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

[JK47]

Justin, one more trick to try. Take a scrap piece and instead of cutting it just score the back about half way or as much as you can and then just snap it in half like drywall. You you won't be removing any BG (like a saw) and the break isn't in a perfect line, takes a bit of nerves but it works everytime, fits back perfect like a puzzle. I always do it this way when I'm gonna have to put it back together even with full size 6' pieces. But I would recommend black silicone as adhesive for this instead of the foam, since u want the thinest layer in-between the pieces.

That's a good idea. Thanks for the feedback. Your 100% right about the blade width.

Don't underestimate the power of vinegar! I have removed thick deposits of coraline algae and tubeworm-encrustation by soaking in vinegar, it just takes time. Also, it may not completely dissolve, but it will soften to the point where it can be removed with a scrubbie (they're not JUST for biomedia).

Incredible work, as many have said. This is the best 3D background thread ever, by a long shot!

You win Dan..! I'll do it. I got time and scrubbies on my side now so I might as well keep on trucking with the 300g. I had to use an old ice chest since my 5 gallon buckets are under my 120g leak.



Nasty overflow towers. I really wanted to get the "teeth" at the top cleaned off at least. The rest I can deal with but I want those clean.







This is all the vinegar I have so giving it a try. One gallon of vinegar and one gallon of cold water. This stuff makes me want to barf... ewe!







This is a random picture I did not mean to load... but now it's in here so enjoy it. Also there are 3 screws.. Not sure what that means either but there you have it lol...



I bought a tooth brush to see if I can scrub the teeth with that. Colegates always bragging on TV about how clean they can get teeth. I'll put that to the test......

 

[GhostShrimpMan]

Lookin' Good!

 

[Natalie]

If the toothbrush isn't strong enough, a nail file might do the trick and be small enough to fit in each of those slots. Just a thought.

 

[Gruff Master]

I can't believe that I never saw this thread. It has been intense reading for me for the last 15min. I'm sorry about the bulk head problems. A few glitches in such a grand project shouldn't take away from what you have done. This has been a great and knowledgable thread. I don't have the skill to do much of what you have done with your tanks but the ideas that you shared that I can handle, I will definitely incorporate into my future set up. I hope that all your health problems are far behind you now. Enjoy your hard work and beautiful tanks. Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[DaveB]

3 screws? I count five. I'm not that drunk am I?

 

[JK47]

Lookin' Good!

Thanks Ricky!

If the toothbrush isn't strong enough, a nail file might do the trick and be small enough to fit in each of those slots. Just a thought.

Thanks Natalie! If it doesn't work I'm going to paint over it, sleep good and never ever think about them again lolz..

I can't believe that I never saw this thread. It has been intense reading for me for the last 15min. I'm sorry about the bulk head problems. A few glitches in such a grand project shouldn't take away from what you have done. This has been a great and knowledgable thread. I don't have the skill to do much of what you have done with your tanks but the ideas that you shared that I can handle, I will definitely incorporate into my future set up. I hope that all your health problems are far behind you now. Enjoy your hard work and beautiful tanks. Thanks for sharing with us.

Thanks! redoing my hobby is a big part of my recovery. This is the best therapy possible!

3 screws? I count five. I'm not that drunk am I?

I swear I counted 3.. WOW I'm losing it.. Good catch Dave! Looks like my brain is recovering a little slower than I thought lol..!


Tonight:
One more attempt on the dreaded bulkhead fittings and I am filling it, leaking or not.. I guess I'm going to have to switch out buckets every day for a while if I can't get it stopped. I can still get the 300g done and then redo this tank at the end. "D-day" for the 125 gallon is coming up REALLY quick so I need to get my butt in gear tonight.

 

[JK47]

Dan your my hero........... I owe you a bottle of your favorite Scotch my firend!





All but the algae that's grown down into the plastic just whiped away with a toothbrush. It was a pretty awesome tooth brush though, it had those sweet ridges that "get into those hard to reach places" it said so on the box, so you don't get all the credit Dan!



I just asked my lil wify to run to the store and get 5 more gallons. I'm updating this thread with pics of a WIN tonight or i"m gunna cry trying lol...

 

[JK47]

Tank is back on it's face. One last "all or nothin" wrenching on the bulkhead fittings. They were going to hold water or snap off.



If this didn't work, the tank was getting a grenade. "sploosh" lol



I put the background back in and went for it since I didn't see any leaks..



The plumbing matched up perfectly on both sides. One good thing from today.





BAM!!! Back on track lets hope it holds all night.







I can't fill it all the way until I plumb the underside. Now is decision time though, which would you choose????: one FX5 (or) two Eheim 2217 classics, both are not an option.

 

[JK47]

One thing I needed to button up when I had time was some type of cover of the intakes in the 120g so no smaller fish go for a ride. Some of the Hyphessobrycon Colombianus that are going in this tank are 1" TL.

This stuff is mechanical padding for pond filters. (just wait till you see the bio-media for the sump on the 300g )



I started with just one strip and kept cutting it until it fit over the 1' ID PVC pipe nicely.











To hold it together I just used a couple of pieces of this flexable plastic. Zip ties would have worked just as well.



They match the pipes/background color nicely, shouldn't be seen from within the tank and keep smaller fish out.





I have rolls of this stuff and I love it. It's also good for constructing boxes and things like that for plants to take root into that normally attach to drifgtwood etc.. I use it to hold up mangroves and pothos plants on larger tanks. :thumgsup: It's easy to sling over the back of a tank and hold with magnets..

 

[Dan F]

You win Dan..! I'll do it. I got time and scrubbies on my side now so I might as well keep on trucking with the 300g. I had to use an old ice chest since my 5 gallon buckets are under my 120g leak.

I have been through many a gallon of Four Monks Brand White Vinegar... (Costco's finest!)

I used to be into reef tanks, so I have spent a lot of time cleaning out nasty-looking tanks. I have 20 or 25 gallons of bioballs that were covered in calcium. The vinegar would soften everything up to the point where I could just blast it off with the hose. It took a while, but they all came out as good as new.

Glad to see things are going well. I was thinking about the bulkhead issue - have you looked at Seahorse Aquarium - http://www.seahorse-nw.com/ - they say they have "The largest in-stock supply of plumbing parts in stock" and they are in NE Portland. I've never been there, but it is worth making a call.