3-D background

[Texas321]

Do many of you have 3D backgrounds? I've been looking at some and they look really nice but I'd like to get some reviews from y'all with first hand experience. They aren't cheap so I'd hate to get one and not like it at all.

 

[duanes]

I had a Designs by Nature (something like that) years ago. It looked great, but because of how far it protruded in the tank, It took up nearly a quarter of the space in a 150 gal tank.
It was also very buoyant, and because the back wasn't even, it would not adhere flush, so i had a hard time sticking it to the back glass, and allowed spaces for fish to go, hide and die, and for detritus to build up. I finally shaved off about 4 " all over to get it flush and provide a flat background to adhere.
I finally got rid of it, and the tank.
If I were to do one again, I'd get a very thin type, with just enough to cover the back with only an inch or 2 f protrusion.
Also if enough tactile strength silicone isn't used to secure and allowed to dry, it it will fly out of the tank like a breaching whale.
When it was first installed.

still dry, after shaving a lot of excess material

 

[james99]

I have one in my 125 from universal rocks. I bought the slim version so mine doesn't take up much space. Im really satisfied with it. I just recently bought some of their fake rocks to match.

Forgot to mention, I'm not using any silicon to hold it, just sand and the little clips they send. Hasn't moved in 3 years.

 

[bbortko]

I've had 2 designs by nature and 1 universal rocks and haven't had issues with either of them.

 

[Texas321]

That's for the replays. That's my biggest concern is that they take up a ton of space. I wanted the amazon by Aqua-mania. It looks awesome but the tree in the middle seems to come all the way out.

 

[cichlidfish]

I have one in my 125 from universal rocks. I bought the slim version so mine doesn't take up much space. Im really satisfied with it. I just recently bought some of their fake rocks to match.

Forgot to mention, I'm not using any silicon to hold it, just sand and the little clips they send. Hasn't moved in 3 years.

I did that and won't again. I thought it was flush and tight, but when I removed it, I found a ton of waste built up behind the background. I removed the much waste. My nitrates were high, and found the cause. My background bowed after a long time too. Now I can't use it.
I recommend using aquarium sealant.