DIY 3D Background - 20G

[andres]

Yesterday I started on my 3D background for my 20G high. I read up on most of the guides I could find, and decided to carve it out of styrofoam and cover it in cement.

The 2nd coat of Quikcrete is drying, I will try to take some pics tonight. I plan on minimally adding a 3rd coat before putting it in the tank.

 

[haynchinook334]

Can't wait to see pictures!!!

 

[Yanbbrox]

 

[andres]

3rd coat is drying.. I may let this cure a few days and see how durable it is. If I need to add a few more coats, I will.

Front:

Back:

Filter goes on the left, heater on the right. I have not decided if I am going to put mesh infront of the intake for the filter.. I made a cave-like thing around it, hopefully fish won't be able to fit. With my luck, they will hide there.

 

[Yanbbrox]

Looking good

 

[djarmstrong]

Really Nice .

 

[E36 328i]

Looks cool, but I was wondering about the heater-- how are you planning on getting circulation there?

I have always wanted to make a background similar to yours (to hide all the filters and other crap) but was worried about heaters having problems in such a small area.

Let me know how it works out for you!

 

[andres]

Looking good

Really Nice .

thanks guys

Looks cool, but I was wondering about the heater-- how are you planning on getting circulation there?

I have always wanted to make a background similar to yours (to hide all the filters and other crap) but was worried about heaters having problems in such a small area.

Let me know how it works out for you!

The water level will be above the background where the heater is, and there is a hole- I am hoping that is enough. Otherwise I may have to make some modifications or put the heater outside cry: )

I think if that fails I will have to take the tank apart and drill holes from the right side to the heater compartment. Small enough that nothing can get back there, but enough so water moves.

 

[killrmack]

have you though about using a power head to push water past the heater

 

[andres]

have you though about using a power head to push water past the heater

Hmm thats a pretty good idea, I'm not sure about space though. If I had planned before, I could have done it pretty easily I think. Hopefully it just works, the heater is a 150w, so if I turn it up a little higher hopefully it can output the heat. Its only a 20g.

I don't think im going to make the background have a perfect seal, so water can get back there and hopefully heats the rest of the tank.