you could just lay an extra piece of Egg crate across the bottom of the aquarium between the background and the front glass, to hold the bottom in place. and once you put down your subtrate/gravel/sand, you wouldnt even see the egg crate. But the magnet someone mentioned below is an awesome idea. Also, another option is, you can skip the epoxy part if you apply sand directly to the expanding foam while it still tacky. mix small gravel in with the sand for a more natural look. You can also hide an air tube in the foam if you want to have an air stone without see the annoying tube. If you dont have a reef ready tank, you can use the egg crate to create a space to place your heater next to your filter intake and never have to see the heater also, but it might be a good idea to create a small opening in the foam, so you can see if the heater light is on, to make sure its functioning. You could use a small piece of clear plastic from a water bottle to create a window to the heater light.
Foaming onto the grate is kool especially for beginners but you can get some pink panther water treated foam cut to the size of your tank it comes about 2 inches thick add your rocks then foam them in place you can use the foam to make caves and crevices for fish to feel hidden meanwhile you will always see them in a comfortable state 😉 oh yeah my main reason for using pink panther foam is again it gives you about 2 inches on depth already so you will only need about 2/3 cans of foam for a 40 breeder I use great stuff pond and stone 12 oz cans with 2 square cut pink panther foam boards they are about a 2 foot square ⬜ then I cut to my size silicone the 2 boards so it's 1 piece you can put the decor then foam immediately but I go a step further with the cut pieces I later with silicone then I can cut out caves and tunnels that run around the rock decor then foam it all to get in all cracks I use the spray on foam it comes out like spray paint and foams up just a fine layer then I hit it with the bubble foam can with the tube sprayer that foams up nice and thick about halfway through the top drying process then I add my sand and crushed coral that's how I get my nature scape. LONGEST COMMENT EVER 😛!!!
This is really great, but I'm thinking of a couple things that could be done differently. #1) Add another sheet of grid to the bottom of the tank - cover as much or as little as you please, my point is that it would serve as an anchor to preclude the bottom kicking out + you could add a LOT more depth by creating a few rocks that come out toward the front of the tank, or even touch it! This would allow for some "coral" shelves that would add structural integrity, as well! #2) Why not use DIY Live Rock on the grid instead of that expensive foam stuff?!?!?! Then you'd add more mass to the tanks Biofiltration! This is a GREAT stART that is giving me some delightful ideas & I think as I progress on MY build, I'll create a Reefer's DIY channel of my own & show the progress of the various aspects of my build. Thanks for sparking my creativity in this area!
Wow! I love it. I need to build a basking station for my turtle. I was trying to get some ideas and find stuff that is aquarium safe. Could you give me some suggestions please? :)
Sorry guys. I have had this setup going for almost a year everything looks great. No issues at all. No glue for rocks. The spray foam holds it in place. I'll see if I can get a photo up some how. Or post another video.
Instead of the salt for texture although it doesn't cost much to waste but just before the foam starts setting try adding some fine sand in places and crushed coral in others again for the growth of bacteria it something that will always be working the tank with no cleaning necessary at all
You can get great stuff people 😜 it's called great stuff pond n stone and it's black. Your method to making the background is nice though. I add live rock to my backgrounds also so it not only looks kinda natural to the fish and on lookers of the tank but mostly because the background will function as a media also with all the bacteria that it will hold
I did this. Got an epoxy and painted one section and put a bunch of sand (aragonite) all over it. But it did not cover it entirely so I'm definitely going to have to do another coat. But if you could tell me exactly what sand you used, where you got it, maybe a picture of it, that would really help me out!
What about the nasty stagnant water that is going to get trapped between the glass and back of the back ground? Is that going to be a problem? Unless you put silicone all the way around and prevented the water from getting behind the background I would be concerned with nasty stuff growing in there. I does look good though.
Hey Billy, After you make the wall and ready to put in tank, does it need to be fishless for any period of time? Or can I put the insert in and fish straight away after? Tanks cycled and stocked, I would have to take everything out but I have thousands worth of coral and fish, just want to know.
@the reef chef, could you let me know what resin and sand you used? You said more coarse sand. So not live sand. I'm about to do this for my new 150g. Just want to make sure I don't screw it up.
Question I thought foam poisons fish at least that is what I have heard growing up. Is this a different type then what they make cups and cheap coolers with?
@@btuff I did this. Got an epoxy and painted one section and put a bunch of sand (aragonite) all over it. But it did not cover it entirely so I'm definitely going to have to do another coat. But if you could tell me exactly what sand you used, where you got it, maybe a picture of it, that would really help me out!
I love spray foam!! did you seal the backside with resin and no sand? has that foam been proven like not to leak anything nasty if exposed directly to saltwater?
. . . . . is when you realize you weren't careful enough in constructing the shapes & ALLOWED space enough for a fish to get behind the background! Pay attention & insure there's no crevices or crannies that allow that situation.
Billy! Yo man! How is the background working? Any recent videos? I want to try this. Looks good. Do you have a link to the materials? How long did the resin take to dry?
I did this. Got an epoxy and painted one section and put a bunch of sand (aragonite) all over it. But it did not cover it entirely so I'm definitely going to have to do another coat. But if you could tell me exactly what sand you used, where you got it, maybe a picture of it, that would really help me out!
You could actually throw the sand right on top of the foam right after you apply the foam apply sand on it make sure ypu put plent of it till you can no longer see the foam. Wait 24 hours and shake the extra sand off.
I just used resin from Home Depot. Mix it and spread it on foam with brush. Then while wet throw sand on it and let dry. Make sure you get the mix right. I didn't and it was like gummy. Never really hardened. You can scrap it off easy when gooey. Just apply more and throw sand on. Hard to screw up.
check out my 10 gallon tank inside a 120 gallon tank w/ 3d custom foam rock work search "Amazing 3D Aquarium Background Aquascape Freshwater Tank inside Tank Custom Rock"
Nice work! Definitely will subscribe to see future videos - Let us know what you think of our stuff and consider subscribing back! Backyard Waterfalls - Top 5
Thanks for the tip on the black foam and making this video.
Great job! 😊
you could just lay an extra piece of Egg crate across the bottom of the aquarium between the background and the front glass, to hold the bottom in place. and once you put down your subtrate/gravel/sand, you wouldnt even see the egg crate. But the magnet someone mentioned below is an awesome idea.
Also, another option is, you can skip the epoxy part if you apply sand directly to the expanding foam while it still tacky. mix small gravel in with the sand for a more natural look.
You can also hide an air tube in the foam if you want to have an air stone without see the annoying tube. If you dont have a reef ready tank, you can use the egg crate to create a space to place your heater next to your filter intake and never have to see the heater also, but it might be a good idea to create a small opening in the foam, so you can see if the heater light is on, to make sure its functioning. You could use a small piece of clear plastic from a water bottle to create a window to the heater light.
Another person set a magnetic algae scrapper into the background and when the outside piece was attached, the back never moved.
Awesome
Foaming onto the grate is kool especially for beginners but you can get some pink panther water treated foam cut to the size of your tank it comes about 2 inches thick add your rocks then foam them in place you can use the foam to make caves and crevices for fish to feel hidden meanwhile you will always see them in a comfortable state 😉 oh yeah my main reason for using pink panther foam is again it gives you about 2 inches on depth already so you will only need about 2/3 cans of foam for a 40 breeder I use great stuff pond and stone 12 oz cans with 2 square cut pink panther foam boards they are about a 2 foot square ⬜ then I cut to my size silicone the 2 boards so it's 1 piece you can put the decor then foam immediately but I go a step further with the cut pieces I later with silicone then I can cut out caves and tunnels that run around the rock decor then foam it all to get in all cracks I use the spray on foam it comes out like spray paint and foams up just a fine layer then I hit it with the bubble foam can with the tube sprayer that foams up nice and thick about halfway through the top drying process then I add my sand and crushed coral that's how I get my nature scape. LONGEST COMMENT EVER 😛!!!
This is really great, but I'm thinking of a couple things that could be done differently. #1) Add another sheet of grid to the bottom of the tank - cover as much or as little as you please, my point is that it would serve as an anchor to preclude the bottom kicking out + you could add a LOT more depth by creating a few rocks that come out toward the front of the tank, or even touch it! This would allow for some "coral" shelves that would add structural integrity, as well!
#2) Why not use DIY Live Rock on the grid instead of that expensive foam stuff?!?!?! Then you'd add more mass to the tanks Biofiltration!
This is a GREAT stART that is giving me some delightful ideas & I think as I progress on MY build, I'll create a Reefer's DIY channel of my own & show the progress of the various aspects of my build. Thanks for sparking my creativity in this area!
Great job! Very helpful!! I'm doing it now.
This is awesome to see how this tank has grown over the years!! Great video!! With current market this $200 build is probably over 1k lol
I put just put holes in the plastic frame and sprayed around it. I'll post a new video in a couple days.
Wow! I love it. I need to build a basking station for my turtle. I was trying to get some ideas and find stuff that is aquarium safe. Could you give me some suggestions please? :)
Sorry guys. I have had this setup going for almost a year everything looks great. No issues at all. No glue for rocks. The spray foam holds it in place. I'll see if I can get a photo up some how. Or post another video.
Instead of the salt for texture although it doesn't cost much to waste but just before the foam starts setting try adding some fine sand in places and crushed coral in others again for the growth of bacteria it something that will always be working the tank with no cleaning necessary at all
Looks Awesome
That looks AWESOME!!!....Was wondering if you could tell me what kind of resin you used to seal it?....definitely want to do this!
Any resin from Home Depot will do. Just make sure it's in a ventilated area. It will stink for a few days.
You can get great stuff people 😜 it's called great stuff pond n stone and it's black. Your method to making the background is nice though. I add live rock to my backgrounds also so it not only looks kinda natural to the fish and on lookers of the tank but mostly because the background will function as a media also with all the bacteria that it will hold
looks really great
Was the resin just for the sand to stick to or is it used to seal the foam completely on both sides?
wow thats so cool looking.
Nice tank ! but the music at the end made me jump, lol
Looks good man... one of the better ones I have seen. What product did you use?
I did this. Got an epoxy and painted one section and put a bunch of sand (aragonite) all over it. But it did not cover it entirely so I'm definitely going to have to do another coat. But if you could tell me exactly what sand you used, where you got it, maybe a picture of it, that would really help me out!
What about the nasty stagnant water that is going to get trapped between the glass and back of the back ground? Is that going to be a problem? Unless you put silicone all the way around and prevented the water from getting behind the background I would be concerned with nasty stuff growing in there. I does look good though.
looks great I think I'm going to give it a try on my cichlid tank . What kind of filtration do you use ?
does the salt you used not offset the ph balance in your water...do you have a buffing agent ..??
Hey Billy,
After you make the wall and ready to put in tank, does it need to be fishless for any period of time? Or can I put the insert in and fish straight away after? Tanks cycled and stocked, I would have to take everything out but I have thousands worth of coral and fish, just want to know.
@the reef chef, could you let me know what resin and sand you used? You said more coarse sand. So not live sand. I'm about to do this for my new 150g. Just want to make sure I don't screw it up.
Question I thought foam poisons fish at least that is what I have heard growing up. Is this a different type then what they make cups and cheap coolers with?
very nice.
So its just waterproof foam and no other layer of sealing? I‘m trying to do lava rocks with black foam and not seal it further
we need to know what resin..what kind of sand..natural or bagged sand a list of materials names..thanx
Would love to see an updated video on the tank. Also what resin did you use? Did you seal both sides?
update is up
how did you attach the overflow to the existing back panel.
and can you list the items you purchased to make this.
great JOB!!!
I cut the holes out on the mesh. Then once in the tank, I spray foamed around fittings.
Done a great job. Any videos of how it's looking now?
look at update
good job liked it
Hi there I know you said resin with the sand is that some kind of seal ?
great job Billy. thanks for the videos. do you have an update on this. just to show how it looks and pros and cons after a while.
I had a little hair algae at first but it a resolved. There's nothing I don't like about it.
@@btuff I did this. Got an epoxy and painted one section and put a bunch of sand (aragonite) all over it. But it did not cover it entirely so I'm definitely going to have to do another coat. But if you could tell me exactly what sand you used, where you got it, maybe a picture of it, that would really help me out!
@@mlamp89 Just get sand from the fish store. You can use medium or fine.
awesome!!
Could we paint the foam with silicone instead of 2 part epoxy resin?
I love spray foam!! did you seal the backside with resin and no sand? has that foam been proven like not to leak anything nasty if exposed directly to saltwater?
There's nothing to leak. It's inside tank. Glue to down to glass with silicone tho. Foam floats.
I posted an update if you search: 3D reef background - UPDATE I forgot my login here on this name.
hi billy just curious what kind of resin did you use was it just fiberglass resin?
Do you know if there was an effect on your pH? Did it have to cure at all like DIY live rock?
Now of course I must ask, is this 100% reef safe, and what's the lifespan of this build? Looks awesome
Btw!
Going on 2 years
That moment when you find a $65 fish behind the background
. . . . . is when you realize you weren't careful enough in constructing the shapes & ALLOWED space enough for a fish to get behind the background! Pay attention & insure there's no crevices or crannies that allow that situation.
Awesomeness
This still in your tank? Thoughts if you were to do things differently today?
I have everything from clams, to every kind of corals. it's all very healthy.
wow,wow, very, very, nice
Did you ever have a rock break loose? Breaking the bottom glass is a nightmare scenario for me.
I've had this forever and I've never had anything come off.
I'm from Brazil,. What is the name of this mass that you join the rock, I loved
Billy! Yo man! How is the background working? Any recent videos? I want to try this. Looks good. Do you have a link to the materials? How long did the resin take to dry?
Rock solid. Everything is huge
How did you remove the salt crystals from the foam before glueing the sand on?
Spray it with hose. It desolves off. But don't do that part. Just throw sand on the resin.
how did you mount those returns? (english is not my native language and i don't know the name for it in my language hehe)
Forget the salt rock part.
I did this. Got an epoxy and painted one section and put a bunch of sand (aragonite) all over it. But it did not cover it entirely so I'm definitely going to have to do another coat. But if you could tell me exactly what sand you used, where you got it, maybe a picture of it, that would really help me out!
nice.nice.nice.nice 👍👍👍👍👍👍
how long did it take to soak the foam in water until is not cloudy anymore? how is it holding up?
look at update
How is it going now just curious about longevity.
Next time spray the base first then set the rocks.
What was the grating called and where did you get it
This product can be used inside the aquarium, is it Safe?
What glue you use? For rock or sand
I'll post some videos soon. I've had some issues with silicates. Other than that looking good.
Would love to see it with some coraline!
Tim Winzeler video is up
+Billy Simkins the background made frm styrofoam and cement do u kno of thts safe to put in Salt water
i billy, could you pl answer all the questions which everyone is asking...it would be a great favor
Could this method be used to make a fake bottom in the tank?
I wouldn't. The sand is part of the filtration.
What kind of resen did you use
😄👏
🤔😀👍👍
would you recommend fine or coarse sand?
IMHO - course sand w/ crushed shells, etc. would add to the texture + the Biofiltration aspects of the DIY Live Rock!
would really like to know what resin you used for the sand
You could actually throw the sand right on top of the foam right after you apply the foam apply sand on it make sure ypu put plent of it till you can no longer see the foam. Wait 24 hours and shake the extra sand off.
And or you can rub silicon all over the foam then put the sand on that way
BoY860 do it this way
What was the name of the two part resin you used??
I don't remember. Just get one with a boat on it.
Is it hard to clean?
Enjoyable delivery
I jave a question for you Billy.
What the of resin did you use?
JWC3686 did u find out???
What brand foam did you use
Black from Home Depot meant for water
can you explain the resin part? what kind is it? and what is it for?
I just used resin from Home Depot. Mix it and spread it on foam with brush. Then while wet throw sand on it and let dry. Make sure you get the mix right. I didn't and it was like gummy. Never really hardened. You can scrap it off easy when gooey. Just apply more and throw sand on. Hard to screw up.
Billy Simkins
why did you put salt on the foam?
Hey whereenu get the spray foam?
TheMrjuicer home depot
mega top JBTV *-*
How's the tank doing?
look at update
It looks real good, but the foam is $16 a can, way too expensive
Not really
check out my 10 gallon tank inside a 120 gallon tank w/ 3d custom foam rock work
search "Amazing 3D Aquarium Background Aquascape Freshwater Tank inside Tank Custom Rock"
Nice work! Definitely will subscribe to see future videos - Let us know what you think of our stuff and consider subscribing back!
Backyard Waterfalls - Top 5
Yellow foam dont break down in water...total bs
रहा
AQUARIUM BACKGROUND 3D
Looks tacky af!
Thanks for the tip on the black foam and making this video.
Great job! 😊