How to Make Custom Foam 3D Aquarium Backgrounds

[@pabrad1]

That seems easy to do and looks REAL! I've used the Foam-IT materials for other casting projects - that material is very easy to use. And the Rebound silicone rubber is also easy to use with a one to one ratio. In fact I find most of the Smooth-On products to be user friendly. I love the use of the magnet; simple yet brilliant! Well done video - thanks for the ideas.

[@smoothon]

Hi Mark, that is correct. The fish in our test tank are still looking good and it has been a few years now.

[@smoothon]

@bplauger The video is just a basic overview of one technique. Many of our customers have a desire to create custom backdrops, and the techniques here are a starting point. There are definitely many ways to create such a backdrop, some of which may produce results more effective for your application or budget.

[@peterman921]

@bplauger the first step could be done with aluminum foil and /or cardboard, or even spray foam in a can, the second step can be any oil based modeling clay, step three needs to be a molding compound as suggested, step four could be plaster of paris or fiberglass and resin. then of course your casting material. so you could do it quite a bit cheaper by being resourceful. and still use the great products that smooth on manufactures

[@bplauger]

I am sorry guys, this was a really neat video this doesn't look easy or cheap. Each one of your foams/ resins is at least 25 bucks? Also how many hours / steps did this take? If this came in a kit for 20 bucks, that would be a different story! Every aquarium store in the country would sell it and I WOULD BUY ONE! :-)

[@beans8615]

couldn't a person just use foam it on a flat surface that is aquarium safe and sculpt and texture as needed and be done with it? seems pointless to spend so much time and money making a one off casting mold. once you get out of the trial kit sizes, your products aren't necessarily cheap.

[@bondophobic]

i have a question about rigid Foam It 5, would you be able to cut it with heated metal? does it cure nice and firm? if i cast with it is it going to come out smooth? thanks

[@bondophobic]

@SmoothOnInc i have a question about rigid Foam It 5, would you be able to cut it with heated metal? does it cure nice and firm? if i cast with it is it going to come out smooth? thanks

[@BushmasterM4A3]

Looks very nice but, I can think of very few situations where you would need to go through this much time and materials. Nevertheless some people have been bitten by the DIY bug. well done

[@smoothon]

We have listed out some of the benefits here: 0:22

[@wizardglick2011]

and you have used this with no affect on the fish in your own tank is that correct

[@merockomole]

Good video I watched my bro do this once with a mask similar process

[@smoothon]

We appreciate you taking the time to watch the video and leave a comment.

[@dalohe82]

Can it be affected by the heat light if I use it in a reptile terrarium?

[@Amathusukx]

Out of curiosity how much has this process cost?

[@smoothon]

This would depend on the dimensions of the final piece.

[@seehearspeaknoevil5090]

Too much as he or she doesn't want any ridicule .

[@smoothon]

A list of the materials we used is here: 7:54

[@smileycracker99]

all those chemicals look tasty :)

[@smoothon]

A smooth mold would result in a smooth casting. We do not recommend cutting the urethane foam with a heated tool.

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

Please clarify, what does this accomplish that rock wouldn't?

[@KewneRain]

I like most of the background music in the aquarium decorating videos, what genre would it be considered? I think it's reggae, but I've been known to be wrong.

[@smoothon]

Thanks! We think you are right. :)

[@nat1007lee]

calypso music

[@Yathurshan2S]

How long should you wait after applying smooth cast 327. It mentions it cures in 2-4hrs but is there any additional time required like for off gassing or is it ready for the aquarium after 4 hrs. Thank you!

[@smoothon]

Hi there! There isn't an 'off gassing' concern with this resin, but for full performance, we recommend a room temperature cure of 7 days before installation.

[@squaresausageARK]

Could this same process be used to safely make a foam background for a ball python?

[@smoothon]

Yes it could.

[@kennethyoung5936]

So what was the total cost to do that?

[@kennethyoung5936]

That exact one?

[@matty4z]

how do you stop the foam floating in the tank? the magnet doesnt seem like it'd be enough??

[@smoothon]

+matty4z it is, the surface area and density of the foam combined with the strength of the magnet allow for a stable connection.

[@Varcovis]

what's the song? I like it, chill.

[@gregorgale]

How much of each material was used in this tutorial? I would like to know to get idea how much I need. Thanks.

[@smoothon]

Gregor, less than a gallon unit of Rebound and Plasti-Paste was used - approximately a trial unit of Foam iT

[@wizardglick2011]

can i get the parts and chemical list

[@petersonjack50]

How much would it cost for a 18x57 viv

[@ReynoldsamPlus]

+Phoenix Hatcher It would depend on the detail and thickness of the surface. Also, using a lower density form would reduce cost.

[@adambethmann5307]

How much of each material would I need for a background of a 30L tank?

[@smoothon]

Hi Adam, can you send us a support ticket with the dimensions of your tank - www.smooth-on.com/support/index.php?a=add

[@smoothon]

If the temperature gets above 150F, the material may be affected.

[@floridafishorry6995]

Definitley not low cost. You got $300 worth of material there. And tgats a small tank

[@bplauger]

@pabrad1 ... Do you work for this company?! :-) lol

[@legaltenderradfem]

The channel is the company's

[@Bso616]

That's a lot of foam, I am confused at how just a mag float keeps it from floating up

[@apauln]

way way way way way too many steps, too much work. and I'm sure not cost affected with all those products used. probably only good for small projects. use styrofoam and cement if you want a 3d background...

[@soarer282]

EDIT ( 30" = 76.2 cm and 18" = 45.72 cm ) not 11.8 and 7.1

[@alinelaura7714]

Aussie Soarer Thank you!

[@IoFPV]

Nice popcorn

[@MrDeepmax]

I will never do this in my life...

[@markclester84]

Too Tedious to make. it doesnt seem like a cheap way of making a design with all the chemicals being used.

[@XXXAnonymousUserXXX]

That doesnt look easy

[@wonderworkstudios5107]

check out my 10 gallon tank inside a 120 gallon tank w/ 3d custom foam rock work search "Amazing 3D Aquarium Background Aquascape Freshwater Tank inside Tank Custom Rock"

[@davidniquot6423]

awful result

[@jimjones7821]

Please LOSE the music - its irritating.