55 Gallon Mbuna Build

zof

Try the 3m spray adhesive on the foam, it will hold it all together good enough until you get the epoxy over the whole thing to make it solid. Btw looking good, waiting for next update.

TexasTanker

I started over on the rock wall. Using contact cement I glued all the boards together creating three large blocks that I then carved. I took my time on this one and let it set for a day.




Once everything was carved up I mixed a sloppy batch of cement to do a scratch coat over the surface of all the pieces. Tools are handy... on larger projects, I just wore gloves and applied it all with my hands.



Next up, I'll mix a heavier batch and probably color it and add some sparkle for a heavier coat. Once it sets a little i'll carve it out and shape it. I have masonry sealant for when it's all done and dry.

Oh, I painted the back wall of the 55 gallon also.

willow

looks like you're well on your way. :)
i bet the fish are going to have a blast in there. !

TexasTanker

I finished three versions of the rock wall and hated each incarnation. I really didn't like the materials or textures, or volume of the finished products. I may come back to this after I've gotten a larger tank and have done more research into available materials. For what I was wanting Styrofoam and cement just don't translate. Sooooo, I'm gonna do an amazon tank... after I've gotten finished removing a shelving built in from my office, repainting, and setting up a tanked wall. Whole other kind of project. I will be sure to update on that through.

willow

very frustrating when a plan won't work.
keep us posted on what you get up too.

zof

Styrofoam can be a pain to work with, but one of the funnest and interesting ways to work with it is heat, by a heat gun or a soldering iron or a home made styrofoam cutter, just make sure to stay in a well ventilated place as the smoke coming from melting Styrofoam is toxic. As for the cement I guess its just one of those trial and error things, but let use know when you get it.

TexasTanker

Now what? LOL I had just decided to do either a full on SE Asia Biotope thing or Brazillian.... Then I decided to get a second 55 and do one of each.... NOW... Back to choosing which one and convincing my husband that this will be fun! I think I might have assured him I'd get rid of a few other tanks to make room.
I'm leaning towards Brazillian....

The good news is I just bought 100 pounds of giant river rocks and have already located a really cool piece of drift wood.... Husband has happily volunteered(ish) to get it. I just have to locate a chainsaw.

I am not a giant fan of the stand. It's metal, looks like knife edge or angle iron stuff. Very simple but the weight of the entire tank (1000 pounds) will come down on 4 small posts. I don't like the way that weight will be distributed onto my hardwood floors and non slab foundation. I can either buy a better stand or build.... that'd require tools... It'd be cheaper to buy the stand. We'll see.

willow

i'd just buy a stand,my DIY is dangerous at the best of times. lol
but if you're able,why not ?

TexasTanker

Just put together a stand for the 125. I borrowed it from here. I'm loving it so far, I just need a facade and to put the tank on it. If I do end up going with the Hamberger Mattenfilter over a canister, I won't need the space below to be fancy since it will be solely for storage.

willow

well it looks good.