125 Gallon 3D Background Diary Picture Heavy

[BABYJIZAY]

Hello all. This is my upgrade from a 55 to a 125 gallon tank set up story. Took me two months total to buy all the equipment and plan the set up.

Step one: go to Hans fishstore in person and fall in love with his 3D show tank.

Step two: go back home and realize your best can be better.

Step three: hop on to the simply forum and get further inspired by Herbicidal's 155 gallon planted tank thread ;)

Step four: empty your pockets every paycheck and don't plan on paying your loved ones any attention until your project is over.



Ok so first I hopped on craigslist and was lucky to find someone selling a totally clean 125 gallon tank and stand. I was not interested in cleaning or scraping a dirty one that was sitting in someones garage for a year. Getting this thing from there to my apartment involved the help of 6 different strangers. But that is another story. Also another story is the fact that I had to switch rooms so that this monster fit with my living room furniture... so when you see a mess develop in the coming pics, you'll know why. Talk about a project... phew


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9c157301d000000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Starting over I decided to only keep my Xp3 filter and bought everything else:

Another Xp3 filter
Tetra deep water 150
2 Koralia evolution pumps
Catalina light fixture - 50/50 bulbs and moon lights.
New glass covers
Universal Habitat Crevice background
Rena Smartheater
2 50lb bags pool sand (I only used one but will save the other for fill ins)
Driftwood **from PC1 here on simply ;)
3 hydor aqua lights in red
2 large bubble disks
25' black air tubing
30lbs large Slate rocks from a guy I deal with on eBay (to make the caves for my green phantom pleco)
Large tube of silicone
Jigsaw
1 1/4" Circular drillbit
Handsaw
I dunno what else but I'm sure there is more

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9c47d1806b00000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

First step was cutting down the background as the top was about two inches two tall. Tried using a handsaw... ended having to buy a jigsaw... this material is quite hard.

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After that was done, I had to cut the holes for the plumbing. Extremely difficult, but I got it done with a combination of the drill and the jigsaw. I bought plastic mesh at a crafts store and cut it down then siliconed it to cover the holes I made for the water passage. I made two of these passages - both are about three inches wide x two inches tall, and are about three or four inches from the bottom of the tank. I positioned them one on the far left about a foot out, and the other on the right is about two feet out.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9d375fa09100000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
No, I did not use caulk, lol, it was just inside of my caulk gun. I used the clear silicone.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9d28c561ac00000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9d5745a0bb00000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I made a hole on each end for the spraybars. I opted to use spraybars so that I'd get a lot of water movement.
You can see one of the passageways and one of the holes for the spraybar on the first pic.. in the second one you can see the hole for the spray bar, but the passageway hole is very well hidden. Next I put the background into the tank, siliconing the bottom and sides. Then we wait...


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9da851617800000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9df130a09d00000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/


FYI - I also made a small hole at the bottom for the airtube to go through. I didn't want tubing to show, although I thought of this after the background was in and I had already placed one bubble disk. Drilling that hole was nerve wracking but I put some styrofoam behind it so I'd hit it and stop before hitting the glass...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9d6f23a0c100000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

The next night once dry I added the outlets and added silicone to fill in any large gaps where future babies or tetras might go in. Once those dried I then added the spraybar. I didn't want silicone on the spraybar so that I could remove and clean it each week easily.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9d4633e05d00000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I have each intake directly behind each passageway. I have the Smartheater attached to one of the inlets, and my tank stays at 87. I have a Koralia Evolution 1050 pump on each end of the tank, behind the background, about 6 inches from the bottom, one facing somewhat down and the other facing up to get the water moving back there. Next step was adding my red spotlights... I love having spotlights and those pops of color in my tanks. I direct the light toward my bubble disk, as the look of the light dancing on the bubbles is cool. I adhered wire holders to the brace and then used cable ties to hold the light in place. In this pic you can see another cable tie also holding a piece of driftwood.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9daebe619400000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Next comes the sand, silk/plastic plants, rocks, and driftwood.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9dee31e00b00000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9d836c21c800000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9db12b219600000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9d50c7619200000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Then I had to figure out the wiring and hook all that up... then just add water... wait some more... add fish and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Currently I have 5 discus, 3 inch to 4.5 inch, a green phantom pleco, 4 corydoras and 10 baby corydoras. Going to get some more fish this weekend from Discus Hans (about 50-75 cardinals and hopefully a couple 5 inch discus)... will post updates when I do. Hope you like it. Thanks to Herbicidal for answering my questions. I learned alot and really stuck with your advice.


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc29b3127ccefb85beb0c6e500000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc29b3127ccefb8528abc6b500000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc29b3127ccefb855f2e869300000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc29b3127ccefb84cefae6db00000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

night time

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc29b3127ccefb84d2b0e69f00000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc29b3127ccefb84e087e6b100000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Since I have an eye sore metal stand and not a sleek wood cabinet, I had to be creative. I measured and had a local seamstress sew "curtains" for me. She sewed one side of Velcro into the top, and the other side is glued to the top of my stand.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc25b3127ccefb9cc1f0800900000010O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[khaled]

wonderful, I like it so much, very nice setup, waiting for more pics

[Second Hand Pat]

I agree, very nice and more pictures.

[Jennie]

So, this means follow first 4 steps then add yours as step 5, LOL. COOL tank!

[discuspaul]

WOW - You have done some super fantastic job to date !
Keep it up & let's SOON have a look at the finished product ! That's lots of hard work - I admire you.
Paul

[jball1125]

Nice! I wish I had space for a tank that size! I could fit twice the fish I have in my current tank!!!!!

[Airbrushie]

Amazing looking tank. Good job

[Herbicidal]

Step three: hop on to the simply forum and get further inspired by Herbicidal's 155 gallon planted tank thread ;)
Happy and flattered to be an inspiration. :) The pictures are blocked here at work, so I'll check this out from home tonight. I'm happy for you that it is coming together! Yaaaaaaay!!!!

[dbfzurowski]

hey buddy, awesome looking tank. Where did you get the red spotlight ?

[PC1]

Looking FANTASTIC!!!! Great job!!

[BABYJIZAY]

hey buddy, awesome looking tank. Where did you get the red spotlight ?

The red lights are Hydor Aqua lights... They also come in blue and green.

[BABYJIZAY]

Thank you all!! Can't wait to fill it up with more discus!!!

[spiffyfish]

nice job on the tank, the night lights look really good

[Herbicidal]

Now I can see the pictures! Great job! You took your time and paid a lot of attention to the details and it really shows! Be sure to pat yourself on the back, you deserve it! I look forward to seeing the progression of your aquarium inhabitants in the days and months to come. I like the night time pics too! :)

[pcsb23]

What a great project :) Very impressed with the way you have planned and thought this out. Nice job :)

[BABYJIZAY]

If there is one thing you need to do when planning a 3d background tank is really take your time, because once it's in, it's in. So thank you for the kudos... I swear it makes it all worth while. These forums helped me so much. I would have spent so much money on aquarium sand if I hadn't learned about pool sand. I would have bought any old wood... And I never would have thought about the water pumps for circulation. This site truly is awesome.

[Discus-Hans]

hey buddy, awesome looking tank. Where did you get the red spotlight ?

Jamie is not a buddy, she's a babe, or is a babe also a buddy??? Think so lol lol

Jamie, great job, see you later today,

Hans

[Eddie]

Jamie is not a buddy, she's a babe, or is a babe also a buddy??? Think so lol lol

Jamie, great job, see you later today,

Hans

LMAO, you kill me Hans!


Thats a bad A$$ tank! SUPERB set-up for real. Great work, very impressed.

[3dees]

awesome tank. just my opinion but the rocks stacked on the right ruin the natural look of the tank.

[BABYJIZAY]

awesome tank. just my opinion but the rocks stacked on the right ruin the natural look of the tank.

Thanks! And the rock caves are for my green phantom pleco... he stays in there 95% of the time so if he is happy I'm happy. :)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8c600d9b9300000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[BABYJIZAY]

Got my fish from Hans yesterday!!! Took me over an hour to finally choose... Hans is a very patient man and he also was honest, telling me which were good and which were best. Sometimes I listen, and sometimes I just pick the one that sings to me. I also picked up a nice school of cardinal tetras, and they really add that pop.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8d4a58bb9f00000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8d4202bbc100000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8d7b337a4400000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8cc6191ae400000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8cfe0c9bdd00000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8c74a99b3d00000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8da770fb5900000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8db3f0fbd300000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cc33b3127ccefb8d2f2b7a7600000030O00AcMmbRi1atG YPbz4O/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I got all the fish except the Leopard SS and pleco from Hans. Those two cames from Houston Aquarium Warehouse two years ago when Daniel was still there. I also got the cories same time ago from a LFS. Hans was very nice to donate to me a crippled discus, which to me was still absolutely gorgeous. She is missing her tailbone, but has still grown over 5 inches and swims just fine. She is in one of the pics but I hid her deformity. Thank you for that freebie Hans, I hope to give her as good a home. :)

Thank you all for looking and for your kind words... it makes it that much more worth it.

[inmisawa]

Nice 3D! I really like those. I wouldn't worry about stealing ideas, plagerism is the best form of flattery! I also saved a fortune on pool sand instead of sand from LFS, and I think it looks more natural. I even passed on the idea to a guy that sets up aquariums for a living. Great aquarium!

[Herbicidal]

Very nice mix you have! Looks like everyone is adjusting nicely to their new home. Do you have plans for any more Discus? Other fish?
:fish:

[BABYJIZAY]

Very nice mix you have! Looks like everyone is adjusting nicely to their new home. Do you have plans for any more Discus? Other fish?
:fish:

Thanks!! Ugh the mix really is awesome!! Sooo many colors, people keep asking if its saltwater. I swear I'm like a proud mom. I'm having a get together this weekend under the disguise of a birthday party when in actuality it is to show off my fish. LOL... true story.

I do want one more - I'm waiting to see what Kenny's next shipment has, because I want a very bright yellow discus and then I am done. Well, I've been thinking of getting a few snails, only because I just now discovered nerite snails and they are so pretty... but I'm on the fence about getting them.

Are you getting more?

[Herbicidal]

Too funny about the 'party'! Hahaa! Oooooh! A yellow one would be the icing on the cake! I have some nerite's and they do a pretty good job of cleaning up the algae, plus they look cool too. However, my Clown loaches and Yoyo loaches bother them if they are not stuck to something like the glass, driftwood or background.

About more Discus, yes, I would like to get a couple more. However, I am holding out for some of Kenny's Discus too. I'm fortunate that I live about 2 hours away from him. Perhaps next month I will call him and arrange for a visit to his facility and pick out the final ones. We'll see, but that's the ultimate plan. :)

[BABYJIZAY]

However, I am holding out for some of Kenny's Discus too. I'm fortunate that I live about 2 hours away from him.


LUCKY!!!!!

[Mathman]

Awesome setup. I really like your background and it works great with your design.

[DiscusFreakaZoid]

Nice tank setup. Can tell alot of thought went into every detail. Mad Props Homie G

[Herbicidal]

I'm having a get together this weekend under the disguise of a birthday party when in actuality it is to show off my fish. LOL... true story. How'd the "birthday party" go? :confused:

[R1_Ridah]

Great looking tank and excellent tutorial build.

[crazycracker]

Great tank. I love the background. Love Hans Discus.

[x2h]

nice thank thanks for sharing

[BABYJIZAY]

Awesome setup. I really like your background and it works great with your design.
Thank you!!

[BABYJIZAY]

Great looking tank and excellent tutorial build.


Nice tank setup. Can tell alot of thought went into every detail. Mad Props Homie G


Great looking tank and excellent tutorial build.

Thank you all!!

[BABYJIZAY]

How'd the "birthday party" go? :confused:


Herb, it was awesommmmeeeeee!! People were taking pictures of my tank. I was walking on air!! Did you pick up any more fish yet?

[RudeDogg1]

Great looking tank and fish

[scottthomas]

Dont know how I missed this one. Great looking set up and Discus. I love 3d backgrounds and the color of yours is very appealing with that design.

[Herbicidal]

Herb, it was awesommmmeeeeee!! People were taking pictures of my tank. I was walking on air!! Did you pick up any more fish yet?Excellent! I'm very happy for you! :thumbsup:

Not yet, just too busy around the holiday's. I need to check our weekend plans for this month and see if there is an opening to head down to Kenny's. Hopefully soon!

[BABYJIZAY]

Just an update - the pool filter sand settled, and is half the height it was initially. Wish I knew that it would do that before so that I could have used all the sand ahead of time. Now when I add sand it creates these dust clouds...

[Discus-Hans]

Just an update - the pool filter sand settled, and is half the height it was initially. Wish I knew that it would do that before so that I could have used all the sand ahead of time. Now when I add sand it creates these dust clouds...

Jamie,

take a piece of PVC pipe, about 2 ~ 3" diameter, put the end of the pipe on the bottom, in the back of your tank. Other end above water at the front of your tank. Fill the pipe about 1/2 with sand, let it stand for about 3 minutes, than slowly lift the pipe up.
The sand will slowly come out and fills the back part of the tank and doesn't "dust" that much,

hope that helps,

Hans

[Melissa]

Jamie,

take a piece of PVC pipe, about 2 ~ 3" diameter, put the end of the pipe on the bottom, in the back of your tank. Other end above water at the front of your tank. Fill the pipe about 1/2 with sand, let it stand for about 3 minutes, than slowly lift the pipe up.
The sand will slowly come out and fills the back part of the tank and doesn't "dust" that much,

hope that helps,

Hans

THAT is a great idea...

[BABYJIZAY]

Hans, excellent idea!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks

[fastfishin]

i have the same metal stand problem haha. looks good man

[BABYJIZAY]

i have the same metal stand problem haha. looks good man

Take measurements and have a skirt made. Cost me less than fifty bucks and it looks great.

[sergioya72]

wow looks beautiful! very good project
Congratulations!

[auraball]

i love your 3d background but in Thailand not many to sell :(

[BABYJIZAY]

You can find on ebay some sellers of 3D backgrounds in numerous countries... and some sellers hsip internationally. Its worth it!!

[Herbicidal]

Hello! Any updates you care to share? How are the Discus?

[BHarris '10]

Fantastic tank all around. I love the Discus mix too, very cool variety. Just another set-up here on Simply to inspire a beginner.

[unijabass]

Lovin' it, great tank, inspirational:)

[BABYJIZAY]

I haven't been on here in forever!! Will get some photos together to post. Thank you for the love!! Herbicidal I have to check out your thread tonight too...

[BABYJIZAY]

This is a link to my album of fish. Bought some new ones so thought I'd share.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1346635362020.38347.1715393940&l=74ba26252f&type=1

[Herbicidal]

Good to see you back! I was a little worried that something had happened. Sorry about the loss of your pleco. :(

So many colors! The fish look great! The tank is very clean and the background looks as good as day one. :)

[BABYJIZAY]

Thought I'd post an update now that I finally got some fish from Kenny.... I've taken out my plants (they were fake anyway lol) and decided to let only the bright colors of my fight really pop against the natural aquascaping.



NORMAL VIEW:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/BABYJIZAY/Fisheating__DSC2378_2012-05-08.jpg

AND WITH MY HANDY FISHEYE LENS:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/BABYJIZAY/463150_2130454877018_1715393940_1046386_663382132_ o.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/BABYJIZAY/Fisheating_DSC02412_2012-05-09.jpg

[MountainTown]

your tank is awesome

[DonMD]

Hey, I really like the "fish eye" view! LOL.

[BABYJIZAY]

Hey, I really like the "fish eye" view! LOL.

;) I thought it was fitting to use that lens. LOL.

[nabilbb]

That's reallllly breath taking. good job.
Where did you get the backgroung and the driftwood?

[BABYJIZAY]

That's reallllly breath taking. good job.
Where did you get the backgroung and the driftwood?


Thank you so much!
Got the driftwood from a sponsor on the forums - PC1 / Manzman Driftwood

Background I got online at Universal Habitat.

[scubajustin]

Thank you so much!
Got the driftwood from a sponsor on the forums - PC1 / Manzman Driftwood

Background I got online at Universal Habitat.


Beautiful set up – I really like it!! Could I ask you some questions on “How I can I get my take to look as good as your tank” ?

Justin

[BABYJIZAY]

Inbox me anything you want to ask. :)

[frinklinduds]

this really turned out great been spying on this thread for a while

[CrazyAngels]

Babyjizay, I love your setup, speacially you pics using the fisheye lens. way cool. LOL

[Mep1127]

I come back to this thread to steal ideas ( lol ) after i grow out my discus. I think this is the coolest tank ive seen yet espcially with the light show... your tank is not just a tank anymore its like something beyond it I just cant find words for it. Id love that 3d background too but I'd be to lazy to install it. Keep up the good work and post more pics later on!

[BABYJIZAY]

Thank you all. Installing that background was a b*tch!! It would have fit perfect if my tank didn't have the two center braces. Trimming it down was extremely hard, I was literally dripping sweat. The material is sooo super hard, I mean it is really thick! I bought a jigsaw just for the job but since it has so many nooks and crevices the saw kept flying out. In the end, it was worth it but datum what a mission lol. I'll take some more Fisheye pictures tonight with the red and blue lights on. Hopefully they will come out cool so I can post!

Thanks again guys it makes a lady very proud. :)

[Herbicidal]

Love it! Simply elegant. Kenny's Discus are fantastic too!

[BABYJIZAY]

Love it! Simply elegant. Kenny's Discus are fantastic too!

Herb!!! Thanks man. Truth be told I like yours better. ;)

[Herbicidal]

Herb!!! Thanks man. Truth be told I like yours better. ;)Ahhhh, shucks. :o Thank you for the kind words.

[BABYJIZAY]

Really need to add some plecos to my tank.... hoping they help with cleaning the background.

[Herbicidal]

The critter that keeps the background AND my manzanita wood the cleanest for me are pack of Nerite snails. You can get them in all kinds of cool patterns and colors. If the BBA get's to be too much, I use hydrogen peroxide in a squirt bottle. Then during a water change, I simply spray it on the background and let it fizz for a bit, then slowly fill the tank back up. Works like a charm! The BBA is typically dead in about 3 days.

These are just a couple of Nerite's that came up in a Google image search:
https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSPk4NZQSfAQPqrUVbAXb_TcrtWqltWI ZAqvfhe9XmpSTHvran9Zg

https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3CVeMMYWzGzU7S13t4fpZLN_eEzxTM S4YsPPJ56Y8MlCFm9dV

[BABYJIZAY]

I've had those in mind for a while... They are actually really nice. How many do you have?

[Herbicidal]

Started off with a dozen, I think I have about 9 right now. They hide pretty well when the lights are on.

[frinklinduds]

I actually have a problem with algea growing on my driftwood, so bad i had to take it out once already and hit it with the hose......... I thought about getting oto cats or a BNP to help clean it off

those nerite snails do the job well though.? any other suggestions for the same problem?

love the tank to btw what kind of fish eye you got?

[BABYJIZAY]

love the tank to btw what kind of fish eye you got?

Thank you! I have a SONY A3 camera with a Rokinon 8mm lens. Just got the lens last week and I can't put it down.

[Herbicidal]

I actually have a problem with algea growing on my driftwood, so bad i had to take it out once already and hit it with the hose......... I thought about getting oto cats or a BNP to help clean it off....those nerite snails do the job well though.? any other suggestions for the same problem?The snails do a fair job but I still have to take my wood out and hit it with a pressure washer from time to time. While it's out, I also spray it down with hydrogen peroxide and leave it alone for 15 minutes, rinse (for good measure) and put it back into the tank. Just part of my regular maintenance. You could also shorten/modify the length of time your lights are on.

[frinklinduds]

been checking out that same lens for my t2i, worth the money?

[BABYJIZAY]

For just $300 hell yeah it was worth it. I only tak it off when I am taking shots of people. I love the perspective I gives. Fully recommend.

[West Ham Utd]

Great setup.I Love the effect of the submerged roots.
I second the nerite snails for algae control-they never stop working & you don't have to worry about them multiplying.I also have a couple of Royal & Twig Farrowella cats,that constantly graze algae off all the surfaces-before I can even see it(they are great looking also IMO).

[ialtalal]

this awesome hope one day i can have the same

[scottyk]

Very nice tank. I really like the 3d background, sets the tank off.

Question, How are the manzanita branches attached. You may have already posted this, but I havent read each post. Just skimmed through.

[BABYJIZAY]

Hi Scotty

Thanks! Yes, the tank would be nothing without that background. I in fact bought the tank BECAUSE of the background. My tank has two center braces, so the second and fourth pieces of wood are just wedged between the top brace and the bottom of the tank. I cut the pieces down to fit snug. The other pieces are just laying against the background.