Thoughts about a diy 3d background?

[fishman1]

Most of the people who made one use Styrofoam and concrete but I think it is too messy and time consuming for a 7 ft tank. I found this one website which seems pretty cool. And I don't want to buy a premade one that costs like 200-300$

http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-decoration/7.asp

But this site has a nice styrofoam one

http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-decoration/17.asp

[barrettsline]

I have actually seen a version of the first one. It wasn't as nice but it was effective. I believe it was made for around 80-100.

I haven't subscribed to the whole 3d background yet but if I ever do I will probably make my own, like they did. Good luck and keep us updates if you make your own!


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=29.531854,-95.157705

[fishman1]

When and If I make my own I would have to sell my arowana and I would probably keep a colony of trophs or petros

[HERM]

That first one with gutters is a great idea. I think i'll try and build one . Thanks for posting it

[fishman1]

post pics about how it looks like and your progress

[Totenkampf]

that is a nice one using the styrofoam, i have done that a similar way but i used the spray foam typically used for packing materials or for filling wall spaces...i found a non toxic type but i dont recall the brand. there are numerous books out there for building vivariums which go into this in great detail as the viviarium hobby is very popular in germany...they get pretty high tech on a budget. this article made me want to do this again, i was able to get pretty decent looking carved tree stumps / roots on a previous attempt.

[Totenkampf]

oh, a couple more ideas....you can create 'plant pockets' in the styrofoam along the wall. especially useful for the high light varieties or those that flower so they may be placed close to the surface. also, an easy tip is to make sure that you slightly bury your rocks into the sand, unlike the author of the styrofoam article. in nature rocks erupt for the lake floor, they arent plopped on top

[aggrocichlidfan]

Nice

[TaTeR ToT]

i think in a couple weeks im going to do this with styrofoam.

when it happens i will post a full detailed thread.
my girls an artist so shes going to do the paint lol.

[Totenkampf]

cool you may get to it before i do but i will definately get around to it in the next month. I even thought about making a screened pocket for the intake on one side and another for a vertically installed spraybar and co2 airstone on the other. That would be a cool way of keeping them out of sight. The spraybar side could even be made big enough to install a heater if you use one. cant wait to see your pics!