Background for a tank with overflows

When I had it as a cichlids tank, I just used black paper on the back of my 210 to cover the back glass. I’m thinking about a different kind of background but not sure if it would look weird with the overflows. Unless I have a custom 3D background made (or try my hand at DIY) anyone have any ideas or inspiration for a background on a tank with overflows? Here is the tank when it was new.

 

Man I have tank envy right now. Nice looking set up. I have done a custom background in a tank I built with an all in one filter/protrusion. It's right here: John's network tanks part 2 DIY filter and 3D background | Freshwater Aquarium Builds 429653

You could do the black window tint on the back and it would probably compliment the wiers on your tank though, if you're into the super clean look. Or a black paint like I did on my upper tanks.

 

Man I have tank envy right now. Nice looking set up. I have done a custom background in a tank I built with an all in one filter/protrusion. It's right here: John's network tanks part 2 DIY filter and 3D background | Freshwater Aquarium Builds 429653

You could do the black window tint on the back and it would probably compliment the wiers on your tank though, if you're into the super clean look. Or a black paint like I did on my upper tanks.

I saw that post! that looked really cool with the filter built in. Nice job! After having a black background I really want to take it up a notch. From doing some research it looks like I can get a company to build a background that accommodates the overflows. I am not creative enough to DIY this one.

 

I like universal rocks backgrounds but they are not cheap and you need to fashion for the overflows .
They are silicone sheets that you can cut .They even have overflow covers in the unique background section.
3D Backgrounds | Universal Rocks

 

I like universal rocks backgrounds but they are not cheap and you need to fashion for the overflows .
They are silicone sheets that you can cut .They even have overflow covers in the unique background section.
3D Backgrounds | Universal Rocks

I have been checking out Universal Rocks, Aquadecor and a company right here in Tampa, Modern Aquarium. If anyone has used Modern Aquarium please let me know what you think. I may be able to save some money by not having to ship it. The guy in this video has the same tank as me and got his background from Aquadecor.

 

There are some 10% or 20% off coupon codes floating around for Universal Rocks.

I think the Jay Wilson YouTube channel has the codes.

 

There are some 10% or 20% off coupon codes floating around for Universal Rocks.

I think the Jay Wilson YouTube channel has the codes.

I’ll check that out. Thanks!

 

A bit off topic but I'm interested in blacking out the back of my tank. What do you mean black paper? Just ordinary paper? And how did you apply it?

 

A bit off topic but I'm interested in blacking out the back of my tank. What do you mean black paper? Just ordinary paper? And how did you apply it?

I just taped black construction paper to the back of the tape. Worked great for a long time. If I was going to do it again I’d get spray on plastI dip and just spray the back of the tank.

 

vicvega , I've blacked out a 55 gallon and 75g.

I used acrylic arts and crafts paint to do this. First a couple of light coats with a small roller, then a brush to touch up spots.

 

So I’m back to leaning toward DIY. I figure I can make a background for a third of the price. I’m actually going to build 3 pieces and not cover the overflows. I have decided I don’t want to worry about making sure enough water gets to them. I will plant some tall plants in front of them to minimize seeing them. In the end I think it’s a small price to pay for good filtration.

 

So I’m back to leaning toward DIY. I figure I can make a background for a third of the price. I’m actually going to build 3 pieces and not cover the overflows. I have decided I don’t want to worry about making sure enough water gets to them. I will plant some tall plants in front of them to minimize seeing them. In the end I think it’s a small price to pay for good filtration.

Sweet! I enjoyed doing mine. I loosely based it on a basalt formation and may be using basalt in some of the other tanks that are blacked out.
I really liked the one BryanSOFLA did here:3D Background Help - | Freshwater Tank Equipment 426273

The backgrounds with holes and tunnels look cool. I liked Bryan's more than the one tazawatanks did recently.

Mind tagging me if you start a new thread on it so I don't miss out?

You may have to do your middle section in 2 pieces (or just remove the top frame/braces and reattach it afterwards), but it wouldn't be all that hard to touch up the cement and then paint it inside a tank that big. If you go the cement and drylok route and want to do that; remember to leave the seam unpainted, the cement mix doesn't stick to the drylock very well if it's already painted, but it will re-wet and stick cement to cement very well as long as you do it while it's still a little green/feels cool to the touch.

 

Mind tagging me if you start a new thread on it so I don't miss out?

You may have to do your middle section in 2 pieces (or just remove the top frame/braces and reattach it afterwards), but it wouldn't be all that hard to touch up the cement and then paint it inside a tank that big. If you go the cement and drylok route and want to do that; remember to leave the seam unpainted, the cement mix doesn't stick to the drylock very well if it's already painted, but it will re-wet and stick cement to cement very well as long as you do it while it's still a little green/feels cool to the touch.

I’d be happy to tag you, but I’ll probably cover it in my tank build thread. You can check it out here 210 Gallon Planted Rainbowfish Tank | Freshwater Aquarium Builds 434712

I just picked up a 4’x8’x2” sheet of foam insulation that will be the start of the background. I may need another but I figured I’d start with this!

 

I built my first panel. Not sure if I’m going to keep it. But I learned a lot. Mostly how hard this is! I’m going to paint it with drylok and then we will see. It is supposed to be the trunk of a tree. Let me know what you think.