Background

If i use normal cement / concrete for a alternative background would it be bad for the fish in the long run. Question 2 can i possibly use Fibreglass ??

 

do u mean as in a wallpaper tpye thing? if so, it wouldnt be bad as lnog as its outside of the tank.

 

I seem to recall reading somewhere that concrete is safe after it dries, but don't quote me on that. You may have to coat it with something. And certain types of fiberglass & epoxy resin are safe. Your best bet would be to do a google search for diy backgrounds/tank decorations.

-Chelle

 

Thanx for the info here is the link i got the alternative background from http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_list.php scroll down to the bottom

 

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/d ... ground.php

I like that one.

For my african tank I just carved feather rock/pumice. 2 of the pieces I used where at the top of the pile at the landscaping place and got rained on a lot so they sank w/o any problems. The 3rd piece was at the bottom and I'm still trying to figure out how to get it to sink. I would boil it, but it's too big.

-Chelle

 

i also like that background but would like to extend the background to include the bottom of the tank with small holes for plants and airstones mmmmmmm

 

If you ever do it, I'd love to see pics.

The next time I set up an african cichlid tank, I want everything in it to be black so the only color are the fish. My idea for the caves is to take a piece of something like plastic peg board & paint it black. Then somehow attach pieces of black lava rock to it (maybe with stainless steel screws or something) to form caves. That way it will look like the rocks are stacked up, but they'll be a lot more secure. And using lava rock, it will be less weight. One of these days I'll do it.

-Chelle