I started on the preperation ofr the background whilst im still waiting to get the tank. I will get my aquarium from ND Aquatics. Ill visit them soon to install the background before they apply the euro bracing. I have done all the preperation for the background, so all i have to do now is literally silicone it to the tank...
First i changed the size of the tank i was going to get. Originally i was going to get a rio 400, rena 450 or a custom tank in the same dimensions. The new custom tank will be bigger, a 60x24x24" tank, ensuring i get the maximum space back for the fish to swim, as the background is huge (understatement).
I started the preperation for the background by deciding where i would put the piping/tubes for the filters. I changed my mind from the original plans of having twin pipes from each output. Instead there will only be one pipe to make things less complicated, and also so i dont have to cut the background in too many places. The fluval fx5 output nozzle will be used so i can still control the direction of flow.
I cut two holes using a simple kitchen knife. I then filed these using a Half Round Rasp/File (wood work tool). This helped the smooth out the edges slowly to the perfect shape and measurement for the pipes to fit snug.
I then cut out the holes to allow water flow in the same way. I also made a small overflow at the top of the background. The overflow is near the flow of the output from the fluval fx5 so this should draw water out from the surface behind the background.
I used a very fine mesh to cover these sections. I used a silicone/glue gun to cover the edges of the background and to seal any gaps etc. Black silicone was used so that it would match the tank silicone.
After Cutting:
After Silicone and Mesh:
Behind:
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