Tokyo genso

[Benmightbehere]

i've had this thought bouncing around my head about making a post apocalyptic planted tank where ill have a scale replica of a building. for simplicity sake i want it to be similar to an unfinished concrete building.

the problems presenting themselves in my head are thus:
1. how do i cure the concrete so it'll be safe
>. if i cant cure it what do people use to clear coat
2. im not sure what to use as a form to poor the concrete into...i was thinking think paneling and duct tape just to hold it together while curing

but if anyone else has a suggestion or comment i would love to hear it.


also, i know that small details really make a difference in how believable a scaled project can be, i would love any suggestions, ( i was thinking about putting in a roof top pool but have Hair grass filling in the pool)

[jcgd]

You could use the ply used for normal forms. You need to spray it do it will release the concrete. If you soak the concrete well you might not have to treat it. It will raise the alkalinity and ph for a good while. It's like crushed coral, just more effective.

[blink]

I would use plastruct styrene or ABS plastic strip to build the framework and styrene sheet to create the facings. Glue together with cyanoacrylate glue and bob's your uncle

[jcgd]

That's a good idea. Just test it to make sure you don't need anything to prevent sticking. I would think it would be good bare, but you never know.

[BruceF]

Model railraod buildings would work.

[mistergreen]

Yeah, I'd use prefab models. You're not going to get good details otherwise.

[HybridHerp]

oooooohhhh, I've wanted to do something like this, its good to see someone doing this kind of tank
I have a question for you though, do you plan on getting some moss growth on the concrete? I think it might add to the post apocalyptic look

[m8e]

I would be cool to do it with some kind of extra fine concrete instead of faking it, and using steel wires as rebar etc.

[Benmightbehere]

@ bridHerp sweet im not the only one! yeah i was thinking about wrapping moss onto the pillars with either braided fishing line or cotten. also ive thought about running "power lines" and having moss grow off that too. also ive been getting into tunnels i put my first set of undergravel tunnels and my shrimp love them. So i was thinking i might get the realism from making two structures and having a tunnel underneath them connecting em.

@ jcgd any suggestions on what i could spray it with? vasaline? is that safe? i've actually read about people curing the concrete in a bath of vinegar and salt. for a couple weeks

@ blink hmm i like concrete better, for some reason my minds at ease with concrete...cant really explain it.

@ m8e i really do want to add in some realism like that. i've wanted to have maybe a wartime abandoned building where maybe part of the building is caving. which would create a lof of interesting angles, the rebar sticking out would be a fantastic touch there.
does rust affect fish?

[KlintZquarium]

Check out the Cement Block Guy: http://www.cementblockguy.com.

Want miniature building, then you need miniature cement blocks...

http://www.cementblockguy.com/MVC-009F.JPG

[KlintZquarium]

As the plants move and grow, the cinder blocks will move with them.

This'll give a more realistic effect to crumbling walls.

You can use plastic steel girders with these mini blocks as the outside walls.

[rrastro]

That is a great idea and I love the tiny blocks.
I would contact the manufacturer to find out about interaction with water over time.
Most concrete has ash and lime in it that could affect your pH and TDS.
Otherwise, I love the concept!

[meejo]

So excited for this! please keep updating

[Benmightbehere]

By powerceller at 2012-08-16

a little update, im almost ready to pour the concrete
also the tank its going into, 140g 96x14x24


By powerceller at 2012-08-16

[aweeby]

this sounds interesting... i'm curious to see what it'll turn into.