Styrofoam Pond Build

[ThatGuyWithTheFace]

I decided to make a pond for my 30 gallon tank. I assumed it would raise the humidity significantly. I'm using lizardlandscape's technique. So I bought a 4'x8' block of Styrofoam. I'm using an old aquarium filter to filter and move the water. I cut off a big chunk of the block to use as the base. Then I started cutting out rectangles to go around the perimeter of the pond. I stuck the rectangles and base together with silicone. I'll post a couple of photo of where I am now. Then I'll go outside eventually to take more photos with the reasoning behind every piece.

[jarteta97]

subscribed!

[ThatGuyWithTheFace]

I used 3 blocks of Styrofoam to raise the filter up. There's an extra piece on the edge of the 3 blocks because the filter was tipping over. There also an indention on the top block for the cord.



This long piece in between the filter stand and the pond is only temporary until I decide if I want to build a waterfall or pond. So are the two tall pieces behind the filter. I'm going to get GS foam for the inside of the pond when ever I can get to Walmart. There's a snow storm in Ohio.


I wish I took more photos before I started to show the whole process. Oh well.

[deranged chipmunk]

interesting concept. question, in the first pic, are the rectangles the finished height of the pond? i only ask because if that is your max water height, there's no way that HOB filter is going to draw water up that high. the water level needs to be about halfway up the filter body for it to operate properly.

[ThatGuyWithTheFace]

interesting concept. question, in the first pic, are the rectangles the finished height of the pond? i only ask because if that is your max water height, there's no way that HOB filter is going to draw water up that high. the water level needs to be about halfway up the filter body for it to operate properly.

Nope. I lowered the filter's height actually. I didn't realize the line that says, "water level here" until after the photo. I'd hate to raise the water level too much because there's a risk of drowning. It isn't for amphibians. It's for a skink. I just post on this forum because it's my favorite. Also, considering I'm going to use drylok and GS foam on it, I took into consideration the fact that GS and drylok will expand and raise the height of the sides.

[ThatGuyWithTheFace]

I lowered the filter's height and cut out a rectangle from a Tupperware container I had. The Tupperware is thin enough for the filter to hang over. It's stuck on there with silicone and will be supported with more foam.

Then comes the fun part.

I filled the inside edges with GS to fill in the cracks between the rectangles on the side. I am now waiting for it to dry so I can carve it where carving is needed.

[ThatGuyWithTheFace]

I bought this fern for this project. I'll post why soon.

[ThatGuyWithTheFace]

Thought I'd post another technique I'm trying. I just glued 4 blocks of Styrofoam together with gorilla glue. I then carved a pond into those blocks. Then I carved a spot for the filter. Now I cover the pond part with drylok that has been colored green. I just coated that part so I can be sure it holds water before I continue. I colored it because drylok is the same color as the Styrofoam which made it hard to see what parts have been coated. Difficulty wise, I'm preferring this way. Once again, I wish I took photos of the whole process. I'll post which pond I preferred.