Epic Overhaul/Builds: 3D Backgrounds 300g-125g-120g

[makoshoemaker]

Wow, I wouldnt have thought to regulate the air flow down the T, I heard if you keep a open T it takes down the gurgling significantly, but I would like to see how your idea plays out as well so when i decide to set up my bulkheads on my acrylic tank.

 

[Natalie]

Great update, but I'm sorry you're dealing with leaks in the bulkheads! I know what a PITA that can be. Hopefully it gets resolved soon so you can move forward.

Can't wait to see the next update!

 

[JK47]

Wow...this is truly an epic build thread!! Can't wait to see end results. I wish I was as DIY savvy!!! Those fish are SWEET!!!

Thanks! Satanoperca FTW!!! Best genus on the planet!

wow great work justin, that was fast and very clean.

Thanks Nick. I should slow it down a bit until your done with your new tank. Steal a few ideas from you lol..

that's a great idea for the durso pipes. I've seen all sorts of methods used to get the airflow right but this is easily the simplest. I hope it works like you want it to... I know those dursos can be really noisy!

Wow, I wouldnt have thought to regulate the air flow down the T, I heard if you keep a open T it takes down the gurgling significantly, but I would like to see how your idea plays out as well so when i decide to set up my bulkheads on my acrylic tank.

Thanks guys. I really hope that works. I have seen so many designs that IMO this should work. The best thing about this approach is it's flexable. I plan to switch out my GenX pump with a Reeflo when I get the $$$. Fingers crossed. I'll let you guys know if it works.

Great update, but I'm sorry you're dealing with leaks in the bulkheads! I know what a PITA that can be. Hopefully it gets resolved soon so you can move forward.

Can't wait to see the next update!

Thanks girlie! I'm lookin forward to seeing your new tank too.


Good chance to sneak in san update on my 10g, I just said screw it on and flipped the wood. Now it's a wee little tree. Should look cool with some anbius on it. I would have had cut off so much of it the wood, it would look trashed anyway. I can't wait to get that light and HOB off there they are really bugging me..





Today:
120g = stop the leak, add BG, fill.
300g = Clean & paint overflow towers, test pond foam.

 

[Matt724]

I'm glad you liked my contact. Did you mention my name when you made the order? Tanks look great by the way!

 

[honda237]

i forgot to say that the drains for my 180g have a hole already drilled in them, but there is no way to control the amount of air. But i do have these hoses that he said you put in the over flow box to make it quiet, its a design by some company. But your idea looks 3x easier.

 

[JK47]

I'm glad you liked my contact. Did you mention my name when you made the order? Tanks look great by the way!

Sorry I didn't know to use your name. MFK member "Maduro" recommended them here and I went with it. Thanks for the compliment on the tank Matt!
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4466126&postcount=3

i forgot to say that the drains for my 180g have a hole already drilled in them, but there is no way to control the amount of air. But i do have these hoses that he said you put in the over flow box to make it quiet, its a design by some company. But your idea looks 3x easier.

Easier and only about $4. Most of us already have this stuff laying around anyway.


I started testing the Great Stuff - pond foam today. I'll have lots of pics tonight but figured I would load these now while I am waiting for it to dry. I loosened one of the bulkhead fittings to drain the 120g.

Drip system lol



I screwed a couple pieces of 2"x6" scrap I had to make a 90 degree corner. (replicating the bottom of the tank. This is the stuff I am hoping to use to elevate the background in the 300g.







I cut off a slice of the 3" ID PVC. I bought 10' so I could test some before starting the actual background. Measure twice cut once kind of thing..



You have to spray this stuff slowly if you don't want it to just pile on. It comes out really fast. I would do it outside, it smells. Not as bad as I was expecting though.







I left one end open and closed the other side so I could see how it looks both ways.





I'll load more pics this afternoon of it dry, expanded and some test cuts. I also tried putting together a couple of scrap pieces using this stuff. Pics in a sec...

 

[JK47]

Couple test scraps. (SAVE YOUR SCRAPS)





I intentionally put this one on too thick. Good thing I hung on to my scraps to practice different ways of installing. Once this dries I want to see how hard it is to cut away from the face of the BG if I overdo it installing in the 300g.









I also tested adding sand to the bottom of the background to blend it in better. I obviously waited too long (2 minutes or so) becase even though the foam is still tacky, like wet paint, the sand would not sick on at all.





Next up is testing the seams when a BG is cut into slices. Pics in a sec..

 

[Matt724]

oh, sorry. I'm working as a sales rep for him and I've been telling people about him here on MFK, but i guess i'm not the only one. sorry for the assumption. Sweet build still tho!

 

[shyro77]

Easy way to apply the sand is just smear black silicone and sprinkle sand. With that foam by the time it's done expanding it's not tacky at all.

 

[JK47]

I really like this pond foam so far. Seems like there are endless oportunaties with this stuff in our hobby. I am going to take the small scrap pieces above and put it in my 10 gallon to see if it messes with the water qality. I am not sure if this stuff is PH inert or not. It says it's fish/pond safe but in a smaller body of water (minimal dilution) I want to find out for myself.



I added a much smaller amont of foam on this piece because I am trying to see how well I can keep the panels lined up on the face. I don't want the cuts I make visible later. I added the foam towards the back of the panels so if any came out, it would be out the back instead.



I think I lined it up well. We will see how much the foam expands here in a few hours.



I did get a little coming out the back on this one. That was not intentional BTW.







The background post being pieced together. I have it weighted down with my least favorite pump. This pump has been a paperweight for a while now. Guess now it's a background weight.



Now I have a nmber of things to test and get some practice with. Headed back out to focus on the 120g leak(s) for a while. I'll check back and load up some pics for you guys in a few hours.