First Setup plan

[Redoog]

Oh it will probably work out better anyway. I know that ppl use stabil and add fish right away. I added the big gourami, he is my test fish. ph is about same as established tank, high ph is highest level, but it is almost there from the tap. Interesting info, the established tank high ph is much lower then my tap water.

I have to go get some sand for the waterfall, maybe walmart has some.

I also am going to have to drill a hole in the top of the tank, and bring the waterfal stack up some. It is really moving water, to the point the water level in the sand tube is higher then tank level. Water is travelling all the way to the top of the pipe, and gurgling. My idea is too drill a hole right above it, then extend the pipe, if needed out of the tank, so just air escapes. I should have put 2 elbows on it, but didnt think about it.

 

[Redoog]

yea, i am planning on a few easy beginner plants as well. I do not know much about them, i am thinking some java moss in a few places, on the rocks and stumps. And i think some kind of grass looking plants that wont take over the whole tank, to add some realizim to the look. other then that i dont think i want any more decor, i like the look.

 

[kallmond]

this is really a top notch setup. You've done an amazing job.

You can often find fish for free. If you have a relationship with your LFS, mine will often give me fish that are sick. About 20% of the time putting them in a quarantine tank with super clean water (and daily WC's) brings them back to health. I seldom use any meds. and if they die, I tried my best and they were free.

Secondly, Lots of times people either want to get out of the hobby and/or their fish have outgrown their ability to house them, and they're willing to get rid of fish super cheap or free.

If you have an interest in native fish, you can always take a pole down to the local fishin' hole. I had a large mouth bass in a 55g in college until he outgrew my tank. (Then I took him back to the lake I got him from)

That fish (I always called him steve) was SO much fun to watch.

Or, maybe you'll have the worlds most pampered carnival goldfish.

 

[Redoog]

Thank you, I am very pleased with it !

Can not wait to get a hood so it has some decent lighting.

I have to work on the outlet wiring today. I put in of lighted light switches. For some reason the light only works if something is pluged in, AND they have residual voltage, even when they are off. That is wierd, got to find the directions and see if i have em wired wrong.

 

[Redoog]

performance note.

I cannot figure out why, or if it just an illusion, but the left overflow works better then the right. The right one is the one i raised up about midtank, the left one is all the way to the bottom, other then that they are built the same.

Also, unless i was going to use a much bigger pump, you could get away with smaller overflow pipes maybe even 3/4 all the way around.

the 1 1/4 i used are almost closed off, which does leave me plenty of room for draining or upgrading.

also i would use a more controlable valve. I dont know if there is one out there, but i seem to remember seeing a valve with a door type closure, that looked like it would be adjustable. the problem with ball valves, is that you cannot get them to move just a tiny amount, they stick and break loose and move a bunch. i even tried useing a wrench for leverage, and tap to get the litle movement i wanted, with no luck

 

[Redoog]

system seems to be working great. Still think i need a little more pump then the mag 9.5. And if anyone trys this, use GATE VALVES !! I am waiting on a second one to arrive. They are a must, to control the flow properly.

 

[Redoog]

 

[tcarswell]

looks awesome man. You did an excellent job. Sorry to hear about the tax problems but as you stated thats life. You could do a fishless cycle while you wait

 

[Redoog]

i have the hood done, just needs stain. I put 400 white leds, 100 blue leds, and 100 multi colored leds in it. I painted the iside with a coat of gloss white i had lying around, and while it was wet, i slapped some aluminum foil on it in 6 places. figure that wil help reflect some more light.

I have 2 1 1/4 gate valves, will replace the ball vales soon, so i can regulate the return flow.

It is pretty quite. Not enough up flo in the rugf, i dont think. I was stirring the gravel up trying to get it to fill in some places, and it has some sediment in it. A little better pump will help that out.

my sand fall underwater waterfall works ok. Takes to much air. I bought the biggest airpump they had, i knew i wanted the next size up, but they were out, so i stteled. anouther thing that will get upgraded.

shoukd have some good pics this weekend. and more info.

 

[Redoog]

i dont like multi lights, so they will be replaced wuth anouther 100 mwhites, 100 blues is good