Fishroom Phase 2 (56k warning)

[blainep]

Well, phase 2 of the fishroom is now under construction. This is smaller project than the condo, but more of the DIY.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/2/1.jpg

The stand for the 4 tanks and sump was built today. The plan is to have 2 tanks stacked ( on the right side ), then the large stand in the center and 2 more tanks stacked on the left.

First I need my son to get more of his stuff out of the room. I don't think I can stack it up on one side of the room any higher. Still need to pull down all the damn posters and stickers etc.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/2/2.jpg

I used 2x4 construction this time, alot less weight than the condo. Size is about 5ft long, 2ft 3 inches wide, 5ft high.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/2/3.jpg

I'm planning to use the corner drip filters that were in the tanks from there days at Petland. The tank on the floor is the future sump. I'm not sure yet if I'll make a real sump out of it or just drop a pump and heater in it.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/2/4.jpg

Yet another angle.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/2/5.jpg

The light once again is cheapo shop light with 2 tubes and planning to use diffusers again for the lids.

As construction goes I'll post more pictures .

[Melody]

You're really putting a lot of thought and effort into this, and in record time too!:thumbup:


First I need my son to get more of his stuff out of the room. I don't think I can stack it up on one side of the room any higher. Still need to pull down all the damn posters and stickers etc.


I once read a little saying that stated "They're not really grown up and gone until they get their stuff out of the basement." ;)

[blainep]

It's really not that much work, but time is a factor. I want everything to be ready for the new arrivals you are sending.

Once this part of the fishroom is done, I won't be doing any more this year, of course, this year isn't far from done. I guess what I should say is it will be a few months before anything more is built.

And yes, they're not really gone untill their stuff is out of the basement .

[Melody]

Yeah well ya got another week now - its too hot in in Texas to ship with a heatpack :Worried: . Just got the notification this morning in fact. He's driving it to Houston next Monday and shipping it from there. Apparently its cooler and the mail goes direct from there to my pick-up point so its faster.

Good thing his rep is so good - I'm getting a tad impatient. :cry: But anything is better than a box of pre-fried frozen fish I suppose.

[blainep]

Phase 2 is now ready for action. I finished cleaning and re-sealing the tanks today and got all the plumbing done.

A couple days to let the sealer cure and it'll be time for a water test. ;)

[Melody]

YAY! You're really moving on this project of yours. :Applaud:

I haven't heard from our breeder so I assume no news is good news. Damnwell better be anyway....lol. That means you could be filling several of those tanks by next week with some very impressive fishies :D .

[Melody]

I got that magical e-mail this morning Blaine - your tanks will be full next week! I'll PM the note from the breeder - they were shipped yesterday out of San Antonio :pompom:.

[blainep]

Water Testing Day !!

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/4/1.JPG

The sump - pump is a RIO 8HF, each tank drains independantly into the sump. The drains carry quite a bit of air with them, gives the effect of 4 bubblers in the sump.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/4/2.JPG

The corner drip filters, consists of a sponge (cut to fit) a drip tray, bio balls fill the the space below, then another drip plate to prevent bio balls getting into the drain.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/4/3.JPG

Another shot of the filters.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/4/4.JPG

A full view.

http://www.calgarycommodore.com/tanks/4/5.JPG

Another shot with the flash off to show brightness in the tanks.

Yes, I know the one tank is dirty, thats leftover substrate that I left in there because these will be planted tanks.

YAY, No Drips !!!

Got to go unplug everything, just in case it all comes crashing down tonite. ;)

[Soggybottom]

Impressive work ethic! Designing and building the "system" is probably my favorite part of fishkeeping. Sitting back and looking at your brand new habitat with happy citizens is so satisfying. Then you have to take care of the buggers...

[Melody]

Glad to hear that there are no leaks - that would be very disappointing I'm sure, or challenging at the very least.

The thought being put into it all is apparent. Maybe when you finish you can also post a 'Wish I'd know then what I know now' thread...lol....we always seem to learn more from our mistakes than anything. My famous 'thing' is to forget something crucial, like cutting a hole for power cords or something.:Embarassing:

[blainep]

Glad to hear that there are no leaks - that would be very disappointing I'm sure, or challenging at the very least.

The thought being put into it all is apparent. Maybe when you finish you can also post a 'Wish I'd know then what I know now' thread...lol....we always seem to learn more from our mistakes than anything. My famous 'thing' is to forget something crucial, like cutting a hole for power cords or something.:Embarassing:


The best part of doing a project in segments or phases is that you can solve your DUH moments on the fly ( so to speak ) and incorporate changes phase by phase. ;)

But not a bad idea to start a 'Be sure to remember' thread. Just in case someone else goes completely insane and decides to put up twenty(ish) fish tanks all at once. :eek:

[Melody]

Well yeah, how stupid would THAT be? I can't imagine someone doing that...

<Quickly throws a sheet over her wall tank set-ups and their 'corrections'...>

[blainep]

Phase 2 is now (nearly) complete.

So here is a couple of shots for all to salivate over.

http://calgarycommodore.com/tanks/5/1.JPG

A fairly complete shot.

http://calgarycommodore.com/tanks/5/2.JPG

A look inside.

http://calgarycommodore.com/tanks/5/3.JPG

A corner shot.

For those who want to know, the water is kept warm by 2 Jager 125 watt heaters, I put one in each end tank. Thermometers in the center tanks tells me how warm they are. This setup has a high water flow rate, so no problems with some tanks warm while others are cold.

Substrate is common aquarium gravel mixed with a small bag of 'Caribsea reef accents' to stabilize and maintain PH and hardness. A few nice rocks and a little tufa rock.

Plants are Java Moss and Hygophilia polysperma, difformis, augustfolia and hornwort so far. When time and money permit I will be adding some centerpiece type plants.

I cut eggcrate and put it around the edges of tanks to provide support for a 2x4 foot diffuser panel. The eggcrate also provides small openings for feeding, air transfer, etc.

I seeded the filters tonite by rinsing some hob filters in the tanks and added the first 2 residents. They are my Red Velvet swords, finally out of quarentine. Out of 4 fish only 2 survived, thats what I get for fish buying from a chain store. But thats a rant for another area of the forum.

Feel free to ask questions if I haven't already answered them.

Blaine

[Melody]

You can get some great deals on plants locally on the AA board - they're forever trimming.

Looking great! Now all you need is a BIG box of fishies and I happen to have one here for you. Shipping in 4 days in fact. Four more days of constant waterchanges :rolleyes: .