210 gal foam background build (pics)

[Murdock5150]

Decided to go with a foam background for our new tank build. This is what we have so far.

Cutting the eggcrate to go around the overflows was fun. Gluing them together in that position was not...

 

[Murdock5150]

Used the black pond foam to fill in around the rocks. Then we put down some rock salt for texture.

 

[Murdock5150]

All 4 pieces before adding sand.

 

[Murdock5150]

We used a 2 part resin to glue the sand to the foam

 

[Murdock5150]

We are using black silicone to attach it to the back glass. I'll post more pics when its done drying.

 

[Brunzy]

Are you going to cycle that in the tank, or cycle it before you put it into the tank?

 

[Murdock5150]

The tank is a completely new build with old live (now dry) rock. We will let the background cycle along with everything else once we get it going.

 

[crabbydan]

Looks good. Does water get trapped between the glass and the foam wall? and does it even matter?

 

[Murdock5150]

Water can get behind it, but it shouldn't matter. I siliconed the bottom so sand won't push it out though.

 

[ReefsandGeeks]

:thumbsup:Looking good! I've been planning on doing something similar when I finally get my 210. Untill then, I'll just have to watch you and others on RC build yours.

 

[Mrs. Music]

Looks like a fun and exciting project. I used foam to glue rocks together and my stoopid angel tried to eat it. She seemed to spit it out all the time. I decided to remove the rocks just incase and when I moved them it released hundreds of foam bits into the water! Took forever to remove them. It is a very good idea to cover the foam the way tou did.

 

[Murdock5150]

ITs has been a fun project. I will say if you decide to do this, try not to get the foam on you. It's really hard to get off once it dries lol.

 

[savvybuckeye7]

What kind of resin did you use?


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[Murdock5150]

What kind of resin did you use?


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I used West Systems 105 epoxy and 205 fast hardener. Its a bit pricey, but not bad considering how much was used.

 

[Murdock5150]

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Almost done! I filled the gaps between the 4 pieces with more foam. I just need to shape the seams a bit and add sand/resin to make it look like 1 full piece.

 

[rum3002576]

thats turning out real good. nice job

 

[serenity]

That turned out awesome!!

 

[hammerhead24]

looks great!

 

[Brunzy]

Do you plan on putting real coral on the backgroun to enhance the effect

 

[Murdock5150]

Yes. I'm going to put live rock in front of it too.