90 gallon malawi build

[bobofishman]

I am starting a 90 gallon project I am building a 3d background and would like any tips people have .. I am using styrofoam and hydraulic water stop cement from quikrete... I started shaping my styrofoam today and I want to build caves and ledges in it.. So far looks good just not sure about the concrete leaching and how long will it do so? I here mixed reviews on how long some people are telling me 5-9 days and others are telling me a month . I plan on soaking the background for a week before even mounting it in the tank. Then fill it with water and watch my water perimeter for a week and see. Any suggestions ?????

 

[Andrew McFadden]

In a Malawi tank you probably won't even notice due to the high ph levels anyways. Everytime I've built one I don't soak or wait.

 

[bobofishman]

Just got finished with my final coat now to let dry for the next 24-48 hr ... This can't dry fast enough ... I'm super impatient ...lol can't wait to see it in my tank...

 

[Andrew McFadden]

All man that is really nice work

 

[bobofishman]

Thanks ... I'm really stoked how it came out since it is is the first one I ever did... I'll post pics once its in the tank.. I am going with black blasting sand so I think it will really set it off....

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Thanks ... I'm really stoked how it came out since it is is the first one I ever did... I'll post pics once its in the tank.. I am going with black blasting sand so I think it will really set it off....

Agreed it can only get better from here on out. Good luck

 

[bobofishman]

Thanks again .. I'll keep posting pics..,

 

[bobofishman]

I finally got it mounted in the tank.... I can't wait... Sand will go in later tonight..

 

[gman42]

Your background looks awesome!!

 

[bobofishman]

Thanks .. I am going with a black blasting sand for the substrate....

 

[silllywilly86]

Love it! But how do you use filters or what kind can you use

 

[bobofishman]

I'm using a fluval 405 and a bio wheel .. The bio wheel will hang on the back and my canister will be coming over the side because that's where it works the best for my tank

 

[bobofishman]

The background don't hinder my filters at all....

 

[Perryuk]

Where are you going to be placing your heater as I'm looking at 3d backgrounds myself ?thanks

 

[bobofishman]

I am using 2 150 watt fully submersible heaters and the will be on the sides by the background blocked by plants ..

 

[bobofishman]

Well it's up and running... No fish let the water peri otters level out so I can check everything in the morning... I checked my ph and it is through the roof right now .. It's running between 9.0-10.0 which is just a little high for my liking..

 

[nathanden]

Nice work man

 

[bobofishman]

I love it myself more and more ... Just sitting here staring at it...

 

[bobofishman]

Tank is up and running transferred my fishys to their new home and they are super happy....

 

[Malawimaddness]

Nice work on the 3d background looks good