So while the site been down I had to fill the time and get a tank sorted for the two raninus. I was thinking a 4x1x1.5 would work or may be have a switch around and see what space I can make until I went to a new LFS.
they had an old coral display tank, well they had a couple but they were drilled and I don't wont a sump system. the one I got was 39"x 27"x 12". giving a massive floor space and 52G in volume.
well the plan was to keep the cats in the bedroom. at the moment they are doing really well in there because there is limited movement until evening, also they dont really move through the day. so the tank is quite a size and a couple of things came up over the way its built, the stand for it is an issue as space is limited was hoping to stick it on some draws the nexts was lighting, i want to try my hand at live plants but the cats hate lights so natural is a possible option. lastly is the top, with out bracing the top would be an issue especially if im going to use natural lighting.
so once it was cleaned I played with sighting the tank., also I painted the back of the tank a light green it should hide in the plants but also let some light through. the top will stay clear for the more natural lighting. we seem to have some more natural activity at the moment in the small holding tank under natural lighting.
current housing
the two tank for size difference and where the new tank will stay for now
so now I need to sort some sort of lid or top. I put some braces in using 8mm acrylic these are only there to support the lid not for strength. I have read mix report on Acrylic to glass so ill see how it goes.
next was to make the lid so used the same acrylic and cut some holes in and room for cable to come out the back.
also started to add the decor. the plan is to have a SA Bio-type (if i can find the right tank mates ). so i have some slate in the middle and from one corner to the other. this give me two areas to plant and these have been layered up ready for some Java ferns and hardy plants. i have given all the slate a light dusting of sand and pushed it in the cracks this will hopefully encourage some grow in these areas. the centre will have a nice piece of drift wood that i may attach some moss to.
the plan is to also have some small drift wood in the planted areas too. Im hoping that the cats and dither fish will use the plants as cover but be seen moving between the two during feeding etc.
its now quarter full waiting for the plants, filter and heater to arrive so I can finish.
issues im still working out is what tank mates to put in. I was thinking my BGK might work for a while, its currently 6", the cats are 3" but have a 1" mouth lol I have been told to stick to laterally long fish, so i got some young angels to go in there but these may out grow the 11" depth of the tank now the sub-straights in. suggestions welcome.
ill update once i get back home. all feed back welcome..
they had an old coral display tank, well they had a couple but they were drilled and I don't wont a sump system. the one I got was 39"x 27"x 12". giving a massive floor space and 52G in volume.
well the plan was to keep the cats in the bedroom. at the moment they are doing really well in there because there is limited movement until evening, also they dont really move through the day. so the tank is quite a size and a couple of things came up over the way its built, the stand for it is an issue as space is limited was hoping to stick it on some draws the nexts was lighting, i want to try my hand at live plants but the cats hate lights so natural is a possible option. lastly is the top, with out bracing the top would be an issue especially if im going to use natural lighting.
so once it was cleaned I played with sighting the tank., also I painted the back of the tank a light green it should hide in the plants but also let some light through. the top will stay clear for the more natural lighting. we seem to have some more natural activity at the moment in the small holding tank under natural lighting.
current housing
the two tank for size difference and where the new tank will stay for now
so now I need to sort some sort of lid or top. I put some braces in using 8mm acrylic these are only there to support the lid not for strength. I have read mix report on Acrylic to glass so ill see how it goes.
next was to make the lid so used the same acrylic and cut some holes in and room for cable to come out the back.
also started to add the decor. the plan is to have a SA Bio-type (if i can find the right tank mates ). so i have some slate in the middle and from one corner to the other. this give me two areas to plant and these have been layered up ready for some Java ferns and hardy plants. i have given all the slate a light dusting of sand and pushed it in the cracks this will hopefully encourage some grow in these areas. the centre will have a nice piece of drift wood that i may attach some moss to.
the plan is to also have some small drift wood in the planted areas too. Im hoping that the cats and dither fish will use the plants as cover but be seen moving between the two during feeding etc.
its now quarter full waiting for the plants, filter and heater to arrive so I can finish.
issues im still working out is what tank mates to put in. I was thinking my BGK might work for a while, its currently 6", the cats are 3" but have a 1" mouth lol I have been told to stick to laterally long fish, so i got some young angels to go in there but these may out grow the 11" depth of the tank now the sub-straights in. suggestions welcome.
ill update once i get back home. all feed back welcome..
