question on DIY backgrounds

[Effrul]

Hate to bump an inactive thread, but wanted to give some info. I let my concrete cure wet for a little over 28 days (the suggested full cure time), then added it to my tank and proceeded to do a few water changes. After 3 days and a dozen or so water changes my tank seems to be staying stable ph 8.0 (48 hours & tap water is 7.8). Pretty suprised, as I expected more PH problems...
I've added sand and driftwood and am going to let it sit for a week or two monitoring it before I finish the plumbing and cycle the tank.
(low pic quality sorry)

 

[HypeMan808]

Has anyone made a diy background like the third one.
It's really nice but looks difficult to make...

 

[briflikk]

what about shaping the foam the way you want it .. using a heat striping gun to melt it so you dont see little balls (get your minds out of the gutter).. and paint it with krylon??

 

[bob965]

I was concerned about the effects of the concrete on water chemistry, so I made mine without using any. I just coated the foam with epoxy, dumped sand on it while it was still wet, brushed off the excess after it dried, then covered it with a few more coats of epoxy.

 

[Emmaline]

I started a background like this once but it looked like crap & I was nervous about not letting it cure long enough b/c I'm impatient sometimes. I'm going to check out the links in here & consider starting another one. I'm pregnant & I have nothing else to do ... lmao.

 

[Big_Bichir]

I am kinda late to the party here, but it looks awesome.
I am in the middle of the same project and wanted to say thanks to everyone.
This info is helping me tons!