DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

[RussGB]

I found on line that some people make 3d texture backgrouns that go inside their aquaria. One bloke made his with styrofoam and plaster. I was thinking that could look excellent. Better than plain black. Like a rocky bank with roots in it or something. with narrow ledges and stuff. I searched and saw some commercially available in silicone rubber, but none big enough for my tank.

So I thought about doing my own since I hae worked with silicone before. But what could I use to color it or paint it that would be fish safe and water proof.

Anyone got any ideas?

I would make a large mold and then I could cast as many as I wanted then.

[rrocket2002]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

Lets see if this works


DIY Background

[rrocket2002]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

The above link is to A project Adiemus was working on....similar to what you are talking about.

[Mzungu]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

From what I've seen, no paint is really fish-safe. I've read about people coating the painted surface with epoxy, sealing it in and making it waterproof. And that's about the extent of my knowledge!

[RussGB]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

From what I've seen, no paint is really fish-safe.

Must be some! I mean the shops are full of plastic aquarium ornaments which are painted. I have a plastic log for my cray and it is painted for sure. And resin driftwood is highlighted with spray on colorant...

[Ramius]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

I think you might find this link to be helpfull and informative

http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/46g_construct.htm

[RussGB]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

Just re-visiting this post because I notice we have a sponsor who does nothing but what I was looking for!!!

AquaTerra up top there.....

[fishman76092]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

I made these three out of styro and concrete.  Been fine for over a year now.  Cheap and easier than it looks.  Stump tank is a 180.  The other are 125's.

[Hanson77]

Re: DIY - Resin or silicone backgrounds?

So did you just coat the carved out styro with quick crete or something.  Elaborate on the concrete part.  They look awesome by the way.