Took out tile background from 375

[islandguy11]

Recently I decided to take out the tile panels from the 375. A bit disappointed because it didn't look too bad for a mostly bare bottom tank.

But what happened was I had just finished a water change, tank was looking spiffy, but then I noticed one of the panels was out of place. The panels are not siliconed to the glass. The top portion is flat against the glass (and secured with pronged suction cups at the top), while the bottom portion of each panel is actually leaning at an angle (creating abt a 1 cm space behind the bottom of the panel).

So I 'fixed' that panel but then 3 seconds later another panel actually started falling forward in the tank. I saved that one but just as I did the next panel started falling, and then the next. It was like a domino effect and I was running back and forth trying to keep them all up. In the end I lost lol.



When that happened I could see how much detritus was getting stuck behind the panels after about 9 months. Being a bit on the OCD side this kinda freaked me out lol.





So I decided to just take out the panels (and do another water change). Doesn't look as good imo but I guess it puts more focus on the fish, both of whom are getting bigger now. Maybe later I'll put in some taller plastic plants or a piece of driftwood.

 

[RD.]

Well the good news is the fish don't seem too bothered by the sudden change.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I think I like it better black. I do like black backgrounds though, they create the illusion of depth.

 

[RD.]

Black background, lights pulled forward to front of tank, it does indeed create the illusion of depth.

 

[islandguy11]

Well the good news is the fish don't seem too bothered by the sudden change.

Yeah that's true Neil, as long as he gets his 2 squares a day the NTT doesn't give a hoot; the Flagtail actually likes it, more reflections to fight lol.

I think I like it better black. I do like black backgrounds though, they create the illusion of depth.

Good point Stan, though would be better if the black was painted on or oyama sticker -- what's on there now is black plastic type future board which doesn't seal against the glass as well so more reflection. There's obviously a lot more I could do with the tank decoration and stocking wise, but I'm ok with how it is for now -- it'll never be an amazing biotope like you create. I am thinking to add one more fish, maybe a Cuban Cigar Shark or a Tinfoil Barb, to hopefully give the Flagtail a swimming buddy, the NTT isn't particularly social lol. Also I may eventually take out the tile and put in a light gravel substrate, it'll better hide the tank's rather sloppy siliconing.

Black background, lights pulled forward to front of tank, it does indeed create the illusion of depth.

I wish I could put the lights more toward the front, which would also reduce the glare, but unfortunately on this tank the teakwood lid has slats that run from front of tank to back, so my lights (4 X 30" household type LED's) kind of have to be set up the same way. I suppose I could tie them underneath the lids if I changed to waterproof lights, maybe a future project.

 

[pacu mom]

I like the black.