Newbie Addicte

Hallo, my name is Wessel and I am a MTA (Multiple tank addict).

Now that I have confessed my addiction, I would like to introduce my self properly, I am Wessel, a long time looker but first time thread poster, from Pretoria. I started last year with a planted tank, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the tank didn't evolve as much as I would have liked to. So this brings me to this build.

I recently started a new tank, it is a custom corner tank, built from 2 old tanks that I had lying around.
I decided to try painting the back black. I have seen it on a lot of research image tanks, and decided to give it a try. I it works, great, if it doesn't, well then I have learned a valuable lesson.
I also decided to try a diy corner filter. I got the filter media from @PetStop. I am also going to add some of those plastic pot scrubbers to aid with bio filtration. Any advise, suggestions or critique is always appreciated. I am new to the hobby so I would like to learn as much as possible.
The custom tank required a custom hood and lighting. So this meant some fibreglass and some interesting language, was in order to get the hood as it is. I decided to use 2x10w LED floodlights with a color temp of 6000k.

I also realized that the corner will add some unique challenges with regard to the flow of water. So I used some irrigation pipe and some elbows to build a water return system that will feed back water from the ends of the tank. These returns can be adjusted to focus water into a specific path, or to help stir the water as well as force the water back towards the corner filter.
For substrate I decided to go with pfs, as it was inexpensive and I like the look of it. As to the plants, I forgot to take down their names. I will be dosing them with Seachem Flourish and Excel, and I am in the process of researching DIY root tabs or cheap and effective store bought root tabs.
This is my first time trying a semi planted tank. I currently have a planted tank running with some shrimps, but I am not to proud of it. I am currently cycling the tank with 3x White Cloud Minnows and 2x Guppies. I am not sure what I am going to stock it with, but I was considering Shell Dwellers, but I think they will be a bit out of my league. I have also considered tiger barbs, but upon dong my research, I found out that they are very aggressive and the tank is to small for them. I wanted to try and do a Amazonian Biotype, but my experience with aquascaping is littte to none. So any input with regards to stocking ideas, as well as aquascaping ideas, will be greatly appreciated.

I have already got another tank idea lined up, but it requires a lot more research.

Will try and keep you guys up to date on the progress.

Wessel

 

I sense MAD DIY skills with this one.

See http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/diy-root-tabs.10012/page-5#post-349220 for some root tabs fluff.



Later Ferdie

 

hi, and welcome.

 

Hi and welcome. Great build man, is 2 2ft tanks you put together there?

 

You have good tank building skills ,and you modified the hood !!! The best thing about the hobby is that there is always something new to learn .

 

Hi and welcome to the forum

I like it, very unusual and looks great!
That canopy came out perfect! well done!

 

nice diy skills you got going on

 

Thanks for the feedback and the positive comments. I really appreciate it.
@Whatsaname they were 2x 1ft starter tank that were in the way, and I saw a video on YouTube from King of DIY where he did the same, so I decided to give it a try. He is also the reason the DIY bug has bitten me.
@f-fish thanks for the info, I will definitely give it a try. Might I just ask where did you get the Osmocote? I have been surfing the web for it, but it seems I have been surfing in the wrong spots.

And might I bother you guys on stocking ideas for the tank?

Once again thanks for all the comments

 

So is your outlet behind the filter? And what kind of flow have you got. Personally I would not do much more with stocking, maybe just some moss for the wood. I have always been a fan of Neons in a small setup and with that black background they are going to stand out beautiful.

 

@Wesselw howmuch water doe the tank hold?

 

Very nice tank mate

 

Very nice man.

 

@Whatsaname I am currently running a DragonFly waterpump with a head height of 1.2m, which feeds back into a custom return. The initial idea was to make a DIY canister filter, with the water pump feeding into the canister filter, but I was unable to get a proper seal on the twist cap for the canister filter, so I was forced to try something else. The water pump also supplies quite a bit of flow. I have turned the return upwards, so there is excellent surface aggitation. And thanks for your recommendation on the tetras. I was also leaning towards them.

@fishanatic the tank holds about 34 liters.

 

Okay now I get it, clever work. @Reedfish very good choice, but yes if you can get them