First Construction - Start to Finish

Nath5 · #1 05-19-2010, 02:00 PM

Hey everyone,

I have read hundreds of posts on this forum and most of them I have found extremely helpful, especially those who have documented their entire build process. In order to return the favor I plan on taking pictures and having little write ups describing each part of my build process. I hope that this will not only allow for all of you to help me out as I build but also help those in the future who are starting on their first construction. Please don't hesitate to question anything I do, after all this is my first time so there is a good chance I will make some mistakes. Otherwise I hope you enjoy watching this tank come together.

I am currently waiting on the tank to arrive. It should be delivered today. My first question to everyone, is does anyone know where I could find a foam cutting heat tool. I have a found a few places online but don't really want to order it. I live in Northern Virginia, so if anyone is from around here and knows a store that would have one please let me know.

Thanks,
Nathan

Josh · #2 05-19-2010, 02:15 PM

before u go out and buy a foam tool try just using a knife...i went out to my local craft store bought the hot knife and never even used it..i found it easier to use tools that i had laying around..like a steak knife haha.. and u can see i was still able to get the shape i wanted. O and use sandpaper

Grimm · #3 05-19-2010, 03:14 PM

Boooo for the misleading title...I was all excited on seing the build from start to finish TODAY haha. Damn

Good luck with it, keep us posted. What type of foam are you using? Sometimes pulling chunks off by hand will give a more realistic appearance then a clean knife cut.

beckdg · #4 05-19-2010, 06:41 PM

i agree that the foam cutting tool is unnecessary. however you should be able to find one at any arts and crafts store. although it might not be the one you're looking for.

Nath5 · #5 05-19-2010, 08:47 PM

Well I was able to find the foam cutter at Micheals, not really sure how much ill use it but at least if I need it it is now on hand.

Sorry Grimm gonna be a while till you see the finished project but I will make sure to post pictures as often as possible so you can all see my progress.

First pictures should be up tonight.

Maverick · #6 05-19-2010, 08:59 PM

Nice, did you get the Multi-pack "creativity solder gun"?? I saw that thing today, and was so pissed I didnt see that before I cut all mine with a knife!

Nath5 · #7 05-19-2010, 10:43 PM

Here is the tank, its a exo terra tank (18" x 18" x 24" - PT2607) , ordered online for $110. The link to the exo-terra page with all the tanks is below:

Exo Terra : Products : Glass Terrarium

I used some garden sheers and a metal file to cut and smooth the egg crate (purchased at home depot for about $10) into the pieces needed for the false bottom.

The picture below is of the PVC tubing that will be the supports for the false bottom. These will eventually have slots cut out of them to allow water to circulate through them to prevent stagnant water.

Below is the false bottom in, and a drawing of where I will be cutting it to form the stream.

One last picture. This is the foam that I will be using to form that fake rock wall at the back of the tank. I was planning on cutting it tonight but ran out of time. So hopefully tomorrow I will be able to start cutting.

That is all for now, more to come soon!

Nath5 · #8 05-20-2010, 09:33 PM

Well it took a while, and I had to take the bottom apart once to make the stream bed wider, but here is the false bottom with the stream bed built in. Ready for some great stuff whenever it finally arrives.

Hopefully tomorrow, I can finish up getting the sides of the bottom on, and start working on the foam for the waterfall and back wall.

Maverick · #9 05-20-2010, 11:32 PM

I really like the way you did that stream. Your planning on spraying foam over the egg crate?

Nath5 · #10 05-20-2010, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick

I really like the way you did that stream. Your planning on spraying foam over the egg crate?

Yea, I have several cans of Great Stuff foam coming. I am going to cover all the egg crate in nylon screen and then foam the stream in.

Question for everyone, Can the Great Stuff be painted directly or do I need to cover it in cement like that back wall?