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Thread: DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

  1. #1
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    DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

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    Having seen many aquatic trees online, I was inspired and very keened to make one myself.

    Initially I was looking for some tree-like driftwood but it was a hard-to-find thing.

    So I began to research on how to construct a bare tree from scratch.

    Then I came across this website which gave me a possible solution.
    http://www.vhampyreart.com/2010/01/polymer-clay-tree/

    Excited to start, I began to do my shopping and bought the following stuff.

    steel wire:


    quick drying clay (which was also used at the other thread where I was making my DIY cave/tunnel):


    after much twisting of the steel wire, here's the skeleton of the tree:


    the next step is to bulk up the skeleton using aluminium foil.


    I found the initial bulk up was rather thin, so I have added more foil to it.


    and here's after applying the clay:


    Now I am leaving it to dry/clay.
    Afterwhich I will dress it up with acrylic paint and a glaze finishing, before placing it to the water to "test" it. If everything is ok, then I will setup my new tank for it and will be getting mosses to tie to the branches.

    I shall post another update soon.
    from 14L to 8L tank.

  2. #2
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    Re: DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

    finally get to post some updates here.

    it has been 2 weeks from my last post as I was waiting for the clay to dry up.

    here's the bare tree after 2 coats of paint.


    and here's after a glaze coating.


    It should be dried now but I am giving it another day before soaking it in water for a week or 2.
    from 14L to 8L tank.

  3. #3
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    Re: DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

    Great work. Though the tree look too symmetrical. Will the paint leach any chemicals?

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    Re: DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

    Quote Originally Posted by sateman View Post
    Great work. Though the tree look too symmetrical. Will the paint leach any chemicals?
    Thanks.

    This is my first attempt in making a moss "tree".
    I have not grown moss before as well.

    I was hoping the symmetrical design will make the moss to grow like the one here:
    http://www.aquascapingworld.com/imag...so%20final.jpg
    Looking back, I think I forgot to make the branches to incline upwards as well as attaching smaller branches.

    Do you happen to know which type of moss will branch out better by itself?
    Is Christmas moss a good choice?

    Otherwise I will make minor modification by adding smaller branches and get java moss for it (the original intention).

    Oh, I am using the recommended type of paint that are aquarium-safe , which is acrylic paint and glaze.
    from 14L to 8L tank.

  5. #5
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    Your acrylic paint make sure don't leak water to the clay inside.
    It is not water proof clay if not mistaken.
    Learning the hardway, not the highway.
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  6. #6
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    Re: DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

    Quote Originally Posted by 14litre View Post
    Thanks.

    This is my first attempt in making a moss "tree".
    I have not grown moss before as well.

    I was hoping the symmetrical design will make the moss to grow like the one here:
    http://www.aquascapingworld.com/imag...so%20final.jpg
    Looking back, I think I forgot to make the branches to incline upwards as well as attaching smaller branches.

    Do you happen to know which type of moss will branch out better by itself?
    Is Christmas moss a good choice?

    Otherwise I will make minor modification by adding smaller branches and get java moss for it (the original intention).

    Oh, I am using the recommended type of paint that are aquarium-safe , which is acrylic paint and glaze.
    Many small branches will make the tree look more natural and more moss can be tied to them making the tree look very bushy, if that is what you desire.
    If you want moss that grow upwards, then flame moss is ideal. Weeping moss will make it more "droopy". The one in the picture is using spiky.

  7. #7
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    Re: DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

    Quote Originally Posted by sateman View Post
    Many small branches will make the tree look more natural and more moss can be tied to them making the tree look very bushy, if that is what you desire.
    If you want moss that grow upwards, then flame moss is ideal. Weeping moss will make it more "droopy". The one in the picture is using spiky.
    Thanks bro.

    I just browsed your thread as linked in your signature, and I see that you were using toothpicks to make the smaller branches. I think I will use the same method. Btw, does it rot after sometime?

    I see. ok, I will look for spiky moss. Bushy tree is what I wanted to create.
    from 14L to 8L tank.

  8. #8
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    Re: DIY aquatic tree for 14 litre tank

    I will put this project on hold because the use of clay failed. It can be seen in the other diy tunnel/cave thread. I will be working on the breeding divider first.
    from 14L to 8L tank.

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