@mightyevil. I would like to converse through email as well. This looks very nice, I am working on my second one and am looking for some advice. Thanks!
Hello: I'm working on a 75 gallon set-up, on the base platform at the moment and would like to do a DIY background. If the plans/details are still available, that would be very cool! I was thinking about fixing some driftwood, embedded into the background and not sure if epoxy coating it would work. Thanks for your help!
Very cool! I've looked at a gazillion backgrounds online and then I saw yours...it's by far the best. It's so realistic! I'd like to try making one myself. Would you please send me your plans also?
@lilwaky1 Thanks! Go ahead and try it, it is not too difficult. If it doesn't come out like you expected, do not get discouraged and try again! Check your Inbox...
Wonderful! Please send me yr plan too! I would love to do this,but I already have a fully set up fish tank,so wondering how to keep my fish alive for a week to complete this project.Waiting to hear from u!
It depends on the fish you have, if they are hardy enough you can just throw them in a rubbermaid container for a week or two and they will make it. The containers are cheap at walmart, get some filtration going and they will be fine for two weeks. Thanks for the feedback! Check your inbox...
@1904geckos I have used either concrete or Drylok before and they both work well. I imagine that using both at the same time would be even better. I sent you the plans so you can read the details involved.
@MightyEvilOne hi mighty this is ireland here great back ground .If you still sending out plans could i have a copy aswell plz got my small tank nearly done but your vid has inspired me for my big tank :)) ty
@tube21255 HELLO GERMANY! Sorry I didn't get to you any sooner but I have been busy. Thanks for the positive feedback, all your questions should be answered in the plans and if I missed something go ahead and shoot me a pm.
I have to agree with the other comments,this is the best DIY background I have seen by far. Awesome work. I have just been given a 6' tank and would love to give this a try - the latex backgrounds are too expensive and like thelook of this much better. Could I trouble you to send me the plans too please? Thanks in advance.
@MightyEvilOne Would you be able to send me those plans too? I made a DIY background myself, but it didn't turn out well by my standards (other people seem to like it though)
@MightyEvilOne I don't have any videos up, but I'll be putting one up later after I get some moving finished. My main problem was with the coating. I put cement on the styrophome, and it didn't really come out with a smooth or natural look. Also, the DIY background I made was for my geckos, the next one I'm making is for my fish.
@dadecountyalan I don't have detailed plans for the moonlights but I will send you a small video of a collage of pictures I took that will sort of explain the moonlighting...
Yes, but it all depends on the type of aquarium u have, if u have a 55 gallon glass aquarium u can use magnets to keep it against the glass, the top frame of the tank to keep it from sliding up and some egg crate (light diffusing material) in the bottom to give the magnets some support and keep the background from wanting to come forward from the bottom. The substrate will also give additional support to keep the background in place. I would not try with tanks with no bracing (rimless tanks).
"DIY moonlight and DIY Background " , which usually implies there will be instructions given ,but no info was given. Whats up with that ? At least say something so I can see or rather hear how it was done.I just felt like I got a camera tour of yet another fish tank.It does look nice but its important for people to know what chemicals not to use and some info about lime in the water when using cement,plus PH values and how long a cure time etc.
@royalspin Thank you and I understand what you mean, I did write some instructions on how I made this but since I do not have pictures to show you the process I did not make the video explaining how it was done. You are right, this video is just to show my work not to show "how to", I guess the title is misleading and I apologize. If you want instructions just let me know and I will send them to you. Again, thanks for your input.
Excellent work I must say. I have been looking at several BG's as of late and came across yours. I have to agree with MasterWizard in reference to the plants. I was looking into a heavily planted tank, but now I think I've changed my mind. I would surely appreciate these "Plans" everyone is speaking on if possible. Thanks so much!
I've seen alot of backgrounds and aquascapes before, but this is one of the best. I've been told that lots of plants are a necesity to make an aquarium look good, but you've proven that wrong. I too, would like a description of how you did this, or what others are calling "the plans". Much thanks
Thank you! It has recently been broken down (literally), I got bored of it but there is a newer one coming and it is very nice as well. Will post video once it is up and running.
Heeeyyyy, what up Basile!!! Thanks! Yes I did win the lottery again lol. My salt tank is not up yet, I put it on hold when I upgraded to my 110gal cichlid tank...
Will continue the build after the holidays. Sorry, I know it is disappointing but it is a 180 gal so it will not be too disappointing when its up and running.
Real Nice background, yours is the best one on here. Would like the plans to do my 75 gallon i just bought can you email them to me please? Thank you!
Bravo sir, one of the best I've seen by far. also I commend you for your willingness to help out others. Could you maybe help one more and send me a copy of the plans for ideas. I would like to try your rmethod on a 110 gallon. Thanks
I just finished my background for my 110gal using the same method except I used Drylock instead of cement. I have to say that Drylok is great in preserving detail and I will never use cement again. I will post a video on my channel as soon as it is up and running, I expect to be done with it by Nov. 23 so stick around!
I also have a build thread on cichlid-forum so feel free to visit, you can find it under the DIY forum by the name of "My next DIY background"
Thats an awesome background. Your cichlids seem to enjoy it very much. I know youve been asked a million times but could you send me the plans? I'm really interested in how you made the caves. 5 out of 5 man!! NICE TANK!!!
I used the white styrofoam and I used Quickrete "fast setting cement" (something like that). I don't remember if I used terra cota or buff quickrete pigment for the coloring but whichever it was, it was very little of it (a few drops). When I applied it, I did it in very quick strokes to not make the background one color. The rest of the color came from the algae that grew on it.
I am currently working on a video for the DIY moonlight, I will send it to you as soon as I am done with it. I am just glad to be able to help, not being annoyed. : )
Hey can you shoot me an email about the specifics for this background. I really like the way these rocks look compared to other ones that I have seen. I am looking to make some caves as well when I create my background so any info on those as well would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
I am not sure what you mean by root...there are some pieces of driftwood in there that are leaning on the background and that may appear like a root, that was unintentional. There is nothing in this background that is a root and again, if there is something that looks like a root, it is not : ) . Thanks for your comment!
Wow! I am setting up a 90 gal cichlid and have been trying to decide best plan. Have been toying with the gutter one but I like how you can hide your equip behind. May I also have an email on the how to. Those backgrounds you can buy are way more expensive than your DIY. Thanks for the info!
your background is amazing, i have a 55 gallon that i am setting up for cichlids and i would like to make a nice slim background and then stack rocks through the middle of the tank, any pointers on how to make a natural looking slimline background?
Sure! For a slim look I would go with a cheap soldering iron. The soldering iron will help to give your rock the detail. I used my soldering iron sideways (horizontally against the foam) in quick strokes across the foam to give it the rough surface. I also used the soldering iron to make cracks in the foam. Practice a bit on extra foam to get a feel for the soldering iron and the amazing shapes you can accomplish with it without sacrificing the thickness you want.
I have tought about it but I would have to buy a powerhead first and I really dont have the funds since I am spending them all on my salt water future tank. I dont think that the caves need much cleaning because my fish love to use them aditionally some of the caves do get emptied out during a water change. Thanks for your comment.
How did you get the different shades colour on the rock? And when you zoom in on the surface and It seems like you have hints of Orange on the rocks giving it a nice rustic looking edge, It looks really good!
I am going to create my own background, I was going to do rocks but I think I may try what you have achieved. Do you have any pointers or tips on creating and sculpting this style background? It would be appreciated.
Looks great ! Can I make one of these and install it? My tank is already established and I hate to tear it all apart. One of the videos I watched showed the bg being made in the tank.
I made this BG first and then I installed it in the aquarium but I did have to remove everything from it before installation. I dont think you can install it while you have water in the aquarium because 1) I dont think you will have much luck with the silicone and 2) the water chemistry will change dramatically because of the chemicals in the cement, the BG needs to be rinsed many times before installation.
how did you carve out the caves to be so intricate? This is the best background I have found and I have been searching for awhile! Also how did you hide your bubbler hose, and filters?
I actually melted the styro with a small soldering tool and shaped some parts with sanding paper. For the air tubing you can do two things, what I did was hide it through the side and bottom of the background. The other way would be to use a piece of tubing and carve or melt through the back of the background and the bottom and glue the tubing there, then you would use an extension to connect it to the tubing coming from your pump and connect an air stone on the end inside the tank. Make sense?
how did you carve out the caves so beautifully? It's so intricate! Also how did you hide your bubbler, hosing, and filter? Any help would be appreciated!
This is exactly what I want to do in my 90 gallon!! Yours is by far the nicest I have ever seen....I am wondering about your caves, how you made them and how hard are they to clean?? Any input is greatly appreciated....I hope mine turns out a fraction as beautiful as yours. GOOD JOB
Thanks very much G, I actually do not clean the caves, I think that there might be a huge amount of good bacteria in there since my fish do use them every now and then, specially at night time. As a matter of fact my aquarium has maintained itself extremely clean and clear since my background was installed with the exception of the time when I made this video (the water was a little cloudy due to a chemical I threw in the water). I will send an e-mail explaining how I made this, I hope it helps!
For filtration I have two Penguin 330 flters. The substrate I think is called "river gravel", I always see it at Petco but cant recall the exact name.
I'm in the process of making one for my 55 gallon aquarium. I'm incorporating techniques I've learned from others who have done this. I'd be interested in learning how you did this. Is it just styrofoam and concrete? How did you apply the concrete?
The way I applied my concrete was exactly how you see it on the step by step DIY videos here on You Tube. I applied a runny coat of "Quickcrete" concrete first and then three more thicker coats with very little dye on my last coat. I did not use anything like fiberglass for my concrete, just simple concrete, so far it has worked well for me.
wow..wow... this is th esickest background i have seen yet... the detail and the look is so natural and the fish must love it...any chance you have a tutorial on how you accomplished this amazing thing... i am about to set up my 55 gallon and would love so much to create something half as sweet as this.
I wish I did, to be honest I was too exited to have started this that I didnt bother filming or taking pictures of it, now I regret it. I will forward an e-mail to you that I have written to someone else explaining how I did it and I hope that helps, you can ask any questions if confused or need better instructions.
I've been in the aquarium hobby for nearly 20 years and this is one of the best backgrounds I've ever seen. The caves are awesome and it has depth and texture. You should makes some for people as a side business. I know that U.S. Marine thing doesn't pay that good.LOL
Thank you very much! I think I would enjoy building some for people. The Military pay system is a joke, specially for those who are risking their life out there.
great 3D backgound. is it fiberglass or what?
AquariaCustomDesign 1 month ago
@AquariaCustomDesign Thank you very much. This is not fiberglass though, it is cement.
MightyEvilOne 1 week ago
@mightyevil. I would like to converse through email as well. This looks very nice, I am working on my second one and am looking for some advice. Thanks!
larrydavy 3 months ago
@larrydavy Sure, send me a PM and I will do what I can to help!
MightyEvilOne 3 months ago
Hello: I'm working on a 75 gallon set-up, on the base platform at the moment and would like to do a DIY background. If the plans/details are still available, that would be very cool! I was thinking about fixing some driftwood, embedded into the background and not sure if epoxy coating it would work. Thanks for your help!
dyamarick 11 months ago
Can I also get your plans?? I am wanting to do this to my 55g tank. Thank you.
sheridan1981 1 year ago
@sheridan1981 You got it!
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
awesome! could you please send me the plans also?
atticdog1300 1 year ago
@atticdog1300 Thanks! No problem...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
@oakwoodk8 Thank you! You got it!
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
Very cool! I've looked at a gazillion backgrounds online and then I saw yours...it's by far the best. It's so realistic! I'd like to try making one myself. Would you please send me your plans also?
lilwaky1 1 year ago
@lilwaky1 Thanks! Go ahead and try it, it is not too difficult. If it doesn't come out like you expected, do not get discouraged and try again! Check your Inbox...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
Wonderful! Please send me yr plan too! I would love to do this,but I already have a fully set up fish tank,so wondering how to keep my fish alive for a week to complete this project.Waiting to hear from u!
TheAviationfreak 1 year ago
It depends on the fish you have, if they are hardy enough you can just throw them in a rubbermaid container for a week or two and they will make it. The containers are cheap at walmart, get some filtration going and they will be fine for two weeks. Thanks for the feedback! Check your inbox...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
i made a background for lizard tank but what do you u use to have it in the water?
1904geckos 1 year ago
@1904geckos I have used either concrete or Drylok before and they both work well. I imagine that using both at the same time would be even better. I sent you the plans so you can read the details involved.
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
@MightyEvilOne hi mighty this is ireland here great back ground .If you still sending out plans could i have a copy aswell plz got my small tank nearly done but your vid has inspired me for my big tank :)) ty
yuoranasswipe 1 year ago
Hi Mighty from Germany. This is really the best DIY Background I ever found . So realistic!
Pleas send me too the plans to copy this great job, what are the stone made of?
styrofoam or something like this? so many questions, I love it.
tube21255 1 year ago
@tube21255 HELLO GERMANY! Sorry I didn't get to you any sooner but I have been busy. Thanks for the positive feedback, all your questions should be answered in the plans and if I missed something go ahead and shoot me a pm.
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
I have to agree with the other comments,this is the best DIY background I have seen by far. Awesome work. I have just been given a 6' tank and would love to give this a try - the latex backgrounds are too expensive and like thelook of this much better. Could I trouble you to send me the plans too please? Thanks in advance.
will2rob 1 year ago
@will2rob Again, sorry I have not replied but I have been busy. Thanks for the comment, good luck with the project! Check your inbox for the plans...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
should make a tutorial video :D pretty please
or can i have plans hehe
x3jazz 1 year ago
@x3jazz Sorry, no time to make a tutorial and I have other projects in mind. But you can have the plans! Check your inbox...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
@MightyEvilOne Would you be able to send me those plans too? I made a DIY background myself, but it didn't turn out well by my standards (other people seem to like it though)
Randymyr 1 year ago
@Randymyr No problem, I will send the plans to you. Where can I see the background you made? Maybe I can give some pointers...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
@MightyEvilOne I don't have any videos up, but I'll be putting one up later after I get some moving finished. My main problem was with the coating. I put cement on the styrophome, and it didn't really come out with a smooth or natural look. Also, the DIY background I made was for my geckos, the next one I'm making is for my fish.
Randymyr 1 year ago
@MightyEvilOne - - very impressive, great details!! If possible plese send plans! appreciate it thanks!
hard420core 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@MightyEvilOne - - very impressive, great details!! If possible plese send plans! appreciate it thanks!
hard420core 1 year ago
Awesome tank! Can you please send me the plans for the background along with the moon light plans?
jshakou 1 year ago
@jshakou Thank You! I will send the plans and a small video of pictures explaining how I did the moonlights, I hope it helps!
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
howd u do the moon light
i would love that for my discus
dadecountyalan 1 year ago
@dadecountyalan I don't have detailed plans for the moonlights but I will send you a small video of a collage of pictures I took that will sort of explain the moonlighting...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
hey man this background is awsome can you please send me the inf about how make it tank's i apreciate it
eltigredeltaekwondo 1 year ago
@eltigredeltaekwondo Thank you! You got it!
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
is it possible to make the back ground but NOT glue it to the back I don't want to ruin my tank,
Rohan4basu 1 year ago
Yes, but it all depends on the type of aquarium u have, if u have a 55 gallon glass aquarium u can use magnets to keep it against the glass, the top frame of the tank to keep it from sliding up and some egg crate (light diffusing material) in the bottom to give the magnets some support and keep the background from wanting to come forward from the bottom. The substrate will also give additional support to keep the background in place. I would not try with tanks with no bracing (rimless tanks).
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
i really like your background how u make that? good job
markw1679 1 year ago
@markw1679 Thank you, I sent you a personal message with the details...
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
@MightyEvilOne can i get the details too? it looks real tight, man
redalert979 1 year ago
@redalert979 The plans are in your inbox!
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
"DIY moonlight and DIY Background " , which usually implies there will be instructions given ,but no info was given. Whats up with that ? At least say something so I can see or rather hear how it was done.I just felt like I got a camera tour of yet another fish tank.It does look nice but its important for people to know what chemicals not to use and some info about lime in the water when using cement,plus PH values and how long a cure time etc.
royalspin 1 year ago
@royalspin Thank you and I understand what you mean, I did write some instructions on how I made this but since I do not have pictures to show you the process I did not make the video explaining how it was done. You are right, this video is just to show my work not to show "how to", I guess the title is misleading and I apologize. If you want instructions just let me know and I will send them to you. Again, thanks for your input.
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
@royalspin Oh, and I do have a video of how I made the moonlight, it is called "DIY moonlight and mounting". Feel free to check it out!
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
Excellent work I must say. I have been looking at several BG's as of late and came across yours. I have to agree with MasterWizard in reference to the plants. I was looking into a heavily planted tank, but now I think I've changed my mind. I would surely appreciate these "Plans" everyone is speaking on if possible. Thanks so much!
CMasters81 1 year ago
@CMasters81 Thank you very much! I have sent the plans to you!
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
I've seen alot of backgrounds and aquascapes before, but this is one of the best. I've been told that lots of plants are a necesity to make an aquarium look good, but you've proven that wrong. I too, would like a description of how you did this, or what others are calling "the plans". Much thanks
MasterWizard102 1 year ago
Thank you! Plants do help an aquascape a lot but are not extremely necessary in my opinion. I am glad you liked it and I will send the plans shortly.
MightyEvilOne 1 year ago
Nice job on the background....looks amazing..
vagasduke 2 years ago
Thank you! It has recently been broken down (literally), I got bored of it but there is a newer one coming and it is very nice as well. Will post video once it is up and running.
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Hey hey Basile here from WW Reefer nice going, nice tank. You won the Kbank lotery again didn't ya lol. Nice going , any vid of your salty tank?
SnapeMaster 2 years ago
Heeeyyyy, what up Basile!!! Thanks! Yes I did win the lottery again lol. My salt tank is not up yet, I put it on hold when I upgraded to my 110gal cichlid tank...
Will continue the build after the holidays. Sorry, I know it is disappointing but it is a 180 gal so it will not be too disappointing when its up and running.
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Real Nice background, yours is the best one on here. Would like the plans to do my 75 gallon i just bought can you email them to me please? Thank you!
lspjcook 2 years ago
Thank you very much!
I e-mailed you the plans. Have fun!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Bravo sir, one of the best I've seen by far. also I commend you for your willingness to help out others. Could you maybe help one more and send me a copy of the plans for ideas. I would like to try your rmethod on a 110 gallon. Thanks
kbergeron34 2 years ago
Thank you! Sure will!
I just finished my background for my 110gal using the same method except I used Drylock instead of cement. I have to say that Drylok is great in preserving detail and I will never use cement again. I will post a video on my channel as soon as it is up and running, I expect to be done with it by Nov. 23 so stick around!
I also have a build thread on cichlid-forum so feel free to visit, you can find it under the DIY forum by the name of "My next DIY background"
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Thats an awesome background. Your cichlids seem to enjoy it very much. I know youve been asked a million times but could you send me the plans? I'm really interested in how you made the caves. 5 out of 5 man!! NICE TANK!!!
ultranova6789 2 years ago
Thank you very much for the comment. I will send you the plans, glad I could help!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Cool! Glad I can inspire you!
I used the white styrofoam and I used Quickrete "fast setting cement" (something like that). I don't remember if I used terra cota or buff quickrete pigment for the coloring but whichever it was, it was very little of it (a few drops). When I applied it, I did it in very quick strokes to not make the background one color. The rest of the color came from the algae that grew on it.
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
omg thats good!
could you send me the plans? ;)
nice man!
fesojistheshit 2 years ago
I am glad you liked it...I will send the plans to you shortly. Thanks for the comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
great background, probably the best ive seen, the fish must love it...would it be ok if i also had the plans to help me along with mine thanks
tangoray187 2 years ago
Sure thing! Check your inbox...Thanks for the comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
that is awasome man , that is realy cool back ground
please,please,please can you send to me the way to do that great back ground?
thanks
domahesha 2 years ago
Sent!!!...Thanks for the comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
i know it must be annoying people asking you this all the time :S but can you email me with how you did the light :)
xlyndellex 2 years ago
I am currently working on a video for the DIY moonlight, I will send it to you as soon as I am done with it. I am just glad to be able to help, not being annoyed. : )
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
awesome awesome awesome!
i was thinking about going solid blue on my 90G background, but now that i've seen this, i'm having second thoughts
If you would be so kind as to send me the specs on how to make this background, it would be greatly appreciated!!
hockeyphuck 2 years ago
Sending...
Thanks for the comment and I hope it helps!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Hey can you shoot me an email about the specifics for this background. I really like the way these rocks look compared to other ones that I have seen. I am looking to make some caves as well when I create my background so any info on those as well would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
flyersguy1685 2 years ago
Sure, check your inbox.
Thanks for the comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
How did you get that root so natural?
HerrWarja 2 years ago
I am not sure what you mean by root...there are some pieces of driftwood in there that are leaning on the background and that may appear like a root, that was unintentional. There is nothing in this background that is a root and again, if there is something that looks like a root, it is not : ) . Thanks for your comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Wow! I am setting up a 90 gal cichlid and have been trying to decide best plan. Have been toying with the gutter one but I like how you can hide your equip behind. May I also have an email on the how to. Those backgrounds you can buy are way more expensive than your DIY. Thanks for the info!
Heartsangel2009 2 years ago
Sure! check your inbox...
Thanks for the comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
awesome background! best ive seen. would u shoot me an email with some specifics on how u did it?
justinf67 2 years ago
You've got mail! I hope it helps!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
your background is amazing, i have a 55 gallon that i am setting up for cichlids and i would like to make a nice slim background and then stack rocks through the middle of the tank, any pointers on how to make a natural looking slimline background?
millerc00 2 years ago
Sure! For a slim look I would go with a cheap soldering iron. The soldering iron will help to give your rock the detail. I used my soldering iron sideways (horizontally against the foam) in quick strokes across the foam to give it the rough surface. I also used the soldering iron to make cracks in the foam. Practice a bit on extra foam to get a feel for the soldering iron and the amazing shapes you can accomplish with it without sacrificing the thickness you want.
Thanks for your comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
awesome, umm as for cleaning the caves?.... ever think of just pointing a power head up each one every time you do your water changes.
roseberry10305 2 years ago
I have tought about it but I would have to buy a powerhead first and I really dont have the funds since I am spending them all on my salt water future tank. I dont think that the caves need much cleaning because my fish love to use them aditionally some of the caves do get emptied out during a water change. Thanks for your comment.
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
How did you get the different shades colour on the rock? And when you zoom in on the surface and It seems like you have hints of Orange on the rocks giving it a nice rustic looking edge, It looks really good!
I am going to create my own background, I was going to do rocks but I think I may try what you have achieved. Do you have any pointers or tips on creating and sculpting this style background? It would be appreciated.
Bye the way very nice tank, Good job!
WaitingJoker 2 years ago
Sorry for the late response...Yes I do have some tips, I will send you an e-mail with specifics. Thanks for your comment!
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Looks great ! Can I make one of these and install it? My tank is already established and I hate to tear it all apart. One of the videos I watched showed the bg being made in the tank.
jkrichie 2 years ago
I made this BG first and then I installed it in the aquarium but I did have to remove everything from it before installation. I dont think you can install it while you have water in the aquarium because 1) I dont think you will have much luck with the silicone and 2) the water chemistry will change dramatically because of the chemicals in the cement, the BG needs to be rinsed many times before installation.
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
Forgot to say Thank You! for your comment.
MightyEvilOne 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
this video is awesome! i'd love for you to make it part of the videos at AquariaSpot,com so all the other members could benefit from it. Great DIY!
aquariaspot 2 years ago
how did you carve out the caves to be so intricate? This is the best background I have found and I have been searching for awhile! Also how did you hide your bubbler hose, and filters?
cordusm 3 years ago
I actually melted the styro with a small soldering tool and shaped some parts with sanding paper. For the air tubing you can do two things, what I did was hide it through the side and bottom of the background. The other way would be to use a piece of tubing and carve or melt through the back of the background and the bottom and glue the tubing there, then you would use an extension to connect it to the tubing coming from your pump and connect an air stone on the end inside the tank. Make sense?
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
how did you carve out the caves so beautifully? It's so intricate! Also how did you hide your bubbler, hosing, and filter? Any help would be appreciated!
cordusm 3 years ago
This is exactly what I want to do in my 90 gallon!! Yours is by far the nicest I have ever seen....I am wondering about your caves, how you made them and how hard are they to clean?? Any input is greatly appreciated....I hope mine turns out a fraction as beautiful as yours. GOOD JOB
G
Ginpug 3 years ago
Thanks very much G, I actually do not clean the caves, I think that there might be a huge amount of good bacteria in there since my fish do use them every now and then, specially at night time. As a matter of fact my aquarium has maintained itself extremely clean and clear since my background was installed with the exception of the time when I made this video (the water was a little cloudy due to a chemical I threw in the water). I will send an e-mail explaining how I made this, I hope it helps!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
great job
datsun510wanted 3 years ago
Thank You!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
amazing background!!!any chance you could forward the email to me as well.
Thank you for your service.
54GENERALS 3 years ago
Sure thing...you've got mail!
Thanks for the comment!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
gorgeous tank. what type of filtration and substrate?
pigggo 3 years ago
For filtration I have two Penguin 330 flters. The substrate I think is called "river gravel", I always see it at Petco but cant recall the exact name.
Thanks for the comments!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
I'm in the process of making one for my 55 gallon aquarium. I'm incorporating techniques I've learned from others who have done this. I'd be interested in learning how you did this. Is it just styrofoam and concrete? How did you apply the concrete?
liverleef 3 years ago
The way I applied my concrete was exactly how you see it on the step by step DIY videos here on You Tube. I applied a runny coat of "Quickcrete" concrete first and then three more thicker coats with very little dye on my last coat. I did not use anything like fiberglass for my concrete, just simple concrete, so far it has worked well for me.
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
please share how you made this
supajuxt 3 years ago
I sent you an e-mail, I hope it helps!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
wow..wow... this is th esickest background i have seen yet... the detail and the look is so natural and the fish must love it...any chance you have a tutorial on how you accomplished this amazing thing... i am about to set up my 55 gallon and would love so much to create something half as sweet as this.
goinonbro 3 years ago
I wish I did, to be honest I was too exited to have started this that I didnt bother filming or taking pictures of it, now I regret it. I will forward an e-mail to you that I have written to someone else explaining how I did it and I hope that helps, you can ask any questions if confused or need better instructions.
Thanks for the comment!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
I've been in the aquarium hobby for nearly 20 years and this is one of the best backgrounds I've ever seen. The caves are awesome and it has depth and texture. You should makes some for people as a side business. I know that U.S. Marine thing doesn't pay that good.LOL
Anyway, great job you're very skilled.
Semper Fidelis
PhxBuckeye 3 years ago
Thank you very much! I think I would enjoy building some for people. The Military pay system is a joke, specially for those who are risking their life out there.
Again, Thanks!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago
very nice setup :)
You have mail
Luvbeags 3 years ago 2
Thank you! Your tanks are great too!
MightyEvilOne 3 years ago