DIY - Projects & Ideas • My way to hide overflow towers (lots of pics)!!!

[R-DUB]

Thanks Amazilia Ill check that out. I already make food for my giant fancy goldfish. Orandas are such pigs. Might as well make some for my cichlids too. Joker I would try it asap. No more cleaning the back of the glass! No more staring at heaters or pump intakes etc.... It is really nice to enjoy just the fish! My only regret is not doing it sooner. GOOD LUCK!

[padlock 08]

tats one of the best bg's i've seen. but to be super critical, lose the fake plants, they just detract from the scene too much and, because i'm a fan of biotopes, they aren't biotope correct. i just believe that it will be sooooo much better without the plants, the rocks do enough for the tank. but thats just my personal opinion, kudo's on doing the project, it's beautiful

[Danzx6r]

padlock 08 Agreed

The tank is so good & i feel the plants are too "goldfish" for the occasion!

The BG is amazing! Well done

Dan

[R-DUB]

Really think so. I felt it needed a little color. Maybe I will try and add more rocks. Build some height with them and remove the plants. Thanx for the critique. Always appreciated.

[Wolffishin]

I like the fake plants!

I agree that they add the much needed color and in some time after algea grows on them they'll look more real.

IMO, everyone here is over critical about fake plants. Most guests at my house, that view my tanks, are surprised when told the plants are fake.

Don't worry, only experts like the members of this forum can really tell the difference.

Go easy on me...it's just my opinion.

[daowner]

i don't mind the fake plants but i have always liked the ones from craft stores better they look way better then the plastic ones and there cheaper as well just make sure you get the ones with out medal in them they work well don't have any pics but ill try and find some

[R-DUB]

I've always been meaning to go to a craft store and look at the artificial plants they have. I had noticed in the past that they come in a much wider array of colors then do the aquarium companies offer. I think I will stick with what I got for now. I spent some $$$ on fish lately. The plants can wait for awhile. My fish seem to love the BG btw.

[TropheusFriend]

My hubby and I bought the EXACT same aquarium (used) so I am SO glad I stumbled upon this thread!! We are going to attempt our DIY background soon and try to make it look as much like Lake Tanganyika as possible for our soon to be Tropheus colonies

I do have one question for you though: Did you attach the background to the overflows? I assume so since you cut holes where the vents are

Can't wait to get started!

[R-DUB]

I did attach directly to the overflows. I kinda regret cutting out for the vent holes though. In retrospect I dont think that those vent holes really do much. I dont understand how the inner wall allows water to flow into the main chamber to then flow to the sump. Good Luck with your new BG please post pics!!!!

[18fisher]

how do you get such fine detail when carveing the foam,it looks great and im thinking os starting to make ons for my 180,any tips,i looks great,also what tint did you use and did you glue to the back of tank thanks 18fisher

[R-DUB]

You can get some great ideas from the "sticky" at the top of the DIY section. Biggest tip I can give anyone on a BG is DO NOT carve from a solid block. I tried and tried this technique and it looks bad. I would say to add blocks on top of each other. Glueing them together with Gorilla Glue. Good Luck!

[PaNiK]

I love this background! I was concerned about my overflow tower in my new 90 gallon, but now i think im going to proceed with building one like this.

[R-DUB]

Thank you for your comments. If you have any Q's just PM me anytime glad to help! Good Luck!

[Dark Moon]

what type of color u use here to make it black?

[R-DUB]

I used a concrete coloring for tinting wet cement. It was mixed directly into the Drylok.