As I stated in the opening statement, I am not very confident in the ability of this or any filter in operating when a physical barrier (the background) stands in between it and the area it needs to clean. This is why I opted to relocate the intake to the front side of the tank. I believe I left more than ample space above the intended gravel level (about 2 inches) to allow for any type of substrate.
Being that I spent $75 on these 3 bags of gravel only 3 months ago, I figured I'd go ahead and use it anyway.
love the build, looks very good and natural... then the blue gravel :/ please dont dont dont add blue gravel to a build looking this clean. thats like restoring a muscle car and putting spinning hubcaps on to finish it off
love the build, looks very good and natural... then the blue gravel :/ please dont dont dont add blue gravel to a build looking this clean. thats like restoring a muscle car and putting spinning hubcaps on to finish it off
Wow, that's pretty heavy. Didn't think it was going to be a debate over gravel color. So what is the consensus? Let me guess? Black Sand? or another specialized type of sand.
Also, any input on length of time to allow the Silicone to cure?
by 2 pm today it will be 24 hours. The smell of silicone is 95% gone. Need to know. The silicone tube itself said 12 hours to cure. I just want to be safe
Then once the silicone has cured, how many times must I fill and drain the tank prior to putting any livestock in the tank?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for the feedback fellas, I do want this to be a great tank, not just a "Almost " great tank.
Hopefully you should be able to get a better idea of how high the intake actually sits. It gives a good enough space to insert about 2-3 inches of substrate and still not be concerned about the intake puling it up. (At least I hope)
So at this point it will be a full 24 hours of curing time on the silicone come 2pm today 5/2/11. Once that is deemed fully cured, I will add some water to help remove some of the superficial dust that I cannot use a vacuum to remove. I will probably only fill it about half way and attempt to drain it out, hopefully taking the dust with it.
Then fill it all the way up and drain it, then fill it to the top once more, let it sit for a day and then drain again.
Any thoughts on whether that should be sufficient prior to putting in livestock?
I also would appreciate some advice on lighting. I presently have a very simple Fluorescent double bulb strip light. I was thinking about something a little more advanced, but if its not necessary, I'll just keep what I have now.
Also, still waiting on feedback for appropriate substrate. I been scolded on using my blue gravel. OK, message recv'd. Just waiting to go purchase whatever substrate is preferable.
Add some nice sand to this tank. Do not put that blue gravel. It would look more natural with sand or even regular gravel....but not that blue stuff ! nice job by the way !
