Dec project - display tank

Hey everyone

So after debating for quite a while decided to invest in a display tank in the lounge ( upgrading the 2ft )

So need some advice

1) Tank - looking at between a 3ft and 4ft

Preferably the ones with the cabinet and light fittings included - any brands recommended such as Jebo or Sun Sun ?

If possibly a custom built tank onto of a separate cabinet eg credenza ( weight depending )

 

The bigger the better...
For a display I would suggest the 4ft.
You can do much more with 280L when compared to 100L.

I am not overly keen on the "ready to go" systems like the ones' you mentioned.
They have their own internal filtration systems, and propriety lighting systems, which although OK, don't always deliver what they promise.

Rather check the classifieds, and get a decent tank that is braced in the necessary places, and which you can customise the way you wish.
Filtration is up to you, but very few things beat a good canister filter to keep the tank sparkling clean.
If you can get a complete unit with a cabinet and hood, go for it, otherwise you could cheat and get a tank on a stand, and then have a cabinet made that fits around the stand.
Placing it on a credenza could work, as long as you remember that the complete tank will weigh in the region of about 500kg.

I recently upgraded the lights on my 2ft and 4ft to Odyssey, and can highly recommend them.
When compared to the 30W single tube I was using in the past, it is like sunlight compared to moonlight.

Listen to all the advise people give you, then make your own informed decision regarding what you want to stock the tank with.

 

Thanks man , luckily I have five months to sell a few things and save up haha

 

You have some time so you can shop around, have a look at the guys who build tanks with cabinets such as Exotic pets in Boksburg. I have a few of the chinese tanks such as Sun Sun and Boyu, they are not bad at all. You will need to get a canister filter, the built-in, in-canopy, filters I have not found to work well.
I would also buy the biggest you can afford, if shopping 2nd hand, check what you buy carefully, often the cabinets are water damaged and the glass scratched.
I may have one for sale at the end of the year, you can pm me closer to the time if you are still looking.

 

Will do ! Thanks man , will probably try work out a rough estimate soon ... And pray some deals pop up in the classifieds section :laugh:

 

Give Dorry Pets a shout. Love the cabinet tank they build me. Very friendly and professional people.

 

Just a few follow up questions

Ada soil , I've read about the ammonia spikes potential, any idea if ahead of the time I can store it in a separate container to leech and do the water changes . Minimising the risk to the fish??

Is flourite Cory cat safe ?

And if if I transfer the current filter media into the canister will that surfice or will I have to purchase more Stabilty ? Obviously before I add new livestock

looking to get a custom build due to space restrictions ( 1m by 0.5m by 0.4 m )

Thanks again

 

Not sure about the ADA Aquasoil, but the Seachem Flourite will be safe for the Cory's.
Depending on the amount of filter media you are transferring to the canister filter, you may have to add more media.
I would go with Stability in the tank for 7 days just to be safe.

 

Ada is safe for corys but this one time I have to go against @Pezulu or rather add on to it. Seachem fluorite sand is heaven for corys but normal fluorite can harm them and I've seen it happen
Cory's like to filter the sand through their gills and normal fluorite cuts them. Also seen it happen to a butterfly pleco

Transferring media is very good and will give you a headstart but will still have to cycle for close to 2 weeks. Get a small bottle of stability and by the 3rd day I'm sure you can add your fish

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

Going to transfer the internal filter , was planning to then take all the media out of the corner filter and place in the canister but you and pez are right rather be safe than sorry