Foam bkgrnd

N

nattybrack

AC Members
Jan 13, 2003
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NYC
Just checking out some different sites and stumbled upon http://www.aquahobby.com/. They have some cool pics of tanks, one of the tanks had a foam background. It looked pretty nice. The post stated " The special technique uses styrofoam cut and glued to form the desired shape, then burned and coated with sand to obtain the impression of a river bank." found it @ http://www.aquahobby.net/tanks/tank9808.html.

Anyone heard of this before or know any further details?
 
I tried the link for more details, but it didn't work. :(

I wonder if he used a small torch to heat up the styrofoam, then quickly put sand on it to stick in place? Is it held in place with rocks?
 
I didn't see the picture you were talking about but my buddy store owner showed me a new filter they are selling. It's an all sponge fitted background that is actually the filter. You have to buy the correct size for your tank and it looks great. They were NOT inexpensive at all! If you are interested I can see if I can get the name for you.
 
Z Man, yeah if you could get the name, I'd love to check it out.

I tried clicking on the link in the website for more info on the sponge bkground and also got an error. I think you may be right, in that they use a torch and stick sand on it. How do they get the sand to stick though? Must be some type of adhesive? but it would have to be OK for the water and fish. hmmm. That's a good one. I don't think spray adhesive would hold up. Would probably have to dip or paint/spray on the adhesive...? And the torch would toast it, unless done really quickly. This is a tough one.

Not to give up, but to note:
Saw another nice background on that site @ http://www.aquahobby.net/tanks/tank0009b.html
this one is acrylic, also looks really sharp.
 
Ummmm- did it look kind of like this:

http://www.speakeasy.org/~jfd61/fish/fish3.htm

or this

202left.jpg


;) :D ;)

Thats my DIY styrofoam background. I am sure the site you mentioned used the same concept. Instructions and closeups are on my web site there of how to make one. In brief - the burning you refer to is instead of cutting the foam to shape it, you can "melt it away" with a hot woodburning tool. But do this in an open area - plus I personally wouldn't use a torch - too many noxious fumes - not to mention that you want to control what you are shaping. That said, I simply used a knife and files to shape mine. A dremel tool would work well also.

To get the sand to stick - you need the epoxy resin I show on my website. Not Epoxy glue - but stuff they use in marine applications or for certain wood crafting projects. When it cures, it is inert. Put a coat of resin and cover with sand - let it cure. Repeat several times to get the natural rock effect you are looking for.

The results are very realistic !!! people who say my tank at home ask me where I found those rocks and how did I get them in my tank like that all the time :D
 
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Superstein61 - That's a good looking background and website, thanks for the detailed instructions as well. While it seems to be quite a process, the finished product def. speaks for itself.

I may just give that a whirl - thanks

Childwag... my bad w/ the period - apologies.
 
Z Man, appreciate the follow up. It definitiely looks pretty cool. I wonder if it works as well as they claim on the site. The principal of it seems solid. Regardless, I think I would want to see it before I bought it though. I'm gonna ask my LFS if they have access to one. Thanks again.
 
The Fish Place in North Tonawanda, NY has had one of their sales tanks set up with it for a few months now and it really looks nice. Depending on the tank size it can have from 2 to 6 airlines attached.
 
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