ep 6: Build
Picture of Build
Picture of Build
Picture of Build 3 More Images
Now, It's time to start building the background using cement.
At this moment, we need to very careful as Styrofoam does not have great strength to hold cement weight. Please pay extra care while moving or tilting the assembled structure.
Also at this point, people have different approaches to build (from internet).
Approach:
You can actually glue the design using silicone to the aquarium. Paste the protective sheets at rest of the aquarium walls to protect it from cement spill or color spill. I have not opted for this approach. My empty-aquarium was placed at drawing room, so I could not work there. The cement layer need to be dried in open area so I will not be able keep moving aquarium in-out.
You can build the design first and leave the backside of background untouched. Once the background is ready, you can apply silicone at back and put it inside the aquarium. I felt this is less risky and it proved to be lucky decision for me.
You can split the design into 2-3 parts and assemble it once again after build. I believed it was more cumbersome.
There could be other ways which you can better think off :-)
So I selected approach-2 as I will build the background and place it in aquarium after completion.
Cementing:
Lay paper, plastic or old cloth sheets at the floor as cement spill is unavoidable if you are not professional.
Lay the assembled structure at the floor.
Prepare cement mixture. Wear protective gears for eyes, nose, mouth and hands as cement dust can enter. Plan to apply 1 Kg of cement at a time. Take the cement in a bucket and add a little water. Wait for the cement to absorb the water. Add a little more water and let it absorb again. When complete cement turned to dark color then add little water and mix till Honey kind of runny mixture is prepared.
Start applying cement mixture to structure using brush. Keep water sprayer or a jug of water nearby to apply if the brush gets cement lumps. Take a small quantity of cement at the tip of the brush and apply as a layer on the design.
You need to achieve a layer of approximately 3-5mm.
Let the cement layer slowly dry under the shadow for 1 day. Keep sprinkling water time after time otherwise the cement layer will start building cracks.
If the cement layer is completely dry then check the strength by pushing a corner with your finger. If it is getting broken then it has not gained the strength.
Apply one more layer 2-4mm of cement on day 2. Apply a thick layer of cement at the boundaries for greater strength. Let it dry for one more day under shadow. Again, keep sprinkling water time after time.
Once the structure is completely dry, sprinkle water and let it dry in direct sunlight for a day. Again, keep sprinkling water time after time.
Once it is dry and has enough strength then it is time to test it's bouncy in water. Once this test is passed, you can go for color or directly place it in aquarium if you like.
I would say it's a last mile ...