Diy 3d Background In Established Tank?

HI All,

I have a well established tank with a background poster taped on the outside of the tank. I'm finding it more hideous each passing day.
I like the styrofoam, cement and sealant DIY 3D backgrounds, but I'm not sure how to attach it in a set-up tank. I would assume styrofoam -being bouyant- would need some way to glue it in place, but using glue under water with fish in it seems a terrible idea which wouldnt work anyway and kill my fish.
I can't relocate the fish for a long time, as my other tank is too small to accomodate them. An internet search didnt really help me.

Any ideas? Is it even possible?

Thanks in advance!

 

Although very pretty, I'm not a big fan of the fake prefabricated 3-D backgrounds, and even a lesser fan of the diy type you noted. The concrete offers too much chance for a water parameter disaster and I'm not comfortable with in tank sealers & glue.
Maybe attaching a solid black foam board to the back of your tank, then creating an elevated hardscape towards the back of the tank using natural materials such as tall flat bottom rocks or driftwood.
Look on line at the awsome competion aquascapes. No fake backgrounds there. All natural materials.
I know its all a matter of taste, and I wish you success in what ever aquascape choice you implement.

 

I think you probably will want to get a storage bucket and transfer the fish into that along with the media while you add the background the right way.

If you were to try to clue it while in the water it won’t stick right and likely just be a problem later on when it detaches.

You would have to drain the tank, scoop the dirt and whatever is in the tank, clean it and dry it. Likely will take a few days to finish this project.

If you want you could build the background a little bigger so it’s a snug fit. Really snug fit.

 

Although very pretty, I'm not a big fan of the fake prefabricated 3-D backgrounds, and even a lesser fan of the diy type you noted. The concrete offers too much chance for a water parameter disaster and I'm not comfortable with in tank sealers & glue.
Maybe attaching a solid black foam board to the back of your tank, then creating an elevated hardscape towards the back of the tank using natural materials such as tall flat bottom rocks or driftwood.
Look on line at the awsome competion aquascapes. No fake backgrounds there. All natural materials.
I know its all a matter of taste, and I wish you success in what ever aquascape choice you implement.

Thanks A201. Leaching is also a concern of mine. I checked the aquascape photo's, and you are correct. I'll research hardscaping some more!

 

I think you probably will want to get a storage bucket and transfer the fish into that along with the media while you add the background the right way.

If you were to try to clue it while in the water it won’t stick right and likely just be a problem later on when it detaches.

You would have to drain the tank, scoop the dirt and whatever is in the tank, clean it and dry it. Likely will take a few days to finish this project.

If you want you could build the background a little bigger so it’s a snug fit. Really snug fit.

Thanks Fashooga.
Your post convinces me that there may not be a 'quick fix', and this project looks like a lot of stress.
I think I'm just unhappy with my tanks appearance, and trying something that would transform it. I'll try to find alternatives to upgrade the looks a bit..

 

Take a picture of your tank and post it and see what people think of it. Maybe people will give their two cents about.

It’s quite possible that all you need is add a few things to make it work.

 

Haha my tank lights quit on me. Yesterday. Looks like a shoddy connection on the 6amp line. Will post picture today if I can repair it.

In advance: I'm quite ashamed for the looks of the tank. The water quality is fine, the fish are fine, but the current hood is terrible (replacing that tuesday) and the plants look unhealthy because of very low CO2 and low lighting. (CO2 will be introduced again in the coming month, lighting replacement with hood on tuesday). Also have some algae.
So please don't be shocked at the appearance of the tank when I manage to post a picture.

 

I’ve been wondering about the sealing foam for ponds… how safe is it for aquarium use?

 

I’ve been wondering about the sealing foam for ponds… how safe is it for aquarium use?

Do you mean stuff like Great Stuff Stone and Pond? Because I know people have used it in aquariums, as it's water resistant and fish safe and UV resistant.

 

Exactly... I’ve been thinking three d background, and foam is easy to carve with an electric knife

 

Yeah, I've been doing lots of research on this as well. I got the Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks but apparently it isn't aquarium safe, at least not officially. The Stone and Pond is.

 

Interesting things can be done with hot glue, too