[Wet Thumb Forum]-DIY background/styrofoam (pictures) - Page 2 - DIY Aquarium Projects

08-04-2003, 06:09 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Kim:
oh I see. I was really looking forward to seeing it with plants and fish

Do you still have the background?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope. I dumped it

08-05-2003, 07:14 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Robert H:
Now, what I would do is take this a step further and add more fine detail. Affix some kind of glitter to simulate flecs of mica. Add peices of twigs for roots, and small peices of cork bark. I'd even hand paint shading and different colors, although I do not know what kind of paint would be safe to use.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thats a good idea Robert.

I can't wait to do the same project in the future but on a lot bigger tank. I will definitly implement some roots and other wood elements.
There is a big minus to bigger tanks --> plastic divider in the middle of the frame. Entire model has to be cut in the middle and glued together inside. Cut has to be done at ~45 degree angle or even less to prevent from over-exposing "model crack".
As for as shadowing and paint. There are probably paints available for underwater use but I wouldn't use them:

1. Scare to loose fish if turn out to be toxic in time.

2. You can't predict the light in the tank, over shadowing plants etc etc. Shadows will form automatically. Look at my 10G tank.

Robert Hudson · 08-05-2003, 05:07 AM

Now, what I would do is take this a step further and add more fine detail. Affix some kind of glitter to simulate flecs of mica. Add peices of twigs for roots, and small peices of cork bark. I'd even hand paint shading and different colors, although I do not know what kind of paint would be safe to use.

Robert
King admin
www.aquabotanic.com

12-11-2003, 03:19 AM

$105 ????

I hope you meant Canadian currency.

Entire background was done before tank was setup. I placed finished model inside, added sand, water -> done

Sand will scratch your glass if you are not careful when cleaning but besides that, there shouldn't be any problems.

-------------
Regards,
Jay Luto

Rob A · 08-03-2003, 09:21 AM

Jay that is really cool. I'm really glad to hear that the epoxy will work on the styrofoam.

I was doing some fiberglass work on something. I put the brush that I was using and some leftover resin that wasn't hard yet into a styrofoam cooler that was trash. When I got done cleaning up, I went to put the cooler in the trash and noticed that the fiberglass resin ate through the styrofoam.

It looks really cool. BTW, what type of fish are going into the 10 gal?

Rob A
30 gal hex, fancy goldfish
30 gal african cichlid, 4 saulosi
20gal long community

05-22-2003, 03:02 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>I think I worry most about the pink showing through the epoxy. I take it you add enough dye that that doesn't happen?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I made small mix and then added 1 tablespoon of dye. Final mix was verrrryyyyyy dark.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Remember !!!
+ Do few layers of epoxy.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Do many layers of epoxy. I would recommend ~5 layers. Sprinkle sand between each layer for texture effect.

I don't think mine was thicker than 2". Does it look like the one on the picture ?. I saw 2 kinds in HD; 1" and ~2" <-- one I used.

Good luck

Join as at www.njas.net

JamesHoftiezer · 08-05-2003, 02:56 PM

When you make the two bigger pieces, make the joint a large crack inthe rock. You could do that without adding additional covering layers.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Can you get custom tanks here without center braces?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You mean in NJ? You could get close. There is an outfit in TN (www.GlassCages.com) that sells at reptile shows. I know they hit the white plains shows every few months. I ordered from them and are very happy with the price/quality when I take all the custom features into account.

James Hoftiezer
Hoftiezer.Net - Journals and Libraries
Tank Journal - Aquascape ( Latest / Archive )
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Rob A · 08-09-2003, 04:50 PM

Jay,
I know that they are really far away, but try calling Ocea Products in Navarre Fla. 850-939-0426 if you want. If they can build you what you want for a good price, I might be able to bring it up to you, depending on how big a tank you want. I come up to that part of the country a few times a month. Let me know what size you're thinking about and I'll look into bringing it up to you
Rob

Rob A
30 gal hex, fancy goldfish
30 gal african cichlid, 4 saulosi
20gal long community

Paul Higashikawa · 12-15-2003, 11:35 AM

hahahaha, gosh, don't say it, please! I am about to have my dinner, man!

Paul

2la · 08-04-2003, 06:19 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jay Luto:
2la,
What happened to your project ?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
School.

I need to get it done soon, though--the daffodils are getting antsy in the 10G. A background for a 75G takes quite a bit of time (and a lack of other more pressing obligations or an unmatched ability to ignore them if they exist...).

(Click for pics)