18 replies to this topic

[scotty81]

So i have the go ahead from the other half for a new tank build ( have to get rid of my other tank once its ready to go ) going to make the cabinet myself and get the tank made. Looking at having it up and running and stocked by christmas so not in a huge hurry.

I have decidied to go a tang tank.

The foot print I have available is 0.8 by 1.7, so im wondering if im should go a 5x2x2 or if I should get something more custom made to suit??? Dont want the costs to blow out to much though. Was originally budgeting for a 6x2x2 but it wont fit in the decided space so a tank around that cost.

Need to decide on tank size before I can start stand design. Any input on size and rough costs would be apreciated

[Bowdy]

Why not make it fill the whole space you have avalable. 80x170 maybe 75 high.

[scotty81]

Would like to Bowdy but not sure I could stretch the budget, as the glass would need to be thicker at that height. Would a 150Lx75Wx60H be of smilar cost to a 6x2x2???

Edited by scotty81, 25 May 2012 - 07:01 PM.

[Bowdy]

No idea on a price planning a tank is very exciting. Hope it all goes well

[scotty81]

Thanks, I hope so to, theres plenty of inspiration in some of the journals here....as well as ideas.

If anyone has some idea on pricing, ill get the tank sizer soughted and start designing the tank

[scotty81]

Ok so I have decided on a custom tank, 64x30x24 ( inches ) Height kept to 24 inches high so I can use 10mm glass. I plan on getting the wood in the next 4-6 weeks and start building the stand, and then take it from there. Have changed my mind on what to keep in there and im going to try a mixed african tank and add some Frontys in there as well. Can only try right. At presnet I have 20 or so fish growing out in a tank that will eventually go into this tank and will be looking for more.

Edited by scotty81, 15 June 2012 - 02:13 PM.

[Johno1982]

So what's the price on something like that.... I wanna build a 8x2.5x2.5 (ft) but not sure how.....any good links to share on how to build one? Also 12mm thick I think?

[werdna]

Definately 12mm thick, I dont know if that is what you are saying, but personally I wouldnt build something that big myself.
1350L is alot of water to spill on your living room floor!
And IME a tank generally costs around the same as what you buy the glass for, unless you know a glazier.

[scotty81]

From what I've read anything over two foot should be 12mm minimum. I havnt't priced the tank yet but will be a lot cheaper in 10mm.

[scotty81]

Ok so after a bit of research and asking questions, I have finally decided on a 5x2x2, I plan on getting the tank and raw pine stand and cladding the stand and making the hood. Filtration will be two Eheim 2217 and I will use either a power head or a wave maker to help circulate the water. Heating will be two 200watt Hydor in line heaters one on each of the inlets to each cannister filter. The tank will be drilled towards the bottom of each rear corner for inlet to each filter and I plan on a single return with venturi to minimise items in the tank and to provide oxidisation. I plan on using 2/3 crushed coral substrate with 1/3 of some form of black substrate mixed in, with limestone rocks built up in each corner with maybe a few plants in the corners as well, this will allow for an open swimming place in the centre.

I have not decided on lighting yet so any suggestions will be welcome.

I have started collecting some fish for the tank which will be a predominantly Malawi male setup, thanks to some PCS members, mostly Terry ( Texan ) and Peter ( Petert ).

List at the moment is as follows:

Aulonocara Jacobfreibergi ( Eureka Red )
Metriaclima Estherae ( Red Zebra )
Placidochromis sp. ( Phenochilus Tanzania )
Labidochromis caeruleus ( Electric yellow )
Cynotilapia pulpican
Cynotilapia afra (Jalo Reef)
Aulonocara stuartgranti (Ngara Flametail)
Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" (Taiwanee Reef)
Marble Peacock
Aulonocara Lwanda
Haplochromis sp. Flameback
Aulonocara stuartgranti Chipoka
Pseudotropheus sp. Perspicax Orange Cap
Dimidiochromis strigatus
Red Empress

Synodontis multipunctatus
Synodontis petricola

Probably looking to expand the list above to about 20 + catfish.

Some other fish I am looking at are


Aulonocara baenschi
Dragon Blood Peacock
Metriaclima callainos (Cobalt Blue Zebra cichlids)
Placidochromis Phenochilus (Mdoka White Lip)
Protomelas taeniolatus ( Red empress )
Sciaenochromis fryeri. ( Electric Blue Malari Island )
Astatotilapia Latifasciata

Any other thoughts or opinions on current fish future fish or suggestions appreciated.

Edited by scotty81, 18 August 2012 - 03:35 PM.

[Bowdy]

what made you decide on a 5x2 and not a 6x2?
personaly i would have the heaters on the outlet of the cannister less inline crap build up, but sounds sweet should be a cracker

[scotty81]

5 foot will fit nicely in the decided location, but 6 foot would stick out a little.

[scotty81]

Ok update on the project, I have purchased a tank off another member, tanks 4x2x2.5, not as big as I originally wanted but willl do the job, Ill list everything below

Tank: 4x2x2.5
Cabinet and hood ( Black )
Filtration: 2 x Eheim 2217
Water agitation: 3000Lph wave maker
Heater: 300 watts
Substrate: Crushed coral

Fish list as below. I already have all these fish, all are small and growing out in another tank until the new tank is set up

Aulonocara Jacobfreibergi ( Eureka Red )
Metriaclima Estherae ( Red Zebra )
Placidochromis Phenochilus Tanzania
Labidochromis caeruleus ( Electric yellow )
Cynotilapia pulpican
Cynotilapia afra (Jalo Reef)
Aulonocara stuartgranti (Ngara Flametail)
Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" (Taiwanee Reef)
Marble Peacock
Aulonocara Lwanda
Haplochromis sp. Flameback
Aulonocara stuartgranti Chipoka
Pseudotropheus sp. Perspicax Orange Cap
Dimidiochromis strigatus
Red Empress

Synodontis multipunctatus
Synodontis petricola

[Furnix]

get a white knight in as they have an awesome ice blue colour which doesn't blend in with other blues or whites! I haven't seen many people with these but i think they look awesome!

[booze]

updates? photos?

[scotty81]

Not yet, should have the tank on the weekend. Will be making some changes to the stocking list to.

[scotty81]

Ok so I finally got the tank and it is well and truly up and running.

Tank: 4x2x2.5
Cabinet and Hood (Black)
Filtration: 2x Eheim 2217
Powerhead: Aquael Reef Circulator 2600 (Wave maker)
Substrate is 3mm coral sand.
300 watt heater.

Stocking list:

1x Aulonocara Jacobfreibergi ( Eureka Red )
1x Aulonocara sp. (Lwanda)
1x Aulonocara stuartgranti (Ngara Flametail)
1x Aulonocara stuartgranti (Chipoka)
1x Aulonocara Sp. (Dragon Blood)
1x Marble Peacock
1x Metriaclima Estherae ( Red Zebra )
1x Placidochromis Phenochilus (Tanzania)
1x Labidochromis caeruleus ( Electric yellow )
1x Cynotilapia pulpican (kingesii)
1x Cynotilapia afra (Jalo Reef)
1x Astatotilapia latifasciata (Crimson Tide)
1x Haplochromis sp. (Flameback)
1x Protomelas sp. (Taiwanee Reef)
1x Protomelas Taeniolatus (Red Empress)
1x Dimidiochromis strigatus
1x Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus
1X Hypsophrys Nicaraguensis
Also have 1 Syno Multi and 2 Petricolas


My tank 1

My Tank 2

My Tank 3

Edited by scotty81, 18 November 2012 - 11:18 AM.

[Bowdy]

It's a good start.
Try posting the image code instead of a link. Works much better. Cheers

[booze]