Editor's Choice Awards - 2007 Winner
Among the hundreds of products reviewed and tested by Pet Product News, AquaTerra backgrounds are the proud winner of the Editor's Choice Award, Product of the Year 2007.

Samples of AquaTerra 3D Aquarium Backgrounds can be viewed at:

Natures Corner Store
9082-51 Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta
(corner of 91 St. & 51 Ave. next to "the fishin' hole")

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Aquaterra 3D Backgrounds Installation

Slimline and Modular Rocks.

This guide will show you how to combine AquaTerra's Slimline Mesa Rockwall and modular Rocks. You can skip the module part if you only are installing the slimline. Modules can also be installed without the slimline if you paint the back glass black.

For this installation, a standard 75 gallon 48"x18"x20" tank, the following pieces were used:
- 2 pieces AquaTerra Slimline Mesa Rockwall 20"x18"
- 1 piece AquaTerra Slimline Mesa Rockwall 8"x18"
- 1 piece Sierra Rock 1 - 28"x20"x8"

Since the Sierra Rock 1 module is so large, it was cut in half.

To view larger samples of the pictures below, just click on them. You also have the option of browsing through all the pictures including instructions using the next and previous arrow once the enlarged version opens up.

 

First clean the tank thoroughly. It's easier to install the background if the tank is on the floor or on a work bench.
First clean the tank thoroughly. It's easier to install the background if the tank is on the floor or on a work bench.
 
The slimline has been measured and is here being cut about half way through with a hobby knife.
The slimline has been measured and is here being cut about half way through with a hobby knife.
 
Once cut it can easily be broken off.
Once cut it can easily be broken off.
 
Silicone is being applied. Make sure to wipe off any dust from the background before applying the silicone. Only use aquarium safe silicone.
Silicone is being applied. Make sure to wipe off any dust from the background before applying the silicone. Only use aquarium safe silicone.
 
This is not absolutely necessary but keeping some pressure on the background while the silicone cures will ensure a tight fit.
This is not absolutely necessary but keeping some pressure on the background while the silicone cures will ensure a tight fit.
 
The Sierra Rock 1 module is very large and for this installation I need to cut it in half. I am using a regular saw blade.
The Sierra Rock 1 module is very large and for this installation I need to cut it in half. I am using a regular saw blade.
 
A hole has been cut out and a piece of mesh has been glued to cover. This is for the water to enter the module that will be attached to the top left of the tank. This is required since the intake from the canister filter will be hidden inside.
A hole has been cut out and a piece of mesh has been glued to cover. This is for the water to enter the module that will be attached to the top left of the tank. This is required since the intake from the canister filter will be hidden inside.
 
A hole has been drilled for the outtake hose from the filter.
A hole has been drilled for the outtake hose from the filter.
 
A piece at the top of the module has been cut out and a piece of mesh to fit. This will work as an overflow for surface skimming.
A piece at the top of the module has been cut out and a piece of mesh to fit. This will work as an overflow for surface skimming.
 
Here is the overflow with the mesh glued with black silicone. Sand has been poured on the silicone to give it a more natural look.
Here is the overflow with the mesh glued with black silicone. Sand has been poured on the silicone to give it a more natural look.
 
A string of black silicone has been applied to the module, except for the top part.
A string of black silicone has been applied to the module, except for the top part.
 
The module is in place and wood is keeping it under pressure until the silicone has cured.
The module is in place and wood is keeping it under pressure until the silicone has cured.
 
The second piece of the Sierra Rock 1 module will be attached to the bottom, against the background. To ensure that the air from inside the module can escape, and water enter, drill a couple of small holes at the top and bottom.
The second piece of the Sierra Rock 1 module will be attached to the bottom, against the background. To ensure that the air from inside the module can escape, and water enter, drill a couple of small holes at the top and bottom.
 
The bottom piece is being glued in place.
The bottom piece is being glued in place.
 
The intake and outtake hoses have been fitted, and there is enough room to fit the heater as well. The heater has been placed so that incoming water from both the lower intake and the overflow will flow over it. Even though not pictured, the filter intake runs all the way to the bottom of the module.
The intake and outtake hoses have been fitted, and there is enough room to fit the heater as well. The heater has been placed so that incoming water from both the lower intake and the overflow will flow over it. Even though not pictured, the filter intake runs all the way to the bottom of the module.
 
Here is another picture that shows the filter outtake.
Here is another picture that shows the filter outtake.
 
Here is the final result. Now it is wise to vacuum any dust that has been building up inside the tank during installation. Once clean it can be moved in place and filled up with water.
Here is the final result. Now it is wise to vacuum any dust that has been building up inside the tank during installation. Once clean it can be moved in place and filled up with water.
 

Here are a few pictures of the final result with the tank filled with water. Additional rocks have been added along with a piece of wood and couple of plants. To view larger samples please click on the images.

AquaTerra slimline mesa rockwall AquaTerra slimline mesa rockwall AquaTerra slimline mesa rockwall AquaTerra slimline mesa rockwall