New RTM Tank FTS

[JK47]

GREAT looking setup Justin.

Thanks for showing the depth of the bkgrnd & setup pics. Ive wondered how the backgrounds were setup, made and worked properly.

I cant get them anywhere locally around here and not willing to drop a few hundred $$$$ just to see if it works for me.

Thanks bro! I like posting the "how it works" others don't seem to show how they pull off tanks like this. If we don't share the trade secrets, we will never move this hobby forward. If you ever decide to pull the trigger, drop me a note I will help out in any way I can. I've installed quite a few.

I went with growing out la cieba freddies...I hope I chose the right fish because those RTM look amazing as does the aquascape really nice set up. Is that a designs by nature background?

Thanks! It is a DBN background.

they look great

Thanks!

Thanks for the pics and explanation of the hideaway. I believe it is much better than a divider. I think you picked a perfect pair for the tank.

I'm glad someone else agrees! Only time will tell if it works but I am in it for the long haul with this species so if it doesn't work, I'll build them a seperate tank and give this one to the escondido pair.

Wow, another stunning master piece, great job!

Thanks Tom!!!

Very nice setup wish I could afford those back grounds

Thanks Dan!!!

amazing setup bro!! Please post updates of the tank and RTMs I would love to do something similiar with my tanks too.

Thanks Jason!!! You bet on the updates bro!

Great looking setup indeed!! I was wondering what kind of background that was too? Also since you cut out the overflows and are going to use the holes in the bottom of the tank to route the canisters...what are you doing for the intake part...how far off the bottom are you going to go with it? Is it behind the background?

www.designsbynature.net ==> model: "selvas" although I don't believe they make them anymore. The hole in the bottom are plumbed with bulkhead fittings and PCV elbows so I was able to get the plumbing to sit flush against the wall of the tank (the stock plumbing stuck out too far and I would have lost roughly 4" of depth). I carved a channel in the background to go over the plumbing and sit flush against the tank wall. I will be running two independantly plumbed Eheim 2217's on the tank. The canister inlets will be stock over the back as all tanks are but hidden by the background, the two returns (plumbed through the bottom) will be returns from the canisters (post heater/UV). The two former 1" ID overflow pipes (plumbed through the bottom) will be connected and hooked to a ball valve and pool purge line for water changes. It will turn a 25% drain into about a 1-2 minute job.


EDIT: here are a couple pics I found that show where the placement of the plumbing (returns and WC plumbing) under the BG. The Loc-line on the returns is the only visible thing which you really can't tell. I decided I cared more about the ability to direct flow than seeing those black lo-lines.

(WC overflow not cut down yet, test fit in the pic)


(the BG isn't mounted in this pic, just a test fit. Once installed sits flush against the tank wall)



(once the loc-lines are pointed down, they are hidden by the black trim, you have to look up to see them especially on the shorter stand)



I'll do a write up on how I build the next tank (in this section) so you guys know how I make this stuff form and function etc.. I usually post build threads over in setup. I will be getting started on the dovii's new tank in the next few month and am in the planning stages of that right now.

 

[Angler]

Awsome Motas and tank. Good work!

 

[JK47]

Awsome Motas and tank. Good work!

Thanks!

 

[fishman09]

how do you get your la ceiba that yellow. ive had two males one i raised from 2.5 to 7" and looked so pale all the time and my current little guy show good blues in his fins but lacks the yellow. do they have to breed to get the gold? i think its just stress related but ive never seen a fish get so washed out as mine did from stress. gorgeous set up btw its gonna only get better as the rtms grow

 

[aclockworkorange]

how do you get your la ceiba that yellow. ive had two males one i raised from 2.5 to 7" and looked so pale all the time and my current little guy show good blues in his fins but lacks the yellow. do they have to breed to get the gold? i think its just stress related but ive never seen a fish get so washed out as mine did from stress. gorgeous set up btw its gonna only get better as the rtms grow

So I assume this is directed at me since I'm the only one that posted a pic of a Freddy... Basically, all I do is feed New Life Spectrum pellets and do a lot of water changes. Come to think of it, same thing Justin is doing with all his tanks except his finicky dovii that loves massivore.

 

[NOLAGT]

Thanks for the feedback on the setup. I have a 240 that has 2 overflows and a wetdry and I'm over it...I want 2 canisters. So I was going to sell it and get a 300 tall. I'm torn because I'd like the extra height but it would be easier and a little cheaper just to cut out the overflows and use the drains like you did. Using some as a waterchange valve is a nice idea!!!

 

[Gruff Master]

You know FAR more about plumbing and setup than I do. I appreciate your build threads. They'll really come in handy when I setup a larger tank soon. the new Dovii tank should be very interesting.