3D Aquarium Bottom/substrate?

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jstevenz

jstevenz

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Nov 25, 2010
96
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chicago il
Has anyone ever done or heard of anyone doing this? I was thinking of making a DIY 3D bottom for my tank. Built in with fake rocks and caves. This would of course be sealed all the way around the bottom so that no debris of waste can get underneath. Would love to see any pics of this done or ideas.
 
I think some of the commercial 3D background mfg.'s also either make or suggest that some of their backgrounds can be used on the bottom of the tank IF properly sealed.

The issue with making a styrofoam type background to use on the bottom of the tank is it is extremely buoyant and would need a lot of silicone to keep it attached permanently and may need additional heavy rocks to keep it down. It would be a disaster if it popped up!
 
deeda said:
I think some of the commercial 3D background mfg.'s also either make or suggest that some of their backgrounds can be used on the bottom of the tank IF properly sealed.

The issue with making a styrofoam type background to use on the bottom of the tank is it is extremely buoyant and would need a lot of silicone to keep it attached permanently and may need additional heavy rocks to keep it down. It would be a disaster if it popped up!
Click to expand...

Ahh yes that makes alot of sense. I would silicone it down and in place but never thought of that. Would definitely help to be weighed down as well.
 
Did you use the background on the base? I'm in the process of fixing my 450g that cracked and was wondering whether to build a 3d base to help support all the bogwood I have once fixed.
 
I was leaning more to the diy built to measure. Does anyone know if the expanding foam lathered in aquarium sealant method used on vivarium 3d backgrounds would be ok? Thinking could add the bigger pieces partway through to secure them in place.
 
Absolutely possible. Jrt is a tank builder and also does backgrounds and decorations using Polygem.
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Big Polygem tree being built
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Jrt's thread:

Tank builds and projects!

JRT is a build machine.. RT 4 Aqaurium is lucky to have him!
www.monsterfishkeepers.com www.monsterfishkeepers.com


Polygem Zoopoxy

Zoopoxy Gallery | Polygem Epoxy

www.polygem.com www.polygem.com


I first heard about Polygem Zoopoxy from an employee of a large tank builder with a TV show. They made most of their decorations from Polygem Zoopoxy. The company name used to be mentioned on Polygem's website, but is no longer mentioned. Zoopoxy is a fish safe epoxy that bonds to just about anything. This is a picture he sent me of a background using Polygem with rocks and other things.
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I'm using Polygem in a slightly different way to conceal my pipes for my mechanical filtration. I used a wire mesh to hold the Pond Foam.

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Pipes with Pond Foam sculpting
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Covered with Polygem
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Painted
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Side backgrounds were two pieces of foam board with Pond Foam sculpting and then covered with Polygem
First right side panel
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Checking the four side panels
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Checking the fit of the two right side panels in the tank before painting
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Installed
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