LOL
He started this thread in 2008 I think he knows what he is talking about. Search 3D background and you will see tons of people have made these with no problems. Sounds to me like you used the wrong foam. There is UV resistant and non UV resistant. If you used the stuff that isn't UV resistant then yes all the foam needs to be covered up.
Hilarious..
His original 5.5g AIO was an inspiration for my tank. I used the same Beckett UV resistant pond foam on top of eggcrate and zip tied lace rock to the structure. A light coat of epoxy and sand to cover.
I also used UV resistant touch n foam.
Question for you; do you post about every tank related failure you've had? No. Why? It's embarrassing.
Just because there are many success stories, doesn't mean everyone who has ever made a foam wall has been successful.
I'm just trying to be helpful and when someone asks if there have been any negative side effects, I thought I would share my experience.
Feel free to critique my build thread on what I did wrong in the initial stages building the wall so others can benefit and not have their wall degrade over time.
The overflow teeth were the first to go, then the thick top portion started to slowly go.
It's been about 2 years since building the wall (1¾ years wet). I have no algae problems and all of my coral is thriving.
Forgot to mention that turbo snails will eat the foam as well. This played a small role in mine as well. I could hear it munching on the wall late at night when the pumps are off. Lol