DIY tank background link

[CACAdmin]

I came across this link on an easy DIY tank background with detailed explanation and pictures. Unlike other background projects I have seen, it appears to lend itself easily to any size tank depending upon the detail of carving and number of pieces of styro you use. Knowing nothing about resins and their toxicity to fish, I have a couple of questions. This fellow says he used epoxy resin to which he added 'black oxide'. What type of epoxy resin is 'fish-safe'? What about the black oxide? Any concerns with using that?

Here's the link: http://www.sydneycichlid.com/fishtank-background.htm

[grumpystiltskin]

The epoxy i use on my backgrounds is called West System.
Its available at Industrial Plastics, Its quite expensive, i gallon of part A and one quart of part B costs around $100, but it goes a long way, The good thing about this product is, you can use any paint under it, latex, spray paints etc. its non toxic and has never cracked, i would reccomend this product :smile:

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for the info. It's important to know what is safe for the fish. Pretty expensive, though. :wideeyed: At that price, one would have to be considering a number of projects or consider a joint purchase with someone else.

[grumpystiltskin]

Smaller amounts are available, i just needed that much to do a 120g and a 240g backgrounds, and i still have a bit left over. I made the tanks myself, so the epoxy was also used on the plywood to waterproof it, and then on the styro backgrounds, so it has a multitude of uses.

[CACAdmin]

That's good to know. As for your styro backgounds, did you just silicone them to the glass? I was thinking that if they were large pieces that one could silicone them at the bottom to a piece of slate to weight them down and then only a small amount of silicone would be needed to tack them to the back of the tank.

[grumpystiltskin]

Well my tanks are plywood, so i did silicone them , it takes a lot to keep styro from popping out of the water, but the slate idea sounds good.

[Katalyst]

When you have the time I'd love to see some photo's! Sounds beautiful.

[grumpystiltskin]

Here are a few pics of the background and tank that i built. I think this was in 04
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/grumpystiltskin/PICT0108.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/grumpystiltskin/PICT0110.jpg
This tank is 8ft long. The glass was the most costly part at $250.

[CACAdmin]

When you have the time I'd love to see some photo's! Sounds beautiful.
I agree... would love to see pics. I was also trying to think of ways in which you could extend the background to hide the filter intake, heater etc. as well. Possibly styro with lots of 'cave-like' holes for circulation siliconed to slate so it could sit in front of the intake, and be movable for access. I figre the fish would like the caves, too.

[grumpystiltskin]

I was also trying to think of ways in which you could extend the background to hide the filter intake, heater etc. as well. Possibly styro with lots of 'cave-like' holes for circulation siliconed to slate so it could sit in front of the intake, and be movable for access. I figre the fish would like the caves, too

You could easily hide the heater etc, i was impatient, had already spent weeks building the tank and background, so i didnt bother, but maybe next time i will. Its limitless what you can make, caves , hiding places ,ledges, just depends on your patience, and time, Its a great feeling to finish something this size, then sit back and watch it.

[CACAdmin]

You did a fabulous job! Looks great! :thumbup:
I think the thing that would be the most frustrating is all the little styrofoam crumbs that stick to everything!:mad: Other than that it would be fun (but a lot of work too) to create something unique.

[grumpystiltskin]

Yes the crumbs get everywhere, i used a grinder to get the shapes i needed , a lot of people use hot wire to cut styro, but i just went at it lol, the styro sticks to everything, the grinder was deep with it, my arms ,the floor. But i used an old vacuum cleaner and got rid of the mess. I really enjoyed making the backgrounds, I Threw some attempts away, its a trial and error job.

[PPulcher]

If others are looking for the West System epoxy stuff, it can be had from boatbuilding places and specialty shops like Lee Valley Tools (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=20016&cat=1,110,42965)

One of these days I'll get around to attempting a background, but I'm not quite as ambitious as Grumpy :;):

[Katalyst]

Wow! Wow! and Wow! That's absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for posting those photo's but the tank and the background are amazing. :notworthy:

[grumpystiltskin]

Thanks Kat, it is nice to sit and watch a big tank with 60 or so fish swimming in amongst the plants:smile:

[Melody]

That's one of the nicest backgrounds I've seen yet - much more realistic than some. Your background <ahem> rocks! ::D:

[grumpystiltskin]

Thankyou Melody:smile: Its really quite easy to do, the plants cover it up a bit ,but i know its there lol

[Melody]

LOL Well that counts!

[CACAdmin]

Thankyou Melody:smile: Its really quite easy to do, the plants cover it up a bit ,but i know its there lol
Plants covering it lends it the natural look. Awesome! This winter I may try my hand at a background. Of course, if I run into trouble, you know who I'm going to come running to for help. :DevilGrin: ... why? 'cause you're who's been there-done that.

[grumpystiltskin]

Not a problem Jay, if i lived close by, id come and help, i love doing projects like that:yes:

[CACAdmin]

Well brace yourself this winter, I may be picking your brain. :laugh:

[Melody]

Hmmm... plants... handy with aquarium projects.... mind if I kidnap you for a week?

I suppose I best kidnap the family too - don't need no wives chasing me with their brooms and demanding their husbands back. The neighbours would talk. I'll just leave y'all here and go to California for the week or something.

[grumpystiltskin]

Sounds like a good deal, lol, then we can go over to Jays and make his background :laugh:

[Katalyst]

Hmmm... plants... handy with aquarium projects.... mind if I kidnap you for a week?

I suppose I best kidnap the family too - don't need no wives chasing me with their brooms and demanding their husbands back. The neighbours would talk. I'll just leave y'all here and go to California for the week or something.

Then send them on over to Ontario please and take me and Pam with you to California k?

[grumpystiltskin]

Well i havnt seen much of Canada yet , so that might work lmao
But come on ! im not doing all the work :laugh:

[CACAdmin]

You will be if they have their way. :laugh:

[Melody]

You do work, we have fun in the sun...

I see nothing wrong with that. :Angel:

[grumpystiltskin]

LOL nice try :Applaud: