My 72 Gallon Bowtank 3D Background

[rrmedicx]

Any recommendations on where to buy and if there are any specifications of size I should avoid. I plan to add some plants in this tank so I don't risk choking out any of the plants.
Thank you.

 

[Younglin]

please dont dont dont add blue gravel to a build looking this clean. thats like restoring a muscle car and putting spinning hubcaps on to finish it off

+1

And I would allow 48 hours the silicone to cure. I used it when i put in my background and it takes a long time to dry because of the lack of air between the background and glass. 24 hours might be fine, but I'd go with 48 just in case.

 

[rrmedicx]

Anyone have any experience with this substrate:
http://www.caribsea.com/pages/products/planted_aquar.html

It may be useful in assisting the growth and development of the newly planted tank.

It ranges from 1.0 to 6.0m in size. Not sure if that is a problem or not.

or this option:
http://www.caribsea.com/pages/products/super_nat.html

It is much smaller 0.1 to 0.3 mm in size. The black color is referred to as Tahitian Moon.

There is also a natural colored sand product available too:
Sunset Gold
http://www.caribsea.com/pages/products/super_nat.html
It's 0.1 to 0.3mm in size.

Any thoughts on these?

 

[rrmedicx]

+1

And I would allow 48 hours the silicone to cure. I used it when i put in my background and it takes a long time to dry because of the lack of air between the background and glass. 24 hours might be fine, but I'd go with 48 just in case.

I can wait. Trying not to rush at this point, the hardest part is done. (The plumbing).
Adding substrate and cycling the tank is the relatively easy part.

Also, does anyone find a reason to rinse the tank with multiple filling and draining prior to adding livestock. (Assuming silicone is allowed to cure for 48 hours)???

 

[Younglin]

I wouldn't. I'd just add water and let it cycle.

 

[Jon M]

Your design is very nice/clean looking. I agree with the blue gravel killing it. Seems like you put a lot of thought/time/work into this setup so far and it really shows. I think the blue gravel will kill it. I know how expensive the darn stuff is, I have plenty of this same blue gravel in my closet lol. So, I feel your pain with wanting to reuse it.

You don't have to go with something expensive or fancy though. I think pool filter sand would look great/natural and it's like 4.10$ for a 50lb bag at Home Depot or Lowe's.

I allow 24 hours to dry when using silicone and it works fine for me but I can understand giving it maybe an additional 24 hours if there is a lack of oxygen/air contact like in a situation like this.

 

[discuskent]

that dosent look like enough room for discus and they dont like alot of current thats going to be way to much

 

[xenia]

I also would appreciate some advice on lighting. I presently have a very simple Fluorescent double bulb strip light. I was thinking about something a little more advanced, but if its not necessary, I'll just keep what I have now.

Also, still waiting on feedback for appropriate substrate. I been scolded on using my blue gravel. OK, message recv'd. Just waiting to go purchase whatever substrate is preferable.

Thanks.

something would look pretty god maybe alittle lighter

 

[Younglin]

I'd go with a natural color sand. Like a light brown or even a white. Looks better than any other substrate IMO.

 

[rrmedicx]

Only difference as far as I can tell is that the pre-bagged stuff like I posted above claims to not need rinsing. The 50lb bag from Home Depot will most definitely need cleaning.
How to do it? Just flush it in a bucket?

Stuck in between the black sand and the natural look. I'll figure it out soon.

Any particular grit I should avoid considering a planted tank?

Seems like there is a huge range from 0.1 to 5.0mm granules.
Which if any is "better" for planted aquariums?

Thanks for the feedback.