lew2000

Has anybody used this product or a similar one?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=19783

i have seen these in a couple of Discus tanks and it looks amazing. There are a few similar types as well. I have also looked into using foam, portland cement and grouting. Any comments/ (besides it being very expensive?)

pinkfloydpuffer

The only problem I've ever seen with those is that they'd be very hard to clean, and could get covered with nasty algae in all those little crevices.

lew2000

Good point - should have seen that - so i start a background of alage.

pinkfloydpuffer

Oh, one more thing. They take up more water volume than a regular background which takes up none. But I do think that they look pretty cool.

lew2000

I read a thread in a forum where one member used a brush on algacide and said once dry it would prevent algae - but i lost the bookmark and can't find any response. I would think for the algacide to be active it would then enter the water column?

pinkfloydpuffer

Yeah... I'd be scared that it'd kill the fish...

Red1313

Would depend on the tank you have it in.
I've heard of people who've made their own and hide tunnels and caves in it for their fish.
I personally think that it would be really cool but you'd need to have a big enough tank and be aware of your light to plant ratio. Once the plants are established and the lighting is good algae usually can't compete.

lew2000

Except i use silk plants and lots of phosban/rowaphos especially since a Discus tank. Probably diatoms?? Costly experiment??

Red1313

Alage eater? An otto army? they'd probably clean it without damaging it like the "wood chipper" plec's might.

lew2000

Otto's good thought. Any idea for a 120 gal. Otto's at 85f ?? Pleco's go after it - they will be without any teef after awhile

Red1313

Otto's don't damage plants and I think in nature algae of their prefered flavour may grow on rocks anyway. However I shall

Red1313

Hehe I googled and return with tresure.
Here. Sounds like they'd (otto's) be fine with temp.

lew2000

thanks - since i wanted to give this background a try - i will try some otto's. If they want to eat my silk plants - have at it LOL

Red1313

If you're going with Otto's you'll probably want to let the algae get a head start. Just to be a little fair.

pinkfloydpuffer

Sounds great! I think that the ottos would love having all those little cracks and crevaces to nibble around in

lew2000

Thanks for the help ladies - looks like it is at least worhwhile to try.

Red1313

No prob. Good Luck!

soldierswife0351

I have the shelf 24" x 24" . I used silicone when I put the tank together and not a problem so far. It does grow a slight, slight green algae, but it just makes it look more real. My pleco does not bother it ( he is about 10" long) and my other small fish hide under the shelves. I would recommend this product for a new tank. You would almost have to empty the tank out to install properly. Oh and I have about 15 live plants in my 125 tank. I love the look this background gives