50 Gallon Marine tank.

[blainep]

I think it's time to start planning a new tank. I've got a 50 gallon tank and a location for it.

I'm thinking a planted Discus tank would fit the bill perfectly.

To start things off, I need to modify this stand.

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I need to add about 6 inches height between the bottom and top shelves so there is enough room for the tank.

The plan is slap a coat of black paint on two of these pieces of pre-cut wood and use them as new legs for the stand.

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That will probably keep me busy for a couple of weeks at least.

As things progress I'll keep things updated, though I expect this build will be a little slower than most, my spare time has been pretty tight lately.

:eek:

[CACAdmin]

Planning a new tank setup is always fun. Glad to hear you're managing to find time to tackle the job. It doesn't matter if it takes time, you just put in whatever time you can find and it will come together.

I'm going to enjoy watching this tank set up.

[Kimr]

I agree with Jay its always fun to set up a new tank.

Going with discus, you will enjoy them, I know I enjoy mine very much.

[blainep]

Plans are changing ! Now that the 125 gallon is going to become a Discus tank, I'm going to make this tank a marine tank.

Low light, low tech mushroom garden is the plan at the moment.

I got the stand modified this weekend and began building the tank. Nothing of grand excitement yet, but a good days work done.

The tank is a 4 foot 45ish gallon. I've added some dry rock and sand. Lighting is just normal T8 bulbs for now. Filtration will be a combination of the rock and four Aquaclear 20 filters and a Berlin airlift skimmer. Circulation is from the Aquaclears and a 250 gph powerhead.
A pair of 50 watt heaters will keep things warm .

Tank and stand.
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Cloudy, out of focus picture of the rock.
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The filters.
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It's a start. :cool:

[CACAdmin]

More than just a start, I'd say. I hope this tank does well for you. Glad to see you not throwing in the towel after losing all your s/w fish.

[blainep]

More than just a start, I'd say. I hope this tank does well for you. Glad to see you not throwing in the towel after losing all your s/w fish.

Can't just give up. When a marine tank works, it's worth it.

I figured maybe a smaller tank would be a little easier to focus on, my first success was a 50 gallon, so lets try that again ......

Tonite the water is looking nice and clear.

With the flash
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And without.
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It's amazing how much colour is washed out with the flash.

[CACAdmin]

Looking great! It'll be fun to watch this tank evolve.

It's strange what a flash will do. Sometimes it brings out certain colors and at other times it washes them out.

[blainep]

Another week goes by and the tank appears to be doing ok.

I've added a couple new friends to the tank and they seem too be settling in.

The Tank
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New Occupants
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[CACAdmin]

Looking great, Blaine. I love the various colors of the rocks. Your two little clowns are cute. They look like they're waiting to see if they're actually alone in the tank or if some predator is suddenly going to pop out of hiding. :wink: They'll settle in quickly, I'm sure. It's nice that you got two of them to keep each other company.

[blainep]

It's been quite a while since I've updated, life has been a little nuts lately, but the tank has been slowly evolving.

It took a long time to get this tank to stabilize and stay that way, but I think things are finally working the way they should now.

A few fish call the tank home and they seem to be a pretty happy bunch. The rock is just starting to grow a little colour, so hopefully in a few more months it'll be pretty.

Anyhow, a few pictures ...

From the office door.
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Filtration and water movement.
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Bicolour Angel and Orange Skunk Clown.
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Bicolour and Skunk Clowns, Dragon Goby below and Lemonpeel Angel trying to hide on the right.
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A better shot of my Dragon Goby.
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A little better picture of the Clowns.
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[blainep]

My little Spotted Hawkfish. Usually the life of the party, but not so keen on the camera.
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Seems the Lemonpeel is not so keen on pictures either, but I'll see if I can get one or two of her.

[CACAdmin]

You have some really cool fish in there, Blaine... and that's one heck of a lot of HOB filters you've got going... definitely no lack of filtration and water movement.

[blainep]

Those filters might look like lots, but they're only AC 20's.

A few update shots for fun.

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:wink:

[KristaLynn]

Those are some beautiful fish Blaine! Keep the pictures coming! :yes:

[CACAdmin]

Any new additions or any on your Christmas wish list for this tank, Blaine?

[Kimr]

Yes hows it going?

[blainep]

No new editions to this tank, but changes are afoot ! :laugh:

Someone MAY have been boxing week shopping ........

So this journal MAY be coming to a close in the (fairly) near future ! :swoon:

In the meantime, a couple of pictures just for fun.

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Ever feel like you're being watched ...... right now a dozen pairs of fish eyes are trying tell it's dinner time ......:eek:

[mollybawn]

Excellent shots!

[Kimr]

Beautiful fish!!! Gotta love boxing week shopping.

[CACAdmin]

Great shots. Such pretty fish. Thanks for taking the time to share them with us.

[blainep]

So comes the end of another tank journal. This tank is now shut down and the residents are temporarily bunking with the gang from the other 50 gallon while their new home goes up.

[Sweetpea]

Thanks for the journal. Good luck with rehoming them in your other tank.

[CACAdmin]

This tank is now shut down and the residents are temporarily bunking with the gang from the other 50 gallon while their new home goes up.Cool! :cool: The occupants get to have a "sleep-over" with their buddies. :wink: