DIY background (in progress)
- Thread starter davescube
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So are you talking just your ordinary everyday garden variety of styrofoam? I read on here that people use styrofoam for stuff, but I didn't know if it was a specific variety. Also, some people put a sheet of styrofoam under their aquarium when the stand/floor isn't quite level. Is that plain styrofoam too?
i dont really know how many kinds of styrofoam there is in this world o_0
from what i know, some is soft, yet some is more solid..
i prefer a solid one because it is easier to carve and could get a fine detailing..
and yes, that was a plain styrofoam...
are u interested in making one?
from what i know, some is soft, yet some is more solid..
i prefer a solid one because it is easier to carve and could get a fine detailing..
and yes, that was a plain styrofoam...
are u interested in making one?
Ha! I have many interests. I'm currently thinking of rehabing an old 55 gallon into a paludarium. I'm looking at a stream setup in front for the water portion, and an all-out jungle in the back including a nice background with at least one waterfall. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to go about it. I was thinking either siliconing stone/rocks/slate to the back glass, or doing the same with cork bark, but the styrofoam may be a better option.
So, when you say you're going to cover it with cement, what exactly do you mean? Are you talking actual stone cement or some sort of glue/epoxy? Also, once it's sealed, do you paint it, or paint and then seal? What sort of paint do you use?
So, when you say you're going to cover it with cement, what exactly do you mean? Are you talking actual stone cement or some sort of glue/epoxy? Also, once it's sealed, do you paint it, or paint and then seal? What sort of paint do you use?
well, i dont have any experience/knowledge on paludarium..
you could probably ask someone that is goon in it =)
i am still new to this fish/plant keeping though..
and no, i dont use paint..
what I was trying to say is to coat the styrofoam with cement..
cement will be the only layer on the styrofoam..
BUT I am still thinking if i should use epoxy resin as the most outer layer..
I worry that my fish will nip at it.. but on the other hand, it might cause the background to become shiny which is not so good-looking and not natural..
you could probably ask someone that is goon in it =)
i am still new to this fish/plant keeping though..
and no, i dont use paint..
what I was trying to say is to coat the styrofoam with cement..
cement will be the only layer on the styrofoam..
BUT I am still thinking if i should use epoxy resin as the most outer layer..
I worry that my fish will nip at it.. but on the other hand, it might cause the background to become shiny which is not so good-looking and not natural..
I have not read too much about using foam, I had planned on just playing with it as I go, however if you know what you are doing, I am way better off asking questions!!!
How much salt do you add to how much water? (ratio)
How much extra weight do you for see having to add?
If you are adding 3-4 layers of cement, how thick of layers are you putting on? Are multiple thin layers better than one thinker one?
Today I had planned on covering my foam structure with cement. I have caves and tunnels. I used the foam insulation board (its pink.) This stuff works great for piecing together, but probably not good for carving. I designed it to have two small pockets at the bottom to add extra cement. I am not sure if they are large enough to keep the structure weighted down, we will see I guess!
How much salt do you add to how much water? (ratio)
How much extra weight do you for see having to add?
If you are adding 3-4 layers of cement, how thick of layers are you putting on? Are multiple thin layers better than one thinker one?
Today I had planned on covering my foam structure with cement. I have caves and tunnels. I used the foam insulation board (its pink.) This stuff works great for piecing together, but probably not good for carving. I designed it to have two small pockets at the bottom to add extra cement. I am not sure if they are large enough to keep the structure weighted down, we will see I guess!
oh, btw, davescube, love your puffers! and Kuhlifan, love your kuhlis! i have the black variety.
i will reply u soon spunky..
0k, so here is basically my plan...
i will only silicone the three pieces of foam together..
i wont be silicone it to the back of the aquarium..
1. thinner piece of foam
2. thinner piece of foam
3. carved foam, thicker than (1.) and (2.)
4. hanger to be attached to the back of the aquarium
5. rectangle hole
6. a real heavy metal to be put inside of the hole
will it works? i think so...
0k, so here is basically my plan...
i will only silicone the three pieces of foam together..
i wont be silicone it to the back of the aquarium..
1. thinner piece of foam
2. thinner piece of foam
3. carved foam, thicker than (1.) and (2.)
4. hanger to be attached to the back of the aquarium
5. rectangle hole
6. a real heavy metal to be put inside of the hole
will it works? i think so...
Ain't nuthin cooler than a kuhli. Unless it's two kuhlis.
Here's a dumb question davescube: what kind of filter do you have? I know this seems simple, but this is usually the type of thing that you think of after the fact. Do you use a hang on back? If so, you might have a problem.
Here's a dumb question davescube: what kind of filter do you have? I know this seems simple, but this is usually the type of thing that you think of after the fact. Do you use a hang on back? If so, you might have a problem.
