Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => DIY => Topic started by: LoveTheFishies on September 23, 2013, 06:51:01 PM

Title: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: LoveTheFishies on September 23, 2013, 06:51:01 PM

I was looking for idea's on backgrounds that I could use on either end of a 6' aquarium so it can be see through both long sides.  I'd like to be able to make filter intake/outflow tubes, heaters and so forth more aesthetically pleasing and still effective. 

This looked very cool.  It was put together so there were a lot of little fish caves, but I can see how it could be opened up inside to allow good water flow.

What do you think?


http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-decoration/7.asp

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: Marty on September 23, 2013, 08:43:59 PM

Looks like a lot of gluing  ;D

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: LoveTheFishies on September 23, 2013, 09:00:24 PM

Well most of the hardware is with zip ties.  Thought I may go with pieces of slate and or smaller rock I picked up at the beach at lake huron.  I would be doing the 2 ends, so 24x26".  And I do love power tools  :D.  Comes from a dad and 3 older brothers into wood working and it yourself projects.

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: Maize-N-Blue-D on September 23, 2013, 10:20:37 PM

I could see combining this with Styrofoam to make it even lighter,  you could make ledges between the gutters for an even more natural looking cave environment....

What a great idea !   Hey Steve !!!!  Put me down for a 4' - 55 gallon background....

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: LoveTheFishies on September 23, 2013, 11:21:32 PM

The way this guy did it was with dividers to make hidey holes too.  I mainly want to hide all the plumbing and so forth.

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: Steve on September 24, 2013, 12:34:50 AM

Yeah I've seen this before, I honestly don't care for it IMO.. Are you thinking of buying/building this ? have you looked into stryo/drylok? I'm a big proponent of drylok/stry 3D BG's and would be happy to help you if you wanted.

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: LoveTheFishies on September 24, 2013, 08:33:02 PM

Quote from: Steve on September 24, 2013, 12:34:50 AM

Yeah I've seen this before, I honestly don't care for it IMO.. Are you thinking of buying/building this ? have you looked into stryo/drylok? I'm a big proponent of drylok/stry 3D BG's and would be happy to help you if you wanted.

I was thinking of doing it.  Thought it would be easier using a drill, zip ties, black silicone and rock.  I've seen your backgrounds, they look great.  Not sure I would be able to do that though. 

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: RichE on October 14, 2013, 07:36:32 PM

I found something like this on another site but the person used 3" pvc and glued them side to side and drilled holes so the fish could swim thru, and then put spray foam on it, drylock was then painted on and then the final color.

It look's great, but it would be heavy if you did it on a longer tank

Title: Re: Interesting way to hide unsitely plumbing
Post by: LoveTheFishies on October 14, 2013, 09:58:48 PM

I'm just doing the ends.  Both long sides will be open/see through.