Installing backgrounds

[D&M]

I'm just curious to hear ideas on installing the "wallpaper" backgrounds, to
make them look good.

I started out myself, just taping on the background, but doesn't give the
full effect.

I then started putting water between the glass and plastic, smoothing out
with a credit card. Works good for a week or two, then comes off again.

Any more permanant solutions?

Cheers

[CanadianCray]

I've never used them myself I feel they give the tank a 2 dimensional feel.
I have heard many people talk of using Vasoline to do as you did wit the
water! Supposed to work well.

"D&M" > wrote in message
...
> I'm just curious to hear ideas on installing the "wallpaper" backgrounds,
to
> make them look good.
>
> I started out myself, just taping on the background, but doesn't give the
> full effect.
>
> I then started putting water between the glass and plastic, smoothing out
> with a credit card. Works good for a week or two, then comes off again.
>
> Any more permanant solutions?
>
> Cheers
>
>

[w]

ky jelly is water based.

"D&M" > wrote in message
...
> I'm just curious to hear ideas on installing the "wallpaper" backgrounds,
to
> make them look good.
>
> I started out myself, just taping on the background, but doesn't give the
> full effect.
>
> I then started putting water between the glass and plastic, smoothing out
> with a credit card. Works good for a week or two, then comes off again.
>
> Any more permanant solutions?
>
> Cheers
>
>

[MarAzul]

"D&M" > wrote in message
...
> I'm just curious to hear ideas on installing the "wallpaper" backgrounds,
to
> make them look good.
>
> I started out myself, just taping on the background, but doesn't give the
> full effect.
>
> I then started putting water between the glass and plastic, smoothing out
> with a credit card. Works good for a week or two, then comes off again.
>
> Any more permanant solutions?
>
> Cheers
>
>
I don't remember who posted it, but someone suggested that KY, applied as
you were doing with the the credit card, works wonders and stays on til you
peel it off.

Mar
-------------------------------------
"Did you find the gun?"
"Yeah.. it was in Buffy's underwear drawer. She has nice things."
"Show me."
"Well, I didnt take 'em but there were thongs and regular underpants..."
"Show me then gun!"

-Andrew and The First
-Buffy the Vampire Slayer

[Dick]

On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 21:05:37 -0500, "D&M" > wrote:

>I'm just curious to hear ideas on installing the "wallpaper" backgrounds, to
>make them look good.
>
>I started out myself, just taping on the background, but doesn't give the
>full effect.
>
>I then started putting water between the glass and plastic, smoothing out
>with a credit card. Works good for a week or two, then comes off again.
>
>Any more permanant solutions?
>
>Cheers
>


Personally, I don't like the background to be flat. I have used
metalic paper in the past and bunched it in places to give the
impression of caves. I now use plain green paper and it has bunched
and wrinkled with time. Much more interesting than flat land. I just
use scotch tape. Rarely notice the background in any case. The fish
and plants, etc. are what I mostly notice. In one ten gallon tank I
have a large ornament with a 6 inch water wheel moved with a little
air. It dominates the tank so the background is in the shadows. In
others the plants and fish dominate.

Consider depth and natural angles of a river. Do you really want to
look at the background?

[GloFish]

On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 05:16:32 -0600, Dick >
wrote:

>On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 21:05:37 -0500, "D&M" > wrote:
>
>>I'm just curious to hear ideas on installing the "wallpaper" backgrounds, to
>>make them look good.
>>
>>I started out myself, just taping on the background, but doesn't give the
>>full effect.
>>
>>I then started putting water between the glass and plastic, smoothing out
>>with a credit card. Works good for a week or two, then comes off again.
>>
>>Any more permanant solutions?
>>
>>Cheers
>>
>
>
>Personally, I don't like the background to be flat. I have used
>metalic paper in the past and bunched it in places to give the
>impression of caves. I now use plain green paper and it has bunched
>and wrinkled with time. Much more interesting than flat land. I just
>use scotch tape. Rarely notice the background in any case. The fish
>and plants, etc. are what I mostly notice. In one ten gallon tank I
>have a large ornament with a 6 inch water wheel moved with a little
>air. It dominates the tank so the background is in the shadows. In
>others the plants and fish dominate.
>
>Consider depth and natural angles of a river. Do you really want to
>look at the background?



I don't see the background either.. the fish are more interesting..
but, if you look past the fish in my tank, you do not see wires, and
hoses... you see more plants...

My background is of a more natural scene... plants, and wood. There
are benefits to having this as well, some say that a background
prevents sensitive fish from spooking with extra shadows and the
like..

All that said... I like the back ground.. gives the tank a more
natural depth and look.




--Tony

[RedForeman ©®]

cooking oil... a bit thick and I did one this past weekend.... looked great.

--
RedForeman ©® future fabricator and creator of a ratbike
streetfighter!!!

==========================
2003 TRX450ES
1992 TRX-350 XX (For Sale)
1987 TRX250R (sold)
1987 CBR600 Hurricane (sold)
1987 VFR700 Interceptor (sold)
1995 TRX300ex (sold)
2000 CBR600F4 silver/red (sold) *sniff*sniff*
'98 Tacoma Ext Cab 4X4 Lifted....
==========================
ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤° `°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø
"By US Code Title 47, Sec.227(a)(2)(B), a computer/modem/printer
meets the definition of a telephone fax machine. By Sec.227(b)(1)(C),
it is unlawful to send any unsolicited advertisement to such equipment.
By Sec.227(b)(3)(C), a violation of the aforementioned Section is
punishable by action to recover actual monetary loss, or $500,
whichever is greater, for each violation."

If you do send me unsolicited e-mail I will proof-read it at a rate
of $100 per hour (4 hour minimum).

[NetMax]

"RedForeman ©®" > wrote in message
...
> cooking oil... a bit thick and I did one this past weekend.... looked
great.
>
> --
> RedForeman ©® future fabricator and creator of a ratbike
> streetfighter!!!

I heard that cooking oil will eventually go rancid, but I'm not willing
to test if that is true or not, so ymmv.

OT: the snow has melted off the bikes, but before I could go check if
they would start up, a cold snap moved in again. I liked it better when
they were under the snow. Now I have to look at them, frozen in the
ground.
NetMax

[TYNK 7]

>Subject: Installing backgrounds
>From: "D&M"
>Date: 3/17/2004 8:05 PM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: >
>
>I'm just curious to hear ideas on installing the "wallpaper" backgrounds, to
>make them look good.
>
>I started out myself, just taping on the background, but doesn't give the
>full effect.
>
>I then started putting water between the glass and plastic, smoothing out
>with a credit card. Works good for a week or two, then comes off again.
>
>Any more permanant solutions?
>
>Cheers

Personally, I like a deep blue sea type colored background.
What I have done with my tanks is take poster board...costs like 50 cents. Cut
or tape 2 together for size....then I take plain, dark royal blue wrapping
paper and wrap it. The tape is on the backside, so ya don't see that it's taped
onto something else.
For holidays, I can change the wrapping paper..to things like Easter,
Christmas, B-Day party stuff (for the kids parties), etc.
Wrapping paper is pretty cheap and you can change it any time you want without
investing in the costly, pre-made backgrounds from a pet shop.
I got this idea from looking around, trying to find a certain color blue....all
the other backgrounds (premade) were the wrong shade (too light). So, I used my
noggin and made my own.
Made my new background for the 75g for $1.00 (cost of 2 poster boards, and
already had a roll of wrapping paper).
Not bad. It also looks like dark water behind the plants. It's a nice affect. =
)
Something to ponder.

[RedForeman ©®]

> I heard that cooking oil will eventually go rancid, but I'm not
> willing to test if that is true or not, so ymmv.

Ewww.. I didn't think about that.... I wonder how long before it happens...
any thoughts? Are there any preserving properties in oil? I would think a
preservative may be added for shelf life, and if not, how long before it
does go 'bad'?

> OT: the snow has melted off the bikes, but before I could go check if
> they would start up, a cold snap moved in again. I liked it better
> when they were under the snow. Now I have to look at them, frozen in
> the ground.
> NetMax

It's that time of year I guess... I did have a friend ask if we wanted to go
riding this weekend, and I just laughed, and asked, "How you gonna dodge the
rain?" His answer was, "Rain? I want to ride the ATVs!!"

We're going to get wet this weekend... whoo hooo!!! ATVs are fun in winter,
more fun that bikes... hahaha!!!

--
RedForeman ©® future fabricator and creator of a ratbike
streetfighter!!!

[Philip Lewis]

I like the dark blue effect as well...

recently set up a tank for my nephew, and use dark metalic blue mylar
sheets i picked up at the dollar store. (something like 4/$1 or some
such).

With a tan sand bottom, couple of well rinced rocks, and a few
plants... it looked really nice i thought. Added some depth to the
tank without being too busy (I usually go for natural looking
tanks... i really dislike the castles and divers crap. kinda fun for
five minutes then gets on my nerves. the monochromatic blue was about
my limit. ;)


--
be safe.
flip
Aus! Aus! Sie Daemonen der Unwissenheit!
Remove origin of the word spam from address to reply (leave "+")

[GloFish]

On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 11:28:28 -0500, "RedForeman ©®"
> wrote:

>> I heard that cooking oil will eventually go rancid, but I'm not
>> willing to test if that is true or not, so ymmv.
>
>Ewww.. I didn't think about that.... I wonder how long before it happens...
>any thoughts? Are there any preserving properties in oil? I would think a
>preservative may be added for shelf life, and if not, how long before it
>does go 'bad'?

Leave cooking oil out, open to the air, in the kitchen, and it go bad
ain a few days, or a few weeks... depending on temp.

Exposure to oxygen is what does it. It'll get all the way through,
eventually... you may not realize it for a long time... but one day
you will reach behind, and smell the rancid oil, and then know....





--Tony

[RedForeman ©®]

> Leave cooking oil out, open to the air, in the kitchen, and it go bad
> ain a few days, or a few weeks... depending on temp.
>
> Exposure to oxygen is what does it. It'll get all the way through,
> eventually... you may not realize it for a long time... but one day
> you will reach behind, and smell the rancid oil, and then know....

I'll be calling him today and telling him... he used to be a kitchen manager
at a restaurant, he should have known... I couldn't stop him, it was his
idea and he's pretty darned stubborn...

--
RedForeman ©® future fabricator and creator of a ratbike
streetfighter!!!

==========================
2003 TRX450ES
1992 TRX-350 XX (For Sale)
1987 TRX250R (sold)
1987 CBR600 Hurricane (sold)
1987 VFR700 Interceptor (sold)
1995 TRX300ex (sold)
2000 CBR600F4 silver/red (sold) *sniff*sniff*
'98 Tacoma Ext Cab 4X4 Lifted....
==========================
ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤° `°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø
"By US Code Title 47, Sec.227(a)(2)(B), a computer/modem/printer
meets the definition of a telephone fax machine. By Sec.227(b)(1)(C),
it is unlawful to send any unsolicited advertisement to such equipment.
By Sec.227(b)(3)(C), a violation of the aforementioned Section is
punishable by action to recover actual monetary loss, or $500,
whichever is greater, for each violation."

If you do send me unsolicited e-mail I will proof-read it at a rate
of $100 per hour (4 hour minimum).

[GloFish]

On Thu, 18 Mar 2004 13:33:10 -0500, "RedForeman ©®"
> wrote:

>> Leave cooking oil out, open to the air, in the kitchen, and it go bad
>> ain a few days, or a few weeks... depending on temp.
>>
>> Exposure to oxygen is what does it. It'll get all the way through,
>> eventually... you may not realize it for a long time... but one day
>> you will reach behind, and smell the rancid oil, and then know....
>

I understand the propensity... I have a degree in culinary arts, and
am persuing one in food science now... long term, long, long term,
goal....

Some oils are worse than others, _I_ wouldn't do it, personally.....
If he plans on changing them, like TYNK 7, then it might not be too
bad... but... what a mess.......


--Tony

[RedForeman ©®]

> I understand the propensity... I have a degree in culinary arts, and
> am persuing one in food science now... long term, long, long term,
> goal....
>
> Some oils are worse than others, _I_ wouldn't do it, personally.....
> If he plans on changing them, like TYNK 7, then it might not be too
> bad... but... what a mess.......

Agreed, it would end up stinky... I called him and he said he's going to
live with it for a while, and when he gets a notion to redo it, he'll
probably go with KY...

--
RedForeman ©® future fabricator and creator of a ratbike
streetfighter!!!

==========================
2003 TRX450ES
1992 TRX-350 XX (For Sale)
1987 TRX250R (sold)
1987 CBR600 Hurricane (sold)
1987 VFR700 Interceptor (sold)
1995 TRX300ex (sold)
2000 CBR600F4 silver/red (sold) *sniff*sniff*
'98 Tacoma Ext Cab 4X4 Lifted....
==========================
ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤° `°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø
"By US Code Title 47, Sec.227(a)(2)(B), a computer/modem/printer
meets the definition of a telephone fax machine. By Sec.227(b)(1)(C),
it is unlawful to send any unsolicited advertisement to such equipment.
By Sec.227(b)(3)(C), a violation of the aforementioned Section is
punishable by action to recover actual monetary loss, or $500,
whichever is greater, for each violation."

If you do send me unsolicited e-mail I will proof-read it at a rate
of $100 per hour (4 hour minimum).

[Michi Henning]

"Philip Lewis" > wrote in message
. edu...
> I like the dark blue effect as well...
>
> recently set up a tank for my nephew, and use dark metalic blue mylar
> sheets i picked up at the dollar store. (something like 4/$1 or some
> such).

I stuck Indian slate to the inside back glass. Total cost was about US$40.00
for a 6' x 2' x 2' tank. Here are a few pics:

http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Slate1.jpg
http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Slate2.jpg

And a few more after changing the layout and plants
a few months later:

http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank1.jpg
http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank2.jpg
http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank3.jpg

Cheers,

Michi.

--
Michi Henning Ph: +61 4 1118-2700
ZeroC, Inc. http://www.zeroc.com

[McEve]

"Michi Henning" > wrote in message
...
> "Philip Lewis" > wrote in message
> . edu...
> > I like the dark blue effect as well...
> >
> > recently set up a tank for my nephew, and use dark metalic blue mylar
> > sheets i picked up at the dollar store. (something like 4/$1 or some
> > such).
>
> I stuck Indian slate to the inside back glass. Total cost was about
US$40.00
> for a 6' x 2' x 2' tank. Here are a few pics:
>
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Slate1.jpg
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Slate2.jpg
>
> And a few more after changing the layout and plants
> a few months later:
>
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank1.jpg
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank2.jpg
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank3.jpg
>
> Cheers,
>
> Michi.
>
> --

Beautiful tank! I stuck Italian tiles on the back of my Zebra tank, on the
inside, that works ok as well.. Although my favourite would be Back to
Nature Amazone which I have in the community tank! STill, it's something
special to have something nobody else does, and I really liked what you did
Michi :)
> Michi Henning Ph: +61 4 1118-2700
> ZeroC, Inc. http://www.zeroc.com
>

[Michi Henning]

"McEve" > wrote in message
...
>
> Beautiful tank! I stuck Italian tiles on the back of my Zebra tank, on the
> inside, that works ok as well.. Although my favourite would be Back to
> Nature Amazone which I have in the community tank! STill, it's something
> special to have something nobody else does, and I really liked what you did
> Michi :)

Thanks muchly! I considered the Back to Nature Amazon background too --
it truly is stunning. But the price of US$ 860.00 for a 200cm x 60cm
piece is just as stunning :-) That's what motivated me to come up with
slate, actually. (But, given unlimited funds, I'd probably go for Back
to Nature too!)

Cheers,

Michi.

[Chris Palma]

Absolutely gorgeous Michi! I'm so jealous.

I just set up my 75g and am really enjoying being back in the hobby. I
can already foresee a second tank in my future with a more natural look
like yours. :)

--chris



> I stuck Indian slate to the inside back glass. Total cost was about US$40.00
> for a 6' x 2' x 2' tank. Here are a few pics:
>
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Slate1.jpg
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Slate2.jpg
>
> And a few more after changing the layout and plants
> a few months later:
>
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank1.jpg
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank2.jpg
> http://www.triodia.com/staff/michi/aquatic/Tank3.jpg
>
> Cheers,
>
> Michi.
>
> --
> Michi Henning Ph: +61 4 1118-2700
> ZeroC, Inc. http://www.zeroc.com
>
>


NB: This email address is dead. If you would like to email me directly,
please use: cpalmaATSYMBOLastro.psu.edu

[McEve]

"Michi Henning" > wrote in message
...

> Thanks muchly! I considered the Back to Nature Amazon background too --
> it truly is stunning. But the price of US$ 860.00 for a 200cm x 60cm
> piece is just as stunning :-)

wow.. that's twice as much as they cost here... :O

[Michi Henning]

"McEve" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Michi Henning" > wrote in message
> ...
>
> > Thanks muchly! I considered the Back to Nature Amazon background too --
> > it truly is stunning. But the price of US$ 860.00 for a 200cm x 60cm
> > piece is just as stunning :-)
>
> wow.. that's twice as much as they cost here... :O

That's actually the price in Germany (695.95 Euro). I doubt that
anyone would even try to sell it here in Australia...

Cheers,

Michi.
--
Michi Henning Ph: +61 4 1118-2700
ZeroC, Inc. http://www.zeroc.com

[Chris McMahon]

"Michi Henning" > wrote:

> > > Thanks muchly! I considered the Back to Nature Amazon background too --
> > > it truly is stunning. But the price of US$ 860.00 for a 200cm x 60cm
> > > piece is just as stunning :-)
> >
> > wow.. that's twice as much as they cost here... :O
>
> That's actually the price in Germany (695.95 Euro). I doubt that
> anyone would even try to sell it here in Australia...

There is an Australian company that make a similar product:
http://www.universalrocks.com.au/aquarium.htm

eg Their "Olgas" 6'x2' background is RRP AUD$260 (159 Euro, US$195).

--
------------------------------------------------------
Chris McMahon
Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia GMT:+10:00
------------------------------------------------------

[Michi Henning]

"Chris McMahon" > wrote in message
...
> "Michi Henning" > wrote:
> >
> > That's actually the price in Germany (695.95 Euro). I doubt that
> > anyone would even try to sell it here in Australia...
>
> There is an Australian company that make a similar product:
> http://www.universalrocks.com.au/aquarium.htm
>
> eg Their "Olgas" 6'x2' background is RRP AUD$260 (159 Euro, US$195).

Ah, thanks for that link! These look really nice!

Cheers,

Michi.

--
Michi Henning Ph: +61 4 1118-2700
ZeroC, Inc. http://www.zeroc.com

[NetMax]

"Michi Henning" > wrote in message
...
> "Chris McMahon" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Michi Henning" > wrote:
> > >
> > > That's actually the price in Germany (695.95 Euro). I doubt that
> > > anyone would even try to sell it here in Australia...
> >
> > There is an Australian company that make a similar product:
> > http://www.universalrocks.com.au/aquarium.htm
> >
> > eg Their "Olgas" 6'x2' background is RRP AUD$260 (159 Euro, US$195).
>
> Ah, thanks for that link! These look really nice!

Yes, they do. What are they made of?

NetMax


> Cheers,
>
> Michi.
>
> --
> Michi Henning Ph: +61 4 1118-2700
> ZeroC, Inc. http://www.zeroc.com
>

[Chris McMahon]

"NetMax" > wrote:

> "Michi Henning" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Chris McMahon" > wrote in message

> > > There is an Australian company that make a similar product:
> > > http://www.universalrocks.com.au/aquarium.htm
> > >
> > > eg Their "Olgas" 6'x2' background is RRP AUD$260 (159 Euro, US$195).
> >
> > Ah, thanks for that link! These look really nice!
>
> Yes, they do. What are they made of?

The backgrounds are made of latex. Just roll them up to fit through the
top opening, then glue to back wall with silicone adhesive.

The rocks are harder and rigid, some type of dense foam. A few LFS carry
them around my way and they look pretty good. Colors differ from piece
to piece as each piece is hand made and painted.
--
------------------------------------------------------
Chris McMahon
Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia GMT:+10:00
------------------------------------------------------

[Michi Henning]

"NetMax" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "Michi Henning" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Chris McMahon" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >
> > > There is an Australian company that make a similar product:
> > > http://www.universalrocks.com.au/aquarium.htm
> > >
> > > eg Their "Olgas" 6'x2' background is RRP AUD$260 (159 Euro, US$195).
> >
> > Ah, thanks for that link! These look really nice!
>
> Yes, they do. What are they made of?

I send off an enquiry to the company. They just replied -- the rocks
are made of polyurethane. The stuff is much lighter than water, so
you'd have to glue them to the walls to make them stay put.

Cheers,

Michi.

--
Michi Henning Ph: +61 4 1118-2700
ZeroC, Inc. http://www.zeroc.com