Backdrop for midas haven 2.0

So following some sites online, I decided to try to create a backdrop for my new tank! Using styrofoam, lots of cement and silicone we'd have a nice inert backdrop for the cichlids to play n breed, hopefully. Here are a few links to follow with really good instructions. I had to tweak them abit as there are stuffs unavailable (or very expensive) in the Malaysian market, unfortunately.

http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-decoration/17.asp

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_aquarium_background.php

The rough idea is to cut up blocks of styrofoam, stick them together with silicone (i added satay sticks - bamboo skewers for extra strength) . Smear layers and layers of cement, wait for it to dry and lastly to be painted over with silicone!

What you'd need to start with is 1 large piece of 1 inch styrofoam and many smaller, thick pieces. You'd end up with something like this! 

After ensuring that the styrofoam is relatively dry and stuck, make sure the pieces are cut to size so that they fit into your aquarium. Here's a good time to make sure that each piece going into the aquarium is not too big too as many layers of cement, these things do get quite heavy! And do take note that each piece will grow in size after the layering too! At most, an inch away from the sides of your tank.

My problem after working on these pieces is that I realize I was too ambitious in trying to make a 3D backdrops with too many nooks and cranny for the fishes! It' really a lot of work to cement them thoroughly! This is the first layer of cement that went on. 

You'd need a bucket to start with! Add to ratio of 1 to 1 of cement and fine sand! I'd start with normal grey cement as it's cheaper! The first layer is suppose to adhere to the styrofoam so that the next following layers has  a better grip!

It helps to use an old brush and a trowel! Mix everything in a bucket with enough water to make it soupy enough that you can brush it onto the styrofoam. Dapping with the brush helps too. You would not need to be too meticulous with the first layer. This process actually takes at minimum 4-5 layers to really get it going.

I did mix a thicker sand ratio (1:3) to cement for filling up pockets in the backdrop so to add additional weight as well as stability to the styrofoam. One thing to realize is that styrofoam really is very buoyant and the heavier you make them, the less glue-ing is needed in the end (to the side of your tank). 

Here are all 3 pieces cut up and cemented with the first layer. If you'd notice, the left most piece is really huge! I should have reduced this in size as it took a group of 4 to lift it up and into the tank!

You'd also need a water spray bottle! Keeping the cement layers wet continuously helps strengthens it. I'd usually spray a layer of mist every hour after putting on a new layer, 3-4 times. Don't do it too soon as you may end up washing away your hard-work too! :P

In the end, for the last layer, i used the red cement to give the backdrop a lil' coloring. Do mix in some grey cement too as this gives it a more natural lava red setup instead of it being fire-red! :) Unless that is your thing :)

This being the first attempt at making my own backdrop, I realize that this does not look very natural! That and the pieces were really too big to handle by myself! I guess it's a lesson to learn, next time around :)

Oh yeah and this isn't the last step! The last thing to add is a very thin layer of silicone! This helps preserve and ensure that the cement stays inert. My fear was that cichlids and plecos being what they are, they'd slowly chip into the cement work! Adding that extra layer of protection helps the cement last longer! Total cost below :-

4 x bags of grey cement (mr4.50 per bag) = rm18

2 x bags of red cement (rm9.60 per bag) = rm19.20

1" 4x6 styrofoam backing = rm10

6x tubes of silicone! Yes, it took that many! (rm7.60 per stick) = rm 45.60

bucket of sand = FOC as i kinda flick that from a neighbor's house renovation project! :P

satay sticks were cheap as i bought a really huge bag years ago. 

What costs more was the time and effort for this endeavor!