Terrace ideas??? - Page 2 - Aquarium Advice

happygirl65 · 02-26-2008, 04:16 PM

That terrace is really neat. I have something similar in my 55 but more as a cave structure than a terrace. I am trying not to use rocks in this one because of the increase in hardness issues. Of course that was the result of my native rocks, slate might be different.

Alshain · 02-26-2008, 05:59 PM

Yes, slate does not effect hardness which is why it is so popular in the aquarium trade. There are many types that will not effect the water but they can be tricky to tell apart.

Depending on the fish, you may WANT to alter the water. This is where Texas Holey Rock and other such rocks help out.

I know you said you were avoiding real rocks but here is a good guide I use a lot if you change your mind.
The Skeptical Aquarist

happygirl65 · 02-26-2008, 06:45 PM

Thank you!

That will come in very handy!

GlitcH · 02-27-2008, 03:59 PM

HappyGirl......I think your cork idea should work fine....but if you decide to build it out of another material, make sure you put extra time into making it solid if you are using a fine substrate like eco or pfs. I found that over time the fine grains do find their way through even the smallest cracks. I ended up tearing out my terraces cuz I just couldn't keep my eco from falling though.

happygirl65 · 02-27-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlitcH

HappyGirl......I think your cork idea should work fine....but if you decide to build it out of another material, make sure you put extra time into making it solid if you are using a fine substrate like eco or pfs. I found that over time the fine grains do find their way through even the smallest cracks. I ended up tearing out my terraces cuz I just couldn't keep my eco from falling though.

Thanks for the info....since I will be using Eco AND pfs

I have decided to go with acrylic. My brother in law has a laser engraver so I have designed the shape I want and we will cut the peices and cement them together to form one wall. I think it will be really cool. I will post pics.

After your suggestions though I think I will make sure they are glued down as well so there is no shifting during maint. etc.

Thanks!

happygirl65 · 03-02-2008, 01:11 AM

Well, I got the acrylic walls made and glued. I don't have the final pic yet as the two pieces are now on the tech bench getting LED lights installed and wired up but here is a link to the page I built to document the set up of my new 90 gal tank.

Welcome to my planted tank page

Alshain · 03-03-2008, 11:37 AM

I like that, I may have to try that after I get my frame fixed.

One suggestion though, If you take another piece of that acrylic and make it twice as high with a smaller radius and place in on the inside of one of the other pieces, then after you added the substrate you will have a cascading "stair step" terrace. The 2 tier terrace effect improves the depth (no pun intended) of the aquascaping immensely.

As for the LED light idea, thats fine but based on the terraces you have, they don't look too tall. Remember the LED's can't go in the water, they have to be under the tank. I had expected you to set the terraces on top of the substate or just bury them slightly. For the LED's to work, the terraces would have to rest on the glass bottom and you would need to account for the 3"+ of substrate in your terrace height. The picture may be an illusion and its bigger than I think, but those pieces don't look tall enough to stretch from the bottom of the tank to stand above the substrate.

As for the LED's, it doesn't need a controller. Just a Power Brick, a Resistor, and the LED's (and wire). The only reason I can think of needing a controller is if he were attempting to use color changing LED's which require different resistances to switch colors.

happygirl65 · 03-07-2008, 04:09 PM

Another layer would have been neat. I didn't think of that. (Filled the tank before I read your suggestion.....

Maybe next time.

We did want the lights to change color but it didn't work out. Just on or off is what we ended up doing.

I am only using them at night for a couple of hours after the main lights go off. They give enough light to see what the fish are doing so it is pretty neat.

I have updated the page with more pics after the initial planting and filling of the tank. I am sure I will rearrange some things over the coming weeks and as things grow and fill in but so far I am pretty happy with it.

theotheragentm · 03-15-2008, 04:55 AM

I think the job was a success. I like it a lot. It inspires me. Now if I could only get rid of the pesky job and do it.

happygirl65 · 03-15-2008, 01:00 PM

Your box of water is awesome! I checked out the page in your link and it is really beautiful. Moving of course kind of makes you have to start all over again

You have a real talent for photography. WOW!

I know what you mean about signing the papers...when we bought our first home, my husband was in Malaysia on business....I had to sign by proxy for him AND me.....UUUUGGGGHHHH! I was there for hours! My hand was cramped ! lol

02-26-2008, 05:59 PM	#12
Alshain Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 807 Images: 4	Yes, slate does not effect hardness which is why it is so popular in the aquarium trade. There are many types that will not effect the water but they can be tricky to tell apart. Depending on the fish, you may WANT to alter the water. This is where Texas Holey Rock and other such rocks help out. I know you said you were avoiding real rocks but here is a good guide I use a lot if you change your mind. The Skeptical Aquarist __________________ Remember to vote For AA! 55 Gallon Planted Tank Last edited by Alshain; 02-26-2008 at 06:07 PM.

02-27-2008, 03:59 PM	#14
GlitcH Aquarium Advice FINatic Community Mentor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: RI Posts: 618 Images: 4	HappyGirl......I think your cork idea should work fine....but if you decide to build it out of another material, make sure you put extra time into making it solid if you are using a fine substrate like eco or pfs. I found that over time the fine grains do find their way through even the smallest cracks. I ended up tearing out my terraces cuz I just couldn't keep my eco from falling though. __________________ 92G Corner Planted Community - 46G Bowfront -90G behind my bar - 20G Planted Shrimp Tank

03-03-2008, 11:37 AM	#17
Alshain Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 807 Images: 4	I like that, I may have to try that after I get my frame fixed. One suggestion though, If you take another piece of that acrylic and make it twice as high with a smaller radius and place in on the inside of one of the other pieces, then after you added the substrate you will have a cascading "stair step" terrace. The 2 tier terrace effect improves the depth (no pun intended) of the aquascaping immensely. As for the LED light idea, thats fine but based on the terraces you have, they don't look too tall. Remember the LED's can't go in the water, they have to be under the tank. I had expected you to set the terraces on top of the substate or just bury them slightly. For the LED's to work, the terraces would have to rest on the glass bottom and you would need to account for the 3"+ of substrate in your terrace height. The picture may be an illusion and its bigger than I think, but those pieces don't look tall enough to stretch from the bottom of the tank to stand above the substrate. As for the LED's, it doesn't need a controller. Just a Power Brick, a Resistor, and the LED's (and wire). The only reason I can think of needing a controller is if he were attempting to use color changing LED's which require different resistances to switch colors. __________________ Remember to vote For AA! 55 Gallon Planted Tank Last edited by Alshain; 03-03-2008 at 12:00 PM.

03-15-2008, 04:55 AM	#19
theotheragentm Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,173	I think the job was a success. I like it a lot. It inspires me. Now if I could only get rid of the pesky job and do it. __________________ Box of Water - My Personal Musing and Photos on Fish Keeping

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02-26-2008, 04:16 PM	#11
happygirl65 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: DeBorgia, MT Posts: 828 Images: 7	That terrace is really neat. I have something similar in my 55 but more as a cave structure than a terrace. I am trying not to use rocks in this one because of the increase in hardness issues. Of course that was the result of my native rocks, slate might be different.

02-26-2008, 06:45 PM	#13
happygirl65 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: DeBorgia, MT Posts: 828 Images: 7	Thank you! That will come in very handy!

03-02-2008, 01:11 AM	#16
happygirl65 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: DeBorgia, MT Posts: 828 Images: 7	Well, I got the acrylic walls made and glued. I don't have the final pic yet as the two pieces are now on the tech bench getting LED lights installed and wired up but here is a link to the page I built to document the set up of my new 90 gal tank. Welcome to my planted tank page

03-07-2008, 04:09 PM	#18
happygirl65 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: DeBorgia, MT Posts: 828 Images: 7	Another layer would have been neat. I didn't think of that. (Filled the tank before I read your suggestion..... Maybe next time. We did want the lights to change color but it didn't work out. Just on or off is what we ended up doing. I am only using them at night for a couple of hours after the main lights go off. They give enough light to see what the fish are doing so it is pretty neat. I have updated the page with more pics after the initial planting and filling of the tank. I am sure I will rearrange some things over the coming weeks and as things grow and fill in but so far I am pretty happy with it.

03-15-2008, 01:00 PM	#20
happygirl65 Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: DeBorgia, MT Posts: 828 Images: 7	Your box of water is awesome! I checked out the page in your link and it is really beautiful. Moving of course kind of makes you have to start all over again You have a real talent for photography. WOW! I know what you mean about signing the papers...when we bought our first home, my husband was in Malaysia on business....I had to sign by proxy for him AND me.....UUUUGGGGHHHH! I was there for hours! My hand was cramped ! lol