Ok, so I wasn't smart enough to document my progress like JK47, but I guess I was just too impatient also. So I will try and explain after the fact. The background I bought was from designsbynature.net and it's dimensions are 36"x24" Perfect for my 65g tall When I got it, I had to cut in half to fit in the tank b/c of the middle brace in my tank. This was easier than I though but scary as H%^ b/c I didn't want to ruin my new BG. After scoring the back of the BG with a utility knife, I then bent the background so when it broke at the front, the seam would be jagged and less noticeable. After deciding on the location best suited for the intake pipe to go, I then scooped out a channel in the back kind of like a canyon, this allowed the intake to beloose in there so I could remove easily for maintenance. The hole was made in one of the shadow areas of the BG and when the light is on in the tank, it is almost impossible to see. I also have the temp wire at this area so I can get an accurate reading where the water flow is:
I the scooped a little "U" at the top area where the outake pipe points into the tank, I then cut out plastic (from a milk jug) in a shape with a hole in it (see the pic below) for the pipe to go through, this keeps the water flow into the filter coming from the hole below and not from the surface water.
The BG was (before it was filled) siliconed to the back and floor of the aquarium then ran a bead on the sides and the top. On the back, I just put big mounds of the silicone and then propped the background with cut to fit pieces of wood to hold it tight while it dried. The shot below was of the background after 18 hrs of drying time with the silicone, I wanted to see how it would look with the wood and stones.
Here you can see the bead of silicone on the top, notice how the BG is mounted so that the waer level is below it. IMHO this is critical to making this work properly.
For a final touch, because I wanted the spray bar but didn't want to see it hanging down, I installed it perpendicular to the front of the tank. This allows for water flow to be directed to one side of the tank at the water's suface. This gives nice surface agitation.
Now the only thing left was to increase the flow of water in the tank and I did that with a Korilia Nano
Now, the only equip showing in the tank in the spray bar and the Korilia (which is hidden nicely in the shadow of the light. The heater is down below (ebay for $29!!)
There are only two inhabitants in this tank, and for good reason, one is a Midas/Red devil. This tank stays crystal clear thanks to daily gravel cleanups with my DIY vacuum and 25% weekly water changes. Hope this sheds a little light to those wanting a BG and are not sure how they can do it with a canister. Final result:
Hope you like!
I the scooped a little "U" at the top area where the outake pipe points into the tank, I then cut out plastic (from a milk jug) in a shape with a hole in it (see the pic below) for the pipe to go through, this keeps the water flow into the filter coming from the hole below and not from the surface water.
The BG was (before it was filled) siliconed to the back and floor of the aquarium then ran a bead on the sides and the top. On the back, I just put big mounds of the silicone and then propped the background with cut to fit pieces of wood to hold it tight while it dried. The shot below was of the background after 18 hrs of drying time with the silicone, I wanted to see how it would look with the wood and stones.
Here you can see the bead of silicone on the top, notice how the BG is mounted so that the waer level is below it. IMHO this is critical to making this work properly.
For a final touch, because I wanted the spray bar but didn't want to see it hanging down, I installed it perpendicular to the front of the tank. This allows for water flow to be directed to one side of the tank at the water's suface. This gives nice surface agitation.
Now the only thing left was to increase the flow of water in the tank and I did that with a Korilia Nano
Now, the only equip showing in the tank in the spray bar and the Korilia (which is hidden nicely in the shadow of the light. The heater is down below (ebay for $29!!)
There are only two inhabitants in this tank, and for good reason, one is a Midas/Red devil. This tank stays crystal clear thanks to daily gravel cleanups with my DIY vacuum and 25% weekly water changes. Hope this sheds a little light to those wanting a BG and are not sure how they can do it with a canister. Final result:
Hope you like!
