Thanks
In all honesty there is not much with the tank that I would change.
-Maybe make it a little bigger.
As always bigger is better, same for the sump. But am very happy with the tank and filter seems good so far. I dont like a too heavy stocked tank.-I am not sure what yours will look like, but with mine and the built in look, I put the feeding hole (still have to make the flap for it) in the middle. I would now consider putting it towards the right side where the filter return is, and further away from the weir overflow. But it may not look as good if not centred.
-Would of probably made the bottom of the tank lower, but its placement is growing on me, especially how most fish hang out at the bottom. Plus higher equals more room for sump. But it means it is really hard to aquascape.
-I didnt think that much about the plinth much. It had to be cut open to fit the sump and auto top-up in, then closed in again for strength, so the filter and reservoir will have to stay in there. Lets hope for no issues with them. I should of made the opening bigger if possible, as may of compromised strength of the plinth.
-The sump is only an overflow, so it gets no debris from down low, Not that happy with that. I have a brand new FX5 sitting in my garage still in its box. I was going to use it on my 200g and get rid of one of its other filters so it just has two fx5's. I would have to think of a way to putting it on the 650g without it sticking out. Just for mechanical purposes.
-Stocklist! What I wanted changed all the time. WIth the black quartz, I reckon a heap of frontosa's would of been awesome. But still happy with my guys.
What I wouldnt change
-The room behind the tank, although not the biggest is soooo useful. The room leads to a concreted undercover area just for the tank equipment (buckets, hoses, drains etc).
-I thought the lighting was overkill when setting it up, but found it really good. 5x twin t5 day lights, 1 set for night, on timers. It is deep so need strong lighting, also the single set of night lights light the tank up well enough to see the fish at night but also bring out the nocturnal guys.
-The shape of the tank is something you just have to see in person, gives the tank a lot of character. This as well as the placement in the house make it a real feature.
-Definitely go for a premium gravel, like a quartz or something. Where I got the black quartz from, they had a jade (green) and gold quartz.
Hope any of that helps. Have fun with your build. I spent a lot more dollars then I initially anticipated (and my gf anticipated) but we both wanted to have it done right and not skimp out on anything. I feel it was def worth it, and so does she.....(thank god)
