My 400g build from the groud up. HAVE I LOST MY MIND?!?!
- Thread starter TheBigB
- Start date
I appreciate that. Its been a learning experience for sure. I have knowledge of building things and did tons of research before I started, but there have been a lot of surprises along the way. The good thing is I have most of the kinks worked out and if/when I ever build another one it will be that much better. Experience comes from doing. You can read all you want and have a perfect plan on paper, but until you put those ideas to a real world application its all just theory.
Thank you. Im proud. Ill be much prouder when I can show the video of fish in it!
Heres another quick update. I havent done too much, just been piddling around while I wait for the tank to cycle. Its taking much longer to cycle than I expected. The tank has been up and running now for almost 3 weeks and it still isnt ready for fish. I have seeded the filter multiple times using media and by sqeezing filter floss goop but still not ready. I am dosing ammonia and its gone within a day or less and Im getting nitrite readings but its been holding the same nitirite readings for at least a week.
Anyways on to the progress.
I bought some plants at hobby lobby and made a few that will rest on the bottom. I took a spray paint lid and filled it with silicone, rocks, and sand, then cut off the end of the plant and siliconed it in the middle. This way the base will not be seen in the tank and it will weigh it down.
I also built a top for the 55 gallon where the water enters the filter socks. I used a dremel to cut the holes out for the pipes. Its alittle ghetto but noone will be able to see this after I build the doors for the stand.
Here are a few tank shots. Its very dark for a few reasons. 1. The driftwood is still leaking tannins after months of soaking. 2. Right now I only have one 4' shop light over the tank. I am still trying to make up my mind on lighting. 3. Im not sure if it happened while building or what but there is a film on the outside of the glass that I can't seem to clear up. Im not sure what to use but I need to figure this out soon. Any advice?
Here is a couple shots of some of the future inhabitants. They are getting big and out growing the 135. The Texas is about 7-8" and the Jag is pushing 10"
Anyways on to the progress.
I bought some plants at hobby lobby and made a few that will rest on the bottom. I took a spray paint lid and filled it with silicone, rocks, and sand, then cut off the end of the plant and siliconed it in the middle. This way the base will not be seen in the tank and it will weigh it down.
I also built a top for the 55 gallon where the water enters the filter socks. I used a dremel to cut the holes out for the pipes. Its alittle ghetto but noone will be able to see this after I build the doors for the stand.
Here are a few tank shots. Its very dark for a few reasons. 1. The driftwood is still leaking tannins after months of soaking. 2. Right now I only have one 4' shop light over the tank. I am still trying to make up my mind on lighting. 3. Im not sure if it happened while building or what but there is a film on the outside of the glass that I can't seem to clear up. Im not sure what to use but I need to figure this out soon. Any advice?
Here is a couple shots of some of the future inhabitants. They are getting big and out growing the 135. The Texas is about 7-8" and the Jag is pushing 10"
Congrats on making it happen! This tank is truly awesome and I'm sure you won't regret any of the adders that put this project over budget. After learning to heat up the pond shield, would you use this product again? I was thinking of using it on a 200 gallon plywood build in the near future along with fiberglass reinforcement. Also kudos on the plumbing!
Thanks buddy. Yeah actually after all the headache I had with the pond sheild, after I learned a few tricks I really like the stuff. If I would have known about heatting it from the beginning I wouldn't have had any of the problems I did. It is really good, but make sure to use gloves cause it can get nasty. My hands were stained black for days after the first coat....haha.
Well Im still plugging away on all the small projects left on the tank. I finished the lights as you can see below. For now I went the cheap route and am just using two 4" t8 shop lights but I hung them in an enclosure to help the direct the light more into the tank and not into the eyes. When I get some more disposable cash I will upgrade but for now I am happy. The tannins in the water are clearing up finally too. I still need to get rid of the stain on the glass but have been too busy with other things to really get everything done that i want to. As soon as I can find the time to build the covers for the top I will move my Arowana in. The fish that are in now are loving the extra space. Everyone is getting along fine, so I have been reluctant to move my Jag in(which right now has a 135 all to him self). I'm still debating on chancing it or just getting rid of him, but it would be hard to part with him. Anyways, here some update pictures on the the light enclosure I built. Sorry for the bad pictures, I need to get a good camera.
Looking awesome man! Great build! Which fish did you move over to the 400g so far? Also how's the lighting working out for the plants?
