First post - new custom build
- Thread starter gerryd
- Start date
Hi all,
Here are two links for pics..
This one is of the tank filling. Much like watching cement dry, but some folks asked for pics and this is all I got
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/Filling/
This one is of wide angle shots of the level and then a closeup of the level bubble. I would appreciate any thoughts on whether I should fix the level or not. The tank will be drained soon so I will have the opportunity.
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/g...evel%20checks/
However it WAS level when the tank was dry so not sure I can ever get it perfect.
But if unsafe I will fix ASAP. But my 180 was WORSE for sure since I moved here last Oct.
I hope to mount the light fixture on the bar next week and hook up the overflow, sump, and pump. I should have the vortech mp40 as well so I can check flow patterns while empty and guage noise for the overflow and sump. It has a drip tray and bio chamber.
Appreciate any thoughts or comments.
Here are two links for pics..
This one is of the tank filling. Much like watching cement dry, but some folks asked for pics and this is all I got
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/Filling/
This one is of wide angle shots of the level and then a closeup of the level bubble. I would appreciate any thoughts on whether I should fix the level or not. The tank will be drained soon so I will have the opportunity.
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/g...evel%20checks/
However it WAS level when the tank was dry so not sure I can ever get it perfect.
But if unsafe I will fix ASAP. But my 180 was WORSE for sure since I moved here last Oct.
I hope to mount the light fixture on the bar next week and hook up the overflow, sump, and pump. I should have the vortech mp40 as well so I can check flow patterns while empty and guage noise for the overflow and sump. It has a drip tray and bio chamber.
Appreciate any thoughts or comments.
^^ wow, I got nervous trying to follow it and I love plumbing!
Great job and awesome new tank. Subscribed. I envy your footprint
Thanks! LOL, the real issue is how much is stuffed under there. It DOES work well although ugly, easy to maintain, flexible, and can handle almost anything I decide to toss in there, short of an actual gator
I love the footprint as well. I have the tank filled with water while waiting for some hardware to do a filter test and it is HUGE looking at it. My buddy came over with 3 or his kids and if we just lowered the water level, all 3 could have go in. It is pool like
I was originally going to 30" width and 24" but that would have required euro bracing which I like but did not want for this tank. Also, looking at it filled with water and so tranquil (lol), I am glad again that I did NOT drill and use bulkheads for this display.
I hope to get my sump pump and lights early this week so I can do a filter test and hang the lights, and attach the light bar!
I have some family commitments the next few weeks, so I expect end of August it will be filled with water and scaped. I sent the pics of the level shots to CTC and they feel it is fine as is. I can see no visual differences at any water line from any angle, so I am okay with it as is.
My buddy did suggest that maybe the 30" I have to the walls may be too much and I agree. I could decrease by 4-6" and still have plenty of room for the walk around. It would provide more distance from the couch as well.
But, would require a relevel and I don't want to go through that again. I won't ask my friends and don't want to spend the money to pay someone to move it 4" LOL I have spent enough getting it to where it is now
Thanks for all for following along.
Hi All,
I have contracted Mr. Tom Barr to design and scape a custom setup for this aquarium and he has graciously agreed to do so...
I had asked Tom quite awhile back if he would design a new scape for me and he was kind enough to contract such a small job (to him, not to me!). I had actually planned all along to have Tom (or someone else if he was unavailable, but he was my first choice) design and actually scape my new setup and was part of my original (and private) estimate and plans..I just wanted to keep that to myself for awhile....
There was NO way I was going to purchase such a beautiful setup and then scape it myself...sorry for stringing you all along on that part. It is too nice a setup to 'learn' on IMO...To me, it was like buying an unpainted Ferarri and painting it myself lol I could do maybe an 'adequate' job but why not have a real painter/professional/artist do it? Again, this is a long time setup and is my dream....so why not?
I expect to absolutely be a sponge for when Tom is here and hope not to drive him crazy with questions like a child, but I guess/hope he figures that into his rates I think I will learn a lot simply by observing so am really excited about his visit. He will do a weekend here in FL.
We will NOT do a DSM and Tom will scape it 'dry'. I really did think I would do a DSM and was looking forward to it a bit, but I can do with a newer smaller tank later...I need to ensure I have enough of the plants we need here on site. I assume Tom will provide any stauro! I will use Henry to source any plants I need and he gets from FAN I believe...So I should get good quality all around.
I will ensure the filter and lights are all /setupready/tested for his visit even if the tank is drained. I should do this next week.
More to come I am sure including pictures!
I have contracted Mr. Tom Barr to design and scape a custom setup for this aquarium and he has graciously agreed to do so...
I had asked Tom quite awhile back if he would design a new scape for me and he was kind enough to contract such a small job (to him, not to me!). I had actually planned all along to have Tom (or someone else if he was unavailable, but he was my first choice) design and actually scape my new setup and was part of my original (and private) estimate and plans..I just wanted to keep that to myself for awhile....
There was NO way I was going to purchase such a beautiful setup and then scape it myself...sorry for stringing you all along on that part. It is too nice a setup to 'learn' on IMO...To me, it was like buying an unpainted Ferarri and painting it myself lol I could do maybe an 'adequate' job but why not have a real painter/professional/artist do it? Again, this is a long time setup and is my dream....so why not?
I expect to absolutely be a sponge for when Tom is here and hope not to drive him crazy with questions like a child, but I guess/hope he figures that into his rates I think I will learn a lot simply by observing so am really excited about his visit. He will do a weekend here in FL.
We will NOT do a DSM and Tom will scape it 'dry'. I really did think I would do a DSM and was looking forward to it a bit, but I can do with a newer smaller tank later...I need to ensure I have enough of the plants we need here on site. I assume Tom will provide any stauro! I will use Henry to source any plants I need and he gets from FAN I believe...So I should get good quality all around.
I will ensure the filter and lights are all /setupready/tested for his visit even if the tank is drained. I should do this next week.
More to come I am sure including pictures!
I like your analogy with the Ferrari.
You're not the DIY type of guy. You didn't build the car frame, so you wouldn't do the interior nor would you paint it either.
You do however, like to maintain/love a nice piece of work and make it last
You're not the DIY type of guy. You didn't build the car frame, so you wouldn't do the interior nor would you paint it either.
You do however, like to maintain/love a nice piece of work and make it last
I like your analogy with the Ferrari.
You're not the DIY type of guy. You didn't build the car frame, so you wouldn't do the interior nor would you paint it either.
You do however, like to maintain/love a nice piece of work and make it last
Hey,
I do have SOME DIY skills
But, I also know or suspect my limitations.I know I can maintain a setup and can get good growth, adjust c02 and lights, ferts, etc. I just have trouble with the actual scaping part lol
Plus, Tom will be able to share HOW to maintain the scape and his tips and tricks. Just watching and listening to him as he works should prove invaluable to me.
My goal is LOWER maintenance, so out of 12 bulbs I bet we use 6 or less honestly. I don't want something that requires constant attention and delicate trimming.....
Neither will I let it get overrun with growth either and hope to maintain it well.
Thanks
