Need some info in the 3d background relm

[wheatgerm]

So I want to make a 3d background. I've researched into it a little bit. I know the basics how to sculpt the background. But how is everyone sealing the foam? I've read drylok works but how do you pain the drylok then seal the paint afterwards.
A little help in the sealing and painting part would help alot

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[stealthyhunter]

The way I did the back ground in my 44g pentagon tank was ; using 1/2" rigid foam and layered it in different areas and sculpted to mimic rocks. Then I used floor patch cement and the concrete stain ( couple of batches with different colors) I mixed the cement so it was the consistency of pancake batter. Then using a cheapo paint brush covered the entire background with the mix. I used several coats and let it cure for 5 days. After curing I installed and ran the tank without fish for a week. And it has been in my chiclid tank for 3 years now. It looks better as it ages.

Hope this helps
Scott

 

[wheatgerm]

I would be nervous about the cement messing the my ph too much. But thanks for the info! Im assuming you have to cover all of the foam including the back and top and bottom correct?

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[stealthyhunter]

I only covered the "viewable" area. I painted the back of the tank black. As far as ph is concerned ; I tested daily and it did change the ph for the first 4 days but after a week of running and daily water changes my ph is stable at 7.2 and has been for 3 years. .
I was also worried about ph with this method but IMO the proof of running stable for so long speaks for itself....
The other nice part was I made a cover for the intake tube for my ac110 filter.
I will try to take some pics....

 

[stealthyhunter]

Well, cannot post pics yet... .I lost my old username and password.

 

[dhardwick]

I did one for my 180g I used 2" foam sculpted it made shelves and caves and painted it with drylok, 2 coats all over then I started tinting the drylok with acrilic paint




Let it all dry then rinsed it and let it soak make sure you attach it really good I also used bamboo skewers to attach the shelves

 

[wheatgerm]

Wow looks nice thanks for sharing

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