View Full Version : My tank (900Lx45Hx32.5W)
Hi all,
As stated in my introduction thread, I bought a nice size tank yesterday and started setting it up.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00146-20101129-1928.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00145-20101129-1739.jpg
Cleaned everything nicely, washed the gravel and pebbles a good couple of times to make sure they're free of any dust.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00147-20101129-1928.jpg
Then used Zooms method of applying the wallpaper (cooking oil and credit card.. WORKED LIKE A BOMB!! :D Thanks Zoom).
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00151-20101129-2047.jpg
From there I added the substrate, heater, cut a hole for the one filter, added the few rocks and piece of wood I had from my small tank and attached the light unit and new light.
Started adding the water, used a nice big glass bowl to avoid disrupting the substrate.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00152-20101129-2142.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00154-20101129-2151.jpg
Once everything was ready, double checked all connectors, etc, and switched everything on, and admired my hard work. Lol!! :D
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00156-20101129-2227.jpg
Left it running for about 10min, then added the chemicals (ammonia and chlorine/chloramine remover and Akwa Bio-Starter Pond and aquarium nitrate and phosphate remover).
Everything seems to be running fine, and this morning before I came to work the water was looking much clearer also.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00159-20101130-0827.jpg
I have one major concern tho, when I added the Bio-Starter.. I used the incorrect dosage.. :(
I by mistake used the marine aquarium dosage.. I should've used around 60ml for my tank, but instead I accidently used around 80ml.. is this a huge problem? Do I now need to drain the water and start over or is this not a major train smash?
Thanks all.. will update as I go along!!
Looking awesome dont think that 20ml difference will be a problem, just to be safe do a small water change the weekend.
Looking awesome dont think that 20ml difference will be a problem, just to be safe do a small water change the weekend.
Whew.. that's a relief.. lol.. will do a small change the weekend. :)
Now the next question is:
What fish to get and what plants?!
I'm really keen on getting Malawis, but I thought I should maybe leave the Malawis for when I can get a nice 1.5mx500x600 tank.
But I also like the idea of a nice large amount of Neons, Black Neons, Lemon tetras, plattys, guppies, mollies, zebra danios and a few angels with one or two plecostomus, and quite a few plants to contrast the colour.
What do you guys think I should go for when the tank is ready?
Looking good. You now only need to wait for it to cycle. In this time do 2 water changes and
you should be Ok.
Be carefull not to use to many chemicals in your tank, wait for nature to do its thing.
Looking good. You now only need to wait for it to cycle. In this time do 2 water changes and
you should be Ok.
Be carefull not to use to many chemicals in your tank, wait for nature to do its thing.
Thanks Vis.
I'll do a change this weekend again and then just add some dechlorinator and and no bio-starter, seeing that I overdosed a bit.
I reckon I'm going to start a new thread to ask about what tipes of fish and plants to go for as well as what rocks/wood, etc as I'm still very clueless as to what I'm going to get. :)
is that heater is enough to heat the whole tank.. otherwise during winter when the temp drops it may not be able to cope and fish will get sick.. also, that filter looks bit small for that tank.. just my crit.. otherwise the tank looks great :)
just to add, from what i read, a biostarter contains bennificial bacteria and other chems to stabalize the water.. im sure adding bit more of this solution would be ok..
plants, try start off with some easy amazon swords and work your way up from there?
my preference for fish would be large school of cardinals, corrys, and marble hatchet fish!! :) if u want u can add some dwarf chiclids too
is that heater is enough to heat the whole tank.. otherwise during winter when the temp drops it may not be able to cope and fish will get sick.. also, that filter looks bit small for that tank.. just my crit.. otherwise the tank looks great :)
just to add, from what i read, a biostarter contains bennificial bacteria and other chems to stabalize the water.. im sure adding bit more of this solution would be ok..
plants, try start off with some easy amazon swords and work your way up from there?
my preference for fish would be large school of cardinals, corrys, and marble hatchet fish!! :) if u want u can add some dwarf chiclids too
Thanks for the comments shirh.. the filter I've got is very small, but I'm running 2 filters, the 2nd one is not in the pic where the tank is being filled up and it's not visible in the other pics, but it's at the back below the other filter, it's a canister type filter with a nozzle creating more water flow also.
The heater is a 100W, which the guy at Northern Aquatics said should be fine (Also checked this morning the tank temp is at 26/27 degrees). But I am definitely going to be buying a new heater soon, as I'm not comfortable with this heater for the size of my tank. I will be using this heater in my 1 foot quarantine tank I'm going to be setting up this weekend as well.
As for the recommendations on fish, plants, and n00bie tip.. would you guys mind adding to this thread?!:
http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?5871-Beginners-tips-and-advice-on-fish-and-plants.
Nice start, looking good. im also thinking the filtration is too little.
Nice start, looking good. im also thinking the filtration is too little.
So even tho I'm running 2 filters it's still too little? :(
Coz like I said before, it's not just the one in the picture when the tank was being filled, there is another filter as well, which seems quite strong.
The other one I've got is similar to below, but just a bit shorter:
http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/225699400/aquarium_filters.jpg
ok well, i taught you maybe had another hang on back, which is great but the one in the pic looked very small. rule of thumb (i stand to be corrected), is to aim for roughly about 4 times turnover of your tank volume in your case about 120 liters or so. your filteration needs to be about 500 l/h. but remember for a heavily planted tank, you need more like 8-10 times turnover, and for malawi's you would need more then 10X.
ok well, i taught you maybe had another hang on back, which is great but the one in the pic looked very small. rule of thumb (i stand to be corrected), is to aim for roughly about 4 times turnover of your tank volume in your case about 120 liters or so. your filteration needs to be about 500 l/h. but remember for a heavily planted tank, you need more like 8-10 times turnover, and for malawi's you would need more then 10X.
Thanks for the info!! Guess I'll need to buy a new one, coz my tank is just over 130 litres, and I'm not sure what the combined filtration is between the two, but I've got a feeling it's not enough if I need 1000+ litres/h for a planted tank. :( :(
Anyhow, guess that's how a person learns.. pity the guy at the place I bought my stuff from didn't tell me/know this. :(
I'll have to wait till next pay day tho, as I bought couches for my girlfriend and my flat as well as a few performance parts for my car.
ok well, i taught you maybe had another hang on back, which is great but the one in the pic looked very small. rule of thumb (i stand to be corrected), is to aim for roughly about 4 times turnover of your tank volume in your case about 120 liters or so. your filteration needs to be about 500 l/h. but remember for a heavily planted tank, you need more like 8-10 times turnover, and for malawi's you would need more then 10X.
i thought that in a heavily planted tank you wouldn need as much filtration? well atleast not more than if you didn have them? plants act as filters as well so imo you wont need as much filtration compared to if you didnt have plants..
i thought that in a heavily planted tank you wouldn need as much filtration? well atleast not more than if you didn have them? plants act as filters as well so imo you wont need as much filtration compared to if you didnt have plants..
Lol.. okay.. now I'm confused.. :P
But I'll see what my total turnover is and decide if I should rather sell or keep as spare, etc. And get a bigger filter.
Thanks,
Monre
@ Shihr - yes you do not need the filtration as much as you would need the water flow, lots of plants will restrict the flow (esp large plants), hence creating dead spots causing algae and dying plants due to the fact that they are not getting enough nutrition.
oh ok then..i thought u meant filtration. yes i agree with you. you would need less filtration but more flow (which you could use a power head or water pump)..
Keep the internal filter in the tank... it creates water movement in the tank. This helps prevent algae.
(You can expect some brown algae over the next few weeks)
See if you can get yourself a nice external canister rated at about 900 - 1200l/p. It can sit on the floor, but should provide more than adequate filtration.
Get yourself a second 100W heater. It's always better to have 2 heaters than one. If the one packs up on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of winter, at least you have the second one as back up. In any case, the 100W will not suffice in winter on it's own. (in my opinion)
Keep the internal filter in the tank... it creates water movement in the tank. This helps prevent algae.
(You can expect some brown algae over the next few weeks)
See if you can get yourself a nice external canister rated at about 900 - 1200l/p. It can sit on the floor, but should provide more than adequate filtration.
Get yourself a second 100W heater. It's always better to have 2 heaters than one. If the one packs up on a Sunday afternoon in the middle of winter, at least you have the second one as back up. In any case, the 100W will not suffice in winter on it's own. (in my opinion)
Thanks Zoom!!
I will get prices on the 900-1200l/p canister. Should I then get rid of the "waterfall type" filter or leave that one in there as well (seeing that I cut the lid to accommodate it)? It's not a major train smash as the lids are quite cheap and I can then just buy a new one if need arises.
I'll also get myself a second heater then. :D
Na, you can leave it i fyou want.
Welcome to TASA Warnoob ...
1) What is you location
2) hang ten with buy more stuff
3) plan what you want to do with this tank
4) decide if you doing a planted tank with fish or a fish tank with plants
5) maybe you like plastic
Getting your tanks started is all good and well .. Hob's are a good starting filters - and the internal really helps. Once these are up and running and you have some plants and fish you can make the call on more filtration. This hobby is about taking things slow and at a relaxed pace. Get to know you local LFS's - check when they get stock - never buy new arrivals think about QT, fish / plant compatibility .. in short not being impulsive helps.
What is your end goal for getting back into the hobby? You keen on MTS or a one tank man?
Later Ferdie
Actually... F-Fish... that is probably the most sound advice I've heard given to a new member in a long time. +1 on that.
Welcome to TASA Warnoob ...
1) What is you location
2) hang ten with buy more stuff
3) plan what you want to do with this tank
4) decide if you doing a planted tank with fish or a fish tank with plants
5) maybe you like plastic
Getting your tanks started is all good and well .. Hob's are a good starting filters - and the internal really helps. Once these are up and running and you have some plants and fish you can make the call on more filtration. This hobby is about taking things slow and at a relaxed pace. Get to know you local LFS's - check when they get stock - never buy new arrivals think about QT, fish / plant compatibility .. in short not being impulsive helps.
What is your end goal for getting back into the hobby? You keen on MTS or a one tank man?
Later Ferdie
Thanks for the Welcome Ferdie.. to answer your questions:
1) Cape Town (Northern Suburbs)
2) Thought about it and I think I rushed a bit (was just so excited to get started, lol, but I'm taking a few steps back and slowing my pace a bit).
3) Definitely will do much more planning
4) I want a fish tank with plants..
5) I've got a few plastic plants from when I had my first tank, but personally I really like the look of real plants, maybe I must put the plastic plants in the tank just to see.. maybe they're not as bad as I think, but like I said, really quite prefer real plants as they look very nice.
I just checked my tank again, it's got little bubbles flowing from one side right through to the other side, so it looks like it's got quite a bit of flow. Lol.
Tank was a bit hot (Stat was set to 28, but the water temp was sitting on 30), so I turned the thermostat down a bit.
I reckon I'm going to drain the tank tomorrow after work and remove all the gravel and pebbles, then I'll go to Northern Aquatics again and look for some more things to get and ask about some stronger filters and what not.
I'll also get some Pool Filter Sand (Still need to find out how much I must get tho).
Lastly.. I want to change the background to a plain black.. what do you guys use, can I look for some black gift wrapping paper or something? Or can I try and spray paint the current wallpaper?
Thanks once again for all the help and tips guys, and sorry once again for all the questions. haha
Cheers.
Actually... F-Fish... that is probably the most sound advice I've heard given to a new member in a long time. +1 on that.
+2 :D
I found this on the web now also.. think this is VERY close to what I want to achieve with my tank.. :D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2669091709_e435240a4b_o.jpg
Welcome to TASA Warnoob
Also consider
1. buying a metal stand for the tank as some fish will be skittish when you open and close the draws.
2. If you keeping the drawers stand, protect the wood by using a plastic or venial
3. Also consider moving the tank to a place that it will not get direct sun. Especially if you plan on a planted tank or using fertilizers
Good luck
Welcome to TASA Warnoob
Also consider
1. buying a metal stand for the tank as some fish will be skittish when you open and close the draws.
2. If you keeping the drawers stand, protect the wood by using a plastic or venial
3. Also consider moving the tank to a place that it will not get direct sun. Especially if you plan on a planted tank or using fertilizers
Good luck
Thanks for all the tips again.
I reckon you're right about the drawers as we have a lot of stuff in there that we will use, and it's in our spare room, I'll see if they've got stands for this size tank, then I'll move the tank into my living room rather as it'll be viewed more there and out of direct sunlight.
So all in all, I think it's going to be beneficial to rather just start over completely. Drain it, move it, buy another filter with a big enough water turnover, etc. That way, I know everything is 100%. Lol. And I'll be more at ease. :)
Thanks once again guys!!
So got home about 40min ago from babysitting at my mother's place, and I was itching to do something so I drained around two thirds of the tank, removed all the pebbles, removed all the stones and small piece of driftwood I had. So tomorrow I'll try and syphon out all the small gravel and the rest of the water. Hopefully it goes smoothly, then I'll go buy my pool filter sand, stand and another 100W heater this weekend. Hopefully some nice driftwood and rocks also if not too expensive!!
I also checked now, my combined turnover for my tank is 900 litres per hour, the in tank one is 600 l/h and the other one is 300l/h, which is around 7x my tank volume. So guess that's enough right? :)
Anyhow, I need to get some rest!!
Cheers all!!
Monre
Here's the pics I took last night, drained and ready to remove the old substrate tonight after work:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00161-20101130-2359.jpg
Just to show the other 600l/h filter as well:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00162-20101201-0000.jpg
Anyhow, got a few more questions:
I'm not too happy with the "pinkish" light they supplied me with.. apparently this pinkish light brings out the colour of the fish better. But I prefer a plain white light.. is it okay for me to use a normal white light or will the tank look dull with the normal white?
Also, when I buy the pool filter sand, how much do I need? I'm have no clue what size bags they sell, so hence the question.
Lastly, I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor, so I have no garden, can I use my big washing basin/bucket I bought for my tank to clean the sand, but just swirling it around nicely and then drain the water? Or how do I go about washing/cleaning the sand? If need be, I can take everything to my parent's place as they've got a yard.
Anyhow, thanks again!!
mydummyname
01-12-2010, 08:26
Here's the pics I took last night, drained and ready to remove the old substrate tonight after work:
Just to show the other 600l/h filter as well:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00162-20101201-0000.jpg
Anyhow, got a few more questions:
I'm not too happy with the "pinkish" light they supplied me with.. apparently this pinkish light brings out the colour of the fish better. But I prefer a plain white light.. is it okay for me to use a normal white light or will the tank look dull with the normal white?
Also, when I buy the pool filter sand, how much do I need? I'm have no clue what size bags they sell, so hence the question.
Lastly, I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor, so I have no garden, can I use my big washing basin/bucket I bought for my tank to clean the sand, but just swirling it around nicely and then drain the water? Or how do I go about washing/cleaning the sand? If need be, I can take everything to my parent's place as they've got a yard.
Anyhow, thanks again!!
hi dude :)
congrats on the new tank :)
i would try my best to save some of that water and a handfull of the existing gravel in a bucket with an air stone in it, as your existing stuff will already have started to build good bacteria.. also safe the filter media from your filters in this water.
rather use a new bucket thats never had any chemicals in it ever.
you can buy a 50KG pool filter sand from a builders warehouse for approx R50 a bag. LFS will charge you the earth for 4KG bags of the same stuff.
run the silica sand under a tap in your bucket.
best luck ;)
hi dude :)
congrats on the new tank :)
i would try my best to save some of that water and a handfull of the existing gravel in a bucket with an air stone in it, as your existing stuff will already have started to build good bacteria.. also safe the filter media from your filters in this water.
rather use a new bucket thats never had any chemicals in it ever.
you can buy a 50KG pool filter sand from a builders warehouse for approx R50 a bag. LFS will charge you the earth for 4KG bags of the same stuff.
run the silica sand under a tap in your bucket.
best luck ;)
Thanks!! Great advice!! The bucket I'm using was bought for my tank.. so it's only had some aquarium items in it.. nothing else. :D
you can buy a 50KG pool filter sand
Thats a lot of sand. Have a look at the bags when you get there and decide then.
I use a bucket to clean my sand, the swirl and refill method :)
Looking at the picture you posted it looks like you are going towards the malawi look. Plastic would be the way to go then.
Have a look at some shell dwellers for that setup. They do not have loads of colour but make up for it with personallity .
Always interesting looking at them doing there thing.
Those filters look like they might do the the job, depending again on how many fish you put in and what type.
Gerhard
Thats a lot of sand. Have a look at the bags when you get there and decide then.
I use a bucket to clean my sand, the swirl and refill method :)
Looking at the picture you posted it looks like you are going towards the malawi look. Plastic would be the way to go then.
Have a look at some shell dwellers for that setup. They do not have loads of colour but make up for it with personallity .
Always interesting looking at them doing there thing.
Those filters look like they might do the the job, depending again on how many fish you put in and what type.
Gerhard
Thanks Gerhard.
I'm not going with Malawi's in this tank.. I'll get Malawi's when I get a bigger tank.. the tank is going to be redone completely. I want to get a plain black background (Still need to know what to use/get for this).
My bucket should be great then, coz it's quite huge and it's round with handles.. so I'll do the same!! :D
As for the filters.. as stated in my previous post.. the combined turnover between the 2 is 900L/h which should be okay.. seeing that that's roughly 7x the tank's volume. :)
I want to go for a driftwood with a few plants and lots of tetra's look. Lol :D
Anyhow, will update as I go along! :D
I want to go for a driftwood with a few plants and lots of tetra's look. Lol
My kind of tank :) Have one like that.
Those backgrounds they sell at the pet stores come in black, just look at the back of each one, I think the dark blue one is black on the other side. They are waterproof so work great.
Okay.. so had some free time at work.. so I took a drive to Northern Aquatics to buy a stand for my tank as well as a dual outlet air pump and a nice big straight airstone.. then went to builders and bought some 21mm (all they had :( ) plywood to put between the tank and the stand and a 40kg bag of silica sand (also didn't have smaller, but only costed R69).
Couldn't find any black wallpaper though. :( Will search around some more though, otherwise the stone one I've got on my tank now will have to do.
Will update as I make progress. That 40kg bag is gonna be a major pain in the behind to get up 4 sets of stairs. :push:
I got mine 2.5Meters for the back of my tank from these sign/sticker shops for about R250.Those guys that do window ads and sign boards ect. Wet the glass with water and sunlight soap and put the sticker on. Take a window cleaner(that rubber thing) and force the water out. No bubbles then.
I got mine 2.5Meters for the back of my tank from these sign/sticker shops for about R250.Those guys that do window ads and sign boards ect. Wet the glass with water and sunlight soap and put the sticker on. Take a window cleaner(that rubber thing) and force the water out. No bubbles then.
Great stuff.. that sounds nice.. I'll have a look around. Thanks.
Found a place called falcon that does self adhesive vinyl.. gonna go pick up a black piece of vinyl from them for R10 for a meter!! :D
Cooler! Thats the going rate it seems.
This thread has continued onto Version 2 which can be found here (http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?5888-My-tank-build-(900mmx450mmx325mm)-v2.0):
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