FINISHED!! 125g stand and canopy

[porksnorkel]

as planned, the front opens up w/ no probs. i can't believe this works!!!:clap:

twin AH Supply 96W lights,in the 10,000k , on a single ballast. the suckers are awesome and easy to hook up.

dual maintenance doors for HOB activities.

hidey ho! EMP 400!

light ballast and fan. fan is pulling air from inside, helping out natural convection. probably hide these from the front view w/ some trim, when i get a chance.

added a cheapo flourescent, underneath. 10g QT tank also.

FX5 in action.

 

[roka64]

AWESOME!!! I like the dual maintenance doors for HOB activities. I also like the FX5. That filter is great. I would say, if you have the room (and it looks like you do) put the filter on a little stand, so you can drain it before you have to move it. Or....build a "rolling shelf" under it so you can pull it out and drain some water before you open it and clean it...if that makes sense.

 

[Zagz]

Stand looks great. Very functional. I have an FX5 and can attest to the fact that being able to drain it is a bonus. The filter weighs a ton when full.

 

[porksnorkel]

ty for the compliments guys! hadn't thought of draining the fx5, so i will definetely put that on my "to do" list. it's only been running for 2 days. i thought it was junk at first because it wasn't pumping squat, and couldn't purge air. turns out, the sponge prefilter i put in the strainer, was keeping it from working properly. i pulled the sponge out and it's working great. mine is filled w/ seachem biomatrix. this is the quietest filter i've ever been around. i have to put my hand on it to tellif it's working or not!

 

[ccCapt]

Very nice job. Look great!

 

[roka64]

Yeah, I pull out the foam in all my filters before I even start them.

 

[porksnorkel]

ty CCC.

 

[pitt420dude]

WOw, great looking setup. It looks like you've got all the hardware and infrastructure in place for years of low maintenance happy fish keeping. Well done!

 

[porksnorkel]

ty 420!

 

[hpt84]

Wow, that is amazing. I especially love the opening for the hob.

 

[Ziggy953]

Very nicely done!

 

[Creamhorses]

Hey, that's not a stand, it's a custom cabinet and hood.

Well done!

Dave

 

[mom2reds]

Very nice set up you did an amazing job

 

[porksnorkel]

thank you very much guys. glad u like.

 

[marchmaxima]

I'm impressed! Don't suppose the next time you're over my way you can build one for me?

 

[porksnorkel]

i'd love to, when i get out that way,lol!

i've actually been semi contracted to build a stand and canopy for a neighbor, in exchange for a 180g acylic tank and stand!!!

 

[porksnorkel]

just a minor update. i had noticed on the second day after installing the canopy that the right side was sagging a bit.

i was going to go and try and fully or partially suspend it from the rear of the stand, but then decided on the quick fix. a small wood shim.

seems to be working so far. i'll keep my fingers crossed.
also got my filters set up how i wanted, trimmed the glass cover plastic stuff to fit the filters and tagged and routed all the cords. timers are in the mail, as well as bulbs for the other canopy fixture.:yes:

 

[Karegg]

Totally awesome.

 

[CatatonicBug]

I have the FX5 as well, but have no problem with the weight. I use the third aquastop valve and a section of left-over ribbed hosing to pump a little water out the top before opening it, but only so it doesn't dump all over me. It's only about 6 gallons, and that's not horribly heavy to move around, especially with the soft handles. It is nice and quiet though, considering the size and GPH. It just gets a little loud if it sucks up air from the bubbler.

 

[pitt420dude]

That cannister looks awesome! So how many filters do you have total? You've got the FX5, and one or two emperors?

I'm really envious porksnorkle b/c you've you done everything so smart and efficient.

I sort of just inherited a tank and then had to mold everything to suit my needs (planted); but you, right from the get-go, set yourself up with everything you need in a high quality and easy to maintain system. Your lights, filtration, and tank and stand all look top-notch and worry-free.

I emphasize "right from the get go" because it's obvious you know what you're doing from the beginning. You didn't mess around and try to cut corners and set up a high quality system from the start, instead of having to improve it peicemeal, and this is definitely the way to go. You've got to be so excited to get it stocked and planted, heck I'm excited for you!