MCA 3D background

[Steve]

Gonna start this as the  MCA 3D BACKGROUND. I'm gonna build and start this as a thank you to the past 6-8 months of guys here. The fact I have got to know guys like Blair, Marty, Jon, Wayne, Rich....just been so damn helpful, just because I don't make meetings like I want too. dosen't mean I don't want to be a part of MCA.... Anyway I have been thinking how I could be helpful, so thought this would be a way.

One thing I am decent at is 3D backgrounds. So I'll start this post as a build up of a 3D BG for a 55G(48"x12") back ground which will be donated/auctioned off at the next MCA auction (January) I believe Marty said.

So keep posted here for the build of it. And if your at the next MCA auction in JAN...then bid on it
 

[Steve]

First pic. Lets call this the "before" 
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Don't look big, but thats 48 x 20 foam.
Week or so of work, some carving, some drylok and it'll look good Trust me

[Regalblue]

Awesome Steve,  Thank you.   I'm sure it'll be a masterpiece once you're through.

[four_by_ken]

Excellent!!!

What a guy!

[jkeeler]

Awesome!

[LoveTheFishies]

Steve, will you post a materials list?  I think I'm going to try those for the short ends of my show tank.  Want to try to work along with you.   Maybe show how to hide the canister filter hoses behind. 

[Steve]

Sure I can post a list soon as I get started which should be in a day or two. The main thing to start with is the closed cell foam so pick that up first, I like the dense closed cell piece like in the picture for my backgrounds. Since it's so dense it really is able to hold a lot of detail much better than the lighter white non closed cell foam.

[LoveTheFishies]

I'm picking up the closed cell foam sheets today.  What do you use to "sandwich" the sheets together for depth?  I'd like to get that too.   

[Steve]

GE Silicone I* is what you use to build up thicness. You can also buy sheets that are 2-3" thick to start with rather than the 1" thick sheets. Costs a bit more, 1" sheets are about $15 for a 4x8 where as the 2"-3" ones are around $34.

[LoveTheFishies]

I'm making "sandwiches" tonight.  Plus picked up several stains.  What drylok do you use?  I saw several different types. 

[Steve]

I use the one that is Latex base. I know they do make a different one, not sure if that other one is latex based or not, but make sure to get the latex one because that one is for sure fish safe. The other "might" be as well, but I haven't used it so don't take the chance on it.

It also comes in grey and white. If you want a natural grey rock tone like some of the ones I do then get the grey and you can then just shade colors on it once done. If you want to do some other color other than natural grey rock, like say a tank rock or darker rock, then they also make it in white and then you can buy concrete pigments and mix the color you want.

Again, make sure you use GE silicone I* not GE silicone II*, the II* has mildew inhibitors added and is not fish safe. the GE I* (Window/door/attic/basement) is safe.

[LoveTheFishies]

Right, I got pure silicone (no mildew resistant stuff).  Then let it cure til no vinegar smell. 

When you start the drylokhow long do you let it dry between coats?  Do you drylock the back surface(facing the glass).  How long before you can put fish in the tank/does it have to cure so it doesn't mess up the water parameters?

[Steve]

I usually let it dry overnight (12-14hrs), I also like to do 3 coats that way it builds up where it lasts a long time. I don;t know how much you want to spend on this, but what I just did on my 7ft 265 background was when I was done I coated the whole thing with Pond Armor Pond Shield. Its a two part clear epoxy coating that makes the background last 10+ years at least. I know people that don't use the pond armor and they still have the BG going strong 5-6 years later, but if you want to get a real long time 10 years 15yrs? or more then the pond armor is a good investment. It's not cheap though, the cheapest place is ebay and it's $74 for the 1.5 quart size. if you want the link let me know.

Nope don't do the back surface. You want it to be clean foam for the silicone to adhere to the background and the glass. And when you put it in the tank, use A LOT of silicone. Obviously foam is very buoyant so you want to use a lot of silicone. To give you an idea of how much...I used 5 full tubes just to adhere my background in my 7ft by 30" tall tank.

Time to wait- Once it is all installed you want to wait at least 4-5 days. I like to wait at least a week myself just to be sure. Then after a week fill it with water and immediately drain it. That will get any left over foam pieces out of the tank (and there will be some no matter what). Then fill it back up and let it sit for a full day. Drain 100% again then fill and start your cycle. After it's cycled your ready for fish. So if you seed the filter, your looking maybe 6-9 days max from install till fish. 

If you have any issues/questions feel free to PM me and I'll give ya my # and be happy to help ya out.

 

[mightieskeeper]

Steve your backgrounds are awesome!  I can't wait to see this one.

[Steve]

Been a bit...but will have pics soon. Marty dropped a 55v here last week so will have this 55g with 3D BG ready in a bit at the auction. Pics soon....

Sorry for the delay, should have pics soon....

And those you.....if you make the auction. Support MCa and bid on the 55g tank