my method of building fake / faux rocks - Page 12

RudeReefer · #**111** 11-19-2009, 04:03 AM

Now I have to move to the other side of the tree! This will be the center section of the background. I'm going to end up making a small crack/waterfall through the center of this later.

I do the same thing for this side. Hold up the wood, and try to outline the edge as best as I can. None of this will come out perfect, so just take your time and do the best that you can. It can all take several steps with fitting and trimming.

This side has a pretty big gap that you'll see where my hand is. so I need to make the back thicker in that area. The more time you take to fit the foam, the less concrete you will waste later. Just take the time to stare at it and measure over and over, thats all I am doing.

RudeReefer · #**112** 11-19-2009, 04:06 AM

A little more fitting and trimming was necessary. After a few more cuts, the pieces were starting to fit real nice. I would draw on the glass the spots I would want to cut off the foam each time as a guide.

RudeReefer · #**113** 11-19-2009, 04:15 AM

Now comes the fun of the last piece of the puzzle. The right side. By the way, this has taken two or three hours to get this far... it takes time!

Now this piece is curved a lot more, and I will need to use chunks of foam to fill in some rock. (don't throw away your scraps of styro when you start cutting! save them)

Looking at the side profile of this bark, you'll see another big gap. After the usual outlining, I took the Sharpie marker and outlined the bark on the glass-on the BACK of the tank. I then held up the last piece of foam in place on the back side of the tank.... then started freehand drawing the last outline on the foam lightly.... each time holding it on the glass and looking at the initial outline I drew on the glass... we just want to be close as possible. The pics may help explain this better....

RudeReefer · #**114** 11-19-2009, 04:17 AM

and now I think the styro cutting too took a crap... it's dead... and it's 2 AM! I am finished for now.... but excited to start the detailing of the rocks... this will be a lot more work...

By the way, the Police concert DVD was awesome... they sounded great.

poopsko · #**115** 11-19-2009, 07:52 AM

very nice Rudy. LookEN good man. that is gonna be unreal. Yeah rudy yeah

RudeReefer · #**116** 11-19-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poopsko

very nice Rudy. LookEN good man. that is gonna be unreal. Yeah rudy yeah

HAAAAAAAhahaaaa.... hello Poopsko.... Everyone this is the owner of the new vive... my friend "Poopsko"..... I got him to join the site...

poopsko · #**117** 11-19-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RudeReefer

HAAAAAAAhahaaaa.... hello Poopsko.... Everyone this is the owner of the new vive... my friend "Poopsko"..... I got him to join the site...

hello everybody, hello rudereefer. Yes I am now the member. I cannot wait to see how RudyReefer makes this one turn out, by the looks of things it will only be amazing. How many mist nozzles shall we put in here? On the top I was thinkEN

RudeReefer · #**118** 11-19-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poopsko

hello everybody, hello rudereefer. Yes, I cannot wait to see how RudyReefer makes this one turn out, by the looks of things it will only be amazing. How many mist nozzles shall we put in here? On the top I was thinkEN

I bet you only need TWO.... although, when you see the finished product, your tears of joy may be enough to mist your plants Poopsko.... hahaha

RudeReefer · #**119** 11-19-2009, 04:58 PM

POOPSKO is also the Bonsai tree guy if you guys have questions.. he is very smart when it comes to dwarf trees..... but thats about it really..

poopsko · #**120** 11-19-2009, 05:34 PM

tears of pure joy I tell ya.
Yes , if you guys need to know some bonsai for the vives there are quite a few u can use. Any of the Ficus family will do well. They are very hardy trees, love the humidity. 2 things must be in place: decent lighting, and not having wet feet (buried in constant soggy soil) A couple T-5 bulbs should do the trick, depending on how deep ur tank is. If you wanted to go the compact flouresent screw in type I'm sure that would work well too....as long as you have the right color spectrum and intensity.