3D Background for Cichlids - pics

[jgsketch]

Well, this is my first [acronym:8bfba67c89="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:8bfba67c89] project. So I decided to make a 3d background using Styrofoam for my new Lake Malawi setup. Using tips from many other threads in this forum, I will be using similar materials and methods. Therefore I might not be as detailed in my project on this forum, but rather show my pics and progress.

My tank is a 55 gallon tank, 48"x13"x20". I bought a pack of 48x15x3/4" Styrofoam and Great Stuff foam. Unfortunately Home depot did not have anything thicker, so I will be doing allot of gluing. I'm using typical aquarium glue from [acronym:8bfba67c89="Home Depot"]HD[/acronym:8bfba67c89].

I started by measuring out my foam and cutting. You guys said this stuff was messy, I had no idea had bad it was. I have four sections going in. Two large sections and then I'm splitting up the last section, one above and one bellow my filter return. I will end up leaving a large crack in the rock to allow the water to go through. I decided this was the easiest way since my tank is limited on depth, I did not want to fully enclose my return and intakes. But I will conceal them the best I can. I plan to using colored cement to finish the background.

Here is a pic of my current tank. I will be getting rid of the little fishies soon, so I can use my tank for fitting the Styrofoam.



Here is a pic of the lower left block. I decided to make some realistic rocks along with some not so realistic caves for my fish. This is just after cutting the Styrofoam. I will heat it next to get rid of the ruff edges, then add seal it with cement.


Here are some Misc pics.
Filter:


Leporinus

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[fishyrican]

Very nice so far. Keep us updated. Is that a surge protector that everything is plugged in to?

[jgsketch]

It's a battery backup. I had an extra one laying around so I hooked it up. I think it can last up to 5 min. But I don't know how long it will last with the filter going. It works great for short power outages, like last night when the power flickered and went off for about a min during a T storm.

I have yet to organize down there. Plus I'm looking to get a sump to install as well. It should fit nicely in there. Then when every thing is done I will build a new stand, since that one was thrown together without any plans for forthought. [acronym:4b598aaaec="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:4b598aaaec]

[fishyrican]

I thought that looked like a computer gadget. You'll have to keep up a photo diary of the progress on the background.

[rich311k]

Dont plug the heater into it. It will last much longer.