Epic Overhaul/Builds: 3D Backgrounds 300g-125g-120g

[cobra29svt]

Not on par w/ your backgrounds, but a 3-D background w/ black sand none the less.

 

[JK47]

You weren't kidding when you said that 120 needed some work!

Looking forward to seeing it in person!!

Thanks Link! Yeah it's not pretty now but I am not afraid of a little hard work. In no time people will see what I see in my head. The model of this tank is what attracts me to it. Wanna know something funny? I have never in my life, owned a brand new tank of any size. I always buy used.

Not on par w/ your backgrounds, but a 3-D background w/ black sand none the less.

I think it looks awesome. What brand sand is that if you don't mind my asking? Thanks so much for taking the time to add a pic.

 

[JK47]

I'm cutting and sanding down the background right now. I got the tank about as clean as I am going to be able to get it. There was a ton of sand packed all the way up in the black trim. I'm taking a break real quick and loading some pics, more to come later.







I had the camera so I couldn't resist snapping a few pics of the fish in my 300 gallon. I wish more people were keeping Satanoperca sp. 'red lip'. These are beautiful fish. I am undecided if I want to move them into the 120 gallon with the Satanoperca Mapiritensis. Both species are rare. I'll leave them put for now.









Stocklist in the 300 gallon is below. I may have to sell my Uaru pair though , we'll see next week.

x8 Geophagus Abalios (breeding herem)
x2 Uaru Amphiacanthoides (bonded m/f pair)
x3 Heros sp. 'Rotkeil' (1m2f waiting for them to bond)
x2 Satanoperca sp. 'red lip' (bonded m/f pair)

 

[ceeej31]

thats a nice pair of uaru, why are you considering selling?

 

[JK47]

thats a nice pair of uaru, why are you considering selling?

They constantly tear up everything in the tank and it's getting frustrating. Every piece of wood is chewed on, every fake plant etc... I worry they are going to go to town on the background when I get it in the 300g. I'll give em a chance though. I really do like the Uaru they are cool fish. That female with the red eyes is 9" .

 

[cobra29svt]

I think it looks awesome. What brand sand is that if you don't mind my asking? Thanks so much for taking the time to add a pic.

Thanks. W/out double-checking, pretty sure it's the CaribSea Tahitian Moon mixed w/ a little play sand.

CaribSea Tahitian Moon

 

[JK47]

All three panels cut to fit for height. Now I'm working the width. The backgrounds are a little too tall. Better too large than too small I guess. Still I need to cut them down a bit.



Tank and background height measurements.





I only made cuts on the bottom so the top looks nice when the tank is set up.. The bottom will be covered in sand so I'm less worried about it.







I am using a hack saw and this blade. I start a straight line with the hacksaw then finish the cuts with this hand saw. Nice and clean cuts but next time, I will use a slightly thinner blade than the one in these pics.







BAM! The largest pices cut to fit.



More pics in a sec

 

[bomber]

Dang, this is inspiring. Great work

 

[JK47]

Kind of stuck here for a minute. Could use a little feedback please.

Plumbing option "A"



Plumbing option "B"











Option "A" doesn't require me cutting the back. Option "B" covers all inlet and outlet plumbing by only the middle section. The only issue I have with this is from certain angles, you will be able to see the plumbing. I guess I can paint it. Option "B" would only have the inlets behind the main panel, ther other two would be nder one panel each. The background is on top of the tank how I plan to install it so I need to button up this plumbing soon.

 

[ceeej31]

i like "b" personally