Tank setup for handicapped convict

[Natalie]

So I ran into an issue with ordering the Aquaterra background. Long story short, I'm not buying it. But it was a blessing in disguise, because a friend told me about a company TWO HOURS FROM ME that stocks backgrounds that are normally not found in the U.S. (company is called Back to Nature). I've had my eye on this background for a long time but didn't think I'd be able to get it from Europe. Well, I ordered it today and got free shipping, woohoo!!!!!

 

[Natalie]

Scratch what I said about Back to Nature. These look very similar but might not be the same company.

 

[Natalie]

So Jack really is getting better! Check out this video I got today. He went nuts for brine shrimp and swam continuously without resting for about 5 minutes straight! I think he's almost normal again... can't believe it.

[YT]5Z_7W9QHky0[/YT]

(P.S. Ignore the diatom bloom. Grr I can't get rid of it.)

 

[JK47]

No way! Congrats Natalie! Good job turning him around!

 

[Natalie]

Thanks Justin! I'm pretty excited about how well he's doing. And the background for his tank arrived today. I'm really pleased with it. It looks very dramatic and realistic, and will look awesome once it's installed. Here's a few pics...

The white line represents the 3" I'll have to saw off of the top. The top section is relatively boring compared to the bottom, so that's what'll get chopped off.

As you can see from the top view, there will be plenty of room behind the background for filter hose. I'm thinking I'll hide it behind the trunk on the right side. There's plenty of recessed areas to drill inconspicuous holes through the background for water flow too.

In this view, you can see how "3D" this background really is.

And this is the 12x20" fragment that'll get sawed off the side of the background (the original background was 48" wide, my tank's 36"). Perfect dimensions to fit in a 10g, don't you think???

This background isn't made of foam, it's made of what looks like a plaster of some sort. I'm not sure how easy it will be to drill or saw. I'll have to do some experimenting with it this weekend to see what I'm in for.

 

[JK47]

Thanks Justin!

This background isn't made of foam, it's made of what looks like a plaster of some sort. I'm not sure how easy it will be to drill or saw. I'll have to do some experimenting with it this weekend to see what I'm in for.

Natalie, can I suggest you find someone with a "table saw"? It will make a perfect straight line that is pretty hard to do by hand. Also, when you cut the BG, don't forget to consider how much of it will be covered by substrate Nice BG BTW.

 

[Natalie]

Natalie, can I suggest you find someone with a "table saw"? It will make a perfect straight line that is pretty hard to do by hand. Also, when you cut the BG, don't forget to consider how much of it will be covered by substrate Nice BG BTW.

Justin, I think that's exactly what I'll have to do. I contacted the company and the background is made of fiberglass resin. There's no way I can cut that with my little handsaw.

I'm also worried about drilling holes in it. Hmm, can my electric drill go through this stuff?

 

[PufferFace11]

Wow Natalie its awesome to see ur Con getting back to normal.

That background looks awesome, i wouldnt mind adding something like that to my tank

Are u gonna put any gravel/substrate down if hes now able to swim like normal???

 

[Natalie]

Wow Natalie its awesome to see ur Con getting back to normal.

That background looks awesome, i wouldnt mind adding something like that to my tank

Are u gonna put any gravel/substrate down if hes now able to swim like normal???

Thanks Puffer! Yes I eventually plan to put sand down again. Since I'm moving in a few months, I might go ahead and paint the bottom with the paint anyway, then add sand after the move is over with.

 

[PufferFace11]

Nice i cant wait to see how it looks once everything is installed.

What site did u pick up that BG from if u dont mind me asking???