Erin Posted December 15, 2008 Report Share Posted December 15, 2008 I know how to do the foam style, But I only lnow how do make it look cement ( thats the way I know how... if you want to know what I am talking about here is the link to youtube: ) I was thinking if there was some way to add in some blacks and browns My idea would be complete. But I don't know how to add in color So if anyone on here does... I'm just planning out everything for my 125GAL that I plan on getting in a few years once we buy our house. ThanksErin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishkabod Posted December 15, 2008 Report Share Posted December 15, 2008 I know how to do the foam style, But I only lnow how do make it look cement ( thats the way I know how... if you want to know what I am talking about here is the link to youtube: ) I was thinking if there was some way to add in some blacks and browns My idea would be complete. But I don't know how to add in color So if anyone on here does... I'm just planning out everything for my 125GAL that I plan on getting in a few years once we buy our house. ThanksErin I know the brown things that fall off my neighbours tree(before they cut it down) would stain the cement sidewalk a golden brown (rust) colour. Maybe that could be a source for you. You'd have to wet it and strategicly place then Seal the cement (which you are supposed to do anyway) Good Luck. and maybe google Cement Pigments. Merry Christmas L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randy Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 You can cover the styro with 2 part epoxy and before it dries cover it with sand in the colors you like, then let it dry http://albertaaquatica.com/index.php?showtopic=21350 here are some pic of what I am talking about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devocole Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 You can buy cement coloring, i've used in doing concrete work, it comes as a powder and you mix in into the cement, it will also work for the background. My only concern for you is that it may not be easy to buy in small amounts. Inquire to specialty cement/concrete stores. Regards Devon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc_Polit Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 Home Hardware stores can also bring in Quikrete liquid pigments....alot easier to control amount of coloring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erin Posted January 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2009 Thanks guys I like the sand Idea best... that way I can have it in any color I want and it'll look interesting. Erin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brp4e Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 you can add in a non-toxic acrylic paint into the last coat of concrete you put on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BettaFishMommy Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 'krylon' (spelling?) paint. safe for anything in the interior of the tank. not sure where you get it though, and not sure if it would bond well enough with the concrete sealant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnytens Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 when i made mine i mixed in the quickcrete color and cement and got a nice brownish black color and put it on as my final concrete coat of the background.....then while the concrete was still wet i used a dry paintbrush and small dabs of the concrete pigment (i had brown, black and a reddish color) and stippled in some details and shading to make it look realistic....ie highlighting high spots and darkining the crevices. it turned out pretty good i think..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrider Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 Wow! Really cool thread. Thanks for sharing that with us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkhuu Posted December 16, 2009 Report Share Posted December 16, 2009 Wow! Really cool thread. Thanks for sharing that with us! Hi, Agreed that this is a great thread. I've always wanted to try making one. Does anyone know how whether it would be heavy if i try to make one for a 6' tank ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnytens Posted December 16, 2009 Report Share Posted December 16, 2009 Wow! Really cool thread. Thanks for sharing that with us! Hi, Agreed that this is a great thread. I've always wanted to try making one. Does anyone know how whether it would be heavy if i try to make one for a 6' tank ? they are not that heavy since they are primarily styrofoam with a thin (1/2cm approx) coat of concrete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkangel Posted December 17, 2009 Report Share Posted December 17, 2009 You can buy cement coloring, i've used in doing concrete work, it comes as a powder and you mix in into the cement, it will also work for the background. My only concern for you is that it may not be easy to buy in small amounts. Inquire to specialty cement/concrete stores.Regards Devon Go with the quickcrete coloring. Concrete color pigment is very pricy. Most concrete companies now buy it in bulk liquid or powder form and sell it by wieght when you order concrete. Unless you know someone the works for a concrete outfit, you're better off buying the quickcrete stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 I wrote an article for the CAS on every specific step on how to build one. I will see how I could post it on here for you to read. I am on the other side of the world in greece so It will take some time to get this done. Good Luck I enjoyed it and have made many of them from 10 g to 135g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleshgear Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 I wrote an article for the CAS on every specific step on how to build one. I will see how I could post it on here for you to read. I am on the other side of the world in greece so It will take some time to get this done.Good Luck I enjoyed it and have made many of them from 10 g to 135g that was one month before i joined the cas and i missed it. that was one thing that i wish i would have seen. i have seen your finished product and really liked it. i would also like to know how to do that or where the link is to that article. was it in the cas magazine? what month? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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