Rocky background

[ativa01]

I've seen mixed reviews about the 3D/textured backgrounds, like the ones from Universal Rocks. I love the appearance and I'm sure most fish would appreciate it. But I see that some people report a nasty toxic smell and I've even read about a black grime like substance coming off the material. I'm not sure the paint holds up well in the long run.

So, I'm wondering what the community thinks about it? Is there a good method for sanitizing the material to make it sterile and safe for the aquarium? Is there a preferred brand that is superior in quality to others?

And these things can get expensive! General input would be appreciated for those of us considering investing in one.

 

[twentyleagues]

They are safe. You don't need to sterilize them. As long as you don't mind loosing the space and either can get behind it to clean or attach it so junk can't get behind it they are great.

 

[duanes]

I used one for years, my only problem was the space took up in the tank.
They also must be very securely affixed to the back of the tank, because (unless they have changed) are very buoyant.
If I were to do one again, I get the thin version.
Some old pics of one in my 150 gal tank.

 

[ativa01]

Yeah, that's my other problem with them. I want to have it secured firmly in place but I don't necessarily want to make it permanent. Some come with clips but plenty of people say those don't work well for holding it to the back of the tank.

 

[ativa01]

BTW, nice pics. I really like the atmosphere they produce. So much better than no backdrop or using the old picture taped to the back!

 

[duanes]

When I first installed the one above, I tried to use strong C-clamps from a hardware store to hold it in place .
By the time the tank was half filled with water, the background came shooting out like a breaching whale.
I did end up trimming back the thickness with a hack saw, to take up less space, but that left some gaps that needed to refilled in with Great Stuff pond.

 

[ativa01]

When I first installed the one above, I tried to use strong C-clamps from a hardware store to hold it in place .
By the time the tank was half filled with water, the background came shooting out like a breaching whale.
I did end up trimming back the thickness with a hack saw, to take up less space, but that left some gaps that needed to refilled in with Great Stuff pond.

Did you still use c-clamps afterwards?

 

[duanes]

It really needed to be siliconed on, to hold properly, the clamps were used to secure it until after the silicone cured.