DIY background

[mutfish]

In my search for a realistic background for a show tank, and seeing the $$ they want for the fiberglass versions, I thought I would make my own. After carving up a couple sheets of styrofoam then covering it with vinyl cement what cha' think of my first attemp?

[bumblebee]

Hi Mutfish,
It look so real with the contrast of the black graval. Is it gonna be a plant tank??

Alex

[mutfish]

Just a few java ferns on a log or two, a group of koi angels and a couple Synodontis Petricola cats.......low,low maintenance... for a change.

[maestro]

I think it looks bloody excellent! really proffesional, wow long did it take?

[Cosmo]

Looks GREAT :) you sure it's non toxic ?? How thick is it?? let us know how it works out

Jim

[mutfish]

Thanks, didn't take long at all, couple hours carving time. Once the cement is cured it should be OK to submerge. May raise the PH for a while.
It ranges from an inch to over 6 in spots,a drawback for a narrow tank.

[maestro]

Surely you must have copied a design? you couldnt just make something like that up as you went along could you?

[mutfish]

I got the idea from this article I found searching the net.....
I did mine just that way except I cut mine in just two pieces and actually removed and replaced the center braces of the tank..
PS, I used more than one beer....

http://www.thecichlidgallery.com/article_styrobackground.htm

[mutfish]

I think what I will really like about this set-up is when finished no equiptment will show, the filter intake tubes are concealed in background and pick up water through the "caves". I'm using an inline heater.

[ronrca]

Wow! That looks fantastic! Tell me more about this vinyl cement! Where do u buy it and how much it costs? Id love to give it a try for my planted tank!

[mutfish]

It just a patching cement found in any home improvement center. It's used for making feather edged repairs and it's made up of very fine components of, graded sand, portland cement and exterior grade vinyl resin.

[korbi_doc]

WOW!!!& WOW AGAIN!!!!!!!!!! What a great job you did!! I am super impressed, its fantastic!! Dottie

[Ivan]

Mutfish that is belting!! Really impressed, one thing. How inert is it? any probs with pH fluctuating??

Sorry to bump this thread, but needs must.

[mutfish]

Once the cement cures thoroughly (a few days)and rinsed it has no effect on water parameters...

[Ivan]

I suppose you don't have to create rocks either, you might be able to creat a root system and create more of a biotopical theme for Discus and SA cichlids. Excellent work! I think I will have a crack at that. Thanks for posting!