Batt4Christ
Aquarium Advice FINatic
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2011
- Messages
- 634
Well, some know that we had been hoping to upgrade to a larger tank from our 29g tank. Budgetary reality, and several deals that fell through left us with nothing.
Then along comes a Craigslist ad last week- for a 55g tank that the owner had for their fat-tail gecko. The tank just wouldn't fit in their repaired home (tornado damage from last Spring). Just the tank for $25. So off I go.
Then, still with a seriously limited budget, I struggled with stand plans. I put together some doable plans for a wooden stand, but after pricing lumber and figuring out I would have to do the stand in phases (frame and top first, then try to skin it after it is up and running), I decided to pick up a "Manhattan" metal stand from Petco (match their online price + a $7 customer loyalty coupon). Easy assembly and it's up.
In the meantime, the daughters and I cleaned the tank up, dried it, then filled it (OUTSIDE!) to leak test. After all appeared to be well (is it a stress test to fill up an old tank in the direct sun with the outside temp of 106?), I drained it and dried it back out again. I masked it off and flat blacked the back glass. After paint dried, we toted it in and put it on the stand. So far-so good. Pic is included.
Next step- order lights, add pfs (I think I have enough left over from doing the 29g- probably have close to 70lbs). Have some cool large rocks yet to boil, along with a collected piece of driftwood.
Plan to use the Emperor 400 that is currently on the 29, tank should be practically instant-cycled.
Will continue to run the HOT Magnum on the 29g, but will run it all the time instead of on a part-time, timered cycle.
The 29g is I desperate need to major plant trimming, but I've been holding off for the new tank. Will get those moved over after the lights come in.
I do have another monkey wrench- the outlet on the wall where the 55 is located isn't working... Trying to get someone I know who is an electrician to take a look.
Then along comes a Craigslist ad last week- for a 55g tank that the owner had for their fat-tail gecko. The tank just wouldn't fit in their repaired home (tornado damage from last Spring). Just the tank for $25. So off I go.
Then, still with a seriously limited budget, I struggled with stand plans. I put together some doable plans for a wooden stand, but after pricing lumber and figuring out I would have to do the stand in phases (frame and top first, then try to skin it after it is up and running), I decided to pick up a "Manhattan" metal stand from Petco (match their online price + a $7 customer loyalty coupon). Easy assembly and it's up.
In the meantime, the daughters and I cleaned the tank up, dried it, then filled it (OUTSIDE!) to leak test. After all appeared to be well (is it a stress test to fill up an old tank in the direct sun with the outside temp of 106?), I drained it and dried it back out again. I masked it off and flat blacked the back glass. After paint dried, we toted it in and put it on the stand. So far-so good. Pic is included.
Next step- order lights, add pfs (I think I have enough left over from doing the 29g- probably have close to 70lbs). Have some cool large rocks yet to boil, along with a collected piece of driftwood.
Plan to use the Emperor 400 that is currently on the 29, tank should be practically instant-cycled.
Will continue to run the HOT Magnum on the 29g, but will run it all the time instead of on a part-time, timered cycle.
The 29g is I desperate need to major plant trimming, but I've been holding off for the new tank. Will get those moved over after the lights come in.
I do have another monkey wrench- the outlet on the wall where the 55 is located isn't working... Trying to get someone I know who is an electrician to take a look.
if the 55g will end up looking like the 29g, go ahead, you have my support 
