And a front view with the new backdrop in place....
I know hamish99... I'm ashamed to cut it up... really... but considering it builds 25cm in a 50cm deep tank..... it's nice for a while They are more suitable for larger tanks really...
How are you planning on sealing the gaps round the polystyrean? (sp?) Although the gaps are small/thin, they will still be 20cm deep in places....aren't you worried the sand may become stagnant (sp?) down there?
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The largest gaps will be filled with large round stones, type 5cm wide, 1cm thick. And I will keep my trusty sandsnails as well, so I'm not too worried about the sand forming pockets (sp)
I'm feeling pretty confident it will work out - but I've felt confident before and I've had my fair share of disasters in life
Hi McEve, the project is coming along nicely . I don't mean to throw a spanner in the works but I think you may be taking a chance with the polystyrene. Personally I would use the blue type that is a lot more rigid than the white crumbly type, it would however be more difficult to work with. My worry is that if it becomes exposed then it could be inadvertently eaten by the fish leading to intestinal blockages.
Alternatively you could use something similar to this, check out the foam waterfall stuff on this site. Looks like pretty easy stuff to work with.
Thank you for messing with my project Adam! That's what I need
I have sealed all the edges, smelting them with a lighter (not recommended - it gets darned hot! *ouch*). Do you still think this could be a problem..? There will be about 10cm of sand on top of the polystyrene, but then again, I've seen catfish dig deeper than that before.... darn... didn't think of that..
What if I silicone pepples all over it, or cover it with some kind of mesh? what do you think? It's kinda too late to remove it as it's all stuck pretty firmly into place....
I would try covering it with a good layer of silicone, that should prevent the fish getting at it. At least you don't have to worry about it breaking down and polluting your water, it takes about 400 years .
Here's the initial setup, there's bound to be changed... but it's a start. Never mind the cloudy water, It's so fresh that I haven't had time to shower yet It's hard work isn't it... wonder why I do this really....
It's a red rock, might be a bit too red to be placed whre it's at right now though
I'm glad you like it, I kinda like the effect myself Let me know if you need some bits to build the layers, I have several wrongly cut pieces left over
Great work McEve, that looks fantastic. I think you might have just found yourself a lucrative little sideline there. What did you do to the polystyrene in the end?
Your tank looks like one in the effects range, I've got one of those except it's in the aluminium finish.
McEve that look beautiful!! well done did you fill it up after the sand was in place? is that why is it slightly cloudy? the blue polystyrean adam was on about is called "jablite" or "sellotex" my boyfriend is a builder i am not that clever lol
They are more suitable for larger tanks really...
. I don't mean to throw a spanner in the works but I think you may be taking a chance with the polystyrene. Personally I would use the blue type that is a lot more rigid than the white crumbly type, it would however be more difficult to work with. My worry is that if it becomes exposed then it could be inadvertently eaten by the fish leading to intestinal blockages. 
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It's hard work isn't it... wonder why I do this really.... 
