob here on MFK hooked me up with some free tank set ups, and I've taken one of them (30 gallon) to be the guinea pig of this project.

Started just like everyone else styofoam, greatstuff foam and silicone. Im about to start adding the concrete layer but im not quite sure how to go about this yet... any suggestions... I started using clear GE silicone type I after getting the recommendation from someone else's thread on MFK. But after using it I realized the tube says "not for use below the water line or in aquariums". So Im not going to use this silicone to mount the background in the tank, instead I'll use GE RTV108 which is apparently the recommended silicone for aquariums according to the company. Figured I'd post that up here so anyone planning a project like this uses the right stuff. I don't think it'll affect me all that much though because I have to seal the styrofoam anyways so all the type 1 silicone should be covered.

I pretty happy with how it turned out. Really got some cool shadow effects. Not sure what color to paint it yet.. any suggestions? I want to use it as the new setup for my ram tank. Also I'm debating how to finish it off. I've seen a ton of approaches on here like concrete, drylok, epoxy, and this concrete molding used by reddog.. Not sure how i want to do it but Im open to suggestions let me know what y'all think

 

[Egon]

Looks good so far! Looking forward to see how you finish it

 

[stewnew]

thanks man I'll keep the thread updated with my progression..

had to put it on hold for the last couple days because i've been trying to write a personal statement lol

 

[stewnew]

im lost with what to do next

ive seen so many examples on here and I can't decide which to use.. So let me ask you guys in your opinion which type of backgrounds have looked the best:

Drylock
Cement
or Epoxy..

I really want to finish this project up and move my community in to it..
Oh and my cory catfish spawned this morning

 

[earthstudent]

Drylock and cement seem to have problems with PH for a little while but most seem to use them. Epoxy would not have any effect on water chemistry but might not look as natural. If you add sand to the epoxy before it cures it will add color and texture. I have seen epoxy backgrounds that look very real and natural. I personally am going to go the epoxy rout when the time comes.

 

[devder1]

nice books, whats your major?

 

[stewnew]

Drylock and cement seem to have problems with PH for a little while but most seem to use them. Epoxy would not have any effect on water chemistry but might not look as natural. If you add sand to the epoxy before it cures it will add color and texture. I have seen epoxy backgrounds that look very real and natural. I personally am going to go the epoxy rout when the time comes.

ive been leaning towards the epoxy too after seeing some pictures of what they look like, thanks for the input. especially since the target pH will be acidic

how does the whole sand thing work?

 

[stewnew]

nice books, whats your major?

hah thanks lol i knew id find a use for them
im studyin molecular biology and bioengineering

 

[Egon]

hah thanks lol i knew id find a use for them
im studyin molecular biology and bioengineering

Why? LOL Get into engineering and make tons of money, you can do that crap as a hobby

The people that tell you to get a job that you will enjoy are losers. Get a job that pays lots of $$$

More to the point of this thread: I vote for a fiberglass background.

 

[West1]

Nice, cant wait to see how the step by step finished product

BTW, how many gallons is that Black Glass Corner tank? I have the exact same one and dont know how many gallons it is Lol