My custom 150 gallon DIY project... slowww

[halffrozen]

So I am finally starting to get Sonne's new tank going for him...

List of things to do still:
• Paint whole tank
• Install vent covers
• Reshape foam
• Cover foam with concrete and seal it
• Install lighting and timers
maybe a few more things I am forgetting right now...

I got the Styrofoam going for now... not that happy with the look.. but maybe some more carving and when I put on the concrete layer...

 

[Claudiusx]

I found that first picture disturbingly creepy... especially seeing as it is late at night... :silent:

lol.

Will be following along with your project.

-Brandon

 

[dragonov]

I think the shape of your styrofoam doesn't look too bad at all actually. You could still try to get rid of any straight surfaces, which will make it look more natural, (don't see many perfectly flat straight surfaces in nature) but other than that I think your shape looks pretty good! If you're not happy with the shape, make sure you change it before you put on concrete btw. (Don't think the grout will change the shape much, you'll want the styrofoam in the shape you want to end up with.)

Good job on the viv too!

 

[halffrozen]

Thanks guys! And yeah, my daughter has that ability to sneak into pictures and scare the hell out of people.. lol

I haven't done anything more to this tank yet, but will be buying all the grout this weekend...

Tonight I think I may start to shave more Styrofoam off to round it up better... maybe take more away from the mountain.. idk.. I think it isn't too terrible. lol

Just wanted to reply.

 

[halffrozen]

Ok, so I couldn't resist it just sitting there on the dining room table... haha

I found a new way to smooth large areas with a steak knife... lol lets just say I filled a whole trash bag and my kirby vacuum FULL!

Here is the closer to finished product. Still kind of not completely set on it... but please let me know your thoughts! Oh and they are all still loose, not glued together yet, so there may be some small inconsistencies..

Thanks!

 

[CountofCasualty]

Wow! Very cool! And for it not being stuck together, it's very consistent!

 

[halffrozen]

So I added the expanding foam, which I am not too sure it really needed....

I am not happy with not only the expanding foam, but the DAMN color I got! WAY to dark, and it looks like mud!!!

I think I may have to get a toffee colored spray paint and so a light coat over it...

Also, it JUST was finished as the picture was taken, so it is till wet.... will get another picture after this first layer is dry.

Oh, and I will be doing 2-3" thick alfalfa pellets for the substrate... MAYBE something else... not sure..

 

[CountofCasualty]

It will lighten up when it's dry, it'll be super dark when wet. Give it time. It looks good!

 

[halffrozen]

I know.. haha I am a VERY impatient person.. ha

Now I don't know what color to do the background... black or tan... or white?

Not sure.

Thought anyone?

 

[CountofCasualty]

I envision a forest mural.
But that's for incredibly art people. I think Tan is a good colour.

 

[halffrozen]

Well, it dried.. but it is STILL very dark.

I think I am going to grout it instead of this restore stuff....

 

[halffrozen]

OKAY!

I am so happy with this new coating of a different type of coat!

My wife was out and about and I had asked her to get me some grout and I got this stuff... it came pre-colored and everything... it also has sand mixed into it from the bag... which helps add the texture I was wanting.

It seems to not give off any smell or odor... but I may still add some matte mod podge to it...

We will see tomorrow.

Here it is... also give you a glimpse at my lighting system...

 

[CountofCasualty]

Love that colour! I coated my grouted basking spot in Mod Podge for the water proofing anyways, even though the Grout was supposed to be water proof, it prevents any staining and things.

 

[halffrozen]

Ordered all new lights for Sonne, Tamale and Mole!

Should be here in the next several days...

Will be painting the background a whitefish blueish color... not fully sure.