66 replies to this topic

[dazzabozza]

Gday all

Started my next project today which is a 3'x18"x18" tank which is split into two sections creating two 1.5' cubes (thanks Aquotix! )

Both will have separate filtration and different water parameters (assuming there is a good seal between the two). T5HO lighting will be shared.

Plan on going planted on one side with shrimp and small fish. The other side will have Tang shellies, most likely Alto compressiceps "gold head".


Here you can see the tank divider.


Tank is laying on it's back in preparation to have the 3D background added.


3D background cut down-to-size. Siliconed around each edge and random areas.


Both backgrounds are in place and even pressure applied.


One of my helpers - not! LOL





Daz

[Cawdor]

Are you going for external or internal filtration Daz?
Your hallway looks......clean

[bradfitzy]

Your hallway looks......clean

Hmm bet that wasn't your doing hey Daz?

[dazzabozza]

Are you going for external or internal filtration Daz?

For the planted I've gone for a Rena Smartfilter and Smartheater. I'm hoping to plants will take care of most of the biological filtration and the Rena is there mainly to polish the water.

For the tang tank I'm undecided. I don't plan on heavily stocking it. Maybe an Aquaclear HOB filter.

Hmm bet that wasn't your doing hey Daz?

The GF might helped out a little

[Donna]

Your cat is adorable.

What kinds of plants are you looking at?

Interesting setup, can't wait to see the result.

Regards,

Donna

[(Anthony)]

Thats the same thing im doing,
But tangs on both sides,
Do u remember the size of the divider so i know what i do mine at, Looks like it fits perfectly,
That would look awsome with a planted side then a tang side,
What fish would u plan on keeping with the planted side?
Cheers

Anthony,

[dazzabozza]

Roughly 44cm x 43cm for the divider.


Just small fish that are "shrimp safe". I'd say the smaller tetra species and Otocinclus catfish. Need to do some research.

[Krystal]

Looking good so far....if you need any particular plants give us a yell.

Looks like the Galvabond came in handy for the background too hahaha.

[dazzabozza]

Yep those paint tins came in handy for sure Krystal, good timing! I'll come quiz you soon about what plants to start off with. I like what you've done with the planted tank on your counter.


Tank and cabinet it it's new location. Close up of new toys (Aquotix).


Substrates. I'm hoping to get some decent buffering from the Seachem aragonite (Vebas). It's made up of crushed shells which gives a nice texture. Not really suited to Tang sand sifters but hopefully my Alto. comps like it.


New toys fitted and substrate unbagged. Not many loose / moving parts to the Rena Smartfilter when it comes to assembling it. But overall feel is it's a bit plasticy and you've got to be careful when handing it as the cartridges fall out if you tilt it upside down. Almost broke one


Substrate close-ups.


More close-ups, against 3D background.



Daz

[dazzabozza]

"And then there was light"

HETO 3' T5HO 2x 39w light unit (Vebas)


What's everyones thoughts on the depth of the substrate? Is roughly 5-6cm at the moment. Shallow it out a bit?


Daz

[dazzabozza]

Decided to add the fake background to the sides of the tank also. I'm hoping it'll make for nicer photos when taking pics of the fish

Aquotix showed me their new product today so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Hopefully "Morta fil" doesn't stand for "Morta lity" Is fish safe apparently.


It drips quite fast out of the applicator and is not as sticky as silicone which makes it a tad harder when working on vertical joins. You can see it in the darker areas between the two backgrounds and between the edges/glass.


Easily removed excess using a blade. As you can see it's pretty much a perfect colour match once dry.


Before and after shot. Creates a nice seal and hides the lighter shade foam from where it has been trimmed.



Daz

[Paddy]

Looks great mate, very neat

[(Anthony)]

Looking good,
The 3D backround around the sides and back looks awsome,

[Krystal]

Wow.....that looks brilliant when its dry Daz! You gotta be happy with that And you didnt make too much of a mess either....

Im still looking for somewhere to use this stuff

[dazzabozza]

These next pics will probably excite you even more Anthony. "Ding ding! Next stop Shellie Central"

Began scaping. Next step is to source some fake plants.


Bird's eye view

Wow.....that looks brilliant when its dry Daz! You gotta be happy with that And you didnt make too much of a mess either....

Im still looking for somewhere to use this stuff

Yeh it reminds me of this stuff called 'Magic Sand' I used to play with as a kid, you could make things underwater etc.


Daz

[golden_dase]

Hi Daz

Your project is looking very nice mate! Mind if I ask where you bought your Aquasoil from and price?

Cheers!
Kevin

[Cawdor]

Looking very cool mate, I love the rocks.

[dazzabozza]

Mind if I ask where you bought your Aquasoil from and price?

From Aquotix. Not sure what I paid as I don't take much notice of my receipts, as long as the EFTPOS says "approved" I'm happy
$75 is the shelf price for 9L, cheaper after applying club member / store discount.

I've since taken some out. 5-6L per 18"x18" gives decent coverage / depth.


Daz

[(Anthony)]

That looks great Daz,
Cant wait to see the finished result,
What Shelies are u putting in there?

Anthony,

[Pescados]

LOL that cat ate all the pies