180 Gallon Set Up Begins

[mrrobxc]

Hello Everyone,

I've been posting like a mad man the past few days asking questions as I begin my new project of upgrading my 90 gallon to a 180. I purchased the tank, stand, and lids yesterday from my LFS along with the Universal Rocks "Crevice" aquarium background. I LOVE my LFS. Nobody can beat the prices they gave me. I'll be picking up the tank next weekend or so.

I purchased the Fluval FX6 yesterday from Dr Fosters & Smith to go with my existing Rena XP3. This will have to do for now. I just also finished buying the wood for the tank at the LFS. Spent a lot more than I wanted to on the wood but got some real good pieces that are soaking right now so i can get them water logged.

I'll post pics once I'm done soaking.

Inhabitants will be:
- 6 Juvenile Paraneetroplus Melanura Rio Yaxha. Or so it was labeled. Its the Orange ones.
- 5 Cryptoheros Spilirus.
- Looking to get a small group of Sailfin Mollies from Lake Peten: Poecillia Petensis.

I wanted to add a pair of Salvini down the road as well. I could use some advice here since I know they can be super aggressive.

Pics will come as I get the tank in and begin set up.

 

[pops]

I just had a spooky encounter with my 180 today.

so I am under the 180, full of water and fish. it has 2 - 3" holes drilled in the bottom with bulls for the 2 pumps, i am reversing the UG and putting sponge filters on the up-rights.

first pump no problems, easy peezy, second pump I knew was going be a pain do to pump out/in configuration I was going to have to fenaggle the hosing. hosing 3/4"
so i am reefing the return hose off to switch to the intake and I hear a loud CRACK!!!!, first thought is I cracked the bottom of the tank at the bull, on my back under the tank cab with a flash light working my way around the bull.

no cracks, but never the less something let loos, I pull the pump and hoses and go over the pipe work, nothing, so i go about getting all changed over and open the valves, all good, check the bull nut, damm things 3/4 turn loose, tightened up and all good.

still spooked the hell out of me.

 

[mrrobxc]

Quick question: Is Giant Vallisneria biotope correct for a CA Tank? If so, will the Melanura eat it?

 

[mrrobxc]

Good thing nothing happened. That could've been big trouble with you under the tank!

 

[pops]

agreed!!! like a water fall. stands fully bedded, 1/2" sheeting, but still 180g the floor? I would have to rip it all up and re-sheet and carpet.

 

[Skurj]

Just launched my 180g today!

Long way to go and scaping is more or less place marker until spring when I can go out rock and wood collecting.. Going to be centrals, not rock solid in stock yet, but I do have RTM planned and there are some swordtails in there already.
Not sure if I will do real plants or not... maybe some low light plants. 48" Aquaticlife edge led is on the way.

 

[mrrobxc]

If you go with real plants, flout hornwort. Easy as pie and is biotope correct.

Love seeing new tanks. Good luck!