My New 70 Litre Set Up

[NickBFC]

[font="Arial""]Some of you may have seen my newbie questions thread on the forum recently. I have had a 28 litre tank for about 3 years now, but have gradually been getting more interested in the hobby recently. What tipped me over the edge was a friend's photo of her tank on facebook. So, as you do, I rushed out and bought a new 70 litre tank. I decided to swap from gravel to sand, and so far I am really glad I did. I just love the natural effect of the sand laying on the bog wood, and my fish seem to love it too. Now I just need to monitor levels before adding some new fish as I only have a single Cory, and a red tail Shark who'll sadly have to be rehomed soon to a bigger tank (newbies and some LFS’s don't mix!).[/font]

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[font="Arial""]I just need to think about a background, I love the rock effect but will probably go for a printed sheet rather than 3d. Anyway here are some pics, hope you like! Any ideas/comments welcome.[/font]

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[YettiRaf]

Pretty tank. That nana anubia will probably rot if its roots get covered by sand.

 

[DrSlackBladder]

I got printed rock background for mine, but looks almost 3D....

 

[NickBFC]

Thanks for the comments, will adjust the plants. Where did you get that background from please?

 

[DrSlackBladder]

Ebay; just search "aquarium rock background" and take your pick!

 

[NickBFC]

Thanks, I ordered one on ebay and fitted it today. Looks okay, but it does seem quite faint. Undecided if it’s staying yet but here are some new pics..

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[greenmumma141]

I like the background. I think it looks nice when its faint, sometimes backgrounds are too bold IMO, but I also like the plain black ones. I think the less amount of color from the background, the more your fishes color will stand out too, thats why ppl use black substrate and black backgrounds. less reflection i guess would suggest maybe a rock here and there, and maybe think about some sort of cave/hiding place for your cory, looks really good though I like the plants alot. nice driftwood too

 

[NickBFC]

Thanks for your comments Agree about a rock of some sort, something grey in colour would look nice. I am trying to go for a natural look so I need to think carefully. Maybe in the middle somewhere slightly towards the back, can always tie down one of the moss balls to it as well

 

[greenmumma141]

I bet that would look great, and I think your tank is very natural looking, which is not always easy to do.

 

[NickBFC]

Cheers, looking for some small bits of slate. Failing that I may use some pebbles, need to have a play

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Your Anubias will be ok if the roots get covered but if the rhizome gets covered it will rot.

 

[DrSlackBladder]

Looking good, but how did you attach the background? I first tried by using tape at the edges, and it was really faint, with poor 3D effect. Then I read on one of these forums about using a very thin smear of vegetable oil all over the back, then use a credit card to push out all the bubbles. It took almost an hour, but really made the background come to life!

 

[NickBFC]

Your Anubias will be ok if the roots get covered but if the rhizome gets covered it will rot.

Thanks, I was thinking of attaching the Anubia to bit of slate when I can find a suitable piece, seems to be healthy enough at the moment.

Looking good, but how did you attach the background? I first tried by using tape at the edges, and it was really faint, with poor 3D effect. Then I read on one of these forums about using a very thin smear of vegetable oil all over the back, then use a credit card to push out all the bubbles. It took almost an hour, but really made the background come to life!

I used tape, suspected that might not be helping. The problem I have is the tank is very close to wall so it’s going to be a real pig to try the olive oil method L

 

[greenmumma141]

I read somewhere that scrubbing the back with a duster or sock first to get a bit of static cling (a duster on a stick might be helpful if its against the wall). I have to try this method though

 

[Flute]

It looks really lovely!