Viquarim- 55 gal build

My wife bought me a Tetra-fauna viquarium for xmas! She got it at a local lfs for half-price to boot! Heres a pic heavy thread of me installing it in my 55 gal. First pic is of me unwrapping it; and yes I got a Chia Willy head also.




The 1st thing I noticed about the product is the low water level it would create. If put strait into an empty tank and built from there; it put the water level around 5 inches w/ 1" of gravel put into the water section. This was no good to me; I had to find a way to raise the water level. I thought about doing a false bottom out of egg crate but made due with things I already have... I decides to go with brick that I sterilized for a few days. I could only go two brick high, any more and the waterfall would have been sticking out the top of the enclosure. The result 11" of water w/ a 1 1/2" substrate.

The next problem I had to overcome was how to fill the "land area". The product's faq's stated that 50 lbs. of medium gravel was needed to fill the land area... I didn't want to buy 100 lbs of rock; nor did I want to risk putting that much weight in there either. I opted to put crushed brick in to fill most of the area, leaving it somewhat away from the front glass so I didn't have to stare at brick all the time. All-in-all I used about 10 or 12 old clay bricks for the whole build.



With using brick, I knew I would have to dam up the bigger holes to the gravel wouldn't work it's way towards the bottom. I used smaller crushed brick and some river rock from some of my past setups.

Next was the gravel; Almost filled the land section with 25 lbs. of regular aquarium gravel. Used 50 lbs. on the whole setup; the substrate ended up being around an inch and a half. Bought some polished river rock from the dollar store to spruce it up.

Next on the list décor. A friend gave this driftwood mount awhile back, said it was outside by his koi pond forever even after he shut it down. Cleaned it up and put fresh silicone around the mount screws.



I really want to plant this tank, but do not have the experience with aquatic plants like I want. I would like to know what it turtle-safe and non-toxic. For now I just added some plastics. Since its all new set up, I used the water from the existing turtle setup that is why it looks tannin stained.

Stock is 9 regular comets, mostly medium sized, and a 8" pleco. And here are the stars... my painted turtles.



Eventually, the planter in the back will be extended the whole length... used to be a HOB on the left side there. I'm going to start a leaf lettuce patch in it. Did it last year but didn't buy enough seed packets to last me!

Cod said:

good lookin

Click to expand...

Thanks. I'm pleased with it for now. Like I said I would like to add some plants... Suggestions anybody?? Also I know pothos is toxic to cats n dogs, What about turtles? I grow it out of almost every tank but this one because I don't know.

Good idea crayfish. it grows thick in the ponds and query-lakes around here. my grandpa's pond is full of it and painteds. I'm afraid that they would shred it; doubt I would have to worry about them getting sick if they ate it though. That's why I haven't put pothos in with them. Do you have experience with elodea in turtle tanks?