View Full Version : Custom tank build - 220 us gal
gerrydfw
06/08/2011, 05:14 PM
Hi all,
First time poster/long time lurker here and want to say hello to all the zillions of members out there..
I have been a lurker for quite awhile and have learned much here about a wide variety of topics related to keeping
aquaria.
That being said, I do come from the dark side of freshwater planted aquaria :)
So, I do not need 'normal' advice per se, but advice mostly regarding orientation and placement of the tank as you will see.
I am having a custom aquarium being constructed for me by Coast to Coast Aquariums.
http://www.coasttocoastaquariums.com/
The dimensions in inches: 72 length X 20 height (top to bottom) X 36 depth (front to back) totalling approx 220 US
gallons. This will be a rimless style, with 4 sides of starphire glass using clear silicone.
I decided against drilling the tank even though I will be using a wet/dry sump as the filtration. I will use a
LifeReef brand slimline overflow that Jeff sent to me several weeks ago and is very nice!
My main reason is aesthetics as I do not want wiers of any type in the tank that were permanent. I currently own an all
glass brand reef ready 180 gal with dual corner overflows so I know about scaping around an overflow...or two :)
So, I live in a 2BR apt and intend to place the tank and stand in the combo living/dining room with sufficient space to walk ALL around it..with the lower/wider profile it will be more like looking down into a stream or pond..However it will NOT be placed center as I still need to have a couch and move around it. So, the 'back' wall and one 'end' will be about 22-24" away from the walls.
I will use emergent live plant growth to hide the overflow and such. I may also do silk or live plant walls to enhance a tropical fee.
I have read many threads here and would appreciate any insights or experiences to watch for in terms of the following:
1). Orientation/placement of the tank. Would you have done yours differently if possible?
2). The actual delivery tracking, receipt, unloading, moving, etc. I intend to have 6 professional movers along
with dolleys, straps, and suction cups. Is a straight 20' from the parking spot out front directly into the living room!
3). Anything else, the shipper, final payment, things of that nature.
4). Anything I may have missed.
I am good to go on equipment and can provide hardware links to filters, lights, etc if there is an interest. I will use an MP40 for additional flow, use 12x39w T5HO (but not all bulbs) with Guiesseman bulbs (excellent), and an Aqueon pro 4 sump with wet/dry kit.
Here are a few pics of the build in progress and I will post some of the delivery and eventual final(?) scape when up and running.
Enjoy and thanks for bearing with me..
Here is a detailed link over on a FW forum..
http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/8435-New-Tank-Build-Thread
Thanks,
Gerry.
donwilson
06/08/2011, 05:35 PM
I would've only used starphire on the three viewable sides. It would just be a waste of money to spend on a pane of starphire and not be able to see through it.
gerrydfw
06/08/2011, 05:39 PM
Hi,
I would've only used starphire on the three viewable sides. It would just be a waste of money to spend on a pane of starphire and not be able to see through it.
You WILL be able to walk around/view this tank. I was also buying for the future in case I do buy a home some day and the orientation could change.
You can't sit and view this tank from all sides but you will be able to walk around it and view it easily on all 4 sides for sure. Not optimal but what can I do with 1100 sq feet total? The LR is much smaller than that! I hope to have this for many years and circumstances may change.
If the tank was always against a wall I agree with you 100%, but that is NOT the case here..
Stomkat
06/08/2011, 06:38 PM
Had to look up starphire glass, first I had ever heard of it.
Can't wait to see the build pics! That is gonna be one nice tank!
greech
06/08/2011, 06:58 PM
First off that is a great looking tank and some really sweet dimensions!!!
I use a HOB overflow as well which has served me well but since you want to walk around the tank I think I would have drilled the tank through the bottom so that all plumbing was concealed below the tank instead of being over the side. The other option would have been a peninsula style tank like the one in the first pic behind your tank. Its your tank though and your living space so who am I to argue :).
I think you will need more flow that the 1 MP40. Two would probably do it depending on what you end up stocking with.
I can't help with the delivery aspect since I have never had a tank built and delivered but it sounds like you have a pretty direct entry into your home. Obviously give the tank a good look over when it is delivered and make note of ANYTHING that looks off before the delivery guys leave.
The first thing I would do is a leak test to make sure it holds water. A water hose out the window to fill and siphon out some straight tap water should be sufficient for this.
Have you considered a skimmer yet and does your wet dry allow room for one?
Best of luck with the build!
gerrydfw
06/11/2011, 01:57 PM
Had to look up starphire glass, first I had ever heard of it.
Can't wait to see the build pics! That is gonna be one nice tank!
Hi,
Yes, thank goodness for Google :) It is also called low-iron glass...
I will post as many pics as possible of the tank built but empty, as when scaped will be freshwater planted and most likely of limited interest here.
Mostly want to show Coast to Coast's work as I have read a few posts asking about their quality, but few experiences or replies...
gerrydfw
06/11/2011, 02:05 PM
First off that is a great looking tank and some really sweet dimensions!!!
I use a HOB overflow as well which has served me well but since you want to walk around the tank I think I would have drilled the tank through the bottom so that all plumbing was concealed below the tank instead of being over the side. The other option would have been a peninsula style tank like the one in the first pic behind your tank. Its your tank though and your living space so who am I to argue :).
I think you will need more flow that the 1 MP40. Two would probably do it depending on what you end up stocking with.
I can't help with the delivery aspect since I have never had a tank built and delivered but it sounds like you have a pretty direct entry into your home. Obviously give the tank a good look over when it is delivered and make note of ANYTHING that looks off before the delivery guys leave.
The first thing I would do is a leak test to make sure it holds water. A water hose out the window to fill and siphon out some straight tap water should be sufficient for this.
Have you considered a skimmer yet and does your wet dry allow room for one?
Best of luck with the build!
Hi and thanks,
Yes, I am very pleased with the footprint and dimensions..it looks great so far..
Remember that this will be a freshwater planted and not saltwater. Just want to show of CTC's work mostly so folks can decide whether they want to use them or not..
I thought long and hard on drilling the tank. I spoke AT LENGTH with Chris at CTC (great customer service) about various types of overflows, coast to coast, island, peninsula,etc. I even had the drillings mapped out but decided that I just wanted a 'plain' undrilled tank.
Ultimately, it will be easier for me to hide an external hang on overflow and tubes, or tubes for a closed loop canister, than to hide an internal overflow box and/or standpipes, islands, etc.
I think the slimline model of HOB overflow will help. When filled with bright green emersed growth, you won't even know what it is. I plan to have wood with emersed plant growth so that on the overflow will simply blend in.
I will only have two 1" intake tubes and whatever outlets I design. Using 3/4 locline can be easily hidden. I will post a pic of some of this in a bit. the pic I have is too large to post...
I may have to replace some clear tubing occasionally until the growth is mature, but I am willing to do so and will design it to be easily replaced if need be...
I want future flexibilty so drilling was not something I wanted to deal with.
I already have a dual corner 180 and hate having to deal with the loss of real estate and other issues.
I think it will be fine, you will see hopefully :) I really did not want to drill this baby in the end. I think I made the right decision FOR ME and am okay with that.
I will have about 1200 gph running through the sump, so 1 MP40 will be fine. I will not need to mimic a reef flow or tidal currents....Lots of open space in this scape.
I have a nice slimline Lifereef overflow for skimming and flow to the wet/dry/sump. I also plan on trying a CPR brand overflow someday just to have the experience...
This is FW, so a protein skimmer will not work :)
I will be ALL over the delivery, never fear! The crating looks solid and I doubt I will have issues. Mostly with arranging the movers to show up at the same time as the tank :)
Thanks for your thoughts and comments!
Thanks for the interest.
gerrydfw
07/14/2011, 09:59 PM
Hi all,
The ship has sailed! The tank and stand/light bar have left CTC today and I expect delivery sometime next week.
My substrate also came via UPS today. I have 15 9liter bags so I should have enough. It is an enriched substrate (ADA Amazonia) so I expect will last for quite a few years and will reduce greatly the need to dose the water column for the first several years at least. I will dose the water column so that all plants have multiple sources for nutrient uptake.
I contacted the movers and they know one day next week. I will contact the carrier tomorrow to discuss more of the details. The movers actually moved a buddy's 220 and have moved other large tanks, so they have some experience. They were thrilled I am on the first floor lol
So, here is a picture of the tank on the stand. I expect it will look better at MY place than CTC, but maybe not :)
I personally think CTC did an outstanding job and can't wait to see it in person!
Thanks!
gerrydfw
07/20/2011, 03:46 PM
Hi all,
Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow, so perhaps in another 24 hours it will all actually be in my living room.
Leak and filter test this weekend...
Later!
gerrydfw
07/21/2011, 12:47 PM
Hi all,
Well the tank showed up but no matching stand, so i refused the delivery while the carrier locates the rest of my shipment.
I am a bit disappointed but nothing I can do about it now.
Waiting to hear from the carrier so I can resched the movers. I called them and cancelled for today.
No sense in them moving the tank and leaving on the floor. I would need them again to lift the tank on the stand when it shows up, so no sense accepting the tank alone.
Later!
Genin
07/21/2011, 01:29 PM
that's a bummer.
psychadelicdrea
07/21/2011, 01:50 PM
man that sucks...i would be upset...!!
gerrydfw
07/22/2011, 11:00 PM
Hi folks,
Thanks for the empathy :)
More disappointed than mad. I did what I could to arrange it all...Just didn't work out. I will miss the chance to work on it over the weekend, leak test, hang the lights, etc. I am pretty busy @ work and some family obligations on the weekends that will take some time.
So, they found the stand and light bar in the nose of the original trailer.
We rescheduled for Monday afternoon, so here's hoping the weather cooperates and the movers show up AFTER the delivery, and the delivery itself goes well.
I think it will all go well. If it is raining too hard we will just have to wait it out. I am less concerned about the stand than the tank if things are slippery, esp AFTER the rain.
They are sending 6 movers which should minimize risk all around and make it easier for the movers. I would rather have too many and then they all need to carry less of a load than the reverse.
The tank pallet is noted @ 700 lbs and the pallet won't weigh more than 50, if that. So, it is a heavy thing to lift and move.
Better safe than sorry.
Have a great weekend. I hope to report Monday night that all is well!
Thanks for listening in!
gerrydfw
07/25/2011, 04:17 PM
Hi all,
The aquarium and stand are now setup inside my LR!
The carrier showed up @ 2 and was gone by 3. The movers showed up 15 minutes later and were gone by 4:30!
I think it all went very smoothly and noone got hurt in any way that I am aware of...and I asked too!
I think CTC did a fantastic job and it looks just like I imagined it...Just beautiful work! The custom light bar is very nice! As is the steel stand and powder coating. They match well.
So, now to clean and leak test, do a filter test, and laydown the substrate so I can start the terrestial/emersed grow out period. This will cycle the substrate and eliminate the need for large daily water changes due to NH4 leaching from the substrate.
So, I can fill with water and fish in short order but I will take my time there as well... No rush for this baby...
I expect I will have pictures of the scape up around the end of Aug or so.
Many new ideas tossed at me lately for skirting....
Thank for hanging in with me!
papagimp
07/25/2011, 05:02 PM
I'm so excited reading this thread, I've got a used 220g sitting directly behind me that I've been waiting to set up for years. had started at one point but the surprise baby put my hobby on hold for awhile. i think I'll be going back to the darkside of freshwater planted south american biotope with it though :P got plenty of other tanks in the garage for my saltwater endevors.
Best of Luck and look forward to seeing more pictures!
gerrydfw
07/25/2011, 07:42 PM
I'm so excited reading this thread, I've got a used 220g sitting directly behind me that I've been waiting to set up for years. had started at one point but the surprise baby put my hobby on hold for awhile. i think I'll be going back to the darkside of freshwater planted south american biotope with it though :P got plenty of other tanks in the garage for my saltwater endevors.
Best of Luck and look forward to seeing more pictures!
Hi,
Thanks. I share your excitement :)
I think you should set up a 'darkside' setup as it is good to be in both worlds. I would like to have a simple fish only SW setup someday, as I love damsels of all types.
You really don't need much based on your goals, fish species and size, etc. A simple wet/dry and sump and you should be good to go. Even T8 or T12 lighting can be used to good effect and with excellent results and plant growth.
I will post more pics soon as I can.
I wanted to take some of the delivery but since it all happened so quickly, I didn't even think of it....When the carrier left and while waiting for the movers, I took apart the crating and all and it was HOT outside.....95+...
Then when the movers came I watched everything they did and made sure they had a plan before they started touching anything :) They were all very nice and did a great job!
So, then getting it leveled and cleaning up, before I knew it, I was admiring it all alone!
So, lots of pics that COULD HAVE BEEN are not....
But, I hope to post more on the filter setup, test, etc and of course the scape as it is finished...
I appreciate you writing in as my assumption is that my plans have little interest other than the dimensions and builder of the tank on this forum.
Thanks.
gerrydfw
07/26/2011, 09:13 PM
Hi all,
A disk dump of all the pics from today...
Here are some photobucket links to albums. The first shows a single pic of my 180 that was in the LR and showing the breakdown in the move to the BR.
The second shows pics I snapped of the sump and wet/dry, overflow, substrate, and the tank of course :) I also showed some pics of the 180 after the move but needs more work, time, and I need to add my tiger barbs back in!
I will post some actual pics here on the site but is a bit time consuming doing this on multiple forums LOL
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/The%20move/
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/All%20the%20new%20stuff/
Enjoy!
gerrydfw
07/26/2011, 10:26 PM
Hi all,
A few quick pics....
Enjoy!
gerrydfw
07/28/2011, 07:36 PM
Hi all,
Here are two links for pics..
This one is of the tank filling for the leak test. Much like watching cement dry, but some folks asked for pics and this is all I got
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/g...irish/Filling/
This one is of wide angle shots of the level and then a closeup of the level bubble. I would appreciate any thoughts on whether I should fix the level or not. The tank will be drained soon so I will have the opportunity.
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/g...evel%20checks/
However it WAS level when the tank was dry so not sure I can ever get it perfect.
But if unsafe I will fix ASAP. But my 180 was WORSE for sure since I moved here last Oct.
I hope to mount the light fixture on the bar next week and hook up the overflow, sump, and pump. I should have the vortech mp40 as well so I can check flow patterns while empty and guage noise for the overflow and sump. It has a drip tray and bio chamber.
Appreciate any thoughts or comments.
Crazy_Beaver
07/29/2011, 02:14 AM
Sweet dimenssions man!
Not a big fun of the planted tanks! With the time and care they need its better to make a reef I say but I hope it works out greta for you!
I still havent understand how your overflow is going to be but I am tagging along!
I would like to see a list of equipment by the way!;)
gerrydfw
07/29/2011, 08:26 AM
Sweet dimenssions man!
Not a big fun of the planted tanks! With the time and care they need its better to make a reef I say but I hope it works out greta for you!
I still havent understand how your overflow is going to be but I am tagging along!
I would like to see a list of equipment by the way!;)
Hi,
Thanks I like the dims too !
Not much I can say if you don't like the planted look. I would think the reefs are more difficult but have no experience so cannot say...I think it will work out fine, thanks...
Here is a list of equipment.
Tank manufacturer/builder. Chris and Pat offered great customer service and a quality build.
http://www.coasttocoastaquariums.com/
Overflow HOB Lifereef brand slimline model with dual 1” intakes. Jeff offered great customer service and a quality product. Was very willing to work with me on a bean overflow design.
http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html
Aqueon Pro-flex Sump and wet/dry (Model 4). This has 3 filter socks and a decent sump area. A nice lid and good dimensions. Flexible for future uses.
http://www.aqueonproducts.com/products/proflex-sump.htm
Sump pump (1200gph)
http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Mag_Drive_Supreme_12_1200_GPH_Pump_Over_1000_Gallons_Per_Hour_Submersible_Water_Pumps-Danner_Mfg.-DN1111-FIWPSBTO-DN1129-vi.html
Lights (T5HOx12x39w). Not sure how many of the bulbs will actually be in use.
http://www.aquaticlife.com/t5ho_six_lamp/index.html
Bulbs(Giesemann 39w Midday and 39w AquaFlora T5 HO Lamps):
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/gie...ay-t5-ho-lamps x 6
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/gie...ra-t5-ho-lamps x 6
Additional flow (MP40):
http://ecotechmarine.com/vortech-mp4...ropeller-pump/
Substrate (ADA Amazonia New Type). This is a nutrient rich base.
http://www.adgshop.com/Substrate_System_s/1.htm
Drakis
07/29/2011, 01:52 PM
Very nice!
I have had both a reef and a planted tank, and I had a harder time with the planted tank.
javajaws
07/29/2011, 04:22 PM
It's certainly a very nice tank, but what do you hope to obtain by posting a freshwater tank build on a saltwater forum? Are you just trying to sway us over to the dark side? :)
Having said that...I still look forward to seeing the end result. :)
gerrydfw
07/29/2011, 05:32 PM
It's certainly a very nice tank, but what do you hope to obtain by posting a freshwater tank build on a saltwater forum? Are you just trying to sway us over to the dark side? :)
Having said that...I still look forward to seeing the end result. :)
Hi,
No I am not trying to convert anyone :) I lurk here as one day I do want to have a reef....
My reasons for posting are:
1) Just looking for flaws in my general planning. This forum has many large tanks, many much larger than my own. There are also many rimless builds and many of you folks use sumps and overflows, etc. I have seen some beautiful displays here and lots of ingenuity and intelligence in bringing these projects to completion.
Since this is also a walkaround display, I thought it worthwhile to just ask for general thoughts on if I had missed something or a suggestion for improvement. Although fw and sw have different requirements, large tanks do have issues that may not be present in a smaller one.
2). Posting some details and pics for the work done by CTC. When I first started researching custom builders I saw their name mentioned but was difficult to find anyone on a forum that had used them.
I see lots of the other major builders but not much for CTC.
So I thought this would provide those folks looking for a custom aquarium, regardless of usage, a bit of information on their work.
I only found one person with a 90 gal and a blog where they had a 375 gal. Both were beautiful but were not easy to find on the web.
Make more sense now? :)
Thanks!
gerrydfw
07/29/2011, 05:52 PM
Very nice!
I have had both a reef and a planted tank, and I had a harder time with the planted tank.
Thanks. I will have a reef someday....they both have their challenges I am sure..
geaux xman
07/29/2011, 06:05 PM
Hi all,
A few quick pics....
Enjoy!
very nice...
how thick is the glass?
gerrydfw
08/13/2011, 10:31 PM
Hi all,
Well a few developments....
1). I setup the sump and wet/dry with the new Lifereef overflow the other day. I used a mag 1200 to power it. I like the setup but with the ball valves on the intakes fully open the standpipes are noisy. Closing about 40-50% quiets them immediately but reduces intake flow quite a bit.
2). I rinsed all of the new wood to be used in the scape today and is now in the 220 to remain wet until use. I will post pics later of the branches. I also have two more speciment pieces coming this week. These two will be the main hardscape and are absolutely beautiful.
3). I contracted Mr. Tom Barr to design and build a custom aquascape for me. This will ensure a beautiful scape to go with the great tank! He will be here for a weekend soon.
4). I hope to mount the light fixture to the light bar and the bar to the stand sometime tomorrow or one night this week.
5). I may switch gears and go with a dual canister closed loop system. Reason is while I LOVE the overflow and wet/dry combo, the overflow itself is fairly large and obstructs the view more than I care for when viewing at that end.
I may go with 2 of the large Eheims here instead:
http://www.marinedepot.com/Eheim_Professional_3_External_Filter_w_Digital_Heater_Control_(Freshwater_Only)_Canister_Filters_for _Tanks_Under_100_Gallons-Eheim-EH21052-FIFRCFUH-vi.html
This way I only have 6 tubes and hardware to hide. These can go up the corners and be barely noticeable. Here are some pics of the overflow in place so you can see what I mean. Is not bad from most angles....
I also think the canisters will be dead quiet which is also an issue....
Decisions, decisions. More to come..
gerrydfw
08/13/2011, 10:32 PM
very nice...
how thick is the glass?
Hi,
Thanks.. .It is 3/4 starphire on all 4 sides...
Built like a tank honestly.
shaginwagon13
08/13/2011, 10:35 PM
If I would have to give you any advice I would say to drill that glass and get a proper overflow. I had a couple of those hang-on-the-back overflows on my 180 and they would always loose their siphon. Those things are expensive and just a flood waiting to happen imo
Tanks looks beautiful tho!
gerrydfw
08/14/2011, 06:32 AM
If I would have to give you any advice I would say to drill that glass and get a proper overflow. I had a couple of those hang-on-the-back overflows on my 180 and they would always loose their siphon. Those things are expensive and just a flood waiting to happen imo
Tanks looks beautiful tho!
Hi,
Thanks for the advice, but I deliberately did not want the tank drilled. If I was going to do this I would have had the builder do it and also construct a nice ctc overflow or something.
This was a difficult decision but the loss of internal real estate to standpipes and wiers was NOT something I wanted to deal with here.
My current 180 has twin overflows and I can't stand having to deal with the loss of real estate.
I have used HOB overflow before and never really had an issue with loss of siphon. This lifereef OF has twin siphon tubes and is working well so far...
I am thinking of going to a closed loop system simply because I don't like the loss of viewing pane to the overflow itself as it is a 360 view and scape. Also, canisters will be MUCH quieter.
Appreciate your thoughts and stopping by.
Thanks!
gerrydfw
08/14/2011, 06:37 PM
Hi all,
I have made some progress lately that I would like to share...
1. I have setup the Lifereef HOB overflow and the sump and wet/dry.
2. I have installed the light fixture suspension hardware and the lights are now installed on the light bar.
3. I have soaked the wood I have and 99% of it sinks now. Only 1 large branch still floats a bit. It leached like crazy and will for a bit but I got a lot out.
I may replace the overflow and sump setup with a closed loop but will see.
Just wanted so share as it is starting to look like an aquarium!
Forgive the water clarity as the wood is leaching...It will be crystal clear in a few more weeks...
Thanks!
SPotter
09/21/2011, 06:45 PM
Gerry,
thank you for putting this post up. I am currently working with Chris on a 60x36x30 peninsula tank. CTC is awesome and I had been struggling trying to find any reviews on them. They are local to me and I plan on taking the 20 min drive to their facility and see see them in action. I am feeling more and more comfortable about paying the extra money for one of their tanks. They will also be building my tank on site in my basement as it is difficult to get a large tank down my stairs.
Thanks again!
gerrydfw
09/23/2011, 08:30 PM
Gerry,
thank you for putting this post up. I am currently working with Chris on a 60x36x30 peninsula tank. CTC is awesome and I had been struggling trying to find any reviews on them. They are local to me and I plan on taking the 20 min drive to their facility and see see them in action. I am feeling more and more comfortable about paying the extra money for one of their tanks. They will also be building my tank on site in my basement as it is difficult to get a large tank down my stairs.
Thanks again!
Hi Steve,
It is my pleasure. Thanks for following along...
I think you will be very happy with Chris and Pat's work...I think it will save you lots of time and $ by having them build on site. I wish that had been an option for me :) Make sure you post some pics of that bad boy..
Do you have a build thread link????
I think that because they are more expensive than many other comparable (quality wise) options that they are used more by design and architectural firms where the $ is less of an issue. I personally think these folks do not tend to post on web forums....
However, I could be all wet in that speculation :)
I spent a LOT of time with Chris via e-mail and phone with the design, shipping, everything. He did a great job with his responsiveness and patience, and honestly, his customer service more than made up for any price differential. I really felt that he would deliver what I wanted and they did. Trust me, I changed the design specs a few times....
The setup is JUST as I had envisioned/designed and they delivered top quality work.
I hope to finally post some pics and video of my FW scape next week sometime. Just waiting for a plant species to become available...It is vital to the scape and look...
I had some growing/new tank issues for the first 2 weeks or so but I feel that things are swinging in the positive direction :)
Let me know if you want to discuss the CTC experience or anything..
Gerry.
SPotter
09/24/2011, 06:54 AM
Thanks again Gerry. I had the opportunity to go visit their shop on Thursday and met both of them. Very impressed with what they have there.
Steve
gerrydfw
10/01/2011, 01:34 PM
Thanks again Gerry. I had the opportunity to go visit their shop on Thursday and met both of them. Very impressed with what they have there.
Steve
Hi Steve,
That must have been nice and was something I missed out on. I think you will be happy with their work..
I bet you saw some big tanks under construction....
Best of luck with your build...
gerrydfw
10/01/2011, 01:34 PM
Hey all,
Tank has been up and running for 5 weeks today....
Here are some photobuckets links to pics and video:
Using my buddy's camera using 8x39. 7 midday and 1 aquaflora
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/Bobs%20Camera/
Using my buddy's camera using the the 4x39 aquaflora:
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/Bob%20Camera%20II/
Using my camera and 8x39
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/Gerry%20Camera/
Video from my camera showing 4 different POV:
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/Gerry%20Video/
I suggest using the slideshow view for the still shots....
I apologize for the quality as I am no photographer.....
Enjoy.
gerrydfw
10/01/2011, 02:28 PM
Hey all,
Youtube video instead of the photobucket video link...
There are 4 links:
Front:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6HkUSQ1lDY
Right End:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bB6rpjpSe4
Back View:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojh9dfya2js
Left End View:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-n42YfzJgY
gerrydfw
10/02/2011, 05:03 AM
great looking tank and good luck!!!
Hi,
Thanks for the compliment and wishes.
lotsoftats
10/02/2011, 11:08 AM
great looking tank....I love the scape....I also know what my next tank dimensions will be.
Please keep the thread updated.....I love planted tanks also....even though I do not have one at the moment.
gerrydfw
10/03/2011, 07:06 PM
great looking tank....I love the scape....I also know what my next tank dimensions will be.
Please keep the thread updated.....I love planted tanks also....even though I do not have one at the moment.
Hi and thanks for the compliment. Glad you like it...Happy to help with sizing your new tank:) Have the say the dims are great for scaping and viewing..I have to believe a SW reef or such would be awesome in this...
I will post pics once a month to show progress as I don't want to waste folks time here as this is a SW forum. My work here to show CTC's work is done lol
It really needs another 3 months of growth before it really looks good....
Let me know when you get your new tank, and the dims! :)
gerrydfw
12/24/2011, 12:15 AM
Hi all,
I hope this post finds all well and happy... I wish you all a Happy Holiday season...
In the event there is any passing interest in how this looks as a freshwater planted aquarium...
A photobucket link of pics from today just after a large >80% water change...Many pics so ignore as you want :)
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/Day%20Before%20Xmas/?albumview=slideshow
And then some video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCI8a...ature=youtu.be
Looking better now after 4 months...Starting to mature and fill out a bit..Still getting some leaching from the manzanita wood but that will pass eventually...
Another 2-3 months will look great. Need to get the plant growth much more lush...Is decent but could be much better. No algae to speak of so good to go there...
Later!
gerrydfw
01/29/2012, 09:03 PM
Hi all,
Hope all is well with you all. The tank and hardware are all holding up great...
Here are a few pics from today...
Take care..
lluv24
03/25/2012, 04:35 PM
Love it. Nice job!!!!!!!!
aandfsoccr04
03/25/2012, 05:16 PM
a jungle under water? That's pretty sweet. Reminds me of a scene from avatar. :thumbsup:
gerrydfw
08/04/2012, 05:10 PM
Love it. Nice job!!!!!!!!
Thanks very much!
gerrydfw
08/04/2012, 05:11 PM
a jungle under water? That's pretty sweet. Reminds me of a scene from avatar. :thumbsup:
Well, a flooded jungle, then lol
Thanks for the kind words...
gerrydfw
08/04/2012, 05:14 PM
Hi all,
Hope all is well in salty land....
The scape is now a year old and I thought some of you may want to see how it looks now...
A slideshow of pics...
http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg182/gerrydirish/11%20Months/?albumview=slideshow
Take care...
summer6
10/15/2012, 03:21 PM
You have a beautiful, natural tank! The schooling tetras are great! I love the planted tank, but can only wonder the work involved with it....
Notice that you changed out the light fixture....is it better for the plants?
Keep us updated
gerrydfw
11/20/2012, 02:37 AM
You have a beautiful, natural tank! The schooling tetras are great! I love the planted tank, but can only wonder the work involved with it....
Notice that you changed out the light fixture....is it better for the plants?
Keep us updated
Hi there and thanks for dropping by...How is your miracle rimless and your beautiful house doing? I have to visit your thread..
Thanks for the kind words. The maintenance is less than some tanks due to plant species mostly. I have no tall stems as you can see which can grow quickly and require weekly trimming.
The lights are dimmable ATI fixtures. The two fixtures are 5-6" wider than my old single fixture so I get better spread from front to back. The dimmable allows for dusk/dawn effects and less intensity when desired.
Here are a few recent pics from last week iirc. I have been trimming since then so the tank looks a bit different :)
Take care!
summer6
11/20/2012, 10:21 AM
Thanks for the updated pictures. Your tank has matured beautifully and the plants complement each other for such a lush look. I also love that you've gone with 1 species of fish (though in one pic I'm not sure if that's a lone fish or freshwater clean-up crew) having them school together must be really cool to observe. I have a feeling the planted aquarium is trickier to manage than a reef tank.
Thanks for asking about my set-up. I haven't posted updated pics lately, but will after the overhaul. I am going to switch gears and trade out all but one of my tangs.... and go for quieter/peaceful inhabitants, remove some of the heavier rocks, rearrange corals. Have come to the conclusion that I don't have the patience and time needed for SPS corals and will stay with LPS variety - and what I'm comfortable with.
gerrydfw
09/03/2013, 02:15 PM
Hi all,
It has been awhile since I posted and I hope that all is well with anyone still reading this thread....
Tom Barr again came out and provided a custom scape based on new goals and desires and he again delivered a very dynamic and lovely scape. I am thrilled with it..
There is only a single species of plant. Hair grass belem. The fish will be added later as the substrate is new and must cycle. The filter is the mature wet/dry from the previous scape.
This is at day 20 since the rescape.
So, I am getting closer to a reef. Next scape most likely will be salterwater fish only but with live rock. then gradually add corals as appropriate for my level and goals. A longer term project for sure.
This will be around for awhile though :)
Take care.
http://s248.photobucket.com/user/gerrydirish/slideshow/220%20at%2020%20days
gerrydfw
09/03/2013, 09:57 PM
And here is a video taken earlier....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIc_5oOMS-Y&feature=c4-overview&list=UUNVsV1A_IarZWKQj78nruXg
Take care.
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