D3monics first build. Exo 18x18x24 - Page 2

claymore · #11 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 02:22 AM

On my Next project I am defiantly using the Pond & Garden GS!

It'll be do much easier to cover the background. And if there is a little uncovered so what! LOL

D3monic · #12 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 02:25 AM

I didnt use any of the silicone. I am hoping the foam will hold the wood in place.
Well heres the start of it.

Frame work and false bottom

First coat of GS...took 2 cans

A little awkward to work with. Doesnt like to come out of the can too well once its about half gone.

Going to let it dry overnight before I play with it some more...

beckdg · #13 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 03:07 AM

good start.

D3monic · #14 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 03:28 AM

Do you guys normally carve or sand your backgrounds once its dry to get your final shape or are you just that good with this stuff? I find it hard to work with since the flow out of the can is extremely inconsistent. One moment its blowing out at 100 miles an hour and then its coming out in a trickle.

beckdg · #15 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 03:32 AM

nobody's "that good with it" really. as for carving and what not some people just think it looks better one way or the other. i guess you could say the inconsistency adds to a more organic random look/feel once your done.

DazzleDiscus · #16 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 01:01 PM

I carved the GS in my tank... but then again I was going for a specific ridge/waterfall layout too. Never heard of sanding the GS... but I've seen pics of vives where the GS background hasn't been altered prior to sillicone+cocofiber. Personally I like the backgrounds that have been carved. It gives it a more natural feel I think - I mean, I've never seen cliffs that look like it's been made of vines covered in dirt. :P My opinion of course.

beckdg · #17 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 01:41 PM

sanding or carving really help with mortar/concrete/grout adhesion for rock work...

we've discussed it quite a few times.

D3monic · #18 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 01:47 PM

I am going to see what I can do tonight and If I dont like how it looks I might lightly carve it. I notice if you disturb that top layer that it is really porous. I could see that being an issue with water soaking in and it mildew up. Then again I guess covering it in silicone could solve that issue. I am off to the store to take back the dap and get some more GS and some spraypaint to get the back and sides painted.

Heres how it looks in the tank, I am thinking a small orchid on the far left pot or a spiderplant and broms in the rest.

I will have to do the sides with it in the tank or wont be able to flex the sides enough to squeeze it into the tank. it was hard enough to get it in as it is. I will try to make some thick creaping vines running up and down the walls. Will hopefully look pretty once REAL vines start to grow up it.

You can see here how much of the sides and bottom will be painted so you cant see the false bottom or fake wall. The verticle piece of tape at the bottom will be a small viewing level so I can see what the water level is.

beckdg · #19 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 01:50 PM

before you go...

beckdg · #20 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010, 01:53 PM

if you'll be able to see the sides of the tank where it's displayed it would be a good idea to use silicone to cover where your structures will be so it's not unsightly from the sides.

goop the silicone on (the glass) and spread it with a credit card to thin it out... works nice!

also trimming the gs a little behind your planters will give your plants more room and deflect less light for them. i'd keep the rest the way it is though... random spray looks more organic/natural imo.