HaleMoana's 75 Gallon Mbuna Build

HaleMoana

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 27, 2009
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Well, everyone has been real helpful, so I thought I would start a thread of my own build to share. I have been a saltwater reef guy and haven't had a freshwater tank in about 12 years. And I know a lot has changed, so I will need to lean on you guys for some help!! :D
(and, no!!!! I did not break down my reef! I still have that running too :D )
I'll be using an old reef tank for my Mbuna build. Some pics are below. You can see a ton of coraline algae in the tank that I had to work off. I cleaned it as best I could, but there is still some there. I'll give it a few more cleanings, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get it all.

I had an old oak stand which I sanded and painted black to match my room decore. I also polyurethaned the inside to help with any water damage/splashing/clean-up!!


BEFORE (don't mind the messy garage :D )








AFTER






I'll be using Eco-Complete African Cichlid substrate. I am also considering a DIY 3D rock background with styrofoam and quickrete, but haven't made that decision final yet.

I have an Amiracle SR200B sump which is rated for 125 gallons. I've got some scrubbies on the way from Zenzzo (SWEET!!!) and I also have a Rena XP3, so I should have more than enough filtration!!!
 

LowCel

Piranha
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Oct 10, 2006
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Very nice, I'm looking forward to watching this come together. Did you just use vinegar to clean the overflow or was it a little more difficult than that?
 

LowCel

Piranha
MFK Member
Oct 10, 2006
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Charleston, WV
Are you planning on painting the wood trim on the tank? It's not a big deal but might look a little nicer if it matches the stand.
 

HaleMoana

Feeder Fish
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Feb 27, 2009
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LowCel;2996769; said:
Are you planning on painting the wood trim on the tank? It's not a big deal but might look a little nicer if it matches the stand.
Yup, I'll be painting the trim black too. Probably just the bottom trim. I have a canopy that will be covering the top trim, so that shouldn't matter.
 

HaleMoana

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 27, 2009
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Philly Burbs
LowCel;2996708; said:
Very nice, I'm looking forward to watching this come together. Did you just use vinegar to clean the overflow or was it a little more difficult than that?
I actually used a diluted mixture of muriatic acid and water to wash the coraline. It took a lot of elbow grease and scrubbing, but I was able to get most of it off. I also used a razor blade where I could. But I didn't want to scrape up the overflow, so I was careful with it. Then I rinsed the heck out of it several times to make sure I got it all out.

Muriatic acid is reef safe, so I know it's freshwater safe too. I wash all my pumps in a diluted muriatic acid mix. It's actually cheaper than vinegar in the long run cause you dilute it to apx 1:10 (acid:water) mix. You can pick it up in any Home Depot gardening section for like 9 bucks.

Be careful with it though. Make sure that you add the acid to the water... and not the other way around. I also wear pvc gloves. If you have an open cut, it will burn.
 

JakeH

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Mar 17, 2009
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I like the DIY rock background idea, but will quikrete be too heavy? Seems like it would stress the glass/stand having all that extra weight in the back...
 

HaleMoana

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 27, 2009
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Philly Burbs
Adam-011;2998060; said:
looks nice
...they can displace alot of water tho...

That is definitely a concern
 

HaleMoana

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 27, 2009
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Philly Burbs
Well, I just stumbled on a local guy that is getting rid of his 90 gallon reef ready tank. $50... great price.

But, I just spent all that time yesterday scraping and scrubbing out this 75. Is the extra 15 gallons really worth all that extra work? I will have to do the same thing to this 90 cause he just broke it down and it's still dirty with coraline in it. :irked:

Most mbuna hang by the bottom half of the tank anyway, right?!?!?! So, is a 6 inch higher tank really worth it? I'm torn!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?!?!?!??!?! :confused:
 
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