Hey guys, I'm coming back into the game and very excited as I have many ideas I wish to create. I hope to share my experience here with you and start a thread to keep me motivated and seek advice from you all.
Though I have been into aquariums practically all my life I still have a lot to learn. I hope my style and experiences help to create something eye catching.
So far right now I have locked down a 190. The dimensions are:
5' Lenth
2' Wide
~30" Tall
The tank is acrylic which I will attempt to buff myself. If I can't yield the results I want I will probably get it professionally buffed.
I am going for a very easy looking DIY build but should look great with some design backing every move.
The stand will be industrial style with 4x4s, 2x4s, braced together using exposed brackets. I'm not sure if I want to stain the wood redish or keep it a bit more natural.
I will not be skinning the stand and will leave the sump and plumbing exposed as part of the design. I am unsure what color to paint the pvc- black or red I suppose.
Lighting will consist of 3x par38 2x14k 1x20k led bulbs and led stripes for supplementation/moonlight. The lights will be mounted on a pvc structure I was able to design today at the hardware store. I will probably paint it black.
I got a great deal on the bulbs and I don't want any plants so these spot lights should add something unique to the freshwater world.
Aquascape is inspired by Aquarium Design Group. It's the picture of the red discus, large drift wood, and rocks.
I love the first read of the large wood and simplicity of keeping everything to a minimal- colors, shapes, etc.
I am still a new to discus but I am eyeing the striped yellow species. I plan on keeping maybe a geo or two along with a few angles, a swarm of tetras, some corys, kuhli loaches/dojo if I can find them, and a few nice plecos- i love royals.
I've already found a nice wood piece and some rocks around my house but might add some additional wood when I get to it.
ATM I am working on a nano reef and just collecting parts for the discus tank.
I could really use some help right now in determining the amount of flow I need for discus.
I know I probably need 10x turn around rate for proper filtration, but I also read discus live in slow moving water. I am using a 30gallon sump with dual biobal chambers. I am looking for a UV atm as well 24-36 watts.
The tank has a corner overflow with 1" drain and 3/4" return. I'll probably drill a few holes on top of the bracing for additional returns. I can also probably enlarge the 3/4" return to 1" and use that as another drain if I need more flow. I think 1" is only rated at 600gph right?
I'm concerned with how many gph pump I should be looking at? There are a few used external ones I am looking at, but I am adamant about finding one using low wattage and it has to be quiet.
So far the water blaster looks great, but some of the panworlds are also looking good even though I'm not sure how quiet they are. Any suggestions?
I will post some pics soon of the build. It will be a great tank in the end, but bare with me as the start will be slow.
Though I have been into aquariums practically all my life I still have a lot to learn. I hope my style and experiences help to create something eye catching.
So far right now I have locked down a 190. The dimensions are:
5' Lenth
2' Wide
~30" Tall
The tank is acrylic which I will attempt to buff myself. If I can't yield the results I want I will probably get it professionally buffed.
I am going for a very easy looking DIY build but should look great with some design backing every move.
The stand will be industrial style with 4x4s, 2x4s, braced together using exposed brackets. I'm not sure if I want to stain the wood redish or keep it a bit more natural.
I will not be skinning the stand and will leave the sump and plumbing exposed as part of the design. I am unsure what color to paint the pvc- black or red I suppose.
Lighting will consist of 3x par38 2x14k 1x20k led bulbs and led stripes for supplementation/moonlight. The lights will be mounted on a pvc structure I was able to design today at the hardware store. I will probably paint it black.
I got a great deal on the bulbs and I don't want any plants so these spot lights should add something unique to the freshwater world.
Aquascape is inspired by Aquarium Design Group. It's the picture of the red discus, large drift wood, and rocks.
I love the first read of the large wood and simplicity of keeping everything to a minimal- colors, shapes, etc.
I am still a new to discus but I am eyeing the striped yellow species. I plan on keeping maybe a geo or two along with a few angles, a swarm of tetras, some corys, kuhli loaches/dojo if I can find them, and a few nice plecos- i love royals.
I've already found a nice wood piece and some rocks around my house but might add some additional wood when I get to it.
ATM I am working on a nano reef and just collecting parts for the discus tank.
I could really use some help right now in determining the amount of flow I need for discus.
I know I probably need 10x turn around rate for proper filtration, but I also read discus live in slow moving water. I am using a 30gallon sump with dual biobal chambers. I am looking for a UV atm as well 24-36 watts.
The tank has a corner overflow with 1" drain and 3/4" return. I'll probably drill a few holes on top of the bracing for additional returns. I can also probably enlarge the 3/4" return to 1" and use that as another drain if I need more flow. I think 1" is only rated at 600gph right?
I'm concerned with how many gph pump I should be looking at? There are a few used external ones I am looking at, but I am adamant about finding one using low wattage and it has to be quiet.
So far the water blaster looks great, but some of the panworlds are also looking good even though I'm not sure how quiet they are. Any suggestions?
I will post some pics soon of the build. It will be a great tank in the end, but bare with me as the start will be slow.
