[Wet Thumb Forum]-DIY background/styrofoam (pictures) - Page 3 - DIY Aquarium Projects

Kim · 08-04-2003, 10:20 AM

yeah should've auctioned it!

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)

George Willms · 08-05-2003, 02:08 AM

I didn't need much convincing to do something else when I was in school. I often had the urge to clean the bathroom when it was time to do my homework!

George

Tank specs in profile

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

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.

Ron Nelson · 08-05-2003, 08:29 AM

For bigger tanks why not do the two main pieces and then do a thin narrow third piece that you silicone right over the cut.

08-05-2003, 08:56 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by rdn2:
For bigger tanks why not do the two main pieces and then do a thin narrow third piece that you silicone right over the cut.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You could but:

- make sure its not 100% vertical b/c it will look way too obvious.

- if it is non-vertical then it won't be that easy to install.

I would love to have a tank from Europe

Ron Nelson · 08-05-2003, 09:25 AM

OK then maybe do the 2 back pieces totally vertical and do a wider cover piece with lots of zig zags to it to make it look like rock features??? Just offering ideas...

Ron

George Willms · 08-05-2003, 09:36 AM

Can you get custom tanks here without center braces?

George

Tank specs in profile

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 )
Tank Journal - Parts and Construction ( Latest / Archive )