Sparky74
Aquarium Advice Freak
It begins with the epic failure of the 75 gallon(planted for a week):
I scoured craigslist for a tank and found a 90 gal with a stand and canopy plus an HOB and canister filter needing a motor.
First thing(after cleaning tank of course) was to tear apart my Odyssea fixture, which should have been easy, but they stripped one screw on each end during assembly. So I had to go caveman on the fixture...Thankfully it's housed in plastic.
I had some double bright LED's from the 55 so I figured I'd mount them to help out since the tank is quite tall compared to the 55/75. Plus I can simulate(poorly) sunrise/sunset. Not the prettiest job, but it works. I am waiting on delivery of a fan to help keep canopy cool, as I do notice a slight increase in tank temperature when lights are on full blast. Also planning on making the entire inside of the canopy reflective in the future. I'll see how plants do first.
Time to put the substrate/decorations/driftwood in and put on the black background. Originally it was Floramax on the bottom with Flourite black sand on top, but due to the 75 gallon failure it became mixed during tear down and I decided I liked it mixed anyway. The few surviving plants that made it through the tsunami and harsh relocation were yet again relocated....
Now time for the real planting, though I am missing one bunch of giant hairgrass. There are also 3 chilensis plants that I cut back which should come back quickly on the right side. Moved 2 canister filters and 2 HOB's from 55 gallon which was acting as a relief shelter for victims of the 75 gallon disaster. Also filled a large media bag with gravel from 55 for good measure. Introduced the fish to their new home, which hopefully remains a liquid environment for more than a week.
I have an overflow box and may eventually add the 55 gallon as a sump, mainly to make water changes easier and to get all the equipment in the basement....
For the time being, it's nice just to enjoy a "finished" aquarium for a little while.
I scoured craigslist for a tank and found a 90 gal with a stand and canopy plus an HOB and canister filter needing a motor.
First thing(after cleaning tank of course) was to tear apart my Odyssea fixture, which should have been easy, but they stripped one screw on each end during assembly. So I had to go caveman on the fixture...Thankfully it's housed in plastic.
I had some double bright LED's from the 55 so I figured I'd mount them to help out since the tank is quite tall compared to the 55/75. Plus I can simulate(poorly) sunrise/sunset. Not the prettiest job, but it works. I am waiting on delivery of a fan to help keep canopy cool, as I do notice a slight increase in tank temperature when lights are on full blast. Also planning on making the entire inside of the canopy reflective in the future. I'll see how plants do first.
Time to put the substrate/decorations/driftwood in and put on the black background. Originally it was Floramax on the bottom with Flourite black sand on top, but due to the 75 gallon failure it became mixed during tear down and I decided I liked it mixed anyway. The few surviving plants that made it through the tsunami and harsh relocation were yet again relocated....
Now time for the real planting, though I am missing one bunch of giant hairgrass. There are also 3 chilensis plants that I cut back which should come back quickly on the right side. Moved 2 canister filters and 2 HOB's from 55 gallon which was acting as a relief shelter for victims of the 75 gallon disaster. Also filled a large media bag with gravel from 55 for good measure. Introduced the fish to their new home, which hopefully remains a liquid environment for more than a week.
I have an overflow box and may eventually add the 55 gallon as a sump, mainly to make water changes easier and to get all the equipment in the basement....
For the time being, it's nice just to enjoy a "finished" aquarium for a little while.
