Deluxe 3DView AllInstallationFAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions about AquaTerra Backgrounds

What are the backgrounds made out of?
The backgrounds are constructed from a rigid high density industrial grade foam.

Is it safe for animals?
Yes, it is completely safe for animals. It is non-toxic and pH neutral.

Can the backgrounds be cut or trimmed?
Yes, they can be easily cut or trimmed down to size. This can be done with any handheld saw blade or even a utility blade.

Can I hide the intake/outtake tubes and heaters?
Yes, but only on the Deluxe 3D models. This is because the Deluxe models have more width, there is space behind the background to hide just about anything you want.

On the widest models you can also build in a whole filter system. The intake can be added on one end, and the outtake on the other. By using a pump, filter mats, and filter media you can create a built in filter with very large area. This is a great way to take advantage of the room behind the background, and also eliminate any unpleasant leaks from external canister filters.

You can accomplish this with the slimmer models as well, but you will need to move the background out a bit from the back.

How are the backgrounds installed?
The backgrounds need to be siliconed into place. Simply apply black silicone along the edges of the background and softly press against the walls of the tank or enclosure. Allow 24 hours for the silicone to dry and you are ready to fill.

For those with reptile enclosures that do not want to silicone the background into place, you can use Velcro strips to hold the background in place.

My tank has a center brace, do I have to cut the background?
You have a couple of options. You can cut the background, and glue it back together with silicone when it's in the tank. For instructions on how to cut the background, please visit the Installation page.

The other option is to remove the center brace or the top moulding. You can use a razor blade along the inside and outside of the edges to cut the silicone and then pull it off or use a piece of wood and carefully knock it off. Gluing it back on is only a matter of applying silicone and putting it back on.

If you have custom ordered your tank, simply ask to have the tank delivered with the top moulding separate and glue it on yourself once the background is in place.

How much space do the backgrounds take up?
Depending on the style of the background that you choose, the thickness will vary.

• The Deluxe 3D models ranges between 3 and 11 inches.
• Rainforest is 2-3 inches thick.
• Amazon Tree is 2-11 inches thick (11 at base of the tree trunk)
• Malawi Rock is maximum 2-11 inches thick. The Malawi Rock have a deep cave that can be cut off and reduce the thickness with 3-4 inches.
• Tanganyika Rock is 2-8 inches thick.
• Canyon Rock is maximum 2-5 inches thick.

What is the advantage with Modular Rocks?
They are light and hollow. You can silicone them anywhere in your tank. For example, you can install a Rock Module at the top near the surface in combination with a slimline background to create interesting shadows and also hide equipment such as powerheads. Rock Modules can also be glued to the bottom or the sides of your tank. You can cut a module in half and place a piece on each side of your tank.

I have Bristlenose plecos, will they damage the background?
Common Ancistrus species should not be a problem, but some Panaque species such as Royal Pleco have a very strong bite. They can destroy pretty much anything, and are known for chewing holes in canoes. If you have any of those species, or bristlenose plecos, it is advisable to monitor them closely the first litte while and keep real wood in the tank for them to chew on. Ultimately this is at your own risk.