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

[bomber]

Can we get a front tank view of it? I usually dont look at set ups through the top of the tank unless I am feeding/mantenance.

 

[JK47]

i like "b" personally

Thanks for the feedback Colin. I was talking with my wife about it and she had a good idea. I'll hybrid both, the inlets are cocked in like option "B" and the returns" are out like option "A" on the far outsides. I will be drilling a hole in front of the background with the Loc-Line sticking through it.. She has her moments

Can we get a front tank view of it? I usually dont look at set ups through the top of the tank unless I am feeding/mantenance.

Sure thing. I will get a pic from the front here shortly when I move it. Leak test is tonight anyway. I would have more pics to load but I need to charge the camera for a bit.

 

[cobra29svt]

I'd cut a notch along the back for the pipes to fit so the background will sit flush (or close to it) w/ the back of the tank. That way you won't be wasting much (or any) tank space.

 

[JK47]

I'd cut a notch along the back for the pipes to fit so the background will sit flush (or close to it) w/ the back of the tank. That way you won't be wasting much (or any) tank space.

I wish I could but have no clue how to cut that out? I only have basic hand tools. That's why I put the elbows in at the bottom so the inlets/outlets would sit flush with the tank wall and take up less space. I guess it's not a bad idea to have a little space though. I can always put heater(s) back there if the inline heater doesn't keep up.

 

[cobra29svt]

Well I don't know how tough those bakgrounds are to cut, but a ulility knife wouldn't work? All you'd have to do is cut a "V". Wouldn't have to be perfect since it's not gonna be seen.

 

[JK47]

Well I don't know how tough those bakgrounds are to cut, but a ulility knife wouldn't work? All you'd have to do is cut a "V". Wouldn't have to be perfect since it's not gonna be seen.

I am cutting the width panels here in a minute. I'll try to cut out a practice one with the scrap piece. Really appreciate the feedback man. Thank you.

 

[JK47]

Well I don't know how tough those bakgrounds are to cut, but a ulility knife wouldn't work? All you'd have to do is cut a "V". Wouldn't have to be perfect since it's not gonna be seen.

Did exactly that so I grabbed a few pics for ya. I will be spending a bit of time tonight carving out the back once I get the width just right on the last piece. Thanks again. This background ranges from about 2" to 3" in the flat panels. I am hoping thats enough room to get the 1" ID PVC laying flush.



I used a scrap piece like I said I would and it cuts away fairly easily with a sharp blade. I should be able to carve out enough room for the PVC.







I was planning on cutting the back on the bottom where the bulkhead fittings meet the background but I will keep going and see how close I can get to this background laying flush(ish). Doesn't look like I'm going to leak test anything though. I've been cutting and cutting trying to get the fit just the way I want it. The tank is right side up now though

 

[JK47]

Can we get a front tank view of it? I usually dont look at set ups through the top of the tank unless I am feeding/mantenance.

Here ya go bomber. Got the right panel measured in and cut up.



Hacksaw makes it easier to start a straight line for my handsaw thing.



Start here because I wanted to keep as much of this root on this panel as possible. I couldn't keep that much of it in the end though and still keep the main panel centered in the tank. Oh well...





Cut into thirds. I used a sanded down version of the panel on the far left. That is the right side of the panels in the pics down below.





Full tank shots. I am still cutting down the left panel and sanding that one down to fit perfect. I still have to carve room for the PVC into the panels once I get the fit just right.

 

[JK47]

I decided not to carve the room into the backgrounds for the PVC so in case I want to change the standpipe(s) to a durso setup etc.. in the future I still can. It's only an inch or so anyway so meh.. Right and left panels below. Already been cut to fit over the bulkheads and elbows. I am really proud of how it's turning out





I bought the loc-line returns today too. It's not cheap but it matches my other tanks so I am happy.



Returns are sticking up above the tank right now but tonight I will cut down the return pipes abouut 4" and drill a hole in the background so only the locline will be see from within the tank.





Prepping the center panel to go over these bulkhead fittings/standpipes. That was the last panel to finish! I am taking probably 3 times as long to cut these as a normal person would. I cannot right getting cut right now so I have been taking my sweet time. Safety first kiddy's! lolz









Just in case you guys think you have been looking at the same pics of the same thing and over I can assure you, your not... I test fit this backghround/cut or shaved adjustments no less than 30 times. This 55 gallon is where I was chucking the pieces I cut. You'll see why in a couple minutes.



Backround on the 120 gallon is 99.9% done. Just need to drill two holes and finish the pipes. Full tank pics in just a minute!!! I'm so stoked!

 

[JK47]

I present to you, the very first designsbynature 3D background installed on MFK!!!! (minus my 10g lol that doesn't count)

Full tank shot!



Above the tank. It will rest another 1/2" back against the wall when I cut down the returns.



If you take your time and sand things intead of cutting and keep test fitting like your washing play sand, you get the background mounted without silicone.... I am going to try and use the tanks braces to hold down the background. That way I can remove it if I ever find a 4" 150g


Right side mounted under the rim of the tank.



Middle panel mounted under the tanks center brace.



Left panel mounted under the rim of the tank.



I am heading out to get PVC cement shortly, I will cut the standpipes and returns and be ready for filling it tomorrow. I'll let you guys know if my idea doesn't work. I may use the foam like Matt suggested just on the bottom if it floats too bad. I sold the sump that was on the 220 gallon this morning so I have to setup cash to play with. I will be using a ton of the pond foam on the 300 gallon when I start it this weekend.

ps - stay tuned for what I am doing/replaceing the 125 gallon with. Right now it houses my breeding group of Geophagus sp. 'Tapajos' orange heads, my wife wants a better tank for them...