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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: dan2x38 on March 15, 2008, 01:15:00 PM

Title: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: dan2x38 on March 15, 2008, 01:15:00 PM
I used vaseline to attach my background for my large tank. I am not happy with it. How can I clean the Vaseline off the back glass & background?

Anyone know where I could buy a tree branch/plant style Amazon background?

Thanks for any tips this has been bugging the HECK out of me for months now!  >:( I do not want to make one either.
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: BigDaddy on March 15, 2008, 03:05:31 PM
Getting it off involves just a lot of very hot water and some elbow grease.
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: Vizerdrix on March 15, 2008, 03:16:16 PM
For the bulk of it Dan, try placing it on a flat surface and running a plastic ruler over it.  Acts like a squeegee.
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: dan2x38 on March 15, 2008, 06:25:19 PM
OK then no tricks there...  :( Now what do I do?  :'( Anyone know where to get an Amazon background? OR how to attach my present background so it looks nice?
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: KLKelly on March 15, 2008, 10:26:57 PM
Not amazon but I've seen people use bamboo blinds for a background and I think they look really neat.
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: audioslave_36 on March 16, 2008, 01:24:12 PM
I used windex and paper towel and had no problems at all.
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: Nerine on March 17, 2008, 12:29:47 PM
liquid dawn, grease cutting...paper towel, no problems :)

Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: redeemer on March 17, 2008, 12:34:50 PM
or baby oil for the freaks out there lol worked for me
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: dan2x38 on March 17, 2008, 05:18:29 PM
will try the Dawn the Windex worries me a bit... damn hard to reach...  :(
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: Jeff1192 on March 17, 2008, 05:53:00 PM
Let us know how it works. I have been debating doing this as well. I tried the Vaseline technique with a plain blue background and I thought I had all the spots worked out. Once I filled the tank with water you could see all sorts of spots that I had missed and with the blue they show up black. I've been considering switching it to a black background but wasn't sure how hard it would be to get rid of the vaseline.

Jeff
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: dan2x38 on March 18, 2008, 12:10:36 AM
Yeah I did the blue side but it looked nasty with all the black bubbles... :( Turned it around it is not as visible but still crappy looking to me.  >:( I have to clean both sides of the background and the glass.

Now wishing I'd painted it. Might even consider the DIY 3D route.

I found a place through E-Bay that sells theme backgrounds. I am waiting for a reply. Maybe some of you would like to creat a group order?
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: RossW on March 18, 2008, 09:23:41 AM
Quote from: dan2x38 on March 18, 2008, 12:10:36 AM
I found a place through E-Bay that sells theme backgrounds. I am waiting for a reply. Maybe some of you would like to creat a group order?

Do you have any links or pics?
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: dan2x38 on March 18, 2008, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: RossW on March 18, 2008, 09:23:41 AM
Do you have any links or pics?


Click the link to the vender for Aquarium Backgrounds (http://stores.ebay.com/Club-Reef-Aquarium_Aquarium-Decor_Aquarium-Backgrounds_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ3570728QQftidZ2QQlnsZ1QQtZkm). Maybe some of us can do a group order. If there is any interest I can post in Group Orders?
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: Jeff1192 on March 27, 2008, 08:34:07 PM
So I was fed up with the bubbles that I was unable to get rid of with my blue background and decided tonight was a good night to fix it. My son fell asleep early and everyone else is out. So I put on the Sens game and got to work. I got the bulk of the vaseline off the tank and background carefully scraping with the metal scraper I use for algae on the glass. Then some hot water and dish soap took care of the rest. It was harder getting it off the background than the glass but I eventually got most of it. I turned it around and now have the black background. Man, I wish I had done this from day one. It looks sooooooooo much better than the blue.

Just thought I would post this in case anyone else is considering it and is worried it is too big a job. Everything was said and done by the first intermission of the game.

Now if only I could get my Sens playing properly again all would be good in life!   :)

Jeff
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: dan2x38 on March 27, 2008, 10:21:46 PM
Jeff what did you attach the black background with?
Title: Re: Cleaning Tank Background.
Post by: Jeff1192 on March 27, 2008, 10:36:30 PM
It's just held in place with tape right now. Trying to see if I can come up with something better. But it certainly looks waaaaaaay better.

Jeff