Old here

[Double H]

I was a member here many years ago, but couldn't remember my username, my email that I used at the time, nor my password. So, hello, again, err.

I am working on setting up a 150 in my photography studio. So I decided to make my own 3D background. The DIY backgrounds thread on this forum was extremely helpful. Kudos to many of you for some great DIY backgrounds. My wife has watched me—and claim I am obsessed...as if—read thread after thread, DIY forums after DIY forums over the past few weeks in an attempt to fully feel comfortable with the materials and process of building one from scratch.

I want it to be consistent with Amazonian waterways. Not sure about inhabitants yet, but I know they will be big cichlids. So here are a few shots from the early stages.

 

[gangster]

Welcome back! Very nice start to the back ground! How are you gonna get it into the tank?

 

[Double H]

The tank doesn't have the center piece, so I could fit it in whole. But for ease, I will cut it along the tree to right.

 

[Leptoe]

NIce!

 

[Double H]

I have applied the first coat of tinted drylok.
Some people have used cement, then an epoxy over top. Seemed like more work than necessary. Drylok is safe for ponds and bird feeders, and no one I have read about has had any ill effects on their fish.
Some people add the background before water. I should have done this, but I didn't. The more I think about it, however, I like the idea of being able to remove it for cleaning, or perhaps a different background.
I crated room for my HOB and canister intakes on the back, hidden from view. HOB is behind the tree on left, canister intake is behind the rocks near the top right. I'm still thinking about the canister return location.
Once finished, I will let it cure/vapor off for about a week.

 

[Double H]

Here is an updated shot of the final install!
I am very stoked at the results. Even though I had to overcome several issues—from a broken tree root to discovering spots where the many coats of drylok didn't quite get into some tiny spots—I would recommend doing this to your tank. This tank is a show piece in my photography studio, in the area where I meet with clients. If you are going to go, go big, my friends.

Left side. HOB filter intake is behind the tree where I drilled lots of holes on the sides, near the bottom. Seems to be doing a fine job.

The right side. Canister return is at top, intake is farther right. Perhaps not the best hiding job, but I am happy. I plan to put some moss on some of the rock ledges, and hide some of the holes. Also, I had to cut it along the tree, as you can see, although its not distracting, to get it into the tank.

 

[Propofol]

Awesome work👍


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[wantingmore]

Very nice!


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