Cave Aquarium Build Journal

[vexxiang]

A final trimming, shaved it all down to get rid of the roundness and add some jagged holes. Looks a little more rocklike now. Tomorrow, I start applying the concrete!

 

[Dallascowboys16]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it finished!

 

[Aquadan]

Nice job. Can't wait to see it completed!

 

[clarkm]

Looks great. Awesome idea

 

[Thumper828]

The suspense is killin' me...this is gonna look awesome!!

 

[vexxiang]

So far all the supplies for the cave have cost $60. Home depot didn't have the masonry mix (cement/sand) mix that I wanted, but found it at Lowes. Lowes is the better place for varied concrete types.

 

[vexxiang]

First coat of cement. This coat was mixed as a runny paste and applied with a paint brush, to fill in all the tiny holes and crevices, no dye yet. Now it needs to dry overnight.

 

[Thumper828]

What did you use.. Hydraulic cement?

 

[vexxiang]

Quickrete mason mix. A similar blend is what they used in the tutorial I was referring to, but I couldn't find the exact one, there are so many types. This one said it was high strength and good for ponds and pools, so I figured it would be good. Portland cement and sand, didn't list any additives.

 

[vexxiang]

Thanks for all the feedback! Here it is with the second thick coat applied, by hand, with charcoal dye. I looked at some pics of river cave entrances to get an idea of the texture and shape. It feels like decorating some bizarre cake.

 

[vexxiang]

Driftwood that's been soaking in the back for 4 weeks with regular water changes. They are probably ready to go, not much color leaching out anymore.

 

[venymae]

Getting exciting and looking good!

 

[Brookster123]

Threads heating up

 

[vexxiang]

First time uploading a movie. Painting the final coats of cement on the cave. Not very exciting!

 

[vexxiang]

Getting the coloring right is tough. It dries lighter than the wet color, but last night I had a dark brown that dried very light gray overnight! More experimenting with the color.

 

[vexxiang]

Here it is put together with driftwood and roots. Guess it looks ok? What do you all think?

 

[Sk3lly]

I like it. Think it would look great underwater

 

[Aquadan]

That is going to look awesome in your tank. Good job

 

[venymae]

It's awesome. I love how it turned out. Can't wait to see it in the tank!

 

[Niccobacci11]

even if the color dries lighter i would think it would get darker under water. i have been amazed at how much a rock out of water looks from under water.