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Thread: back drop of tank

  1. #1
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    back drop of tank

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    hi guys, any views and comments on using styrofoam (black and with texturelike stones) as background in the interior of the tank?

    Though they are real cheap then other kinds of foam what I'm afraid is that these things would leak some kind of toxic into the tank.

    Views and comments greatly appreciated!!

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    There are several types on the market and of various density. These styrofoam background are not to be confused with the pre fabricated fibreglass models.

    Often, the cheaper and unbranded ones leave a layer of oil on your water. In fact, when you touch it, you can feel it's oily already. As most of these products are made in countries where specifications varies, there is no strict quality control. Very often, you do not know if the paint used on them are toxic free. If they are indeed toxic, your fishes and plants will suffer over long periods of exposure.

    Instant background are nice to have, but if you have a bad case of algae problem, they can become a nightmare. In a planted tank with background plants, most of the time, the background is almost totally covered in a matter of weeks. It might be better to consider black oyama paper that is stuck at the back of the glass tank instead.

    Having said the above, I am using Juwel Aquarium's black styrofoam background from Germany. They seem fine so far.

    Cheers,
    I have dwarf cichlids in my tanks! Do you?

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    Such styrofoam backgrounds are useful for me to staple my moss. Before I stuck them on with silicone, I washed them first. Used them fo r1.5 yrs already. So far OK with my plants and fish.

    I got them from Petmart for about $15. Comes in 2 pieces of 2'x1.5'.
    koah fong
    Juggler's tanks

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    think would avoid dodgy looking ones...thanks guys!

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    I'm thinking of getting this stuff too.

    So you line it to the back, before laying the substrate right. So that the bottom part of the background would be covered by the substrate?.
    Then what about the top? will be quite loose rite?.. how to secure?

    thanks ^^
    Last edited by benny; 8th Jul 2005 at 19:20. Reason: Bad spelling/SMS language

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    Aquarium silicon. Or... If your tank has a lip running along the top, cut the styrofoam to fit in snugly. The lip and the substrate will keep it in place.

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    Silicon, guess its come in a large amount rite.. for a small job like tis, tit wasteful =(
    sorry, I dunno wats a lip.

    thanks thou

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    Those tanks with the black plastic trimming along the top and the bottom?

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    Quote Originally Posted by liew_j
    hi guys, any views and comments on using styrofoam (black and with texturelike stones) as background in the interior of the tank?
    I postion my tank infront of a slate tile wall. It gives a natural "stone" backgroud; as long as my plants do not cover them soon. .

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by liew_j
    hi guys, any views and comments on using styrofoam (black and with texturelike stones) as background in the interior of the tank?

    Though they are real cheap then other kinds of foam what I'm afraid is that these things would leak some kind of toxic into the tank.

    Views and comments greatly appreciated!!
    one of the easiest way to figure out any toxic leakage during the setup phase is to buy some cheap shrimp, malayan or cherry - they will be the first level of casualty.

    tango
    Adopt all unwanted neon & cardinal tetra

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    Quote Originally Posted by tango
    one of the easiest way to figure out any toxic leakage during the setup phase is to buy some cheap shrimp, malayan or cherry - they will be the first level of casualty.

    tango
    cherry shrimp cheap? U must be from some rich family... hahaha
    Cheers and Regards,
    Billy Cheong

    I'm not always dumb,
    Just most of the time...

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    Quote Originally Posted by tango
    one of the easiest way to figure out any toxic leakage during the setup phase is to buy some cheap shrimp, malayan or cherry - they will be the first level of casualty.

    tango
    If getting the styrofoam from fish shops, they should be safe for fish.
    If getting styrofoam from unknown source, then test it before glueing it on the tank. Cheap shrimp should be glass shrimp.

    Cheers!
    koah fong
    Juggler's tanks

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    Tank background

    I think black oyama at the back will enhance the appearance of the tank. The black background provide a great colour contrast with green leaves and will give a sense of depth.

    However only with adequate lighting (not strong) will enhance the colour of fishes. Too bright the fishes will look whitewash. My 2cents worth.

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    Quote Originally Posted by juggler
    Such styrofoam backgrounds are useful for me to staple my moss. Before I stuck them on with silicone, I washed them first. Used them fo r1.5 yrs already. So far OK with my plants and fish.

    I got them from Petmart for about $15. Comes in 2 pieces of 2'x1.5'.
    Question?
    Do you really staple the moss onto the styrofoam background?
    If so, won't the staplets turn rusty onver time?

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    They are OK. Perhaps even help supply Fe to the plants.
    Even Tom Barr add iron filings to his tanks.
    koah fong
    Juggler's tanks

  16. #16
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    Staplets in tanks

    Quote Originally Posted by juggler
    They are OK. Perhaps even help supply Fe to the plants.
    Even Tom Barr add iron filings to his tanks.
    Thanks!
    Interesting to know that someone actually add iron filings to his tanks!
    Maybe next time no need to buy Fe, just add a few staplets!!!

  17. #17
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    Hi..
    did up the board.. I mean, fitted into the tank. I trimmed the board till its slightly oversized, then kinda squeezed it into place. n fitted perfectly.

    but apparently I failed on trying to staple the moss onto the wall. the staplets will jus slide off. not strong at all..

    now I need alternatives.. anyone?.

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    A nice guy suggested toothpicks to me... Try it...

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    hai, toothpick?. wood one le. after awhile won't start to rot away meh?
    hmm, but I guess its firm and secure enuff. since its quite big.

    anyway, when fixing moss on foam board. shld be all over, all jus patches on the cravis?

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    The moss will grow and adhere to the board somehow... Then it doesn't matter if the toothpick rotted away... Good luck...

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