Started putting a 125 native together

Well, I finally started my 125 gallon river semi-biotope. This weekend I got the load bearing structure done on the stand, drilled three holes in the back of the tank for a "beananimal" overflow, installed the bulkheads, put the tank on the stand and filled it, and drank a few liquid refreshments. (filled it for an overnight leak test/stand test) By Wednesday I plan on having the river manifold built and installed and by next week I should have the glass I ordered in and installed for the interior "coast to coast" overflow. I will be finishing the stand in red oak furniture grade plywood and red oak trim ( to match existing cabinets ) and, if all goes well should start cycling the tank by mid to end of April. If somebody could tell me how to post pics from an Ipad I would be happy to post...

I have to build a sump and one question I have is this, is a 29 gallon tall a suitable selection for a sump ?

I will also be starting on a 3D background, we'll see how that comes out, LOL !

Another question I have I asked on the substrate forum but didn't get an answer...basically I plan on about an inch of clay based dirt overlayed by an inch to two inches of natural (from the river) gravel, sand, and boulders...Would this make a decent substrate ? I do plan on some native plants, just not a whole lot. I see a lot of refrences to "kitty litter", what is it's purpose and do I need to use it ?

I currently have a large piece of driftwood soaking...any advice on how long to soak ? It is soaking in a rain water tub...

My tenative species list is:
Orange spot sunfish
Blue spot sunfish
Rainbow Darter
Greenside Darter
Banded Darter
Blue Breast Darter (maybe)
Red Fin Shiner
Southern Redbelly Dace
Tadpole matdom (maybe)

Candy Darter (wish list)
Tangerine Darter (wish list)

Any further suggestions ?

The reason I'm calling this tank a "semi-biotope" is with the exception of the Blue Spotted Sunfish, and my two "wish list" fish, all the fish currently exist in Eagle Creek in southern Ohio. Will be making a collecting trip there in late May...should be a blast !

To date costs...
-Tank $125.00
-Wood $85.00
-PVC/Bulkhead $60.00
-Already had all the screws
n such to put the stand
together, so no cost...
-1 3/4 inch diamond hole
saw bit $16.00
-Liquid refreshment $15.00

-Still on the purchase list are two powerheads, a tank pump for the sump filter, lighting ( which I have not yet addressed, design wise), a power strip or box, and the "ingredients" for a decent 3D background...

Thoughts, comments, or recommendations are most welcome !

Thanks,

Rich

Call me dumb but I can't figure out how to post pics, help ?

Thanks for validation on substrate !

Sculpins and all but possibly elegant madtoms are out ! Thanks for tip, don't really want my Lil beasties getting eaten !

Driftwood has been soakin for couple of weeks...starting to loose some buoyancy ...

Spent $40.00 on two powerheads and $13.00 on the styrofoam to start background ...So, $354.00 total so far for set up ...seams reasonable ... Still have to buy main pump and finish wood for stand...

Leak test went great !

Finalizing design for manifold, considering a Change from sponge to ceramic rings...primarily to get a better flow asthe sponge really suck power from the powerheads ! Wanted much more flow and may get one of those koralis pump things to augment the manifold...we shall see...

Thanks,

Rich

Yeah...........tried that when I initially posted, no go... Must be the ipad

Warmouth, any experience with the Pygmy or Elegant madtoms and darters ? If so, any problems ? The both stay fairly small, right ? 2-3 inches tops ?

Thanks,

Rich