3d background for reef tank

dym

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i've really been wanting to make a 3d rock wall made with foam but im worried it'll be hard to maintain because it might trap stuff in it. has anyone tried it before? i really love the look lmk, thank you
1769834841093.png
 

exnisstech

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I don't knows that it would collect and traps any more detritus than a wall of rocks leaned against the black.
I think they look really cool but unless you get creative and come up with a way to mount powerheads to the back wall would be a turn off for me. I have seen images of them with powerheads hidden but the creativity needed is way beyond my skill set.
 

Freenow54

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i've really been wanting to make a 3d rock wall made with foam but im worried it'll be hard to maintain because it might trap stuff in it. has anyone tried it before? i really love the look lmk, thank you
1769834841093.png
I always wondered if you did something like that and just put it outside of the back glass . Modelers do it and add depth to their modular scene by using angles like a V to create depth
 
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I always wondered if you did something like that and just put it outside of the back glass . Modelers do it and add depth to their modular scene by using angles like a V to create depth
a lot of people do it but i think itll be nice to have corals and algae grow on it, also gives little hiding spots. most that ive seen look obvious that its behind hmmmm
 

jonelder68

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Look into shadow box’s. It behind the tank. I attempted one. It does add some cool visuals but mainly at dusk/dawn times. I need more light for it for daytime as the tank lightings so powerful it kind of drones it out. Sorry don’t have very many good pictures but here’s a few when I started tank up…
IMG_7566.jpeg
IMG_7578.jpeg
 
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dym

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Look into shadow box’s. It behind the tank. I attempted one. It does add some cool visuals but mainly at dusk/dawn times. I need more light for it for daytime as the tank lightings so powerful it kind of drones it out. Sorry don’t have very many good pictures but here’s a few when I started tank up…
IMG_7566.jpeg
IMG_7578.jpeg
oo that looks nice, probably better in person ill look into them
 

Freenow54

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a lot of people do it but i think itll be nice to have corals and algae grow on it, also gives little hiding spots. most that ive seen look obvious that its behind hmmmm
I have never seen it . I would frame it with a mitered frame
 

Andamaite

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Right now the best option would be to silicone and epoxy Marco Foundation rock to the back glass. Those are flat backed, but textural on top, and would give you the most bang for your buck.

I have done rock walls in fresh water setups in the past and as long as there's no "behind" for things to get to (complete silicone coverage and epoxied seams) it's pretty easy to maintain.

That said: This is something I've been tinkering with in ceramic (which would have an immense weight savings, modularity, and a ton of customizability) and and hope to have a full thread on in the spring when I can start really testing things.
 

Freenow54

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looking forward to seeing it as your idea does not require room behind the tank. But does take up space in the tank so would need to plan.
 

Lasse

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Ten years ago
1769888719950.png


Today

1769888794874.png



Sincerely Lasse
 

PPBlimpy

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I have thought about this and may try it one day. My last tank I superglued flat base rock to the back wall. Pre drilled it to hold frag plugs. Worked pretty good. Would love to print a complete one
 

PPBlimpy

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Found this today. Can stretch it to fit on both sides of my overflow box in my S1000.

Lot of printing, would make them measure 33x23x5. Thinking about doing two and just flipping the second over. Would be multiple prints glued together and done in a grey “rock” petg

IMG_5764.jpeg IMG_5765.jpeg 45FEC597-738F-4D97-AA66-38AD4680FD4D.jpeg
 

PPBlimpy

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hmmm... this is kind of funny. finding this post again, i was the last to post on it. never built the walls for my s1000 but I am not setting up a 54G corner tank and was looking for aquascape inspiration and attaching aquascape directly to the wall and low and behold the original photo appears to be a 54G corner. I have found my inspiration.

I think I need to find a tile cutter and explore the foam wall stuff more.
 

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