Removable DIY 3D backgrounds

[mattchiro]

Does anyone have experience building a removable background? I've seen loads of instructions for 3D backgrounds, but I don't want to silicone it to the back of the tank. I'd like to be able to change the background at some point. I will be working with a 6ft long 125 gallon glass tank.

I have lots of questions. I would be very appreciative if you could offer answers to any of them...

I'm curious what you attached the foam/background to and how the sides were sealed? Also, if your tank has a center brace on top, how did you navigate the background into the tank or did you build the background in sections?

Thank you

[DogWalker]

Welcome to the forums Matt! I responded to your PM...

[williebone]

Hey Matt, welcome to the #1 Forum on the Planet. I cheated on my Background by buying the a Prefab (AquaTerra 1") and then I hand crafted all of the Rock using Woodland Rubber Rock Molds and Model Car Compounds. The Background was cut into 3pcs and yes I have a Center Brace and no it is not glued to the glass. It is totally removable when ever I want to because I trimmed it to fit. Good luck on your journeys,

Laters,

[JimH93]

hay willie were do you get one of those prefab things.

[williebone]

Originally Posted by JimH93

hay willie were do you get one of those prefab things.

Jim, I sent you a PM regarding this so that his Post isn't HyJacked.

Laters,

[JimH93]

ok thanks

[mikeb210]

So I'm sort of re-opening this thread. I am looking into doing the same type background, (ie. removable) and I was thinking, What if you silicone some large magnets into the back of the background and then attach it to the back of the tank with them? I think that would make it easier to adjust and shift pieces if necessary too.

[williebone]

Originally Posted by mikeb210

So I'm sort of re-opening this thread. I am looking into doing the same type background, (ie. removable) and I was thinking, What if you silicone some large magnets into the back of the background and then attach it to the back of the tank with them? I think that would make it easier to adjust and shift pieces if necessary too.

Maybe, but my concern would be what kind of Reaction To The Water and Fish it could cause.

Laters,

[dstuer]

When I 1st put in a background I used the kind of epoxy sold to hold coral pieces in place, because I didn't want to use silicone. When the 150 gal tank was about half filled with water the one piece background came shooting out like a breaching whale.
Since I was already commited I ran to the local hardware store for $30 in clamps whick worked (sort of).
They never held the background close enough to the glass, and fish could easily escape and hide behind it, and.. it tookup a lot of space in the tank. It looked good, but is now in the garage until I can properly install it.
An old ph/cam pic