Picked up a used 160 gallon a few nights ago and I've decided to set it up as a Mbuna tank. This is going to be a slow build as I have a number of projects to complete to set up this thing.
Equipment List: Current
50 Gallon Sump with Eheim pump 900GPH
Glass top(needs small repair)
36" Marineland LED light
Equipment to buy:
Substrate (approx 150lbs sand)
Rocks
Things to complete
Refinish Stand
Clean aquarium and sump
Fix glass top
Fix overflow from tank and set up sump
Buy substrate, rocks
Cycle and stock
Picture of aquarium just before I picked it up
The chichlids in the picture weren't included with it unfortunately, but that does give me time so set everything up how I want it before stocking.
First big project is to refinish the stand.
I've tore off all the old trim. It was trimmed in 3/4" mdf but this made it very heavy. I'm thinking I'll finish it with either oak or maple and go a bit thinner on the sides and front. There was also a double layer of mdf on the front, I'm guessing somebody couldn't figure out a way to keep the door flush without it. The trim also extended up past the stand to allow for a layer of durofoam insulation. I would prefer not to do this and just set the tank of the stand but I'm not sure about stressing the tank too much. What do you all think?
Once this is completed I'll move on to the next projects.
I'll also take suggestions on substrate types and rock decorations if anyone has them?
Thanks for looking
Equipment List: Current
50 Gallon Sump with Eheim pump 900GPH
Glass top(needs small repair)
36" Marineland LED light
Equipment to buy:
Substrate (approx 150lbs sand)
Rocks
Things to complete
Refinish Stand
Clean aquarium and sump
Fix glass top
Fix overflow from tank and set up sump
Buy substrate, rocks
Cycle and stock
Picture of aquarium just before I picked it up
The chichlids in the picture weren't included with it unfortunately, but that does give me time so set everything up how I want it before stocking.
First big project is to refinish the stand.
I've tore off all the old trim. It was trimmed in 3/4" mdf but this made it very heavy. I'm thinking I'll finish it with either oak or maple and go a bit thinner on the sides and front. There was also a double layer of mdf on the front, I'm guessing somebody couldn't figure out a way to keep the door flush without it. The trim also extended up past the stand to allow for a layer of durofoam insulation. I would prefer not to do this and just set the tank of the stand but I'm not sure about stressing the tank too much. What do you all think?
Once this is completed I'll move on to the next projects.
I'll also take suggestions on substrate types and rock decorations if anyone has them?
Thanks for looking
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