Tobi’s contest thread -> 650 gallon build

[plecocicho]

My knowledge? I've said this before somewhere I think, but whatever I know comes from either trial and error, making things up as I go along, and READING as much as I can. I can hand on heart honestly say that if it had not been for Simply I likely would not have dared take on wilds at all. Also Heiko Blehers books are invaluable in my opinion, wether you like him or not, but the knowledge he has compiled in his books and magazines is amazing. I highly recommend his literature.

And probably Mayland books and espcially german Diskus Brief, the best magazine on discus in the world. The tank is a bomb. And a nightmare if you get some disease in it. But so far your discu seem quite healthy.

[Pices]

Thanks for answering my questions Tobi. Looking at all your fish I would never have guessed that any of them ever had a bad day. Incredible what you’ve done. I don’t know about your wife,(she sounds like a saint) but I’d definitely say your fish are the luckiest in the world. I’m excited and I’m an ocean away, you must be off the Richter Scale with excitement!
Waiting with “baited” breath,
Patty

[Pices]

And probably Mayland books and espcially german Diskus Brief, the best magazine on discus in the world. The tank is a bomb. And a nightmare if you get some disease in it. But so far your discu seem quite healthy.

Thanks for the info both of you. I’m going to check into these books/ mags. Like any hobby (obsession might be a better word) the more I learn, the more I want to learn. So thanks again.
Patty
Patty

[snxtif]

Picture of finished placing, broken backs or broken tank to come soon...

Excited audiences!

We did it.

Disappointed audiences!

lol, good job though

[Swedgin]

And probably Mayland books and espcially german Diskus Brief, the best magazine on discus in the world. The tank is a bomb. And a nightmare if you get some disease in it. But so far your discu seem quite healthy.

Yes, all good literature.

What’s this “disease” you are talking about?

Thanks for answering my questions Tobi. Looking at all your fish I would never have guessed that any of them ever had a bad day. Incredible what you’ve done. I don’t know about your wife,(she sounds like a saint) but I’d definitely say your fish are the luckiest in the world. I’m excited and I’m an ocean away, you must be off the Richter Scale with excitement!
Waiting with “baited” breath,
Patty

She is, Patty. Not just regarding the fish. I’ve been told once or twice I’m not easy to live with. I agree

Excited audiences!



Disappointed audiences!

lol, good job though

Sorry to disappoint. It’s amazing what a few good friends can achieve when baited with burgers and beer.

But man, this is a lot of work, I should be able to finish all the silicone inside the tank today, then have to let it cure for a good 3 days. In the meantime I’m almost there with filtration, pipes are all cut and glued, just need to connect the hoses. Tank needs a good cleaning inside though, my silicone game is NOT on point. Just hope it won’t show in the end.

Will update tonight with some pics

[Swedgin]

Still chipping away at it. The worst part is getting in and out of the tank, and I bet if someone took a video it would go viral....

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[Swedgin]

Should be able to finish the plumbing tomorrow and get back up in there to clean up excess silicone etc. the standing kogs are places, just the thickest one in the middle not yet as I’m unsure where to put it. If it doesn’t fit I’ll leave it out. Any suggestions welcome.
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[Second Hand Pat]

Tobi, first it is going to look awesome. On the straight logs, I suggest you place them at a slant so they merge in with the background...just a thought!!
Pat

[Swedgin]

Tobi, first it is going to look awesome. On the straight logs, I suggest you place them at a slant so they merge in with the background...just a thought!!
Pat

Thanks Pat. We tried that, but it looked too “forced” or obvious. The 4 thinner ones are already glued down and will stay there, they hide a lot of the piping etc.

The tick log I think I found a solution and it is actually slanted like you said, but have to see what it looks like under water. Which will be tonight, just cleaning up the rest of the silicone.

I hope my pipe work holds up on the pond filter, lots of union joints.

Will update later or go to bed crying....

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[Pices]

This is so exciting! I can hardly wait for updates. I think it’s looking really good so far, even the straight ones to the right look natural. I’m reminded of Jenene’s quote by W.C. Fields, “You can’t trust water, even a straight stick looks bent in it.” I probably misquoted him, but you get the idea anyway. Try not to worry and maybe take your wife out for a nice dinner. You both earned it!
Patty

[Swedgin]

Try not to worry and maybe take your wife out for a nice dinner.
Patty

Nah, she got flowers a couple months ago. She’s good

[Second Hand Pat]

Hope you didn't go to bed crying Tobi
Pat

[sanjay21]

Though I'm not replying much here, just want to say this thread is so much fun to follow. Enjoyed every updates on the tank Can't wait to see it completed. Love the 3d background !
I always wondered how to circulate the water trapped behind the background, do you use anything for circulating the water ?

[Swedgin]

Sorry, been working stiff. Will answer and update properly in a few hours.
Teaser pic for now:
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[Swedgin]

Sorry guys,

work got in the middle of it. Anyway, the Discus are moving in today, a group of 25 Corydoras trilineatus are already swimming around in there.

So hopefully proper update tonight.