DIY background

[thatbb6]

^^^ My cichlids don't eat styrofoam or anything that aint food. It's been exactly a year and my background still retains its original shape, except it got way better looking and natural with all the algae on it.

 

[ReefDweller]

^^^ My cichlids don't eat styrofoam or anything that aint food. It's been exactly a year and my background still retains its original shape, except it got way better looking and natural with all the algae on it.

I was about to say holy crap! I am thinking about doing this type background for my 280. I always liked the look of it but if the fish bite off chunks I could see that as being a major problem. I keep cichlids too so hopefully If I do this project they will leave mine alone as well.

 

[Pontis Lebowski]

Cement works if you have fish that tolerate high PH. Most of my tank backgrounds settle at a PH of 8.2. Cihlids and live breeders do fine. I've done multiple cement backgrounds and they work fine. The benefit of cement is its waaaaayyyyyy cheaper than drylock. Drylock is close to $30 for a 1 gallon bucket. Quickrite cement is only $7.

I also don't like the texture of drylock. Way to smooth and rubbery looking. Cement defiantly pulls off the rock look better.

In the end you will have to leach the chemical out of cement. Just changing the water in the tank daily until the PH comes down to 8.2. That takes about 2-3 weeks.

Both drylock and cement should be left to dry and cure out of water for 5-7 days. This will help speed up the process of leaching the chemicals.

The point is that cement isn't as bad as some people say. You just need to be more patient with it and makes sure to plan out your stock. I think it looks way better in the end.

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