Adriaan's DIY 3D Background Project

So for 2016 I will be working on building a few DIY 3D Backgrounds.

Thanks to EnvironmentalBro's thread , I checked out a few videos on this and decided to go with the self expanding foam in a can for the dimensions and a lot of sand. So it will be a much different build to his.

So this is the plan.

1. Empty out my 60 L tank
2. Buy some polystyrene
3. Design the layout
4. Buy Self expanding foam
5. Collect some different types of sand and stone
6. Get a PVC 50mm pipe and elbow. Use one of the plastic plant pots as a nozzle so no fish go into the intake pipe area


What to do is cut out the back polystyrene, then insert a PVC pipe where you will place the intake of your filter. Silicone that to the polystyrene. Then Start spraying the foam on the polystyrene, after spraying it on the foam will start to expand, so the more sand you throw over the lower the surface decreasing the expansion of the foam and the less sand used the more the foam expands. The sand will stick to the foam as well. No need to paint or use any cement. (can always paint if needed)

Then when left for 24 hours the loose sand can be dusted off and the surface is almost done. Only need to then spray over a coat of spray glue, to ensure the sand remains stuck to the foam. Then apparently need to treat it by leaving it in water for 2 - 3 days to make sure there are no chemicals. So first going to try this for a small 60 Liter tank and if I'm happy will then go bigger.

If I am not happy I will try other methods to find the one I prefer.

Unfortunately can only start this in January, will keep you all posted with pics and videos as I make progress.

 

Kwai, Sien uit na die!!!

 

P.S. After the 60L build I am building one for RuwaidM , seeing that he really really wants one.

 

What foam and spray glue did you use? Have you started? Thanx for all the info

 

Hi,

I have done some research over the past few months and will be using the FIXIT expanding foam, its white and non toxic, you also get the cheaper ones that are pink in color and they contain toxins, Link for more details : Fixit Expanding Foam
Buying this at the local DIY store for around R 180 - R200 a can

Only buying everything end of this month. Then for the spray on glue I will be using Genkem Contact Adhesive Spray, just make sure to take the one that says on the can

• Clear acid free and CFC free environmentally friendly spray adhesive

(This I am buying from a craft shop, cheapest price there coz I know someone who owns the craft shop ) A can is about R160 - R180 dependent on where you buy for a 500 ml can

 

awesome thanx so much bro

 

send pics when you are done, i will to

 

Not a problem, I will be posting pics as I go and set up a guide step by step so others can also follow the guide easily.

 

awesome. Please tag me in it will love to see it all

 

@Johnnyp what size you going for?

 

1.5m its going to be awesome

 

Awesome stuff Adriaan...cant wait to see how they come out and thank you once again!!

 

I'm going to start this weekend. So excited

 

@Johnnyp keep us updated with your progress.

 

will do bro

 

Looking forward to seeing how it goes Goodluck!

 

@Adriaan...any update on this bud?

 

Still trying to find the self expanding foam here in cape town. Any one got some idea as to where to try?

 

Normally a builders warehouse or a Mica hardware store. Not sure if Cape Town has any of those. CTM also has but they are very pricey.

 

i went to a few plumbing places as well, but no 1 could tell me if their products were fish friendly