Replacement background

[Alasse]

I pulled this background out (it was damaged in storage and no longer safe to use)

Started the basic foam work for the replacement

Tomorrow i'll pick up some airline and put in place, then the rendering will start

 

[Alasse]

I got the airline siliconed in, now i have to wait for the silicone to dry so i can start rendering
I have also done a sample spray of the new sealer on a large rock i made with tunnels in it, i want to be sure it is not going to turn milky under water, isnt meant to. but either was the pond sealer i used on the original background.

 

[Alasse]

First coat of render on...will get a photo tomorrow, when i can stand tank upright

 

[PassengerTN]

I like the new layout. Is this the done with the concrete/drylok method?

 

[Alasse]

I like the new layout. Is this the done with the concrete/drylok method?

Thanks

It will end up with 3 coats of acrylic render. The final coat will be coloured, then highlighted, and the entire thing then sealed

 

[Mattfinn]

I'm following quietly along. Liking the build so far

 

[Alasse]

So updates finally.
The background under blue LED

Showing part of the side, the tank is still to be painted

Background using the camera flash, the background looks grey but...............

....the actual colour of the background

Background still needs to be highlighted

 

[PassengerTN]

Looks great

 

[Alasse]

The test with the rock and the new sealer - resulted in only a slight white haze, but i do not want the black in anyway lightened, so i picked up a different one today that will not haze at all, it is expensive, but it looks like it is what i will need to stick with other than going the very expensive epoxy route

I also bought some more decor for the tank, also picked up some acrylic paints i am going to play with to hopefully get the look i am after. I am still chasing black sand, rare as hens teeth i tell ya!!

But it is getting there, i am excited and cant wait to get it running

 

[Alasse]

Sooo tank has now been highlighted and it is currently being sealed and all i will say is it is gonna be different lol

Certainly NOT along my normal tank look

 

[Mattfinn]

Ooooo please show!!

For black sand, doesn't your lfs stock any of the brands out there?

 

[Alasse]

I will show one its been sealed Tis laying on its back currently

LFS only stock black quartz sand, and that stuff is horrible! I will only resort to it if i absolutely cannot find anything else

 

[Alasse]

Sneak peek

 

[evil Nick]

I was going to go nuts like this with mine but opted to keep it as flat as possible. Do you feel deep backgrounds like this that wrap around restrict the room available for the fish?

looks GREAT tho

 

[Alasse]

No i dont, the background is just like normal decor or plants which also take space

 

[evil Nick]

No i dont, the background is just like normal decor or plants which also take space

can I ask what damaged the original one?

 

[Alasse]

can I ask what damaged the original one?

It was stored in the garage for a few years, it had things dropped on it, vermin etc,

 

[coralbandit]

Waiting for the unveiling!
If different from others means better then I honestly can't even imagine!
You always do such great builds!
The pic is a tease!

 

[Alasse]

The tank is filled and running, once it settles and i am happy with test results, the stock will go in and pics taken

 

[Alasse]

Finished the background, tank is now up and running. I will eventually epoxy the BG, but for now the sealer that is on it will do



The tank under standard T8

The tank under marine LEDs