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Post by alasse on May 20, 2014 19:00:01 GMT -5
This is the process to making the background that is in my 5ft Angel tank
30th December 2013 - The basic foam work 
30th Dec 2013 - Expanding spray foam added 
3rd Jan 2014 - Tank fitting 
11th Jan 2014 - 1st coat of render done 
11th Jan 2014 - 2nd coat of render done 
13th Jan 2014 - 3rd coat of render done 
15th Jan 2014 - Highlighting done 
24th Jan 2014 - Siliconed into tank 
18th Mar 2014 - Joins done - Now I hit a glitch here, I didn't write down the render/oxide/water ratios and could not match the colour, so yep I have to give it a 4th coat and re-highlight it 
24th Mar 2014 - tank out side ready to seal 
29th Mar 2014 - Tank fully sealed and ready to put back on stand 
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Post by alasse on May 20, 2014 19:16:08 GMT -5
Now what was used
Styrofoam Expanding foam
Breadknife
Sharp knife
Lighter
Silicone Flyscreen mesh - For covering output and intake areas)
Paintbrushes - Various sizes
Water
Paper towel
Gloves
Render - approx. 18kg
Oxides - Brown & Black
Sealer - Clear pond sealer can be used, this will make the background inert. (not what I use on this one or later ones, but pond sealer will do the job)
*Important
Write down the Render/Oxide/Water ratio!!! The render dries quite a bit lighter than when its first applied, especially the Acrylic render I have linked in below, it dries white or very very close to. Oxide colours can go a long way, small amounts and build to get a look you like
Make sure to do regular tank fittings and remember adding layers of render adds height and width the the BG Expanding foam does just that, so don't get to boisterous with it lol Small and build!! Be observant of making really hard to get to areas, once in the tank you have to try and seal these areas, and it can be difficult.
You need to work out what filtration you are having on the tank before you start, as intakes and output areas need to be factored in (the one above has filter, powerhead & heaters behind the BG
Do not render areas that are going to be silicone to the glass to secure BG into tank.
Do not think you wont need to silicone it in, foam is EXTREMELY buoyant!!
These backgrounds are designed to be permanent (you can get them out if need be, but the BG will NOT survive the process!)
Be sure you give the render time to cure, dependant on thickness, the thicker you make the layers, the longer curing time it takes
The render MUST be fully cured (dry) before sealing!
Most pond sealers like to eat foam, so extra care is needed to just coat the render.
If the BG messes with you PH, you didn't seal it properly.
It is messy to do, but a lot of fun lol.
On completion you have a totally one off BG that no one else can ever have 
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Post by Carl on May 20, 2014 20:16:24 GMT -5
This is great!! I will look for links for readers to find render & sealer here in USA, if you have any links or sources for render in Australia, do you mind adding these? Carl |
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Post by alasse on May 20, 2014 21:48:57 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on May 21, 2014 12:34:51 GMT -5
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Post by devonjohnsgard on May 21, 2014 14:12:34 GMT -5
wow, what an artistic project. Talk about taking your time before the aquarium set-up. You took months just get the background in. I have just a black background that draws attention off the pumping and cords, to the aquascape. You have a background that draws attention to the background. Nicely done. I'm going to have to put this on my "want to do" list for aquarium stuff. Another guy from here said the same thing. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Post by alasse on May 21, 2014 18:59:50 GMT -5
Yeah, I don't mind taking my time...good things come to those who wait they say lol
It took longer than it should of because I have trouble sourcing the sealer, I had to wait for the store to get more in
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Post by devonjohnsgard on May 23, 2014 14:38:56 GMT -5
Yeah, I don't mind taking my time...good things come to those who wait they say lol It took longer than it should of because I have trouble sourcing the sealer, I had to wait for the store to get more in oh yes, the best things come with time... |
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Post by Ameenah on Jun 16, 2014 16:03:48 GMT -5
Alasse you are a very talented artist and I am amazed with your art in aquarium backgrounds. Thank you so much for sharing the DIY of your art.
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Post by Carl on Jul 24, 2014 18:23:43 GMT -5
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