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

makoshoemaker

Feeder Fish
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Sep 7, 2010
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Wow, I wouldnt have thought to regulate the air flow down the T, I heard if you keep a open T it takes down the gurgling significantly, but I would like to see how your idea plays out as well so when i decide to set up my bulkheads on my acrylic tank.
 

Natalie

Jack Dempsey
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Aug 31, 2007
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Great update, but I'm sorry you're dealing with leaks in the bulkheads! I know what a PITA that can be. Hopefully it gets resolved soon so you can move forward. :)

Can't wait to see the next update!
 

JK47

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stephcps;4539243; said:
Wow...this is truly an epic build thread!! Can't wait to see end results. I wish I was as DIY savvy!!! Those fish are SWEET!!!
Thanks! Satanoperca FTW!!! Best genus on the planet! :headbang2

honda237;4539551; said:
wow great work justin, that was fast and very clean.
Thanks Nick. I should slow it down a bit until your done with your new tank. Steal a few ideas from you lol..

taninsama;4539692; said:
that's a great idea for the durso pipes. I've seen all sorts of methods used to get the airflow right but this is easily the simplest. I hope it works like you want it to... I know those dursos can be really noisy!
makoshoemaker;4539703; said:
Wow, I wouldnt have thought to regulate the air flow down the T, I heard if you keep a open T it takes down the gurgling significantly, but I would like to see how your idea plays out as well so when i decide to set up my bulkheads on my acrylic tank.
Thanks guys. I really hope that works. I have seen so many designs that IMO this should work. The best thing about this approach is it's flexable. I plan to switch out my GenX pump with a Reeflo when I get the $$$. Fingers crossed. I'll let you guys know if it works.

Natalie;4539785; said:
Great update, but I'm sorry you're dealing with leaks in the bulkheads! I know what a PITA that can be. Hopefully it gets resolved soon so you can move forward. :)

Can't wait to see the next update!
Thanks girlie! I'm lookin forward to seeing your new tank too. ;)


Good chance to sneak in san update on my 10g, I just said screw it on and flipped the wood. Now it's a wee little tree. Should look cool with some anbius on it. I would have had cut off so much of it the wood, it would look trashed anyway. I can't wait to get that light and HOB off there they are really bugging me..

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Today:
120g = stop the leak, add BG, fill.
300g = Clean & paint overflow towers, test pond foam.
 

honda237

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Mar 28, 2009
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i forgot to say that the drains for my 180g have a hole already drilled in them, but there is no way to control the amount of air. But i do have these hoses that he said you put in the over flow box to make it quiet, its a design by some company. But your idea looks 3x easier.
 

JK47

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Matt724;4539971; said:
I'm glad you liked my contact. Did you mention my name when you made the order? Tanks look great by the way!
Sorry I didn't know to use your name. MFK member "Maduro" recommended them here and I went with it. Thanks for the compliment on the tank Matt! :D
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4466126&postcount=3

honda237;4540021; said:
i forgot to say that the drains for my 180g have a hole already drilled in them, but there is no way to control the amount of air. But i do have these hoses that he said you put in the over flow box to make it quiet, its a design by some company. But your idea looks 3x easier.
Easier and only about $4. Most of us already have this stuff laying around anyway.


I started testing the Great Stuff - pond foam today. I'll have lots of pics tonight but figured I would load these now while I am waiting for it to dry. I loosened one of the bulkhead fittings to drain the 120g.

Drip system lol :headbang2

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I screwed a couple pieces of 2"x6" scrap I had to make a 90 degree corner. (replicating the bottom of the tank. This is the stuff I am hoping to use to elevate the background in the 300g.

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I cut off a slice of the 3" ID PVC. I bought 10' so I could test some before starting the actual background. Measure twice cut once kind of thing..

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You have to spray this stuff slowly if you don't want it to just pile on. It comes out really fast. I would do it outside, it smells. Not as bad as I was expecting though.

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I left one end open and closed the other side so I could see how it looks both ways.

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I'll load more pics this afternoon of it dry, expanded and some test cuts. I also tried putting together a couple of scrap pieces using this stuff. Pics in a sec... :popcorn:
 

JK47

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Couple test scraps. (SAVE YOUR SCRAPS)

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I intentionally put this one on too thick. Good thing I hung on to my scraps to practice different ways of installing. Once this dries I want to see how hard it is to cut away from the face of the BG if I overdo it installing in the 300g.

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I also tested adding sand to the bottom of the background to blend it in better. I obviously waited too long (2 minutes or so) becase even though the foam is still tacky, like wet paint, the sand would not sick on at all. :irked:

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Next up is testing the seams when a BG is cut into slices. Pics in a sec..
 

JK47

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I really like this pond foam so far. Seems like there are endless oportunaties with this stuff in our hobby. I am going to take the small scrap pieces above and put it in my 10 gallon to see if it messes with the water qality. I am not sure if this stuff is PH inert or not. It says it's fish/pond safe but in a smaller body of water (minimal dilution) I want to find out for myself.

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I added a much smaller amont of foam on this piece because I am trying to see how well I can keep the panels lined up on the face. I don't want the cuts I make visible later. I added the foam towards the back of the panels so if any came out, it would be out the back instead.

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I think I lined it up well. We will see how much the foam expands here in a few hours.

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I did get a little coming out the back on this one. That was not intentional BTW.

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The background post being pieced together. I have it weighted down with my least favorite pump. This pump has been a paperweight for a while now. Guess now it's a background weight.

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Now I have a nmber of things to test and get some practice with. Headed back out to focus on the 120g leak(s) for a while. I'll check back and load up some pics for you guys in a few hours.
 
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