3D backgrounds, yay or nay?

tongolino10

Exodon
MFK Member
May 26, 2023
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I've come across some seriously impressive 3d backgrounds online, and if I were to get them, I would be getting those which can be suctioned to the back of my tanks as I already have water and fish in them.

Do they trap dirt and fish easily or grow algae and affect water circulation? Are they a pain to maintain? Looking to hear from those who have experience with these backgrounds in their tanks
 
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phreeflow

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Nov 19, 2007
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SoCal
Love the way they look and I’ve tried several times but have always lost plecos and clown loaches behind them. Drove me crazy wondering if they died or were stuck so I’d tear it all out periodically to find them. They find the smallest crevices to enter.

I wouldn’t do it again unless I could silicone it into place. It’s worth the trouble imho
 

ken31cay

Dovii
MFK Member
Dec 25, 2022
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Cayman Islands
I got the 3D background for my 750gal from Universal Rocks. They asked for precise interior measurements which I provided and the background fit perfectly. Though in a few places it did not stay pressed against the tank walls on its own so I siliconed the whole background in before filling with water.

The tank has only been running for 4 months so I couldn't tell you much more except that there is literally no room for any fish to get behind it. I personally wouldn't consider having a 3D background unless it was one that fit well and that I could silicone it in.
 

krichardson

Bronze Tier VIP
MFK Member
Jun 19, 2006
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Datnoid Island
I also have a Universal Rocks background on one of my tanks,I bought it from another member here quite a few years ago and I love the look of it....it kinda reminds me of the top notch set ups in public aquarium displays.
 
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duanes

MFK Moderators
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Jun 7, 2007
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Isla Taboga Panama via Milwaukee
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I used one for while, in a few different situations, but determined the space it used up in the tank was problematic, and it did allow fish to escape belind it and disappear.
I tried shaving it down to and that helped a bit
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Combined with real sunken wood and rockwork, I liked the look in my 6 ft tanks, but the swim space it took up inside the tank was too significant to justify, for its continued use for my needs.
I suppose if I kept small species in a large tank (6 feet or more) I could afford the loss of water volume.....
 
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