FivePlan Tank Background Oyama Paper

[celticfish]

hi peeps,

i'd like to find out how you guys get the black background for fiveplan tanks.
i thinking of getting some small ones for apistos.

i have tried black oyama paper and did a terrible job on it.
there were awful air bubbles and it didn't look even.
is there a trick to sticking this stuff?
can i pay someone to do it?
or maybe a kind samaritan will help?

i read in a search that you need to spray water mixed with some soap.
i tried that too and the water just ended up as surface drops, not even.

HELP PLEASE!!

[ranmasatome]

Surface drops???? whats that??

you probably didnt put enough due to apprehension... just slab the water/soap mixture on both surfaces.. you'll do fine

[tawauboy]

did you do it correctly?
you'll need soapy water (from dish washing liquid).
just wet the glass surface generously with soapy water and, if possible, the oyama paper.
place the oyama paper on the glass surface and use something flat to 'push' out the air bubbles.
then let it dry.

[BFG]

Celticfish, some lfs sell those black oyama paper with adhesive on it. You might want to look for it. I know Nature has it. Check your neighbourhood lfs for it.

[|squee|]

What I do is to get a sprayer(the hand-held device for spraying plants with water), fill it up with water and I squirt a few presses of detergent(aka Mama Lemon), shake and spray the stuff all over the tank liberally. It's difficult if you're doing this to a tank that is already setup.

Just spray and try not to get any of the stuff into the water if so.

After spraying, remove the backing from the Oyama paper and stick it on. It should be very slippery and "slidy-ish", but still stickish. Get something with a flat edge (I use the flat edge of a mathematical protractor) and run the thing along smoothing out all the bubbles. Clean up and let dry after that.

After drying, no visible residue of soap/whatever should be visible. The trick is to patiently smooth out all the bubbles/imperfections.

[celticfish]

wow, answers from four Mods!!

thanks for all the helpful input.
also, the information about no residue plus the brand to use... phew!

will try out all your suggestion and maybe update with a post for others.

Thanks guys!!!

[skf]

If you have those liquid for cleaning glass (I think the brand name is Windex or something like that), it will work too. Best of all, it is already a soapy solution in a spray bottle, so just point and spray away

[celticfish]

If you have those liquid for cleaning glass (I think the brand name is Windex or something like that), it will work too. Best of all, it is already a soapy solution in a spray bottle, so just point and spray away

i just got the oyama paper and was thinking of emtying the windex to put in...
thank you for your idea! *phew*
i would have felt real silly doing that and reading your post after...

will give a feedback later in the week.

[celticfish]

thanks for all your input guys!

procrastination... anyway, as promised here is feedback on what i did.

1. measured and cut the oyama to size. minding to keep one side uncut to maintain the straightness. if you cut it just right you might not be able to paste the whole tank face without "white"" edges. i also notice the paper "shrinking" a ittle after it dried. so leave some allowances at the edges.

2. sprayed window cleaner (any brand will do) on the tank glass. being liberal with the fluid is here is no problem. it makes it easier to slide the paper into position.

3. carefully peel the oyama paper off. try to hold the edges where you have left allowances. just in case you leave a finger print... quickely place the paper on the glass and slide it to position. remember to use the uncut side for alignment with the tank edge.

4. once in position, you will need to use something with a very straight edge to scrap the the excess will just flow out the sides when you scrap the paper. i used a credit card as my tank is small. otherwise as squee suggest you can use a large mathematical protractor.

4. begin from the centre and slide the straight edge outwards. keep a towel handy to mop up the liquid and a torch light depending on where you are doing this to check the inside glass face for air pockets. checking for air pockets is important as you will not be able remove them once the it dries.

5. now wait for it to dry completely. i left my tank for a day before trimming the edges to size. it is a good idea here to keep an excess of 2mm. you can always cut off the rest later when you are sure the paper has stabalized to your home conditions.

Note: you can use liquid detergent direct without watering down the solution.
also, window cleaners like windex brand are ammonium base solutions (and we know what ammonium does to fishes and planted tanks, don't we? ). do remember to wash you tank before you fill it up.