Pros and Cons of a 3D Background in an African Cichlid Aquarium

3D Background in depth

[@UniversalRocks]

Thanks for the honest review Adam. We love hearing what the community has to say, it helps define future products :)

[@adamc7918]

Universal Rocks thank you for watching! I've actually ordered another since this one that I've shown and spoken about as well

[@saw06c]

Universal Rocks I just purchased a 125 gallon (6ft long) can I add the background later on as an upgrade or do I have to do it before I set up ... I need some time to save the $$$

[@adamc7918]

You can always add it in later of your cross braces at the top give you enough room to roll the background up and drop it in

[@bmoreyella]

Got your Kiama. Just the best thing ever. I mean beautiful and easy installation. Thanks universal rocks.

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

Great video. with my experience I would add the following cons: - I switched to an all black, exterior background (from the unviersal rock background), and my fish's colors improved so much I could not believe they were the same fish. The universal rock background completes with the fish's colors for sure and washes them out. - I had a problem with a dead fish, and detritus collecting behind the background, not a healthy situation for water quality. - I found the background very cumbersome for hiding filter tubes, heaters, etc. I went to an overflow system to my sump and there are not tubes at all showing. All in all, if you are really into the "rocky biotype look", the universal background are very expensive but you may be pleased. If you are into maximizing the colors of your fish, tank sanitation, room and ease of maintenance I would recommend against.

[@twasbrillig33]

LOVE the name and icon HalfMan HalfCichlid

[@rikdownunda]

Makes perfect sense everything you said. Thank you. It is very impressive. Looks great . Good to know what you're in for.

[@adamc7918]

Thank you

[@KGcichlids]

Great pros and cons review on 3D backgrounds!

[@adamc7918]

+KG cichlids thank you KG

[@SureshBopitiya]

Great video. I had an aquarium with a background. It took up a heap of space in the tank, plus my fish found a way to get behind it and ended up only coming out when the light was off!! Love how you have Clown Loaches with your Africans. I've done the same with my tank.

[@adamc7918]

Thanks for watching

[@CoreyHecker]

Great info! Fish are looking amazing!

[@adamc7918]

thanks corey

[@vbnautical5041]

Great information and well communicated. Your tank is amazing. I have a 125 and thought about getting a background for awhile but I decided not to. I still love the look of them. Yeah, that price is kinda steep but they are works of art for sure.

[@adamc7918]

+VB Nauticool thank you VB, yes the price can certainly be steep

[@OgDj2024]

Good information, good video and your tank looks amazing! 👍🏾

[@adamc7918]

Thank you J

[@johnf3668]

Thanks Adam. I had a "thin" 3D background from UR and at first I really liked it, but then it got algae on it and then i liked it less. Took it out and replaced with simple black. Like it better.

[@adamc7918]

Cool john thanks for watching

[@MalawiPredatorCichlids]

Nice selection of haps!!! great tank

[@adamc7918]

thank you neer

[@bmoreyella]

I got the Kiama from universal rocks. It was a tough purchase initially, but now installed it was worth every freaking penny! Easy installation, flexible and beautiful. I actually called universal rocks and told them how impressed I was with their product. Spend the money, you will not regret it.

[@adamc7918]

Very cool, that's a great looking piece

[@monika7500]

Great tank ...I just recently set up a 125 gallon cichlid tank with the same background .I put a Hob filter behind the wall with a spray bar that sprays the water to the front of the tank .The heater I also put behind it ...The HOB filter filters the water behind the wall and sprays the clean warmed water to the front ...works great that way .

[@adamc7918]

+monika stacy sounds like a great setup thanks for watching monika

[@adamc7918]

+monika stacy sounds like a good plan

[@monika7500]

It works great.The temp of the water in front of the background is the very same as the temp behind the background.And the heater is out of sight...

[@michaelmichaelmichael9312]

I would love something similar but am unable to justify the price at present. Looks brilliant, fish look fantastic!! I'm not usually a fan of African cichlids (I have 2 Oscars ) but yours are perfect. You should be proud. Not too overstocked either

[@adamc7918]

+Michael Mackenzie thank you Michael. I understand about the price. I thought long and hard before ordering one

[@wesleyg4386]

Well done. Very professional.

[@adamc7918]

Wesley G thanks Wesley

[@jenniferm234]

Love that Blue Sapphire you got there!! He is a beauty. I had a 3D background awhile ago, but I kept getting fish caught behind it, so it didn't work to well for me. Especially having the sum overflow box right in the middle. Great video and if I get another background, I am going to make sure I set it up like you have yours!!

[@adamc7918]

thanks jennifer, the sapphire is my oldest fish in their, he's about 4 years old

[@jenniferm234]

+Adam C: He is amazing! I want one for my tank, just have to find someone who has one for sale! Also, I am getting a Venustus pretty soon!

[@adamc7918]

+Jennifer M very cool. I subbed u so I'll keep an eye out for a video of him

[@christianharnisch3936]

Holy shit, 500!? That is straight nuts. Great video though, really enjoy the positives and negatives aspect of the video. Great job 👌

[@adamc7918]

+Christian Harnisch thank you Christian

[@AQUARIUMFREAK123]

if you were to make your own background that was comparable in looks... How much do you think it would cost you in just materials alone ? Now add in your time in labor.... Would you still mock the cost from universal rocks or aqua decor ?

[@christianharnisch3936]

​@@AQUARIUMFREAK1236 years later, and you can still DIY one for under 200 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@electricwater83]

brilliant info I've just bought a 3d background so gives me a few questions to answer ! thanks and I subed you up👍

[@adamc7918]

thanks electric!

[@adamc7918]

subbed u back

[@electricwater83]

Adam C​ thank you 👌

[@serval_fpv]

Good vid man enjoyed it !

[@adamc7918]

thanks for watching

[@chloe800xxx]

Very informational and kept me interested ! :0)

[@adamc7918]

+Chloe X X X thank you Chloe I'm glad you enjoyed

[@tayfunyigit9166]

3d akvaryum and dizayn very nice. This 3d dizayn difirente one video watching very more beautiful

[@adamc7918]

Thanks for watching

[@redjack56]

I love the look of your tank however you hit on the cons that made me say no to the background. I have a 210 gallon because I wanted more space for my fish and I can't imagine loosing any of that space just for looks. I keep African cichlids too and I just have a few large rocks for decoration. For my background I use textiles mounted on thin shower board on the back of my tank. If I get tired of my background or want to change it I just go to my local fabric shop, it's cheap and easy and I think it looks nice. Thanks for sharing your information. :)

[@adamc7918]

+redjack56 thanks for watching redjack. that's the reason I switched backgrounds a while ago to a thinner one. didn't want to lose so much space

[@al5506]

Well done !

[@tednpam3979]

So... I have the same exact background from Universal Rocks. I didn't have to cut mine. It was formed with side or end 'panels' if you will, that goes up against the glass perfectly. Not sure how to really explain that better. From the side is the tank, you can't see behind the piece. It goes all the way back and gifts what's behind. Anyway, there's no way for anything to get on the sides of it or behind. I have a Fluval fx5 but there's no way to put the return on the front side of the formation. I'm at a loss for a solution.

[@tomhughes7133]

real good video

[@adamc7918]

thank you tom

[@_t_e_e_j_a_y_5139]

Awesome tank

[@adamc7918]

+TJ Cleary thanks TJ

[@twofeetunder4025]

amazing video... great info..

[@adamc7918]

thank you cichlid keeper

[@twofeetunder4025]

+Adam C anytime buddy

[@irishrich2291]

great video mate the tank looks lovely 👍, i am new to this game bought fluval 240 and my 3d background came yesterday , one of the things was wondering about was the water behind background , mines is close to being flush with back of tank would say biggest space between background be 2 inches, would drilling a few holes where can't be seen be enough to filter or would i need 1 behind background .cheers

[@adamc7918]

+irish rich hi Irish glad you are getting into the hobby. I now have another tank with a thin background if you want to watch some of my recent videos. it maybe has an inch behind it at most and I don't do anything back there. with 2 inches it wouldn't hurt to probably drill some small holes just to be safe. also a little trick I do is while I'm doing a water change I gently press on the background and it lightly pushes some of the buildup back there out into the tank where I can remove it

[@metledsabbsthica]

Great tank.

[@adamc7918]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@dwsdarius]

Great Video, that background looks awesome with your fish but like you said one of the cons is that price! In summer I might try a DIY 3d background for my AC tank!

[@adamc7918]

Thanks Darius I'd love to see your DIY background

[@Maxmgm212.]

Just make holes on the shaded areas you can’t really see so the background can be functional I did that works greats you can’t see any holes the fishes love it

[@syedkazmi2356]

Hi can you tell me what substrate are you using thanks

[@ashwinmistry9464]

Hi great video I have canyon background and similar space at the back I am worried that some time fish go the back its very difficult do have such experience to Handel this situation? advise Thanks

[@adamc7918]

Ashwin Mistry I've had the problem a couple times I just put some mesh with silicone over possible openings they could squeeze through

[@zhug3nplays809]

What is your light setup

[@adrianwalker6514]

Wow $500!!! And my tanks only 125,so that's gonna cut my tank size down significantly. Thanks for the video, you just changed my mind 😄

[@adamc7918]

Haha thanks for watching

[@TheTradesmanLU2001]

You will need to spend 300 minimum and up to$600 for a 125. I know because I’ve priced them from multiple companies for my 125 (ID is 71 x 22 )

[@GordonBrewer]

Have you thought about installing the fx6 returns behind the wall and cutting holes with screen mesh installed? Any thoughts of the downsides of doing this?

[@adamc7918]

+Gordon Brewer hi Gordon, I think that would probably work as long as you keep debris from building up on the mesh. the reason I didn't do that is because my returns hold the top of the background in place

[@shanimal1589]

Great vid....great fish too! Love the turquoise and yellow one. Can I ask what breed he is?

[@shanimal1589]

Adam C thanks for the quick reply. I'll keep an eye out for a hertae then. I think I can put about 2-3 more juvies in my 75 gallon (currently has 12, all less than 3"). Thanks again!

[@adamc7918]

+Shannon Murray anytime! thanks for stopping by

[@floridafishorry6995]

I like the universal rocks backgrounds more than the aquadecor plus universal rocks is here in the us and easier to deal with but aqua decor has so so much more options its not even funny. I also bought my aquarium from universal rocks

[@adamc7918]

I agree with everything you said

[@KaveManAquatics]

Man I’m torn, was ready to get one but got worried about detritus build up behind background...any experience with that?

[@adamc7918]

Yes some can build up. In backgrounds that stick out like this one I put a uv sterilizer with a small pump behind the background and it kept waste from building up too bad

[@KaveManAquatics]

Adam C great tip, thanks!

[@adamc7918]

@@KaveManAquatics if you go with a thin background you can usually just push against the background before a water change and most built up waste will come out into the water and can be removed during the water change

[@KaveManAquatics]

Adam C Yea that makes sense, only problem is I love the look of the thick one lol Makes the 3D pop more...did you have to empty entire tank to use any silicone, or were the clips sufficient?

[@adamc7918]

@@KaveManAquatics I did not use any silicone. Between the clips and the clips for my canister filters it held in place just fine

[@robertleesilverdollars]

Good Review... I Have The Same Background... Luckily I Live In Dallas So I Didn't Have To Pay Shipment...

[@adamc7918]

I'm in Saint Louis so it wasn't cheap to send up here

[@magdanypena5372]

Where can I order one from?

[@adamc7918]

+magdani Pena this one is from universalrocks.com

[@lamontstevens1053]

good vid.

[@adamc7918]

Thank you Lamont

[@beesnuts]

Gorgeous! Is that a Starry Sapphire I see in there?

[@adamc7918]

+Bethany Lansdell thank you Bethany, yes he's in there

[@FrankieKennethL]

Adam. When it did get more brown than you liked, how did you get it back clean? Did you let the algae get filtered away or cleaned it yourself.

[@adamc7918]

+Frankie Kennneth hi Frankie, when I got tired of it I just cut back my Feeding and limited the light for a few days and it died off. if that doesn't work you can always clean it yourself or add a bristle nose pleco

[@FrankieKennethL]

Adam C thanks for the great info!

[@truettcoleman3719]

Adam C

[@aravalimarbles7495]

Btw i wud b grateful if you plz let me know name of all fish in ur abv video & num of pieces in each TIA

[@AQUARIUMFREAK123]

are HANG ON BACK filters not recommended with these backgrounds... only made to use with canister filters ?

[@adamc7918]

I wouldn't say it has to be canisters, they probably just work a little better because you can put the intake lower in the water column which helps with water circulation depending on tank size. If you use hang on back I'd also add a jet for water circulation

[@tha3immortals]

So what’s the KZbin channel for J?

[@nateavis5686]

I know this video is a few years old. Amazing looking tank 👍. I just ordered a 225 gallon. Did you have the end caps on your background? I was pricing it out on universal rocks. That is an option.

[@adamc7918]

Thank you Nathan. Yes I did have the end caps on it but only on 1 side

[@nateavis5686]

@@adamc7918 Thanks!

[@adamc7918]

Anytime nathan

[@nateavis5686]

@@adamc7918 Always enjoy your videos. One more question if you don't mind. What substrate are you using? I like the mixed color.

[@adamc7918]

Sure. It is called Sahara sand and it is sold by a company called caribbsea

[@adnansayyed548]

Does dirty water and debris get collected behind ?? Also what sand are you using and does it get sucked by the fx6 ??

[@adamc7918]

some debris does if I overfeed. I use Caribbsea Sahara sand

[@adnansayyed548]

Adam C does the sand get sucked by the fx6 ?

[@adamc7918]

no since this is medium grain sand.

[@timothybarrow5716]

use a Intake Filter Sponge, it saves sand getting sucked up.

[@dandan5479]

aquadecor background are the best you can buy

[@adamc7918]

+Dan Dan thanks Dan, I really like them

[@jenniferm234]

quick question Adam, what kind of substrate do you use?

[@adamc7918]

in this tank I have the salt and pepper carribsea sand

[@stateniland]

Hello can you tell me the name of your 2 bubble makers? Where to purchase? thanks Joe

[@adamc7918]

stateniland hi, those are just basic air pumps with an air stone on the end. you can find at any big box pet store

[@shaunperryman392]

What are the yellow and black stripe fish called?

[@adamc7918]

+shaun perryman those are clown loaches

[@ws816]

Why do you not simple prepare the bg in a way the fishes can swim behind it. Sawing some parts away from the bg.

[@adamc7918]

I wanted to keep them out of there to try to limit the waste

[@josebonfim8765]

Como eu consigo comprar

[@KeepingItFishy]

is there another output other than the spray bar on the sunsun? how do I use the sunsuns with the background?

[@adamc7918]

hi Paris, on the sun sun you can either do the spray bar or just let it come out the end of the tube with a plastic attachment if u want. there is plenty of room behind the background for your intakes if u want. you'd just have to cut a couple small holes in the background so water easily flows behind it

[@KeepingItFishy]

Ok thanks, so is one of those plastic attachments at the top of background the SunSun Output ...

[@adamc7918]

+Paris Barksdale yes the sun sun plastic output is at the top of the background in the middle

[@adamc7918]

+Paris Barksdale yes it does

[@adamc7918]

+Paris Barksdale zero silicone

[@josef9592]

Hey bro where did you buy your gray aquarium sand?

[@adamc7918]

Hi stallion. Its called sahara sand and its sold by caribbsea. Can find it on Amazon or some local shops. Just search caribbsea sahara sand. It's a salt and pepper mix

[@frankburns7618]

you rock background looks blue, you think that looks natural ?

[@adamc7918]

+frank burns not particularly, I swapped it out for a different background over a year ago

[@frankburns7618]

yo smokey , do you need a pic of how it should look ?

[@davidwiniger3799]

What are the bubblers?/

[@adamc7918]

those are just simple air stones

[@914crypto7]

How do u get that algae off the back wall??

[@adamc7918]

I leave the lights out for 2 days and don't feed for 2 days and the algae dies off almost immediately

[@gladiatormechs5574]

is this glued to the back of the tank ?.. i just cant agree to gluing it PERMANANTLY to your tank.

[@adamc7918]

No there are clips at the top, and the substrate holds the bottom

[@gladiatormechs5574]

@@adamc7918 When the brown algee starts making it UN-FLATTERING... How do you clean it best... do you just take it out of the tank and scrub it in the bath tub... Would that be the best way ?

[@adamc7918]

No I just leave the lights off for about 4 days and cut back on feeding a bit, with the lack of light and less nutrients in the water it dies off quickly

[@patriciakloeppel9863]

Thanks for the honesty and tips What is J Wilsons web site and youtube page again?

[@adamc7918]

He is no longer affiliated with them I believe

[@gladiatormechs5574]

is STAGNATED WATER dangerous to the fish, or it is only an eye sore to look at... I am making a 3D background that will trap alot of water and i need to know this.

[@adamc7918]

Yes it can be. If you have a large area of stagnated water put a jet in it

[@gladiatormechs5574]

could it work with an air stone bubblier as its circulation ?.. Background does capture gallons of water@@adamc7918

[@adamc7918]

Probably so but you'd need to clean any detritus on the bottom

[@DGA2000]

It's beautiful but for 500 bucks I could get a whole new tank and setup...

[@adamc7918]

+DGA2000 that is very true

[@kabirthepunjabi]

@@adamc7918 still worth it

[@adamc7918]

Expensive no doubt. Depends on how much you are comfortable spending

[@augustineconnor1784]

pro tip : you can watch movies at flixzone. Been using them for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@Oh6Torch]

Damn. It’s really nice but too rich for my blood. Thank you for your honesty. Subbed!

[@adamc7918]

Thank you for the support Gerardo. Yes, definitely not a cheap thing to do

[@chefl6681]

I saved 500 bucks because I build my own that’s a pro to me 😊

[@adamc7918]

Well done, money saved

[@biggspoon68]

Do your background have the end cap?

[@adamc7918]

Yes it does

[@biggspoon68]

Adam C and also what bubbler is that? It’s really dope

[@adamc7918]

@@biggspoon68 the main battery backup bubblers I use are called Hurricane 5 made by deep blue

[@biggspoon68]

Adam C thanks man. And one more question. When you got your rock, did it come in pieces or one solid piece?

[@adamc7918]

@@biggspoon68 this specific model is 1 piece. It's a fairly thin material so I rolled it up and tied it with a belt. Then I dropped it into the aquarium and unleashed the belt and the background opened up nicely

[@Tanganyikancichlids]

Stunning tank and haps, but as much as I love clown Loach, they don't belong in this setup.

[@adamc7918]

+Alan Martin thank you Alan I appreciate you watching

[@TheTitanborn]

Maybe you have an issue of that specific product in your specific aquarium. There are a lot of people who love their backgrounds and have none of these issues.

[@pauls.981]

I'll probably just paint the glass black.

[@adamc7918]

I like that also

[@cutefish7317]

I had a 3D background years ago, it looked great the first month. Three months later it was covered with ugly black hair algae everywhere. It was impossible to remove the algae. The 3D background occupied a lot of space in the tank. 4 months later I trashed the background. I will never buy another 3D background again. You are better off with a printed background you tape behind your tank.

[@adamc7918]

+Cute fish thanks for the comment. I have never had that problem in the years I've had backgrounds but I know now and then some people do

[@cwang6951]

You have an algae problem, not a background problem.

[@pitdawg6418]

$431.00 Plus shipping for a 72" inch long back ground.... GTFOH with that shit!

[@Xavier_915]

Thanks for the great info! I'm thinking about getting one... I subbed up... stop by my channel and let me know what you think and on the way out subscribe if you'd like... thanks!

[@adamc7918]

thanks for watching Sergio. I subbed u back, looking forward to checking out more of your videos!

[@Xavier_915]

Adam C Thanks! Likewise! Tank on brother!

[@BrunetXXX]

hehehehehehee Botia in malawi?!?!?!?!?! heh a nice JOKE!

[@adamc7918]

BrunetXXX thank you for watching

[@henryadriel001]

Way too thick

[@adamc7918]

+H-A-M yeah it's not for everybody

[@strider5119]

according to who? The aquarium background police? It can be as thick or thin as you want it to be. As long as the swim space left is enough for the fish, that's all that matters.

[@adamc7918]

I see what u did there