55 Gallon Diy Background

[RRasco]

So I finally got the 55 emptied and ready for its new DIY background. There are three sections because of the tank's crossbeam. They are all joined togethor to form one piece. I will be installing a jet system using a powerhead and my cannister outlet. Instead of being a UGJ, I decided it will be behind the background jets. I still have a little carving to do to make sure the jets fit good, then it will be on to concreting.

comments and criticism is welcomed.

 

[Gazoo]

Very creative! Have you made any progress since you last posted? What type of adhesive are you using?

Lets see some pictures.

 

[RRasco]

nope, no more progess as of yet. I am currently designing and building the jet system for the back prior to concrete to ensure I dont have to cut anymore.

I once used Great Stuff insulating foam, but I didnt want to use that on this project in hopes of preserving detail. So I am using a low temp hot glue gun.

Once I get more progress I will get some more pics up.

thanks for the comments!

 

[RRasco]

Got the jets all layed out for the tank. Here you can see I have a 3 jet system that is hooked up to a Maxi-Jet 900 rated at 230gph. These jets are hidden behind the background on the left side. You can also see the UGJ system that is run off of my xp2 outlet. I had originally wanted to hide the filter outlet behind the background as well but I couldn't figure out a way to have well placed jets the way I had it, so I just made 3 UGj jets all close but pointing in different directions. They are mostly hidden by rocks so its no big deal. Here are the pics. ignore the pvc elbow in the middle of the tank, its holding that rock upright.

 

[boshank23]

looks really good!

quick question though, with that closed loop system how do you make sure that each outlet gets equal flow from the PH?

 

[jgray152]

You might want to use 1/2" tubing since you are distributing the flow from the PH. I don't think the power head will put out a lot of flow through that large of piping.

Although you have crimped the ends. So it may work after all

 

[RRasco]

woohoo! i finally got it all concreted up and siliconed in the tank! everything should be done,some saltwater curing and maybe a touch up here or there with hydraulic crete. i should have this thing cycling and stocked here pretty soon! i still need to build the hoods, side panels for the tank to go with the stand, and get it planted! i cant wait! tell me what you guys think.

as far as the tubing, it is 1/2" PVC i used. also, the powerhead in the pic is my maxijet 400 which is 106gph, i ordered a MJ900 which is 230gph. i have already tested the system in a sink and all the jets seem to get equal pressure. it was a decent amount of water for 3 pumps an the 400, when the 900 gets hooked up i believe it is going get way more pressure.

sorry the picture kind of sucks, camera died right after i took it, luckily it was USB and i could get it on the pc. i will get another one when there is water in there.

 

[stang1]

It looks fantastic! Can't wait to see it filled and stocked.

 

[RRasco]

got some more pics from different angles. on the first pic if you look closely you can see my UGJs hidden behind the rock on the right. it will be going under saltwater tomorrow night.

 

[Yetti]

Looks neat. When will there be another update?!

 

[RRasco]

in a few days. the concrete is curing underwater right now as well as soaking to leech out all of the lime. after that it will be in with the plants and to start cycling.

 

[godzuki]

i'm waiting with baited breath

kiss kiss
godzuki

 

[Anita]

That sure looks good

Anita

 

[mrjames]

just a quick naive question...have you painted the foam??? if so with what?

 

[wei0204]

Wow, what a nice background. Waiting for you to plant the tank and see the final result with fishes too.