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04/03/2014, 07:11 PM | #76 |
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does the shelf protrude above the water level? I ask because it would seem counter productive to have a c to c overflow and then put something in front of it that blocks the surface water and keeps it from skimming.
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04/03/2014, 07:59 PM | #77 |
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Slightly. Once all the shelves are in, the water level will rise to accommodate the slight thickness of the concrete lip. The shelves are also end to end and at the same level. I accounted for a 1/2" rise when they're all in.
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04/04/2014, 07:58 PM | #78 |
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04/04/2014, 07:59 PM | #79 |
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04/04/2014, 08:01 PM | #80 |
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04/04/2014, 08:21 PM | #81 |
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04/04/2014, 09:06 PM | #82 |
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Thanks for doing this write, you have shared some great ideas and inspired a few.
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04/04/2014, 09:15 PM | #83 |
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Thanks. Any inputs or feedback on how to do things better?
For example... It's hard to use PVC to make irregular shapes. The 90 or 45 degree bends result in very artificial looking shapes compared to some of the beautiful aquascapes I've seen with live rock. I tried using a torch to soften the plastic but it's still pretty stiff. I began adding eggcrate to establish contours in the horizontal, but now those are too flat... I could stack eggcrate pieces and zip tie them but that is a lot of effort too. I think I've got the concrete part down, but the creative shapes are limited by the skeleton materials. |
04/04/2014, 09:16 PM | #84 |
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Foam might work... Going to try that next but I worry about its structural integrity. The concrete cloth matrix I use is only partially structural in my builds. The plastic really supports the loads.
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04/05/2014, 03:59 PM | #85 |
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04/05/2014, 04:00 PM | #86 |
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04/05/2014, 04:02 PM | #87 |
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04/05/2014, 04:03 PM | #88 |
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Each of the 1/2" PVC branches will be detachable platforms.
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04/05/2014, 05:28 PM | #89 |
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I was hoping for feedback or dialog... Anyone have any input or ideas?
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04/05/2014, 05:41 PM | #90 |
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I think when you get the cloth on you could continue to sculpt. What happens if you use more than one layer of it?
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04/05/2014, 05:50 PM | #91 |
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I've done that to create a multidimensional look. Cloth on cloth and then I add loose concrete mix randomly to create a more complex surface texture.
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04/05/2014, 05:52 PM | #92 |
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Also, the cloth to cloth interfaces can be obvious. I add a ridge of concrete mix to make a more organic look.
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04/06/2014, 09:04 AM | #93 |
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new learnings:
The cement slurry that the cloth goes into first needs to runny. I made a batch that was closer to 'mud' to improve adhesion but the fiber penetration was poor and the mud texture began to overwhelm the concrete (sand, oyster, pumice) texture from the next dip stage. I experimented with three final coatings: oyster shell, coarse sand, oolitic sand. The coarse sand looks best during the construction but we'll see at the end. It may be that a premix of the three calcium bases gives the best texture. |
04/06/2014, 02:32 PM | #94 |
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I love reading this thread. Very cool ideas. Where are you going to put the PVC tower you are building?
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04/06/2014, 04:02 PM | #95 |
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Thanks hoop.
I don't know where I'll put it yet. I think I'll put it in the center but that might take up too much space and kill the sand space... I'm trying to make the pieces flexible to avoid limiting their potential use later. |
04/06/2014, 04:05 PM | #96 |
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04/06/2014, 04:10 PM | #97 |
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04/06/2014, 04:11 PM | #98 |
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The pics came our more yellow but the surface is whiter. I have my 10k halides on and that's effecting the picture color temp.
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04/06/2014, 04:14 PM | #99 |
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One more learning: recycle!
I put plastic sheets under the work areas to collect and reuse the material yet falls off. The aragonite sand that falls off was enough to fill several small buckets. |
04/06/2014, 04:33 PM | #100 |
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The fine sand didn't stick to the concrete surface. I used it in the coral trunk piece.
It left a light dusting on the concrete making it more grey than white... But without an additional texture. Based on this, I think a combination is best... Oyster shell for texture, coarse sand for surface finish, and fine sand for color. |
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concrete, diy, live rock, thorite |
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