Fake Mangrove?

[Husker]

I am planning out a macro algae/soft coral tank that has kind of a patch reef or lagoon feel. I was looking at perhaps having fake mangroves at one end that tapers off into some some patches of live rock and then a Caulerpa prolifica field to resemble seagrass.

Has anyone tried any of these fake mangroves to be the basis for one of these tanks or anything similar?
http://www.petswarehouse.com/weco-wecorama-aquarama-mangrove-roots-125-small/

The website seems a little shady. Also, the woody would probably have to be covered in some sort sealant, correct? What do you all think? Are there any other fake mangrove roots out there without going DIY? I can't seem to find anything.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Fyveonit]

Not sure on your tech level, Why not 3d print your own roots using some ABS filament?

 

[Husker]

Not sure on your tech level, Why not 3d print your own roots using some ABS filament?

Sounds nice, but I don't have a 3D printer.

 

[Fyveonit]

Plenty of options

There are online printing services, you upload the model, they mail it.


Staples and UPS stores have them available for on demand printing as well.

As well as any local hacker / makerspace. I live in BFN and can find more 3d printers than LFS shops.

As far as modeling a custom root goes. I wouldn't mind helping with that. My bachelors is focused around 3d graphics.

I just need a design and cubic dimensions. A rough drawing from a few angles would be above and beyond.

 

[sc8kv123]

What about getting an actual piece of driftwood and modifying/trim it to resemble mangrove roots. Maybe a piece of spider wood? Sounds like a pretty cool idea, good luck!

 

[Husker]

Thanks. Wood would definitely need to be coated in poly in order to prevent rotting. I am going to see what this fake one looks like from the website and if it fits the tank (there weren't really any dimensions on the website). If it works and I like the way it looks, I am going to go with it.