? For the filter gurus :)

[smoochxoxo]

I was wondering about the different filter options I should get.
I saw this cool background cave thing made from foam and I was going to do something similar, maybe...
My question is the tank would come with a filter that HOB of the tank. Would I be able to incorporate that where it would come over the foam background for the outlet and the inlet tube that hangs in the tank be hidden behind the foam but enough showing on the bottom so it will do its job?
OR...
Would a cannister filter be my only other option? I guess I am not clear on how a cannister filter would attach ? (like the tubes and such?)

Does anyone have a similar background using a HOB or cannister filter that is hidden more or less? How did you go about hiding the tubes and such? Is there anything online that you might know of that shows how cannsiter filters are used in the aquarium and what it looks like when they are all set up? I have looked on line about cannisters but all I have found is pages where they want to sell them...not the actual way it is set and place in a tank.


My only other concern would be the heater in the tank? Not sure if that is something that can be hidden at all?

This is the background idea, mine will be a much smaller scale for what I would do.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Anyone done anything similar? I think this looks like a great project and if I can do it might be a great way to have stuff in the tank without the major weight?
Hugs

[Juannie]

Wow I have to say that background is pretty damn impressive, I want to try that myself (sometime)! But I wonder how do all these different paints and so on affect the fish and the parameters in the tank?

[smoochxoxo]

well I read his comment sections and it seems he has used a cement sealer...and said his PH wasn't affected. But then again I have read where it might. People said to put it in the tank, let it filter for a day do 100% water change for like 3 days or until the ph stabalizes. But if using a sealer it might not change the ph at all. Another variation I have seen is where on a smaller scale after the cemented pigment was dry, use an aquarium epoxy over the whole thing to seal it. Let it dry then use epoxy again and add a similar shade of sand to the piece. Which would eliminate the worry of the cement leaching.
Hugs

[Juannie]

It'll be interesting to see how you go! I'm surprised more people haven't done this for something that "seems" so simple. When I get another 24hrs in my day I'd like to give it a go too - fantastic idea!

[smoochxoxo]

anyone have any info that might be helpful regarding canisters? Maybe will just go buy one to see how it all works....
thanks

[fins_n_fur]

I have heard of the possibility of drilling holes in the back or bottom of your tank which would allow for that dream background you are looking for :18:. (Not for tempered glass, though) Unless you can figure out a way to craft a hole in the background for the intake(s) and don't run the background up so high that there is no room for the spray bar. Rather than buy a canister filter, take a look at the manufacturers' web sites first. I love my Eheim ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]).

[A340]

You may want to steal some ideas off this site ...

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

... it's a bit more complex than other systems, but basically, what you do is drill in- and outflow holes in your back ground (make sure you have a bit of space between the background and glass for the necessary tubing) and basically incorporate your background and filter into one system. A canister filter would work great with this kind of set-up.

[smoochxoxo]

Thanks for the sites. I really appreciate it. I just had such a hard time trying to picture how the water would "flow" and stuff.
Thanks again!
hugs

[RainMan]

That background is pretty amazing stuff.... That's got all kinds of ideas running through my head. Good luck on that proejct and keep us posted on your progress.

[toddnbecka]

I saw some similar in-tank bio filters at an lfs several years ago. The price was totally outrageous ($100+ for a 10 gallon). They were one piece that covered the bottom and back of the tank, driven by an air pump.
Which type of filter to use depends on tank placement and personal taste. Also finances, since HOB's are the least expensive, but equally effective overall. I was going to use an aquaclear on my 30 long, then found it was too close to the wall for an HOB to fit. My 29 runs on 2 powerheads, one for the UG filter and another for the sponge filter. It houses my pair of spiney eels, so the top is completely enclosed. No cutouts for HOB filters or canister hoses, just the cords and airline.
My 55 African cichlid community tank runs on 2 aquaclear 110's, and the other 55 runs on 2 powerheads and a fluval 305 canister. The 38 and 10 run on HOB's as well, all aquaclears.