tank backgrounds IN the tank.. (yes Jeff is thinking again.)

Why buy when you can DIY?
JMLenke
Posts: 1007
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 7:39 pm

tank backgrounds IN the tank.. (yes Jeff is thinking again.)

Post by JMLenke »

Ok I have successfully installed cork tiles on a 20l that is unused and my 15 which is still going a year plus later(after a ton of searching locally for non varnished tiles) and I have seen the pics of people having installed slate into their tanks as well.
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... round.html
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... ource.html
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... round.html
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... allon.html


I wanted to try something a bit different but I am not quite sure how to secure the tiles safely.

Stacked stone http://www.turkstoneinc.com/PEBBLE.htm(scroll 2/3 down to the standing pebble mosaic portion)can be bought in a tile form(4"x12") and in real world installations is done using a thin set and grout. I do not think that the thin set or grout will hold up underwater, anyone have any suggestions for how to attach the tile in a way that will allow it to sit away from the glass (want to try to hide intakes and outlets if possible) but attach securely? I am thinking that attaching the tile to foam, setting the foam off the glass with silicon is probably the best bet but would appreciate any input.

I am hoping to build the background in a way that will allow java fern, moss, anubas, bolbitis etc o grow in between the stone. I know in the 15 I have the shrimp and plants love the cork and I have not had a single issue with it rotting away or collapsing.
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
User avatar
DelawareJim
Posts: 1249
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 4:25 pm
Real Name: Jim Michaels
Location: Southeast PA

Post by DelawareJim »

What about lava rock? If you get a bag of the lava rock used for gas grills, silicone it to the back wall, you'll have a nice surface for mosses and ferns to cling to.

Cheers.
Jim
JMLenke
Posts: 1007
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 7:39 pm

Post by JMLenke »

Most of the "lava rock" is industrial sl*g IIRC (remember reading that multiple places). I am trying to work out a background that is safe for everything from small shrimp and fry all the way through large Cichlids.
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
JMLenke
Posts: 1007
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 7:39 pm

Post by JMLenke »

Found my own answer, I just had to keep plugging away on Google until I had the right term.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/d ... und_ii.php

well not exact but it is pretty close to what I am thinking about.
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
User avatar
maddog10
Posts: 394
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:44 pm
Location: Huntingtown, MD

Post by maddog10 »

Jeff,
If you want the background to stand away from the back glass, you can cut a bunch of pieces of PVC pipe the appropriate length and silicone/attach to the background and glass. Make sure the background is resting on the bottom of the tank and you could add some sort of tie-off at the top to keep it from wanting to tip in as well. Hope that gives you some ideas.
ingg
Posts: 2418
Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:29 am

Post by ingg »

Why not just silicon it to plexiglass sheets?

You could even contour it that way, use a heat gun and put bends in the plexiglass before adhering it. Buimp out around a filter intake, for instance, and then drill holes in the plexiglass to allow water movement, or heck, make it full height and put in a faux overflow for intake...
Dave
ingg
Posts: 2418
Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:29 am

Post by ingg »

Before I forget - you can then use plexiglass solvent, and make a base and low cross supports 2" tall, making the thing free standing, stable, and hidden. Base is on the glass bottom, cross supports buried in substrate.
Dave
JMLenke
Posts: 1007
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 7:39 pm

Post by JMLenke »

ingg wrote:Why not just silicon it to plexiglass sheets?

You could even contour it that way, use a heat gun and put bends in the plexiglass before adhering it. Buimp out around a filter intake, for instance, and then drill holes in the plexiglass to allow water movement, or heck, make it full height and put in a faux overflow for intake...
I was thinking of doing similar to that (didnt think of the heat gun to bend the plexi though) but by using Styro.
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
User avatar
PadreJP
Posts: 86
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:13 am
Location: Washington, DC

Post by PadreJP »

Seems like a neat idea. I'll be following your progress closely (please put up some pics once you get working on it!)
Fr. John Paul Walker, O.P.
JMLenke
Posts: 1007
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 7:39 pm

Post by JMLenke »

I at least for the foreseeable future have put this on hold due to a new job and the parttime job. I really want to do it but I need to source out the assorted items and make sure that they are inert prior to installation.

The plan is not cancelled but is on hold.

I will probably do it as Dave suggested using Plexi because it will be the most sturdy and easiest to cut and contour without serious deformation.

It is starting to look like I am working towards the overflow type scenarion that Plexi tanks have
The other Jeff

Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
Post Reply

Sponsors