Idea for tree trunk?

[Brent Shaver]

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

[dan2x38]

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...

[charlie]

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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[Jeff1192]

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

[Brent Shaver]

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