DIY background

[Adiemus]

Here was my latest project.  It's about 10 days from inhabitants.  This will be a Tang community setup. It will house 11 Cyprichromis Leptosoma Malasa, 1 pair julidochromis marlieri gombe, 7 paracyprichromis blue neon, and 5 Lamprologus Similis.

[SCOTT]

Re: DIY background

What size tank is that? And is that concrete over insulation foam? Also interested to know if you incorporated a filter in the deadfall behind the backdrop? Are you planning for gravel jets? Basically I am asking all this because I am planning something very similar, but with all those features as built ins.

[guppymax]

Re: DIY background

Wow that looks great. I can't wait to hear the answers to Scott's questions. Why don't you tell us all about it at the Lake Houston Aquarists meetings sometime?

max

[Adiemus]

Re: DIY background

Well, if you look carefully, the corners at the bottom aren't done in 3d background.  My intakes will go behind the rocks on the sides.  All but about 6 inches on each side is siliconed directly to the glass.  Yes, this is done with styro-foam and 5 coats of concrete with charcoal pigment.  Let me warn you, this was a very time consuming project.

[HFBfounder]

Re: DIY background

That's awesome. You did what I just think about doing.  

[guppymax]

Re: DIY background

Could you do a cinder block wall in a house and cover the wiring and electric boxes or do you lay all this down to make it? Give us more detail on the process.

max

[Adiemus]

Re: DIY background

I laid it down on my work table.  Measured it out and fit each piece together.  SOme parts of the background are 4 pieces thick at 1/2 to 1" each.  I had a 1/2" piece of foam and a 1" piece of foam.  While other parts(usally the cracks) are only 1/2" thick.  Then I painted several coats.  I ended up not being happy with it, so I coated it again while it was in the aquarium.  This was not easy :) It looked very dark when it was out of the water.  It almost looked black.  Once you submerge it in water, it lightened up several shades.  Now it is a light charcoal color.  I tried to make some parts darker, but the wet concrete just spread, so it is almost all 1 shade.  The natural ledges work well on shading anyways.  I'm still not completely happy with it, but this was my first go at it.  I know exactly what I would do for the next one.  Which will be my 30gal grow out tank.  I will use it for good practice for when I tackle the 125gal some day.

[wvgdiscus]

Re: DIY background

If you think your up for it. I am in the process of setting up a 200 gallon 7ft tank at this time & I was wondering what I would like for the back ground, as I was wonting something different & now that I have seen yours. I know just what I would like to have.
I would like to talk with you to learn how to do what you have done.
The one thing that I was thinking of doing is using skimmers in both corners. Like they do in salt water tanks. With seeing you pic I beleive I coule incorporate the back ground to hide the skimmers from view as much as possible.
As in all DIY project  they allways take alot of time.
With me I have more time then money. HAHAHAHA

Walter

[Adiemus]

Re: DIY background

Sure, just let me know what you need info on.  We have spoke before at one of the auctions.  I even bought some discus from you :)  Warning, this was the messiest project I have ever encountered.

[SCOTT]

Re: DIY background

If I can ever find the plans I drew up for a wet/dry trickle filter I did up that is hidden behind the false background, I will get them scanned in and post them. This is a project I have been looking at for some time now. I want to incorporate the wet/dry behind the wall, and have substrate jets for the return. I have a 45 breeder that is sitting empty at the moment that I may use as a club project to see if this will work.

[wvgdiscus]

Re: DIY background

Scott I have a 75 gallon without the bracing in the middle. The glass is 3/4" think. It has some sediments on the glass,but if you like we can use it.

Walter

[SCOTT]

Re: DIY background

Sounds good to me Walter, the larger tank would allow us to make 2 chambers and section the flow return. As for the sediment, nothing that a razor blade and some vinegar won't cure I'm sure.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: DIY background

Where were you 3 years ago when I did mine ?
I have a 40 that I used - siliconed petrified wood to the back glass.

Problem 1 was the fit - hard to find a rock just the right size
problem 2 was the weight - takes 2 men & a boy to move it even when it is empty.
problem 3 is that the power box filters I like so much will not fit over the rock wall.

But the fish love it and it looks great !

[semper]

Re: DIY background

guys,

saw Anton's tank yesterday while i purchased the arabesque pleco and a pair of marble angels, it looks awesome.  love the queen anton.  it pleased my queen very much.

omar