New Build. 110 gallon Riparium.

[mrrobxc]

Hello guys. I got started on a new build and wanted to put this thread together to document it.

I picked up a 110 Visio 48x18x30 a couple weeks ago and have been planning on putting my Crenicichla Saxatilis and Geophagus Alto Sinu in there. I wanted to do something similar to my old 225 setup and take my riparium skills a step further.

 

[mrrobxc]

Picked up some driftwood from the flower district. These two larger pieces will go well on the setup and I plan to work with different angles to maximize floor space while also having enough of he wood rest over the water surface.

I plan to raise the water level to 20-21” to give me the setup size of a standard 75 gallon. I also picked up some reddish lace rock from a local building/garden yard.

Here’s a few pics of the wood along with the initial soaking of the wood to get it to sink.

 

[mrrobxc]

I decided to setup two canister filters. A FX4 will be used to filter the main body of water. A Fluval 406 with a custom spray bar pointed down against the back wall will be the second. I decided to run with a planted background after seeing some inspirational setups online.

I decided to try my hand at epiweb and hygrolon as a growing medium. Epiweb will cover the top of the back wall with epiweb covered in hygrolon set up on the sides. The reason for the hygrolon is that it’ll wick up water and keep the epiweb panels on the side moist to grow plants. The back wall will have a drip wall from the 406 so no need for hygrolon. Well at least I hope.

I also had to remove the blue paint on the background and replace it with a coat of black plastidip.

Seachem Flourite sand is my substrate. I like the natural look and the small grain size. Plus, I hate dealing with soil based substrates even though it’s much better for planting in. Flourite is inert our of the bag. But over time, it’ll pull nutrients from the water column and use them to help support plant growth. A few tabs of osmocote will help with the initial plantings. Under water plants will be a few different strains of swords. Red flame and Red Melon.

I also picked up some hygrolon liana’s and branches. These will be covered with moss and other plants over time. That’s the idea anyway.

 

[tlindsey]

Can't wait to see the finished project.

 

[mrrobxc]

Spent the better part of the afternoon over the weekend cutting, painting, washing sand, and setting up the system. Took longer than expected but I’m happy with it. Still a long way to go. Have to add the emergent plants and mosses. I picked up a moss mix to brush into the hygrolon walls and the wood. Given that the tank has low humidity at the moment, I’m not sure how it’ll work.

I added some fish. A group of Brochis Splendens, three Paeudanos Vari, some small Crenicichla Saxatilis and Geophagus Alto Sinu.

Seasoned bio media was added to the new filters so don’t flame me about cycling.

 

[mrrobxc]

I have some plants on order and they’ll arrive within a week or so. Also ordered two Aqua Illumination Prime HD Pendant LED fixtures.

Plants coming are some Wandering Jew, a ton of Christmas Moss, a few bromeliads, Pennywort, and a couple small palm plants.

Will update this post once I make any new additions.

 

[mrrobxc]

Can't wait to see the finished project.

Thank you! It’ll take a while. I’m so impatient but I think this build will take about the same amount of time as my 600.

Here’s an update on the 600, 280, and 150 since it’s been a while since I’ve posted here with updates while I wait for updates on the 110

280:

600

150

https://youtu.be/mrrU0YRX5Ks

 

[twentyleagues]

All your tanks look great! Can't wait to see the new one all planted up.

 

[mrrobxc]

All your tanks look great! Can't wait to see the new one all planted up.

Thank you very much!

The lights came in today. Not sure I like how much light two of these Aqua Illumination Prime HD’s will put out for this tank. Being 30” tall and having the lights on the 12” stands, the amount of distance that has to be covered by the lights may be too much. The bottom of the tank where the swords are planted doesn’t seem bright enough. Time will tell. I may have to add a third light to get what I want or supplement these with one of my finnex led strips.

I do like how I can program the settings and change the color spectrum. I have the lights maxed at 48 watts a piece and they are as bright as can be.

Anyway , here are some pics. Still waiting on the plants to come in. Also got two more bags of Flourite sand to deepen my substrate.

 

[mrrobxc]

Quick videos.

Plants coming soon.