Themed Aquarium

[BassProAddict]

Hello MFKeepers.I recently had a 230 tank constructed.I bought some PenPlax Aquarium ornaments themed to a sunken Atlantis.This is gonna house 10 Ocellaris PBasses (3 mos old almost).

Does anybody have any themeing suggestions, reactions (to themeing a Pbass tank, that is) and tips for my project?

 

[Buckdog]

Spray you ornaments with polyurethane spray (not the water based kind), let them sit out for several days to evaporate the solvents. This will help the paint not to fade so fast. This coating will get real hard and will also aid algae removal with a soft toothbrush.

I would recommend doing that after your tank is well cycled.

All of my store bought ornaments are coated. I've been doing that for a couple of years now.

As far as theming goes, close your eyes, get wild and write it down in a notebook. Do that over several days and you'll be amazed with what you come up with.

 

[BassProAddict]

Wouldn't the Polyurethane spray chemicals eventually bleed into the water? So even PenPlax items aren't water proofed well enough yet? Thanks.

 

[Buckdog]

No. I've never had a problem. I always spray my ornaments and leave them in my patio for about a week. If you dont feel comfortable with it then what you can do is place them in water and let them sit for a while before you put them in the tank.

I was told by a resin chemist that most paints on ornaments fade because they are leeching. And the broad spectrum lighting doesnt help either.

Most polyurethane becomes inert when it cures. Thats is why folks use black expanding foam as a filler in their waterfall construction projects.

 

[JoelR]

No. I've never had a problem. I always spray my ornaments and leave them in my patio for about a week. If you dont feel comfortable with it then what you can do is place them in water and let them sit for a while before you put them in the tank.

I was told by a resin chemist that most paints on ornaments fade because they are leeching. And the broad spectrum lighting doesnt help either.

Most polyurethane becomes inert when it cures. Thats is why folks use black expanding foam as a filler in their waterfall construction projects.

Do you have a specific brand to recommend? I whish I had used something like this for my rock wall.

 

[Buckdog]

I use the Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane. I get it in clear satin or clear because when it dries it makes a hard shiny smooth surface that is easy to clean.
Home Depot and Lowes carry it.

 

[BassProAddict]

Bump...

My tank is all done.My 10 Pbasses are all thriving in it.I'll post pics in a few days.I'm just trying to figure out some lighting fixtures.

 

[BassProAddict]

Well here's some pics of my Atlantis themed aquarium.It houses 10 6 inch or so Ocellaris PBasses.

It took some time to finish this and frankly, I feel it's still lacking some effects or other decorations/stones/plants.

Opinions appreciated

 

[mauricio yearwood]

Beutiful design, hope the p bass dont demolish it wen they get bigger hopefuly you will swich them to anader tank by then and get small cichlidds to swim around your ruins

 

[ColdwaterCreekGuide]

Quite lovely! The bass AND the tank design! I'm green with envy. I do enjoy a natural looking tank, but that is just cool. How fast to Pbass grow?