29 Gallon Long PDF Build <My Sons Tank>

[DigitalPunk]

It does, but we are only using small dots to keep the foam together for fitting. It is not intended to hold it all together permanently.

[DigitalPunk]

Water fall was tested last night. Made some modifications to the layout due to the amount of water the tank needed for the pump to work. Cut about an inch off the bottom and removed the stand the filter had to sit on to reach the top.

This project is on hold while we order the foam coat and the remaining pieces for the background. Hopefully we have some new updates in a week or 2.

[DigitalPunk]

Order was placed for most of the background materials today. My sons funds have run out so now he is in savings mode to get the rest of the stuff he wants for the tank. Once the order arrives later this week we will have more pictures. All we have done since the last update is prepare the false bottom for the next step.

We still need to order the stuff to cover and seal the foam and Paints for the waterfall.

[DigitalPunk]

Ok Brief update. The first round of background and supplies arrived this weekend. So we were able to do a bit of work.

We got the egg crate cut and decided to do a box type bottom instead of the using PVC supports. This picture was taken before we straightened the cross beams


We wrapped the egg crate in a membrane to prevent the substrate from falling through into the void


Here it is with the final fitting into the tank. It is very very snug.


My son then spent several hours over a few days laying out the cork bark and wood until he settled on a layout. The 2 pieces of wood at the edge are temporary. Not sure what we will use, but the general idea is to create a wall to keep the substrate from falling off the edge into the water feature. Will most likely break up chunks of slate to create the wall. What ever we do will be covered in moss.




He then covered the back in spray foam. We talked about getting more cork bark but ended up deciding to order some Moss and Hygrolon from Bill's friend for the background.



Now we wait. We will let the foam cure for a couple days then carve it some while we wait for the Hygrolon and Moss to arrive. We also ordered the Foam Coat for the waterfall, so we will have some forward progress on the waterfall in the near future.

[DigitalPunk]

A brief update - The foam has dried and been carved a bit. The foam will not be visible so the shape doesn't really matter.

We replaced the sticks with rocks to create the divide from the land and water.





And this is one of the final test fit with all the pieces in.

<I can't get it to not be upside down when it uploads......> So I uploaded it to photo bucket.

[DigitalPunk]

The foam coat arrived today. We applied the first (thin) coat tonight. This will need to dry for 24 hours before we can add the 2nd coat. I will get some pictures of it after it dries and can be touched again.

For anyone curious the foam coat was applied to the top and sides. That was allowed to dry for 4 hours and then it was layed on its back so the bottom could be coated. The foam coat was applied with a small stiff bristle brush. The first coat was a mixed a bit watery for the first coat to ensure it was able to get down into all the cracks and holes. The 2nd coat will be a bit thicker and allow us to build up the foam in sections where we think it needs it. The 2nd coat will also be tinted with Acrylic paint so we can ensure the 2nd coat covers everywhere. The 3rd coat will be colored the final base color of the formation. We will then apply acrylic highlights and then seal it with some sort of water proofer.... the water proofer is still being determined.

[DigitalPunk]

Ok here is the pic of the first coat after it dried. The 2nd coat is now on and is drying. Tomorrow morning we begin to paint and try not to ruin it lol




The first coat as you can see left a few areas with the foam holes still visible. The 2nd coat has made thicker and filled in all holes and gaps.