euromomtx
New member
not the whole stand but here's what I got:
I've considered covering up the top portion of the box but been too lazy to actually do it...
My Shadowbox Background Project
- Thread starter euromomtx
- Start date
not the whole stand but here's what I got:
I've considered covering up the top portion of the box but been too lazy to actually do it...
grizwalt333
New member
Love the look truly a innovative and new idea.
PS YOu bring a whole new meaning to Deep Sand Bed.
C.
PS YOu bring a whole new meaning to Deep Sand Bed.
C.
euromomtx
New member
LOL
I know the amount of sand was shocking to me as well!
It's my first tank over 200g and it sort of hurt to fill a quarter of it with sand.
Here's why I decided to do that though (just so you all don't think I'm crazy):
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-03/hcs3/index.php
hamiltonguy looking forward to your pics!
I know the amount of sand was shocking to me as well!
It's my first tank over 200g and it sort of hurt to fill a quarter of it with sand.
Here's why I decided to do that though (just so you all don't think I'm crazy):
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-03/hcs3/index.php
I like for my critters to be happy so if jawfish need 6" of substrate they'll get it in this tank.
hamiltonguy looking forward to your pics!
dainiusiva
New member
this looks really great.thumbs up for you
volitan_fa
New member
This is an awesome read. I've bookmarked this thread for when I put in my 125 in-wall 
camaroracer214
New member
the shadowbox looks awesome. the only issue i see is the added maintenance from having to scrape the entire back pane of glass. but i love the look!
euromomtx
New member
It sounds like if it was printed on a sheet it would be more 2-dimensional.
If you are looking for an easy way to get something to light from behind there are self adhesive colored, transparent vinyl/polyester rolls available.
I think people usually use it for their bathroom windows, etc like this:
http://www.snaptint.com/product.php?productid=16205
daveonbass
New member
hey euro: pm me if you want, but I was wondering where in texas you were? I paint for a living and love doing water scapes in my free time. I wish I had seen this sooner. Either way if you want another back panel to have that rippled effect I think I can help you out.
I remember that original tank and the guys website dedicated to how he did it...all with acrylic. It's something I'm definitely doing on my new 110g.
but pm me if you want.
I remember that original tank and the guys website dedicated to how he did it...all with acrylic. It's something I'm definitely doing on my new 110g.
but pm me if you want.
uncleof6
Active member
The article that euromom referred to I believe is titled "Reef Aquarium Lighting: A Look At Backgrounds: To Paint Or Not To Paint." However, even a search by title, does not bring up the article, only references to it in numerous forums. Direct links to the article are dead. The underlying theme of the article was that light is not always doing what you perceive it is doing. The "meat" of the article, was by painting the back of the tank, the reflectivity of the glass is reduced, thus reducing the amount of light in the tank.
Jim
Jim
euromomtx
New member
Jim, yes that's the one. It was published int TFH and I even contacted them to purchase it and never heard back from them.
Either way it convinced me to skip painting the back glass and even live with a slight reflection on the back glass.
Dave I'll PM you but when you start your project it would be wonderful if you could post a little info and picture here too.
I think it will be so awesome to see the different approaches everybody is going to take with this
Either way it convinced me to skip painting the back glass and even live with a slight reflection on the back glass.
Dave I'll PM you but when you start your project it would be wonderful if you could post a little info and picture here too.
I think it will be so awesome to see the different approaches everybody is going to take with this
uncleof6
Active member
Jim, yes that's the one. It was published int TFH and I even contacted them to purchase it and never heard back from them.
Either way it convinced me to skip painting the back glass and even live with a slight reflection on the back glass.
Dave I'll PM you but when you start your project it would be wonderful if you could post a little info and picture here too.
I think it will be so awesome to see the different approaches everybody is going to take with this
Well whether it convinces one to not paint a tank back or to do so, the physics support his arguments, and is something for all to think about. I think considering the illusion we are trying to create, that the shadow box is a good solution, even thought the lighting is a bit tricky.
Jim
daveonbass
New member
sorry I'm late to the game here. But has anyone addressed the issue of stressing the fish with such a setup? If the fish is scared and wants to flee away from the front...AND the back looks like it keeps going...then couldn't the fish repeatedly ram into it? That's my only concern.
euromomtx
New member
I don't really know enough about how fish see their environment. Maybe TCT would know (he studies fish)?
My guess would be though that it most likely would not fool them into thinking it's real. Not sure on that one.
My set up is so chilled out though I usually have them begging at the front glass instead of hiding in the back. Most of my fish have been with me for many years. I don't keep any bigger/scarier fish like tangs so with just a little community of Anthias, PJ Cardinals, Ocellaris and Mandarins I haven't really had much of a chance to observe how they act when they are really scared.
If they want to hide they tend to just dive into the rock work. I try to provide lots of tunnels and caves for my little fish there.
The tank appears cycled now and I will move the first group (probably the PJs) over in the near future. I'll update then to let you know what they think of it!:thumbsup:
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