Show off your DIY solutions

[Jagg]

LOVE DIY!! No better way to "get your feet wet" in the hobby!

Now this I like what did you use to cement the plastic and more of interest what did you use to cover it with and paint? Thanks

 

[DreadedReefer]

WOW AT ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!!!!

Here is my tank and the our water system set up

Stand before it was painted

Fresh water and 2 saltwater barrels with RODI (it has been upgraded from a 4 stage to a 6 stage with booster pump)

 

[ca1ore]

Impressive. Nice work. How she doing?

Very well. Bit of a DIY ‘cheat’ because I only modified an existing unit, rather than full bottom up build. Section I added hasn’t leaked or broken so those are good things. Requires space, but otherwise a skimming beast.

 

[Passedyouby]

Now this I like what did you use to cement the plastic and more of interest what did you use to cover it with and paint? Thanks

Thanks! Ive been waiting to see how it holds up, but 1 year in and everything is 100% so i think its time for a write up. Will share a link when i do.

In the meantime, i used SnoothOn Smooth cast 322 as the plastic material. Its designed for casting coral replicas etc and can be used with urefil to thicken it up. Max additive is something like 1 part urefil to 1part of smooth cast. I ended up going 8parts of the thickening agent to make it more of a mashed potatoe consistency than a pourable liquid. Its help up extremely well. Very brittle, but its insanely strong so anything thicker than 1/16in wont break.

Painted with cheap water based paint from walmart, then clear coated with a rattle can to protect and preserve. Ive had a clittle color fade near the top from the intense lighting, but not bad! Zero leaching, bleeding, or other things i was worried about.