First salt water build (diy concrete background).

keithguy · Sep 14, 2015

Hi guys my name is Keith and am new to forum. I have a 75 freshwater and am in the process of my first saltwater (75g) build. Ws 200 sump, eshopps s120 skimmer, orbit marine pro led lighting system. I enjoy diy ideas make things one of a kind. I work with decorative concrete making custom water walls and water falls. So I figured I would incorporate in to build with a faux rock background. Done lot of research but still could use any input. I will keep updating on his it is going. Got a few pictures .....

steelheader.262 · Sep 14, 2015

Welcome to R2R, good luck with your project.

keithguy · Sep 14, 2015

Bonsai tree

keithguy · Sep 14, 2015

First panel of background.sidways but you'll get idea. Hopefully get another panel done in a couple days.

9balliw · Sep 14, 2015

If it going to be a reef tank make spots for coral it will help

keithguy · Sep 14, 2015

Ty 9ball it will be reef and fish. How small can shelving be. Have a inch on background will have a few two inches. Plus corals on bonsai tree and I am building another structure.,or two if space allows.

9balliw · Sep 15, 2015

As long as you can epoxy or glue frags to it Looks good for sure I like the bonsai tree too. I have a foam background that I can place frags on with plastic spoons All the available space will eventually be needed lol. Good job so far looking forward to the build. Just be patient

keithguy · Sep 15, 2015

9ball what did you use to color your background? I use a acrylic stain for my water features but not sure if it is safe for reef. I may just leave it as is still debating.

9balliw · Sep 15, 2015

I used egg crate , black pond spray foam, two part epoxy like for finishing bar tops then put crushed coral and sand on that

keithguy · Sep 20, 2015

First fitting of major pieces one more back panel to make them long cute time, 30 days.

9balliw · Sep 20, 2015

Very nice!!!!!!

keithguy · Nov 11, 2015

All done with a few inhabitants.

redfishbluefish · Nov 11, 2015

That is pretty neat! Just curious, what concrete/cement mix did you use?

keithguy · Nov 11, 2015

White Portland cement, arganite sand and perlite.A gray Portland cement slurry to add (with sponge and brush) gray tones.

keithguy · Nov 11, 2015

Used poly bond from home depot instead if water . 2parts sand 1 part perlite 1part Portland. Mix till you can ball up in hand.

Ed Urias · Nov 11, 2015

would like to see updates in the future of this beautiful tank!

keithguy · Nov 22, 2015

First baby today! Candy canes head split today. I have a coco worm, candy cane, Gsp, acan lord,green slimmer acropora, and a anemone. All's well. Blue tang is newest member. Will keep updating.