12/17 - Tank Prep

Well, in anticipation of the fish arriving tomorrow I figured it was about time to get a tank set up. :) I thought I had one just sitting ready to go, all I needed to do was fill it up and I was ready. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out that way.

I discovered one of my other tanks was starting a slow leak yesterday, which meant my "extra" tank waiting for the challenge fish had to be used to house the ones with the leaky tank. Fortunately, I had another one sitting empty, but it needed to be painted.

So I hauled it out to the garage (where it was a balmy 31 degrees) to paint it yesterday. I got that much accomplished and realized it was going to take forever to dry in conditions like that. So I set a space heater near it and hoped for the best. I went to check it out today and it was dry for the most part.

Tonight, I brought it down to the fishroom to fill it up, so the water will be somewhere near warm enough come tomorrow. :) Here's a shot of the tank when it was first brought in:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...s/DSC05020.jpg

Apparently there was a bit of water left in it when it went to the garage....

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...s/DSC05021.jpg

You'll notice the sloppy paint job... :o I'm hoping to clean that up a bit more when I've got the time.

But don't worry, I'll be ready when they get here tomorrow. I got the tank filled...

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...s/DSC05048.jpg

It's being heated and I got the sponges going. I opted for brand new sponges as opposed to ones from my other tanks, just to be sure I didn't bring anything in my other tanks might be harboring. With the large WC's I'll be doing daily, I don't think ammonia and nitrites will be a problem. But I may test here and there just to make sure.

The finished "product":

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...s/DSC05050.jpg

According to FedEx they will arrive sometime in the AM, before noon. I will be home all day probably so shouldn't have any problems receiving them. I'll post tank parameters and all that good stuff tomorrow with the arrival postings. Now, I better charge those camera batteries....

Good luck tomorow.....that's today lol

Little note why do you paint tanks???? Lowes has light blue styro, easy to work with and extra insulation for your tanks, I use it all over my place.

Hans

Thanks Hans. :)

I guess...I paint them because I was unaware of the light blue styro? heh. Probably would be easier and better to use the styro. How do you attach it to your tanks?

Just stick it behind it lol no tape or something,

Hans

Cool. Can you give me any details on it? R value or thickness or anything? I may want to check with my local lumberyard to see if they carry it or not. Home Depot is an hour away...

I do the same thing with the blue styro...it is about 1/4 in thick or maybe a lil less.

Mench

Cool idea. I am gonna do that. Its hard taking pics w/no backround. TOoo much glare.
Glad everything turned out for u. Good luck w/ur shipment.
PS. Sorry for the late post:o

Karen,
all the best !


cheers