DIY 3D background

[Northwoods Discus]

Update on the new tank. I am wimping out on the DIY background. I am worried the cement will break down and make a mess. Epoxy seemed the better option but I am now questioning my artistic ability. So I ordered a 3D background. I didn't totally wimp out and I am adding stumps from a cedar from our woods. The stumps are perfect for covering the overflow boxes. I was thinking of removing them and building decorative ones but the stumps will cover them while keeping them functional. Then I don't have to worry about it leaking. Here are some pics of the stumps. They had a hollow center, It was actually one stump I cut in half. I removed all of the loose rotting wood from the inside and made them thinner. I am coating them in epoxy to prevent the cedar from leaching into the water. I kept the moss on the surface. More to follow.

[Sean Buehrle]

I really have no idea what I'm talking about so don't take this as gospel.

It doesn't sound like a good idea to use those stumps.

They are rotted and I don't think "real driftwood" goes through a rotting process. Do you think it's going to release a bunch of unwanted "stuff"
Into the water?

How are you sealing it?

Something just sounds like trouble to me.
Like I said before, I don't know much about these type of things and this is more of a question to find out if you can really do this successfully, not criticism .



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[Northwoods Discus]

I am sealing them with epoxy. It is resin like what is used to make fiberglass molds. It is a worry about the leaching but I removed all the loose wood from the inside and got down to hard non rotted wood. It will be an experiment. It is just not 'hard' wood. I think the epoxy will seal out water forever. I am on my third coat and plan more. The root areas are hollow as well and I epoxied the inside and filled with pond foam and a couple rocks for weight. I'll keep you posted on progress. I am just waiting for background to come now.
Bill

[Second Hand Pat]

Bill, congrats on the new tank. Great size and from the look is a glass tank. You certainly have your work cut out for you. In my last house we stripped the back room to the studs. The back room had originally been a screened porch and it have not been enclosed well.

Part of the rebuilding process was added a room between the family room and bedroom to house the AC, a sink and my then 180 was built into the wall. The sink made tank maintenance so much easier.

[Second Hand Pat]

Those stump will look awesome if you can make them work.

[Stag]

<----Interested to see pics

[Northwoods Discus]

Thanks Pat.
They are very cool looking. That is why I want them to work. I have them sitting in the tank, dry at the moment and wow. I'll post pics when I get the background.

[Northwoods Discus]

Thanks for the interest Stag. We were posting at the same time. I'll get some pics up when the background comes. I tried to paint a background on the back and it is pretty pitiful as far as me being an artist.
Bill

[Second Hand Pat]

Bill, once you have the stumps cured I would suggest soaking them for a long time and then adding a cardinal tetra to the water as a safety check.

[Northwoods Discus]

Great idea Pat. I have a few cull discus I will use for testing. I have kept my bio alive from the previous 100 gallon tank by circulating the sump and adding ammonia. Cycling the tank should go well. The stumps I am hoping will not take on any water due to the sealing with the epoxy resin.

[Sean Buehrle]

Great idea Pat. I have a few cull discus I will use for testing. I have kept my bio alive from the previous 100 gallon tank by circulating the sump and adding ammonia. Cycling the tank should go well. The stumps I am hoping will not take on any water due to the sealing with the epoxy resin.

I'm sorry to be a doubting Thomas but of they won't take on water how are you going to keep them submerged? I'm thinking silicone to the bottom?


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[Stag]

I am sealing them with epoxy. It is resin like what is used to make fiberglass molds. It is a worry about the leaching but I removed all the loose wood from the inside and got down to hard non rotted wood. It will be an experiment. It is just not 'hard' wood. I think the epoxy will seal out water forever. I am on my third coat and plan more. The root areas are hollow as well and I epoxied the inside and filled with pond foam and a couple rocks for weight. I'll keep you posted on progress. I am just waiting for background to come now.
Bill

he used rocks.

[Stag]

Hey Bill, Any updates on this?

[zman78]

Don't feel bad if you buy a background. I just bought one myself from Aquaterra which worked out to $205 shipped for a 6 foot long tank and I'm international! I would never think of spending the time, effort and money on materials to make one myself (even if I could). I figure even putting a modest dollar amount on my time, running around, gas $ for my truck, etc would easily be that much, probably end up being alot more than the $205 I paid for a professionally made background.

[Northwoods Discus]

The background is in, the logs needed more weight so I am adding that and giving the epoxy time to dry. The tank has H2O. No fish yet. I will unveil the finished tank as soon as I get the logs in and some fish in. So far I am very pleased. I want it to be complete before showing it. Thanks for the continued interest. I think you will really like the end product.
Bill