Reef set up-need help with sump set up

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I would personally paint the back glass black, those backdrops don't usually work that well IME.

+1, I didn't paint and couldn't after it was setup. I used a black drop on the back. It works fine, but I also used a bit of duct tape on the top each of the drop/tank in order that water didn't drip down the back of the tank between the glass and the black bg.

[DisneyCoralReef]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I used a black drop on the back.

Is there a reason you went with black over blue?

[mike31154]

I saw a link some time ago where a chap had built a sort of 3D diorama behind his tank. Can't find it any longer but it was very cool. You need a bit of room behind the tank though. The guy was a bit of an artist and airbrushed a great graphic, added a few fake rocks to make it look 3 dimensional and also had some subdued lighting above the scene he created to highlight the features. It actually looked a little eerie and of course you'll need to keep the back glass spotless. You don't need to be an artist like he was, any good quality poster will do with the theme of your choice. If I can find the link again, I'll check back in and post it.

Ok, this isn't the one I saw, but it gives you the idea & shows how to make one.

http://www.glaucus.org.uk/CB1.htm

[fishytime]

IMO any backdrop is a bit of a waste of time, unless you plan on keeping the back glass clean...... Your rock work will hide most of it and coraline algea will cover the rest..... I say just tape the background on so you can focus your time on other things

[lastlight]

Andy's 1350g in Bucharest (RC > Large Tanks) has a backlit bg that shows through some gaps in his rock bg. Pretty cool idea!

[DisneyCoralReef]

Ok good to know. Ill just take it then.

[newreefer_59]

if you go that route, but sooner the better as my carpenters are still there making a mess of it anyways. Let me know.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by fishytime

IMO any backdrop is a bit of a waste of time, unless you plan on keeping the back glass clean...... Your rock work will hide most of it and coraline algea will cover the rest..... I say just tape the background on so you can focus your time on other things

Doug brings up a valid point, if using a backdrop (black or blue), make sure to use something like Duct tape to use on the top edge of the tank with the backdrop. This way any water splashed will splash down the back of the backdrop, not between the backdrop and glass.

Believe me I know, and had to do this, as I can't clean the back of my glass.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by DisneyCoralReef

Is there a reason you went with black over blue?

I just like the black... I find with alot tanks with blue, it washes out the natural colors of the rock, coral and fish... Black I feel helps to make those colors POP. Just the way I see it.