Loaches Online Forum

short update-
The island theme has changed to tree roots, but the objective is still the same.
I got the main design carved out in the styrofoam.
I'm almost ready to add the colored cement coatings to the island.

You are an artist.

Thanks Shari. I've had training and experience with tallow/foam, ceramic, and ice sculptures, but this is my 1st big aquatic project.

The cement will need about a month to cure before it's water bound, then another few weeks before it's fish ready.

So we're looking at mid to late March before the loaches will get to enjoy their new home. I can't wait.

damn I have been missing out on this thread!
Sweet stuff.
great idea with the tree roots.
geez I just spent part of my work day not working because of your other thread.
BTW -- I love the line someone wrote
"Maybe I should do something concrete with my life and pour cement..."
any skateboarder could also have written that

I approve of your partner blue
IMO -- I would watch out for those ducks. Big waste producers and they might be able to grab a loach snack too.

I should try a simpler version of this for my 150...Cant wait to see pics when its full!

Looks like it has lots of potential Shaping up nicely.

Martin.

Project looking great, Chefkeith!

That`s so Weta Workshop.
How are you carving the styrofoam? Nife, melting iron?
What kind of cement are you using? etc. etc.
While you are waiting for the cement to cure, keep us posted and please add the details for those of us, who are less gifted.

Hey rich, that's what I thought. Very Lord of the Rings looking.

Martin.

Yes, I looked the apendencies more ofte than the film itself.
I allways admire people, who are able to transform pictures in their minds into recognizeable form. If I tryed this, it would look like a pile of mashed potatoes. Even if I would aim for the potatoes, the result is nothing but frustrating. I can build a few things as long as I can use motorized tools but with handcrafted things I suck. So I try to find out how other people do it, because there are a lot of nice things in my skull trying to get out.

You all crack me up.

and Thanks all.

rich wrote:That`s so Weta Workshop.
How are you carving the styrofoam? Nife, melting iron?
What kind of cement are you using? etc. etc.
While you are waiting for the cement to cure, keep us posted and please add the details for those of us, who are less gifted.

I have been carving it with a Stanley Surform Planer (pictured on the right)-


and a black & decker rotary tool (with various bits)-


I've also used a razor knife for cutting.

I've been using 2 different kinds of styrofoam. Styrofoam sheets, which is the white stuff, and an expanding styrofoam spray, which is the yellow stuff.

I haven't cemented over the styrofoam yet, but I will be using a Portland Cement mix called Quickwall Surface Bonding Cement.
http://www.quikrete.com/uploadedfiles/39344956.pdf

I've been logging all my detailed plans, daily progress, and pics since I started this project at my favorite DIY fish forum HERE( incase you missed this link in my previous post).

update-
Cement is still wet, but I'm getting closer to the final coats of cement-

CK--what happened to the ducks?

here's the rest of the farm -

I dunno, CK.
The loaches and the cat may have aggression issues in this tank.
And please tell me you're gonna get the rabbit his own 55????

sincerely,