12/17 - Tank Prep

[KJoFan]

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:



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



You'll notice the sloppy paint job... 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...



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":



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....

[Discus-Hans]

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

[KJoFan]

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?

[Discus-Hans]

Just stick it behind it lol no tape or something,

Hans

[KJoFan]

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...

[mench]

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

Mench

[alxjss]

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

[Darren's Discus]

Karen,
all the best !


cheers