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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: Brent Shaver on June 22, 2010, 05:09:33 PM

Title: Idea for tree trunk?
Post by: Brent Shaver on June 22, 2010, 05:09:33 PM
I am in the middle of planning my planted tank and want to have a few bonzai tree's.  One would be a center piece and then a few in the background smaller to give a distant effect.

I have already choosen the plant to use, but I am still trying to figure out a way to create the tree trunks.

I have considered building them by wire and coating them and then painting them to look real with a sealant to protect both the fish and product.

Second idea was to go into the bush and find branches that I could trim to look like what I want and then use Krylon Fussion to cover them.  Now I am wondering what the long term effect could be, will the wood last even though coated?  I am affrraid it will rot inside, or will it just hold its texture and last forever.

If anyone has done anything simular, or has any input on how I can accomplish this it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Brent
Title: Re: Idea for tree trunk?
Post by: dan2x38 on June 22, 2010, 05:56:36 PM
I read articles where folks used epoxy coating for driftwood. Of course the wood has to be totally cured - dry. There is an epoxy they use for ponds but not sure where to buy it. In several articles I read they used the floor epoxy for garages and basements. There is also one for gargae doors. Thing is this freakin' stuff is expensive I researched it cans are close to $100 with taxes etc. If you have to order it like the pond stuff add shipping to that. I was hoping to find 1/2 gallons & pints but gave up the search - likely out there somewhere...
Title: Re: Idea for tree trunk?
Post by: charlie on June 22, 2010, 06:46:36 PM
Brent , you can also try browsing through the several resin simulated bog wood  & tree trunk aquarium ornaments, perhaps you might be able to use one or 2 as a cover of a DIY structure.
here is one that can be used , they come in several sizes too

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Title: Re: Idea for tree trunk?
Post by: Jeff1192 on June 22, 2010, 08:53:26 PM
I was looking for a tree trunk type piece of driftwood a while back and found one at Nature Pet in Pointe Claire. I've been in there quite a few times since finding mine and they've almost always had pieces on slate that look like tree trunks.

Jeff
Title: Re: Idea for tree trunk?
Post by: Brent Shaver on June 22, 2010, 10:02:19 PM
Thanks for all the replies.  I think it would be too hard to match the trunk with the branch.  Someone mentioned using modeling clay, this way it could be molded and then have the markings put in with a few tools.

I might play with this idea and if it comes out strong enough I will mix up some fiberglass resign and dip them to give a hardened coating.

So many ideas, so little time. :)

Thanks again