Question: Tanks with tile bottoms - photos requested

[kimax]

Hello,

I currently have 2 full grown male axies. Their substrate at the moment is slate as I am too paranoid for sand and obviously, gravel. I am wondering if people with rock or tile bottoms are willing to post some pictures of their set ups as I feel my set up is rather boring and would like to spruce it up for them. I have browsed the galleries but have seen mostly sand and plant friendly substrates. Any ideas and photos would be appreciated.

On another note, has anyone ever used foam backgrounds that are fish tank safe to line the bottom?

Thanks in advance,

Kelly

 

[Jennewt]

There are a couple of them here, with links to the construction info
Caudata Culture Articles - Vivarium Building Projects

I've never seen a foam background used as a bottom, but it's an interesting idea.

 

[Crysta]

if you find a foam or poly bottom you like. aquarium sealant would be perfect. I think it would look brilliant, and provide nice levels, be easy to clean too. if you do decide to go down this road, please post pictures.

 

[kimax]

Thanks for the replies!

I will be checking out that slate bottom build for sure!

I think the foam rock would be nice as well. I feel like it would provide them with enough traction though I worry about degradation over time as well as taking chunks out of it with the syphon.

The other thought I had, being as I also keep cichlids, is this type of background 3D Aquarium Backgrounds by AquaTerra. Available at Gills N Fins in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. that is plastic rather than foam so I believe it would be more durable. There is a store in my city that has samples of this stuff so I think I will go check it out.

I will keep you posted if I decide to go down this route, until then, keep the suggestions coming. I think I am really going to like this forum :happy:

Kelly

 

[XeryusTC]

I have been thinking about making a background out of foam DIY-style for my new tank (when I get one, money needs to be saved first) and the idea of making it cover the back, (part of) the sides and the bottom also crossed my mind. Making a 3D floor myself and have some height differences of over 5 cm in it and adding a small layer of sand on top of it might lead to some interesting effects and of course the digging axolotls will find a more natural surface underneath instead of glass. So many aquascaping ideas, so little money

 

[Greatwtehunter]

On another note, has anyone ever used foam backgrounds that are fish tank safe to line the bottom?

I took one of my old 10 gallon vertical dart frog tanks that I had built one of those coco-fiber backgrounds on and turned it horizontal like a regular tank and used that foam background as a substrate. It has been great! Java moss has grown like a weed on it. The only down side, if you consider it that, was that the water stayed a light brown color for a few months from the tannins the coco fiber released. It does clear up after a few water changes though.

The regular foam backgrounds should work just fine as long as you use something like velcro to keep it secured tightly to the sides and bottom. Any slight gap and the newts could get trapped underneath it and drown.

 

[Shizeric]

Here are pictures of my very first tank....I used a slate bottom.

http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...allery/65814-just-took-some-pics-my-tank.html