Background project

[Romulous]

A few people have asked to see some progress of my 40 gallon breeder tanks background project ...... just starting thus far so not much to see but here is what I have done so far

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[2wheelsx2]

Interesting. Must have missed the original thread. Are these cement coated styrofoam blocks?

[Romulous]

it is a waterproofing agent for pond and masonry but has sand in it yes ...... i have not really posted any previous pics just talking in the chat box about the project

[2wheelsx2]

Cool. I rarely look at the chat box, so I didn't realize this is where it came from. What's the product called and is it easy to work with? I'm considering building out a full background with real or artificial rock caves and am looking for ideas and resources, so this might fit the bill.

[Romulous]

Just the blue styro that you can get at any hardware store and the sealant is UGL drylok they use it for outdoor ponds and such I was cinsidering using ceramic tile but this stuff although fairly messy is fairly easy to work with LOL I am colouring it with a non toxic acrylic paint that I got at Micheals for .99$ a bottle

[Jkhuu]

Looks great Bill. Coming along nicely. Always wanted to try making one. Does the blocks feel heavy enough to sink ?

[Romulous]

siliconing a base to the bottom of the tank and then siliconing all the layers together as I go ..... it wouldn't stay submerged if I didn't for sure

[Pamelajo]

Looks good can't wait to see it finished. Hurry up and get it done!!! LOL

[jimmy chonga]

this project looks promising, certainly alot cheaper than the 400$ backgrounds they sell at BA

fill us all in on the costs/details/procedure etc etc. great little project to get my artistic gf involved in :)

[Romulous]

2X8 2"think styro ..... get dammaged ones they are about half price ..... 15$ per sheet .... UGL drylok 1 gallon 37.99 but I am thinking 1 gallon is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much ..... can doo all our tanks with that much LOL and then some paint colouring .......oh and a tube or 2 of silicone 4.50$ each . Then various other supplies and incedentals 15-20 $ I figure

[Romulous]

just another pic to show the progress thus far

[2wheelsx2]

I gotta admit the final product escapes me at the moment. Are you going for a stonewall effect?

[Romulous]

Yes it will be a stone wall effect with caves and such built in with a sand area in the front of the tank...... Filtration and heater will be hidden in the back corners with home made powerhead filters blowing the water out from the corners through an open area ...... I am hoping the final outcome looks good and I am pretty happy with the look thus far

[Romulous]

ok a newer pic of some progress thus far ...... almost at the point for Clearcoat and finalization ....... Just waiting on the powerheads to get here as well so I can finish off the cannisters I am going to try

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[Pamelajo]

Looks great!!!

[Romulous]

Thanks Pam ....... Hopefully my 333's and some shrimp and my Tylos think so too when it is all said and done LOL

[matti2uude]

It looks really good, I like how you added the plants too.

[Jkhuu]

Looks great Bill. Luv the aged look and the brown/green algae effect on the rocks.

[Zebrapl3co]

Wow, that is impressive. I really like the aged look too. Just doesn't look natural with all the perfect paint on he he. I am a bit confuse at the last part. You silicon everything before you apply the clear coat? Would you miss some spot when you do that?

[Romulous]

the "paint" was just a coloured sealant that is used in ponds and is safe for fish anyways but I am going to apply the clearcoat to hopefully prevent some of the fish eating the paint anyways and to seal it even more ...... if I miss a few little spots it is not dire at all

[Romulous]

Background is done and is holding well underwater ...... Just a couple of small issues but I drained and resiliconed and all is well now ...... water is gassing off for a bit now but here is a pic of what it looks like filled up with sand and some wood ...... the blue cast is from the LED light strips that are located in the top "rocks"

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[dreville]

Nice! I like the fake algae! =) When are the fish going in? Love to see pics of them in their new home.

[jimmy chonga]

I like this man, looks like the side of a riverbank

[Pamelajo]

Looks awesome!!! Now we just need some night pics. I'll just wait here for them.:secretsmile:

[Romulous]

et voila ....... night shot !!!

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[2wheelsx2]

Very nice.....

[Pamelajo]

That looks really nice, you did a great job with that tank!!

[MsGardeness]

That looks amazingly life-like! Well done.