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Sulla
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Joined: 19 Jul 2004
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 Posted: 2004.07.23(Fri)23:04 Post subject: DIY Angkor what Backdrop |
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While I am working on getting my 125 stand finished, and the house reinforced I am also starting to work on the backdrop. I am planning on doing an Angkor what imspired backdrop. The backdrop will look like a stone wall with a typical Angkor what face in the wall and tree roots growing in and around it with of course fallen stones in front.
I plan on carving it in styrofoam the covering it in fiberglass resin. I am not worried about the carving part but I am still studing about fiberglass, resins, painting and aquariums:) If any one has any good links on making backdrops in this way let me know.
Also I am thinking if you make the fiberglass strong enough with glass matting etc then you could just take out the styrofoam from behind so you have more room for heating, pumps, and possibly use part of it as a filter like on the Back To Nature backgrounds page.
Before I start the carving I plan on having a finished drawing on the composition etc much like a painting. Really a background shares many things with a painting and I think applying the same rules of form, flow etc that it will make a really outstanding background:)
More Images...
http://www.robotbits.com/backdrop/
PS Any one know how to turn of auto spelling correction so the post shows "Angkor W-a-t" and not Angkor What
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nino
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Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
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Sulla
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Joined: 19 Jul 2004
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Sulla
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Joined: 19 Jul 2004
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| Posted: 2004.07.24(Sat)21:17 Post subject: |
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Since I am not sure if I am going to use real driftwood as part of the backdrop or sculpt it I picked up a large hollow log that flares out at the bottom for the roots while at the lake today. This piece had been washing around for a while and is nice and smooth. I believe it probobly oak. Any way I have it soaking in water with some salt in a large trashcan it almost fits in:) Atleast now if I need it, it will be ready. And if I don't its looks so nice I will use it for something else or sell it:)
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nino
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Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
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| Posted: 2004.07.24(Sat)22:06 Post subject: |
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Since you're making quite an interesting DIY project, don't forget to keep a journal and pictures on every steps. I would really like to see it  I'm a DIY man myself but hard to get permission to do those since I'm married  |
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Sulla
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Sulla
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Irons
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Joined: 27 Feb 2003
Location: Buffalo, NY
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| Posted: 2004.07.26(Mon)10:55 Post subject: |
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I don't suggest adding salt to the process of the driftwood cleaning, unless it is going to be a salt tank. I also don't recommend soaking in other "cleaning agents" as wood has a tendency to "wick" them. IF you look in the planted section there is current topic on driftwood you may want to read. Defineatly, plantsbrains information.
Your project sounds really great. I don't know how it would look but maybe you can use the face and other relief objects inside the tank and the rest outside the tank. Design the face(s) and relief items to stand off with suction cups and weight the bottom. This way it doesn't flot and you can fit your equipment behind it.
If you have any interest in planting this tank you can use mosses, java fern and other "attaching" plants to help give the decoration a more live feel to them. You could also look into using a carved hardwood or more styroform for twisting vines to attach more plants too.
Another possiblity is to make a "shelf" on the top of the carving to allow to set terrestrial or marsh plants in (like mondo grass) that the roots will be in the water and maybe infront of some of the carving while the rest of the plant is out.
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Sulla
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Joined: 19 Jul 2004
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| Posted: 2004.07.27(Tue)18:37 Post subject: |
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Thanks for the suggestions Irons:)
Well I finaly got some things done today. I picked up a couple of large pieces of fome and a hot wire fome carving kit. I also picked up most of the would to replace the bad would on the aquarium stand and some trim etc. I had a few extra hourse so I was able to replace the old would and add most of the new bracing and trim. Its incredible how cheap some stands are made but with the new pieces its seems much stronger and the new trim helps the looks a lot. I took lots of pics and will try and get a chance to post some.
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Sulla
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Joined: 19 Jul 2004
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| Posted: 2004.08.09(Mon)21:35 Post subject: |
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After using the foam cutting tools I decided to order the better powersupply and the full kit from a friend that owns a shop and can get it for me at close to cost. Hopefully I will be able to pick up the new tools on Tuesday.
Also after having done more research have decided to cover the foam with Quickwall concrete. Its made to repair conrete water tanks etc and with the few colors you can mix into it you can make it very rock like. What really convinced me to do it this way was this website http://www.catfishheaven.net/day1.html and the feedback from the owner of the website on another forum.
This project is going to take longer than any tank I have ever owned but I think it will be worth it:)
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