Diy Background And External Filters

[charlton]

hi all, i'm looking into making my own background and have done lots of research, think i'll be using the polystyrene method and coating in cement. My first question is, obviously polystyrene flats so how's the best way of fixing it to the tank with out removing all the water (i've read about sealants but am i right in thinking the tank would need to be empty to do this !!) ? Secondly i'm looking into purchasing an external filter, what would all you good people suggest for a 100l tank ?

thanks in advance

 

[Arachnidzone]

Hi charlton,

theres a few background ideas and designs within the first page in this section of the forum...

My points are the following...

Cement needs sealing still or it affects PH,

Milliput can be used in tank. theres a few brands of marine putty, they set in the water and are safe. Not too expensive either. Not sure how well they stick to glass. A tight fit is one of the best bets, maybe leave the side 1/2" as bald polystyrine so cement etc wont scratch the tank as you squeze the edges in.

 

[charlton]

Hi charlton,

theres a few background ideas and designs within the first page in this section of the forum...

My points are the following...

Cement needs sealing still or it affects PH,

Milliput can be used in tank. theres a few brands of marine putty, they set in the water and are safe. Not too expensive either. Not sure how well they stick to glass. A tight fit is one of the best bets, maybe leave the side 1/2" as bald polystyrine so cement etc wont scratch the tank as you squeze the edges in.

thanks for the quick reply, i realise it needs to be sealed my concern was attaching it, i've had a quick look at milliput but it seems there's a few different types, do you know if they are all safe to use ?

cheers

charlton

 

[Arachnidzone]

Check this stuff out...

http/www.twenga.co.uk/offer/200437998.html

In fact, verybody check it, could be an awesome addision to the DIYers toolbox! Sets underwater and is non toxic. But have to stocp fish trying to eat it so cover it with rock, a ceramic plantpot would be good!

 

[charlton]

Check this stuff out...

[URL="http/www.twenga.co.uk/offer/200437998.html"]http/www.twenga.co.uk/offer/200437998.html[/URL]

In fact, verybody check it, could be an awesome addision to the DIYers toolbox! Sets underwater and is non toxic. But have to stocp fish trying to eat it so cover it with rock, a ceramic plantpot would be good!

cheers mate this looks like just the stuff the stuff i'll be needing !! Now for my other quesion about the filter to go for, i've done bit of research and it seems the tetratec ex 600/700 are quite well liked, but here's my dilema, my tank is in an alcove in my front room and i've only got 80mm either side so 160mm in total. I don't think i'm going to find anything that will fit beside the tank so would it be possible to place the filter underneath, i'm totally new to external filters and don't understand them so sorry if this is a stupid question !!!

cheers in advance

charlton

 

[Arachnidzone]

just look for 'head' or similar in the specs, it will tell you how high it can raise water.


have just looked and found it...
http/www.arowana-im.com.ua/images/Tetrat...EX%20Filter.pdf

600 is 1.2 metres
700 is 1.5 metres.
So... the distance from the top of the pump to the highest point the pipe will reach can be 1.2 or 1.5. Externals usually sit underneath so shouldnt be a prob. Make sure your ok for filter cleaning as it can be messy. I recommend a cheap plastic box to sit your filter in perminantly and then the bit of water which usually escaped before you shut the pipe off isnt a prob!.


Dont know how these prices conpare...

http/www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/fish/filters...etra/19461#more

often online fish products depend on postage price.

 

[charlton]

just look for 'head' or similar in the specs, it will tell you how high it can raise water.


have just looked and found it...
<a href="http/www.arowana-im.com.ua/images/Tetrat...EX Filter.pdf" target="_blank">http/www.arowana-im.com.ua/images/Tetrat...EX Filter.pdf</a>

600 is 1.2 metres
700 is 1.5 metres.
So... the distance from the top of the pump to the highest point the pipe will reach can be 1.2 or 1.5. Externals usually sit underneath so shouldnt be a prob. Make sure your ok for filter cleaning as it can be messy. I recommend a cheap plastic box to sit your filter in perminantly and then the bit of water which usually escaped before you shut the pipe off isnt a prob!.


Dont know how these prices conpare...

<a href="http/www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/fish/filters...etra/19461#more" target="_blank">http/www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/fish/filters...etra/19461#more</a>

often online fish products depend on postage price.

cheers mate thats a great help !!!

just looked at my post and it sounds like i'm being sarcastic but i can assure you i' m not, it really is a great help !! cheers !!

 

[Arachnidzone]

No prob, just be sure to keep us all informed, good idea it to post photos of the alcove and tank now then work from there.

Look forward to your progress!