my first attempt at a 3-D background

[techjoe]

After reading all of Steve's posts and seeing his Styrofoam backgrounds I was inspired to try it myself.  Thanks Steve.  I done a lot of web surfing and came across some cool videos on YouTube that also helped me plan this background out.  I decided to build a slate style background.  But first I had to build a Styrofoam cutter.  I was able to find mostly all the parts for that around my work.  I built a table style cutter works like a band saw would heres a good link if anyone wanted to figure out how to build one.  http://www.nichromewire.biz/index.html. since this is my first one I decided to start small with a 30gal.I have been cutting a few hours at a time over the last three days and this is almost one half of the overall background.  I am using tooth picks to hold it together wile I make the rough model so I can go back latter to fine toon and detail things. 

[techjoe]

I will try to up date my progress and add some more photos.  I should have taken pics of the back because I have completely inlaid my power head into it.  Since my computer crashed I have been using my phone so its a bit of a pain to type up long paragraphs.  Big thumbs little screen.

[four_by_ken]

Looks like a great start!!

You said your powerhead is inside the back... once it is all together, can you still get to it for maintenance or replacement?

[techjoe]

Yeah I can pull the power head out easily.  As far as replacing it the new one would have to be the same size to fit.  The hard part is pulling the tube off the filter I have to use a long pair of pliers.

[linuxrulesusa]

At first I thought that was a cave, but it's an opening for the sponge filter.  Interesting.  Do you think the filter aspect will be reduced because of being partially enclosed?  Neat idea on the background.

[techjoe]

I don't think so.  Half the filter is wide open all of the bottom is open.  Really the only thing different then having it in the corner is that now there is not that tiny opening in the back ware all my distressed fish tend to mash themselves into.

[linuxrulesusa]

I don't think so.  Half the filter is wide open all of the bottom is open.  Really the only thing different then having it in the corner is that now there is not that tiny opening in the back ware all my distressed fish tend to mash themselves into.

I hear you.  I took my Hydro IV out of my African tank for the time being because they were all fighting over the hiding space under it...put an AC110 HOB on the back for now and may add the sponge back in later if needed.

[jcunningham0295]

I don't think so.  Half the filter is wide open all of the bottom is open.  Really the only thing different then having it in the corner is that now there is not that tiny opening in the back ware all my distressed fish tend to mash themselves into.

I hear you.  I took my Hydro IV out of my African tank for the time being because they were all fighting over the hiding space under it...put an AC110 HOB on the back for now and may add the sponge back in later if needed.

Funny how they fight over the oddest of terrorties.

[techjoe]

Some different angles

[jcunningham0295]

Looks good.  I might have to try and make one of these some day when I have more patience.

[Steve]

Looks like you're off to a good start. Planning on using Drylok or concrete? I find Drylok to be the better option IMO.

[techjoe]

Drylock for sure.  Thanks again Steve your DIY post inspired me to work with the Styrofoam.  I think I may build some stands and canopy's too down the road.

[techjoe]

I learned that I should have cut all the factory rough edges off.   they don't line up well enough to completely come together at the middle seam.  I can square off the second half but the first half I glued together  and the glue is not so easily cut.  Here's how its looking

[Steve]

Looks like it's progressing very well. Don't worry too much about that middle seam, it looks to be a pretty small seam so once you get it done and siliconed in the tank just run a bead of silicon over the seam and then touch it up with drylock after it dries and you will never see it, especially after a couple months after it starts to get a nice natural coat of green algae on it. You'll find the drylok doesn't adhere to silicone very well, but that seam is really small so I don't think you'll have much issues getting it to adhere to the small amount it will take to fill it.

[techjoe]

First mock up in the tank after dry locked.