3D background for puffers

[360º]

so im starting up a 30 gallon puffer tank. probably gonna be 2-3 figure 8 puffers in there

so decided to make a 3d background.

used regular white styrofoam and "Behr Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint"--- just like drylok
the paint is water based so i figured it would be safe for the fish.

no concrete used at all.

I will probably add darker grey paint to give it more depth


in the middle will be a dark blue background with blue LED lighting backlighting it.

hole in the rock for the filter intake

inside of the cave where the heater is

Side of the cave where the heater will sit

 

[Bige]

Thats really cool. Good job. I am impressed with how natural it looks. The first pick looks like a real rock formation. I cant wait to see it with water.

 

[360º]

wow im stupid. 7 hours of work and i just realized that i didnt use silicon thats aquarium safe and that it has fungicide in it.

well thats garbage

 

[Lynae]

Good thing you noticed the silicone before the fish were living in there!
It looks absolutely fabulous though!!!! What sealant are you using over the paint?

 

[BigJim]

I'm impressed. I'm not sure about the paint being fish-safe. A coat of clear Krylon Fusion would seal the paint effectively.

 

[meegosh]

I agree with BigJim, Krylon Fusion is a godsend for us aquarium people.

 

[Jimbo7]

It looks really cool. but 30 gallons for pufferfish?

 

[360º]

I'm impressed. I'm not sure about the paint being fish-safe. A coat of clear Krylon Fusion would seal the paint effectively.

why wouldnt the paint be fish safe? its waterproof paint... latex/water based

 

[logansmomma1228]

Really good job, I wish I was nifty enough to make something sweet like that for my fishy! I would only suggest getting 2 figure 8's in a 30 gallon and only if you have lots of hiding spots and decor to block their line of sight from each other. They might get along when young but as they mature they get very aggressive. Good luck and I look forward to seeing how everything works out for you!

 

[360º]

i think i changed my mind..... probably going to get south american puffers, they seem nicer and they dont grow to be as big

thanks for all the compliments

 

[meegosh]

why wouldnt the paint be fish safe? its waterproof paint... latex/water based

It all depends on what the paint is made out of. Even though it is waterproof it doesn't mean it is safe for submerged use in aquariums. Chemicals can leach from the paint into the water column and cause problems.

Many people have used the Krylon Fusion paint with great success.

 

[360º]

It all depends on what the paint is made out of. Even though it is waterproof it doesn't mean it is safe for submerged use in aquariums. Chemicals can leach from the paint into the water column and cause problems.

Many people have used the Krylon Fusion paint with great success.

i've also read that many people have used drylok with success... and this stuff is pretty much the same... guess ill have to wait and see

 

[meegosh]

Yeah I would monitor the water parameters and watch the fish closely over the next few weeks just to be on the safe side.