Diy Internal Background

[VickiandKev]

also just concrete the front and seal the front the back leave plain as the polystyerien will be fine touching water dont need to seal the back

Agree with this - just seal the bits with concrete - only big blobs left in constant contact melt the styrofoam - if you accidently brush a bit over the edge of the concrete, it'll do nothing

Don't leave bare concrete - it will leach lime continuously no matter how long you leave it to soak and this may ultimately kill your fish - or at the very least stress them so much as to make them fall ill with something else.
When I found this out, I was a bit gutted about the price too but I'd rather have live fish and spend a bit more than have a cheap background but kill my fish!

 

[mattyp84]

Ok check the cement at B&Q and its cheaper for several differnt colours/finishes than 1 tub of this paint, they even sell dye for cement too, so whats the name of this stuff that i need coat the concrete part with ???

is this the correct kind of thing ???

Blagdon V8 Pondseal – 500ml

http/www.gardencentre.co.uk/product.asp?id=6562&sr=gbase&ad=6562

so my plan would be to use normal cement, to coat it, give a bit more texture/colour and seal with the above correct ??

If thats the right stuff im gona order it, but i just wana make sure first

 

[VickiandKev]

That sealant is perfect

 

[mattyp84]

Hey guys finally finished my background but today after applying the cement, its cracking a bit while dryinging, also does seem to want to stick too well too the styrofoam, any ideas or advice to fix this ??

 

[VickiandKev]

Your first coat should be very watered-down, and subsequent coats should get progressively thicker.

If you're anywhere in the UK it's hot today and concrete/cement does crack if it dries too quickly in the heat (hence why some people 'water' their concrete on the first day). You're best leaving it somewhere relatively cool to dry and doing the coats as described above.

 

[sted]

any news how your getting on now? pics?

 

[gminor]

I'm a bit late joining the thread I think but for what it's worth, I've been building DIY backgrounds for a couple of years now with materials found in typical US hardware stores. Not sure what's available locally.

Here's an article I wrote based on my experience building the styrofoam and cement backgrounds:
http/www.dramaticaquascapes.com/doityourselfbackground_page1.html

Lots of examples of projects I've done on the website as well. Hope this is helpful.

Glenn

 

[ian]

Just had a look through your gallery Glen, some really good backgrounds.

 

[mattyp84]

ok been busy recently, was my birthday then half term so kid was off school, but im getting there slowly gimme a few hours and il get a picture of it so up, its all carved now, and cemented and 1 layer of sealent on, as i said il get a pic up

nice backgrounds too glen, i only wish mine would look as good !

anyway gimme a few hours and il get a few pics up

 

[mattyp84]

ok this is the background, currently has 2 layers of sealent on it,. its a bit more dark grey than the photo appears



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and this is my tank it will be going into more than likely after the weekend, however im thinking i may enter tfftotm but not sure wether to do this background first ! EXCUSE the crappy photo took it quick before bed.



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anyway, im pleased with it so far, any questions ? ideas ? tips ?


TIPS would be great as im going to have to empty my tank for 24/36hrs to install this and i rather not have any casulties

thanks every1

 

[mattyp84]

Ok today is the day im gona install it !!

il be updating and adding pics all day

wish me luck !!!

 

[JoshuaA]

Ok today is the day im gona install it !!

il be updating and adding pics all day

wish me luck !!!

Good luck

Looking forward to see the final outcome!

 

[mattyp84]

Photos coming in next 10-15mins,

My gravel is filthy, however im pretty sure it would be a terrible idea to wash this in tap water

any ideas how i can clean this effectivly ???

 

[mattyp84]

Ok fish are out and in buckets and a baby bath



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along with gravel, pump, heater and rocks etc

Tanks been drained out, dryed and cleaned etc



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I then installed the background, however i had to remove 1cm from 1 side due to not fitting after the cement and resin was applied it was a tiny bit too wide

background has been attached with silcone adhesive



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The gap at the bottom will be cover and filled with gravel

Im hoping this will dry quickly as i really wana get it all back together today or tonight

still looking for a way to clean the gravel without using tap water or too much tank water as i want to replace 50% of the tank water when i get it all back togther