Structured Backgrounds.

Joshwainwright · Jan 30, 2011

I've just been looking for a background for my new tank and came across some nice structured backgrounds however they were very expensive.

Why do they have such a high price?

Proxo · Jan 30, 2011

Joshwainwright said:
I've just been looking for a background for my new tank and came across some nice structured backgrounds however they were very expensive.

Why do they have such a high price?

I'm not sure why they have such a high price but so does alot of aquarium decor too imo (fake plants, caves ect).

There's some websites around google of people building there own structured background & some are very nice,
i've been wanting to do it for a while. If you think of doing your own i'd read up on it alot first as i've heard some people have pH problems ect, so it'd be best to get it just right and miss the problems

symon_say · Jan 30, 2011

Check youtube, there are some really nice "how to" about this, and is really easy to do, when i get another tank i'll do mine.

rdstars · Jan 30, 2011

I built my own, fiberglass resin is expensive and also there is not a great deal of demand so thats why there so expensive.

I built my own backround, would I do it again? Not realy but it looks fine.

PH levels changing depending on how you build it, lots of different ways.

I done mine with polystyrine sheets, fish tank silicone, fiberglass resin & emulsion paint. Sounds toxic but its all ok after the fiberglass has cured and just to be on the safe side washed out a few times before use. If you go down the cement/grout route it will play with your PH levels.

Joshwainwright · Jan 30, 2011

I don't think I have the skill to create my own :lol:

so I think I shall be sticking to the 2D backgrounds for now. I might pay the £40 one time seeing as they look so good.

doresy · Jan 30, 2011

Hi, I have been using the Juwel (grey) Rockface 3D background @£30 a slice (2 of) and I reckon, although ridiculously over priced, the effect well outlasts the gut-sinking feeling of shelling out for it.... :lol:

I wouldn't use anything else now.

There are cheaper alternatives (I've seen some @ £10 a slice) but it's backed by polystyrene and is crap.....

Joshwainwright · Jan 30, 2011

I think I'm going to buy a high quality structured background in a few months once my pocket is filled up again after spending £200 on the tank itself. The tank does come with a free 2D background so I shall be using that for the time being.