New 75 gal. Set Up

[lichris]

I've been lurking here for a while borrowing ideas and what not, but my new to me 75 gal. tank is going to be setup this week... Here is my story:

A friend gave me a whole 30gal setup with a Cascade 1500. I planned to cycle the tank with three cheap cichlids and then get a redfinned wolf. The only problem is the cichlids kind of got to me and I really got into them. The only other problem is the LFS sold me some monsters and they have outgrown the 30 gallon tank.

So I bought a 75 gal. and iron stand off CL for $35... (it needed new frames). I built a stand for it and made a 3d background with foam/concrete/Drylok. I ordered a Rena XP3 and a Hydor inline heater - that should be here Monday. This week, barring no surprises... I set it up!

I plan to stock it with what I thought was a Midas, but is probably a sagittae. I actually have three of them (thanks LFS)... one male and probably 2 females. The male is about 6 inches, and the others are 4 inches and three inches. The plan is to keep the small one in the 30 for the time being and move the other 2 into the bigger tank.

Here are some pics so far:

 

[KAWAMIKIE]

Welcome to MFK!
Looks great!
How did you colour your background?

 

[megoto]

Welcome and it's looking good

 

[BlackShark11k]

Hey,

Welcome to MFK and nice new tank you got there! Looks like your making some progress, don't forget to show us the end result when it's done! And if you have any questions about what kinda fish you have the guys here can ID them for you.

BlackShark11k

 

[lichris]

I coated the foam in concrete and then painted it with Drlok tinted with concrete coloring. I put the first coat of Drylok on untinted (white) and then put on a bunch of coats with different tints... kind of dry-brushing it on. Hopefully it works!

 

[CODzilla]

Nice work on the background!

Is the tank filled with murky water or is it the glass on the last pic?

 

[lichris]

it wasn't filled in that pic... I brought it in from the outside to test fit the stand and it was condensation. I just filled it this morning outside to make sure everything is going to be cool with the new frames and background.

 

[lichris]

And if you have any questions about what kinda fish you have the guys here can ID them for you.

BlackShark11k

Here are my fish... not the best shot I know!

 

[dat673]

welcome and good luck with the set up I look forward to seeing the end results.

 

[lichris]

Here is a quick update:
The tank is on the stand, it holds water, and I finished up the canopy (it just needs paint). I installed the lights (two 23" T5's from Walmart)... tomorrow I will install the moon lights and start painting the canopy. The XP3 is installed and running... I had it on the small tank for a few days to increase the BB... I also have the small HOB from the small tank running. I have a Hydor inline heater in the return line and it seems to be working fine - I can't tell exactly because my bastard fish broke the thermometer.... I put 50lbs of pool sand in the bottom. I bought 5 giant danios to help the cycling process, and if they survive they will become dither... I also need to build some doors for the stand...

Here is an updated picture: