Finally finished my 150 and 50 setup. Everything is running smooth and quiet. Overflow starts and stops with no problems. All i have to do now is furnish the tanks, box in the filter, give the stand some cosmetics/panels and doors, and move my mini monsters into the 150.
1. Anyone have some good ideas for a lid on the filter? The acrylic is already bowing. Id consider glass but id have to modify the tubes so i can remove them easier.
2. Was thinking about adding an air stone to filter to increase aeration. good idea?
3. Should i put a fan/vent on my canopy? Its pratically sealed on most edges, with holes for the drain, return, wiring. I plan to add lights (prob strong enough to light up tank well and live plants). Should i fan or vent to reduce heat/moisture?
4. Anyone Pros/Cons to added a fluidized bed filter? Ive used them in the past and really like the outcome. Even though they tend to leak with time.
Prob end up making my own.
Hopefully in the next few weeks ill get some driftwood, live plants, lights, etc.
Made of 2x4s and 2x6s. Real sturdy, easy build, no problems.
I was worried there wouldn't be enough support in the middle, but it worked out fine. The small stand is a stand of its own sitting inside the 150 stand.
painted, high gloss black enamel
Overflow. Ran an aqualifter to the check valve to help prime the system. Works well. Used egg crate to screen off the drain hole, painted with krylon fusion, and no annoying sounds at all.
Made from an acrylic hex i had lying around. Section off area for the pumps, the pumps sit in coarse material to prevent vibration noise. Then i filled the bottom with bio balls, scrubbies, etc. Next i made an egg crate box and drop in a filter bag. I filled the filter bag with media. I should be able to easily remove the box or bag and clean the media. Im going to see how high i can bring the water level in the sump and consider adding more media/different kinds.
Canopy closed. Basic plan wood canopy, i plan to do the cosmetics later and make it more attractive.
Canopy open. Three doors. I plan to add lights, new air pumps and stuff before i put a hing on the middle door. I might consider adding a fan to that door as well. Thinking about putting an FBF up there as well.
Fits nicely in my room, I wish i could have fit the filter under the stand without major modification but it wasn't going to happen. Going to enclose the filter and turn into a table.
Im going to add two beastly fish to the 150 tonight. Its currently divided by a pvc frame with egg crate attached. It reaches all the way to the top of the canopy so fish can't jump over.
The 50 is currently home to
South american lungfish, 2 discus, 2 pike like fish, rapheal cat, 2 butterfly koi, 2 clown loach, and one feeder. Not sure what im going to put in it next, i only bought one of these fish.
Thank you for your time.
If you have any advice or questions feel free.
MFK4life
1. Anyone have some good ideas for a lid on the filter? The acrylic is already bowing. Id consider glass but id have to modify the tubes so i can remove them easier.
2. Was thinking about adding an air stone to filter to increase aeration. good idea?
3. Should i put a fan/vent on my canopy? Its pratically sealed on most edges, with holes for the drain, return, wiring. I plan to add lights (prob strong enough to light up tank well and live plants). Should i fan or vent to reduce heat/moisture?
4. Anyone Pros/Cons to added a fluidized bed filter? Ive used them in the past and really like the outcome. Even though they tend to leak with time.
Prob end up making my own.
Hopefully in the next few weeks ill get some driftwood, live plants, lights, etc.
Made of 2x4s and 2x6s. Real sturdy, easy build, no problems.
I was worried there wouldn't be enough support in the middle, but it worked out fine. The small stand is a stand of its own sitting inside the 150 stand.
painted, high gloss black enamel
Overflow. Ran an aqualifter to the check valve to help prime the system. Works well. Used egg crate to screen off the drain hole, painted with krylon fusion, and no annoying sounds at all.
Made from an acrylic hex i had lying around. Section off area for the pumps, the pumps sit in coarse material to prevent vibration noise. Then i filled the bottom with bio balls, scrubbies, etc. Next i made an egg crate box and drop in a filter bag. I filled the filter bag with media. I should be able to easily remove the box or bag and clean the media. Im going to see how high i can bring the water level in the sump and consider adding more media/different kinds.
Canopy closed. Basic plan wood canopy, i plan to do the cosmetics later and make it more attractive.
Canopy open. Three doors. I plan to add lights, new air pumps and stuff before i put a hing on the middle door. I might consider adding a fan to that door as well. Thinking about putting an FBF up there as well.
Fits nicely in my room, I wish i could have fit the filter under the stand without major modification but it wasn't going to happen. Going to enclose the filter and turn into a table.
Im going to add two beastly fish to the 150 tonight. Its currently divided by a pvc frame with egg crate attached. It reaches all the way to the top of the canopy so fish can't jump over.
The 50 is currently home to
South american lungfish, 2 discus, 2 pike like fish, rapheal cat, 2 butterfly koi, 2 clown loach, and one feeder. Not sure what im going to put in it next, i only bought one of these fish.
Thank you for your time.
If you have any advice or questions feel free.
MFK4life
