Epic Overhaul/Builds: 3D Backgrounds 300g-125g-120g

[JK47]

I would think taper it away from the BG. The only thing it would do is take up a little more space that you would just fill with sand anyways. I think it will look more natural, like the background is actually continuing down, instead of something added to the bottom.

I also think that using silicone (or something else fish safe) and sprinkling sand on it will also help to make it look more natural.

I just worry the silicone will end up very globby and unnatural looking, which is why I said "something else fish safe".

Is there a clear Krylon fusion spray paint that you could use, and then sprinkle sand on top of?

Thanks for the feedback Conner! Lets find out.. I only have black to test with. My plan is still to use the silicone but now I'm curious..





Scrap piece of Selvas background, scrap piece of pond foam (one side carved, one side not) 3 passes with Krylon Fusion for each piece and sand sprinkled on top.

 

[JK47]

I would think taper it away from the BG. The only thing it would do is take up a little more space that you would just fill with sand anyways. I think it will look more natural, like the background is actually continuing down, instead of something added to the bottom.

That's what I was thinking too. I just went ahead and did it. It looks allot better IMO.







I have lots of sand drying out so I can get this buttoned up tonight.

 

[Muni]

Ummmmm. Smells like fried fish.... poop.

 

[JK47]

Ummmmm. Smells like fried fish.... poop.

You have no idea Eric, massive ewe...

I had to grind down the BG at the top so I could muscle in the returns again and get them installed for good. I am stoked how they came out!!! Super stealthy... The FX5 returns are flat out not going to fit though.. The BG raised too much so I'm going to have to figure something else out.



I let the paint dry but it was still a fail.. The paint didn't hold on to the sand well at all. I'm glad I got that out of my system though so thank you for the feedback Conner! I am going to use a paint brush to spread out the silicone evenly.

 

[Muni]

I have some idea. Thats why I mentioned it. Done the same thing before. If anything other then pristine water has come in contact with the sand. It gets kinda funky when you heat it up.


Kinda like those blue out houses. They aren't so bad. But if its 110* outside they become a stinky sauna from hell.

 

[Natalie]

View attachment 553875

Pretty cool setup-- I might have to consider that for my 150! Thanks for posting that picture, and keep the updates coming. The 300g background is looking GREAT!

 

[Conner]

Sorry the spray paint didn't work out for you. It was worth a try though. I just thought if it worked, it would be a little more natural looking than the silicone, although the silicone probably won't look too bad, especially once its covered by sand.

You know this thing is going to be a *&^%$%^&*&^% to take out in the future, right?

 

[JK47]

Sorry the spray paint didn't work out for you. It was worth a try though. I just thought if it worked, it would be a little more natural looking than the silicone, although the silicone probably won't look too bad, especially once its covered by sand.

You know this thing is going to be a *&^%$%^&*&^% to take out in the future, right?

Yeah it was totally worth a try. This BG isn't coming out, ever.. If I don't like it or want a different one, I'll just get a new tank.

 

[joecoulson]

This BG isn't coming out, ever.. If I don't like it or want a different one, I'll just get a new tank.

Thats exactly what I said too when I was doing mine, I don't see (if you install it properly to make it look completely built in) how you could remove and make the tank be like new again anyway.

 

[JK47]

Thats exactly what I said too when I was doing mine, I don't see (if you install it properly to make it look completely built in) how you could remove and make the tank be like new again anyway.

^ exactly.. There is always someone who would buy a tank with a BG if your not happy with it. No disrespect to any DIY'ers but even an "OK" install job of a pre-made BG looks better than some (< not all) of the DIY versions out there.

I got the sand dried out last night. I will do the silicone/sand layer on the bottom this afternoon and (hopefully) get the tank upright. I need to start fabbing up some FX5 returns and decide how to make them fit.