Slough Shark Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I have a 29Gal tank that will eventually be turned into a small amazonian biotope. I was wondering how much space would be left for my 2 Silver Dollars, 8 Marcae Silver Hatchets, and 5 Bronze Cories with a styrofoam realistic backing on the tank? I just need room for my heater and aquaclear 70. Does anyone have experience in this field, I really must know! Also what substrate would be appropriate for the biotope? I was thinking maybe EcoComplete? :guns: -ham- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Unless you're going fully planted, you don't need EcoComplete - even then, I'm not sold on it. I've been having excelent success with plane gravel for the last year or so. Your silver dollars are going to outgrow your 29 gal. WAY TOO SOON, so I honestly wouldn't even go there. Try 2 angels, instead. Are you planning on carving up your own background, or having it made - or going prefab? I'm not totally clear on what you're asking with your 1st question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsmith Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I'm pretty sure another strike against those silver dolllars is that they're little lawnmowers. I think they'd eat any plants in the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted November 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 (edited) hmm... damn well I guess I'll be skipping the plants, I did plenty of research on Silver Dollars, and I beleive that they will do fine in my 29 Gal. In my first question, i was just saying that behind the styrofoam, I only need room for a heater and an aquaclear 70. Yes, I am going to be carving it out myself and I will also be doing the siliconing myself. I had a long look at some other's work and I think it'll be relatively easy, I'm up for a challenge. How can you become an expert if you don't start somewhere? :guns: -ham- Edited November 7, 2006 by Slough Shark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 So, if the heater and filter intake take up about 2" from the back wall, you'll have about 2"+ the thickness of the styro. I've never hidden stuff behind a background (I've used cork bg's many times, but put the filter intake and heater in front of it); but, I imagine you wouldn't need all that much space between the styro and the heater. Just make sure you leave a gap at the bottom - all the way across - so that you get enough circulation around the heater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsmith Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 (edited) I've also seen backgrounds with a couple of holes w. black screens around the filter intake area to increase circulation. On the ones I've seen the black screen blends in fairly well, esp. once you get some algae growing on it. Have you come across these in your research: Back to Nature ? That's a great site for some inspiration. Edited November 7, 2006 by johnsmith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Have you come across these in your research: Back to Nature ? That's a great site for some inspiration. :drool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willfishguy Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Several of my tanks have their HOB filters and heaters on the side instead of the back, this way they also filter the aquarium more efficiently aaaaaaaaaaaand the current going the length of the tank, makes for better fish presentation as they tend to enjoy swimming in the current Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canucklehead Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Aquagiant in Edmonton has styro backgrounds that look pretty cool, and they are pretty reasonable. BAck to nature stuff is awesome, but oh so pricey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted November 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 The name "Back To Nature" is very familiar, I spend hours drooling over their stuff, thanks for the tip canuckkle head, I will check it out if the prices are reasonable like you say. I will be using the black screens if I decide to DIM, hopefully I can buy a nice back from Aquagiant, they have a nice place. Thanks for all the replies! :guns: -ham- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainmaker69 Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 I've been having excelent success with plane gravel for the last year or so. Uh, do you get that from the airport? (Sorry, just couldn't help myself) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osprey Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 Here's an excellent how-to thread on that topic (equipment hidden beautifully, and an entertaining read): aquahobby styrofoam backing project Have fun with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted November 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 Thanks osprey, I have already read that thread, but enjoyed reading it again! I'd like to thank you for all the advice you gave me on that forum, I am a member of 4 different Fish forums now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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