How should I install this 3D background?

A

airtight_python

AC Members
Jun 21, 2010
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0
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Setup:

Aqueon 36G bowfront. (30x11x20)
Eheim 2217.
Nova Extreme T5HO 2x24 and Lunar Links.

Going to set up heater, UV and CO2 inline with filtration. (Will discuss order of passage in another thread) So there should be no un-natural objects in the tank other than the filters intake and outlet.

I like the look of the 3D backgrounds so I purchased one of these in syle 'crevice'.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19783

This is what I have in mind...

Block the background off of the back of the tank (with PVC fittings) 1.5-2" to allow the filters tubes to fit behind it. Drill a few holes in inconspicuous locations in the background to allow water exchange and cover them with plastic mesh to prevent fish from getting behind the background.

Is it necessary to silicone around the edges of the background or will suction cups attached to PVC fittings work?

Will filtration, current, and aeration be sufficient for a healthy planted tank?

Better idea? I'm game.

This is my first canister setup.
 
It says right in the link you gave to use 100 percent silicone for installation.


A lot of these backgrounds are made from very buoyant material. You'll need to have a clean, dry tank you can silicone it to if you intend to keep it in place. Also consider, if there are gaps around the edges, you'll have something wriggling up there eventually and getting stuck. It's best to seal it in nice and tight and then go from there.

As for using your equipment with it, it's hard to say without seeing photos of your tank, the background and the equipment all together.

Maybe provide some photos in a "build" style post when you get it all ready to install.
 
Here is the background I have to work with. It is 'plastic' and flexible, but not extremely so. It will not float. I want to hide the intake and outlet for the Eheim 2217 behind it.

How would you secure it? Would screened holes cut in it provide enough water exchange for filtration/aeration?

Photo0419.jpg

Photo0418.jpg

Photo0417.jpg
 
From the link I gave:

Installation Guide

  • To Secure your background in place simply use an Aquarium grade silcone adhesive and apply to the back of your background on the areas that protrude the most and touch the back of the enclosure. Prop in place until silcone dries.
  • To secure to wood, you can screw through the background into the wooden enclosure. Screw into inconspicuous areas of the rock formation. The screw head can then be camouflaged, using a dob of silicone and then matching sand sprinkled into it.
All products can be hand cut. This gives you the ability to tailor make our products to your needs.

  • Aquarium Background of certain style can be cut down to suit smaller tank.
  • Rock can be cut to allow your animal to crawl or swim into for hiding etc.
  • Cut to fit squarely into a corner.
  • Cut at different angles so that no 2 rocks look the same.

    If alterations are required the following tools may be useful:
  • A sharp rigid blade/kitchen butcher's knife or a small toothed hand/jig saw.
  • Set square and marker - pencil, chalk etc.
  • Tape measure to ensure you cut the correct placew and angle.
  • Structual adhesive silicone.
  • Screws and Screw driver.
  • Sometimes pebbles maybe used to help weigh Aqua Rocks and Backgrounds into position. Simply place them on or push against certain parts on the rocks and backgrounds.
  • Small lights inside or behind certain rocks can create a beautiful effect.
    Small water pumps can be used to create waterfalls running over any of the rocks. Just drill a hole in the desired place a put a pipe in from the outlet back to the pump.
 
Thanks, but I dont want to secure the background to the back of the enclosure. I'd like to secure it in a manner that allows space for the filters intake and outlet and am also wondering if small holes in it will provide enough filtration.
 
I love that background, it's going to look great in your tank. I'd also want to hide the plumbing, but I'd be afraid it would negatively impact the filtering efficiency too much, even with a lot of screened holes. It would also cut the swimming area for your fish. I'd probably try to come up with creative disguises for the tubes instead. Whatever you choose, keep us posted!
 
Is the background the exact length of your aquarium? If it is longer, you could bend one end around a corner and use that space for your filter intake. At the bottom of the tank, cut a hole out to let the water in and then place some decoration, like driftwood or stone, in front of the hole to hide it.
 
I guess you could create a false back as well. If you put something in to "space" the background out a few inches across the length of the tank, that would give you space as well. Keep in mind though, anything that alters the water's ability to flow will impact your filtration in some way, maybe a lot, maybe a little.
 
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