Jkhuu tank build....

[CanadaPleco]

Hey, wondering how your tank build is going!

Would love to hear about it, as I am sure many of us will someday like to try to build our own tank :)

Hope that nice big L25 is going ot be enjoying his new home soon!

[Jkhuu]

Hey Rich,

This tank build is turning out more and more like winter project. Partly due to others projects I am working on for others and partly due to me going overboard with some of the components needed for this tank. This past weekend, I ordered a customized metal stand for it. Once i have the stand, then the tank will be assembled. Can't wait.
Just a bit of the history to share with everyone. I have a 100 gallon currently built into the wall in my basement that I keep the L25 and a L240 in and a couple of Sterbei cories. I am building a wider tank (unfortunately, not a monster tank due to space limitation) to fit in that same hole in the wall. The dimension is 72"Lx30"Wx18.5"H. Approx. 172 gal. Tank will be drilled with 2 x 2" holes connected to an acrylic overflow box. The tank will be filtered by a 75 gallon sump. Total water volume will probably be approx 210 gallon, minus whatever is taken up by the driftwoods, caves, etc.
I'll try to post some pics of the progress, but here's where we are :)

Current tank (Front facing office desk/Back in the fishroom)
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=424&stc=1&d=1256132122

1/2 inch glass for tank. Bevelled edges
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=425&stc=1&d=1256132122

Cheers,
JK

[Hitch]

Love the office setup :)

It changed a lot from when I was there. Keep us posted.

[CanadaPleco]

Going to be awesome man!
Was the glass expensive?
Did you source out from a bunch of different places in the city?

Looks like you have some smaller pieces for euro bracing, would love to see how you do your lids with that. I still havent figured out a nice way to do them on my big euro braced tank :(

[Jkhuu]

Thanks bud,

The glass worked out for be around $520 for 10 pieces all together. 1/2", bevelled edges. Came with 2 eurobraced length-wise and 3 shorter ones for front/back. The center brace is wider than that two at the ends. I didn't but should have checked the prices with other places for the price. Trusted my neighbor and just went and ordered it.
Because I wanted to protect the glass, I also got the black trims for the tank from NAFB for this tank. This helps a bit with the lids. I think I'll use 2 sets of hinged lids for the glass top.
I was going to use sliding glass, but tend to forgot to close it sometimes. Some of these guys are jumpy.

Got some pics of the overflow box I made for this tank. Will play around with it to make it as quiet as possible. Measures around 18" long and 8" wide.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=426&stc=1&d=1256145095

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=427&stc=1&d=1256145095

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=428&stc=1&d=1256145095

JK

[Zebrapl3co]

Huh, why is there inside boxes. Is there a reason for those?

[Jkhuu]

The sections inside the overflow was put in there for 2 reasons..1. Additional strength to the box as it is around 18"Lx6"W. 2. For reducing the excess water noise. I'll know for sure once its up and running.
The smaller black piece is actually removable for maintenance, etc.

[Jkhuu]

Here's a pic of the stand that the builder sent me. Exactly how I requested for it to be made. Primed, painted and ready for me to get off my butt and pick it up.

Made from 1.5" tubular steel. 6 legs as I wanted it to be sturdy. 72"x30"Wx36"H. Standard height for 6 foot metal stand is probably 27.5". This guy is 36"H to bring it to the wall opening.

I'll have 3/4" plywood lining the top and and 1/2" on bottom shelf.
I might dress the outside with some boards just to give it a finished look.

Slowly getting there...

Cheers,
JK
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=442&stc=1&d=1256953754

[Hitch]

nice stand...how much did it cost ya?

[Jkhuu]

nice stand...how much did it cost ya?

Thanks Hitch, its around $360. Was going to do 2x4s but incase i do end up putting the tank somewhere else, it will still be decent looking and strong.

[Jkhuu]

Here's the latest since last update. Happy to say that three major things were accomplished. Two of which worried me during the planning of this build. 1. To get the customized stand into the basement. 2. Assemble the tank itself. So far, the measurements I had taken are still pretty good. I had problems in the past with measuring something and ended up messing up at the end.

1. For the stand: One thing i really didn't measure before ordering the stand was the width of the hallway leading to the basement and the actual basement door itself. The stand dimension again is 72"Lx30"Wx36"H. My hallway width = 37", and door wide = 31". It was a miracle that the stand was eventually moved downstairs (thanks again Willin..aka Rich). An extra inch on one of the stand's dimension, I would be looking at keeping fish in the garage...That was very close call.


2. For the tank : My worries were the weight of the glass panels and cracking something during the assembly process. I had to come up with a system and eventually got the pieces together. Attached are some pics. A few things still need to be done to finish the tank including euro-bracing, overflow, more caulking to give it that finished look and glass tops.

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=460&stc=1&d=1258989877

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=458&stc=1&d=1258989877

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=459&stc=1&d=1258989877

3. Sump: Pretty much completed. Just needed to finish the drip plate and glass top. Decided to make it early as i wanted to allow time for the silicone to dry and make any final adjustments

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=461&stc=1&d=1258989877

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=462&stc=1&d=1258989877

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=463&stc=1&d=1258989877

Cheers and hopefully more updates soon. Probably will be 2-3 months before i can put it in its final place. I'll let it cure and dry in the mean time.

JK

[CanadaPleco]

Looks FANTASTIC.... Cannot wait to see water in it, and that nice big scarlet.

[Altum Nut]

Hey JK,

I would have to agree with Rich....Looks FANTASTIC....
It appears you take much pride in what you build.
It was first recognized with your great fry savers.
Keep up the great work.

...Ralph

[Jkhuu]

Hey JK,

I would have to agree with Rich....Looks FANTASTIC....
It appears you take much pride in what you build.
It was first recognized with your great fry savers.
Keep up the great work.

...Ralph

Thanks Ralph, Appreciate the kind words. One day, I like to built a tall square tank for Discus and Altums. Maybe 4'x4'x3' ? Don't i wish...


Looks FANTASTIC.... Cannot wait to see water in it, and that nice big scarlet.

Thanks Rich..i was inspired by you monster..but there's no way i can fit a footer in the basement. All tanks in the basement...My wife's rule :banghead:

JK

[arapaimag]

Congrats on building a really well made tank.

[Jkhuu]

Congrats on building a really well made tank.

Thanks !!!. I am still very astonish with the size of your largest tank. minimal water change required i guess.

JK

[arapaimag]

Thanks !!!. I am still very astonish with the size of your largest tank. minimal water change required i guess.

JK

I do some water changes on tanks every day since I have so many.

From April till November in the 15,000 I change 1,000 gallons every 2nd day. The 52,000 I change between 2,000 to 3,000 every day right now till I finish my filter upgrades (Then I hope to reduce this to 1/4 of what it is now) . I have large lined ponds (The largest is 100 feet long by about 50 feet wide with a deep end of 20 feet) where the water is distributed to. I change about 1,000 to 2,000 gallons a day in my smaller tanks. My 810 gallon puffer/cichlid tank has a constant wc of about 150 gallons per day.

I am a hobbyist not a breeder. My fish breed of course just naturally.

A speaker at the OCA on the weekend told us he changes 180,000 gallons a day in ONE of his breeding facilities in the off season and 350,000 gallons a day in breeding season. He has 3 farm/breeding facilities in all.

[Jkhuu]

I do some water changes on tanks every day since I have so many.

From April till November in the 15,000 I change 1,000 gallons every 2nd day. The 52,000 I change between 2,000 to 3,000 every day right now till I finish my filter upgrades (Then I hope to reduce this to 1/4 of what it is now) . I have large lined ponds (The largest is 100 feet long by about 50 feet wide with a deep end of 20 feet) where the water is distributed to. I change about 1,000 to 2,000 gallons a day in my smaller tanks. My 810 gallon puffer/cichlid tank has a constant wc of about 150 gallons per day.

I am a hobbyist not a breeder. My fish breed of course just naturally.

A speaker at the OCA on the weekend told us he changes 180,000 gallons a day in ONE of his breeding facilities in the off season and 350,000 gallons a day in breeding season. He has 3 farm/breeding facilities in all.


Wow..I truly enjoy reading that build over at MFK. Its very amazing volume of water. Thanks for sharing that experience.

JK

[Jkhuu]

Got going again with the build and managed to get the euro-bracing done. Typically not too exciting, but I was happy and excited as the overflow box fit under the euro-brace nicely and the pre-drilled holes were dead on. :biggrin: Saved me some time of making another box.
Now, I just need to add on the bottom trims and make the acrylic holders for the glass lids. Either sliding or flip version. Still trying to figure out which as there are benefits with each type. This will also allow the silicone time to dry and really cure.

Here are few pics to share.

1. Euro-braces held together with clamps and tapes. The braces at the edges are 2.5" wide and the centre piece is 4" wide.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=499&stc=1&d=1259911514

2. A shot from another angle, with the overflow box at the other end of the tank.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=500&stc=1&d=1259911514

3. Overflow box fitting just under the end brace. Have around 3' space to reach into the box for maintenance, etc.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=501&stc=1&d=1259911514

4. Two 1.5" holes coming out of the tank and will be connected to the two holes at the top of the sump.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=502&stc=1&d=1259911514

5. Lastly, another angle for the overflow from the side of the tank.[/COLOR]
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=503&stc=1&d=1259911514

Cheers,
JK

[jackson]

Very nice John :)

Did you use an old tank to make the sump?

I want to make one I just don't know what size pump I would need as well as the over flow box. I want to use a 75 gal tank or maybe a 90 gal to put on my 150 gal tank.

What type or size ( GPH ) of an HOB overflow will I need?

[CanadaPleco]

Very nice John :)

Did you use an old tank to make the sump?

I want to make one I just don't know what size pump I would need as well as the over flow box. I want to use a 75 gal tank or maybe a 90 gal to put on my 150 gal tank.

What type or size ( GPH ) of an HOB overflow will I need?

Pump size is easy, just make sure it is less then what your over flow can handle. There are a bunch of sites that that tell you how much flow will go through x diameter PVC. I am using a 3600 gph pump for 2 x 2" overflow drains, I believe I can put something like 6000 ghp through my setup. There are some decent hang on over flows for sale on eBay (thats where I got mine) and they tell you the flow rate they can support up to.

John, the tank looks great! I am very curious to see how you do the glass lids as my euro bracing is exactly the same as yours and I have yet to figure out a slick way to do my lids. Currently I just have glass sitting on top and it looks like crap.

Rich

[Jkhuu]

Pump size is easy, just make sure it is less then what your over flow can handle. There are a bunch of sites that that tell you how much flow will go through x diameter PVC. I am using a 3600 gph pump for 2 x 2" overflow drains, I believe I can put something like 6000 ghp through my setup. There are some decent hang on over flows for sale on eBay (thats where I got mine) and they tell you the flow rate they can support up to.

John, the tank looks great! I am very curious to see how you do the glass lids as my euro bracing is exactly the same as yours and I have yet to figure out a slick way to do my lids. Currently I just have glass sitting on top and it looks like crap.

Rich

Thanks guys.

Jackson - I converted a 75 gal into a sump. Its quicker than trying to build one from scratch.
Like Rich mentioned, it would really depend on the size of your pump and how much flow/current you like for your tank. Then you get the overflow to match or holes drilled.
I think i'll be using something above 2000 gph. Still planning that.

Rich - Here's a what i'll be doing for the glass lids. It will be 4 sliding ones. I left a groove or space between the trim and the euro-brace. Then i'll make sliding acrylic thingy which i hope would fit into this space. See pic below.

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=504&stc=1&d=1259940290

[willin]

Very impressive John...now I really want one, especially with the well thought out sliding glass lids.

It was no problem helping you with the stand, I was just worried that it wouldn't fit..."Tailor Made"-just perfect!

Rich (willin)

[Romulous]

Man that looks awesome !!!

[Jkhuu]

Man that looks awesome !!!

Thanks Bill. Its sitting there curing now. By the look of it, probably will take a few weeks to move the old tank out and put the new one in. The lack of time is actually good as it allow the silicone to be 100% cured.


Very impressive John...now I really want one, especially with the well thought out sliding glass lids.

It was no problem helping you with the stand, I was just worried that it wouldn't fit..."Tailor Made"-just perfect!

Rich (willin)

Rich, appreciate the comments. It would be alot easier to install this tank if I didn't have the other tank running. But because of that, i have to move it in phases and making sure the inhabitants go through minimal stress.

Cheers,
JK

[Zebrapl3co]

You might want to leave breathing room on your glass lid. The last time I did this, all my fish suffocated really quickly when the power goes out. It wasn't the ammonia, it was the lack of air in the water.

[Jkhuu]

You might want to leave breathing room on your glass lid. The last time I did this, all my fish suffocated really quickly when the power goes out. It wasn't the ammonia, it was the lack of air in the water.

Good point Peter,

The glass lids will have 3/4" holes drilled about 2" from the edge of the glass lids...almost like a substitue for handles. 8 holes all together. There will also be 1/2 bead of silicone on either side of the center brace and also at the ends..this leaves almost 1/2" gap before the cross/center braces. Didn't want to one day slide too fast and accidently chip something.
Maybe i'll add 2" of black egg crate at the ends. I'll have to figure out how thats going to look.
Hopefully that would be enough without letting too much heat out. Otherwise, i'll have to remember to slide open the lids when the power goes out.

Thanks again

JK

[Catsaholic]

John, your tank looks amazing and very tempting... I'm getting my basement done.

[Jkhuu]

John, your tank looks amazing and very tempting... I'm getting my basement done.

thanks Irina,

my wife counts the number of tanks regardless of size. I am thinking maybe a couple of big ones will keep her and I happy.

[Catsaholic]

thanks Irina,

my wife counts the number of tanks regardless of size. I am thinking maybe a couple of big ones will keep her and I happy.

We are in the same boat, my husband is doing exact same. But he also adds 2 or 3 to the number. So once I will get my wall in the basement, I will have to utilize it to it's full potential.

[Zebrapl3co]

LOL, same here too. Once I make my fish room, I am planning to put a lock in there so she can't go in and count the tanks.

[Jkhuu]

Can't believe its 2010 and the tank is still not running.

A few members of the CP family came over to help me carry the bad boy into the fishroom and to the final location where the tank will be. (A big THANK YOU to Willin(Rich), Fishfanatic(Brian) and ofcourse Marowan(Andrew)).

Next will be hooking up the sump and order that glass lids. Then finally filling with water and overall check/test.

Attached are a few pics showing the mess:

1. A view from the outside. Had to take part of the frame apart to balance as part of the plywood overhangs the metal stand and sticks into the wall.

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=621&stc=1&d=1264140679

2. A view from inside the fishroom. Notice the tank itself is sitting about 4" off the stand and into the wall. I order the stand to be made to fit the tank foot print exactly just incase i do end up putting the tank elsewhere. It would fit on top of the stand perfectly. Tank sits on dense styroform and 5/8" plywood.

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=622&stc=1&d=1264140679

3. A preview from outside the fishroom. I am redoing some part of the trims. Also had to remove the trims to shim the plywood base. Now everything is balanced and solid. This pic gives you an idea of the width of this tank, 30" front to back. My home office will be setup in this area :biggrin:

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=623&stc=1&d=1264170775

I am hoping hoping everything will be up and running by the end of Jan, 2010.

Thanks

JK

[FISHNUTS]

The tank is looking fantastic and is in a good location. I even like the posters in your office.

sl

[Jkhuu]

The tank is looking fantastic and is in a good location. I even like the posters in your office.

sl

Thanks Shawn,

Its a mess now, but hopefully once I have everything finished and sorted out, it would be a bit more organized. Maybe add a sofa and a beer fridge at the other end of the room and I'll be a happy man.

JK

[CanadaPleco]

Thanks Shawn,

Its a mess now, but hopefully once I have everything finished and sorted out, it would be a bit more organized. Maybe add a sofa and a beer fridge at the other end of the room and I'll be a happy man.

JK

Looking good John!

Beer fridge and a sofa would finish off the room very nicely!

[Jkhuu]

Spent part of Saturday hooking up the overflow/sump. Next will be the inlets plumbing from the sump to the tank.

1. A shot of the overall setup from the fishroom. The bottom sump sticks out a bit as i wanted to have straight fall from overflow into the sump with minimal bends along the way. This end of the sump will be supported with 2x4.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=626&stc=1&d=1264343027

2. A view of the overlow box and plumbing. Enough room to maintain the inside of overflow box.

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=628&stc=1&d=1264343027

3. Connection from the outside. The holes on top of the pipes will be capped with an adjustable end cap to allow volume of air. I am hoping it will allow me to adjust the water flow and noise level, etc. I'll have to test it once the tank is up and running. Possibly modify a bit more.

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=627&stc=1&d=1264343027

4. Lastly the pipes leading into the sump. This first chamber will always be filled with water up to almost the top. I'll install one of the 2 heaters.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=629&stc=1&d=1264343027

Cheers,
JK

[CanadaPleco]

John it looks awesome!!!!! I've got to get you up here to make my sump someday!

[Marowana]

i'm sure you know what you are doing. but the sump hanging off the side of the stand looks a lil scary. even with 2x4s

[Jkhuu]

John it looks awesome!!!!! I've got to get you up here to make my sump someday!

thanks man,

think a 6 foot sump would goes well with your 10' tank:)

i sure you know what you are doing. but the sump hanging off the side of the stand looks a lil scary. even with 2x4s

yah. Think it will b alright provided everything is balance and flat.

[Altum Nut]

It looks great John.
The fact that your sump is sticking out a bit is not a real concern as long as both hang-over corners of sump take the load with what ever you use to support it.
It never crossed my mind anyway that you would go wrong.
Enjoy that master-piece.

...Ralph

[Jkhuu]

It looks great John.
The fact that your sump is sticking out a bit is not a real concern as long as both hang-over corners of sump take the load with what ever you use to support it.
It never crossed my mind anyway that you would go wrong.
Enjoy that master-piece.

...Ralph

Thanks Ralph,

I think i see the concern that Marowana had. The pic I posted didn't really show that well but I lined the bottom of the sump with another length of 1/2" plywood. Then a 1/2 inch foam on top of that. Structually I think its ok. My only concern was that I'll walk by and accidently ding the corner of the sump as it sticks out a bit. Maybe i'll put something there to protect the glass.

[Rush2112]

Great looking tank John. Have you considered 22 degree elbows on your outlet pipes. This way you might be able to push the sump right under the tank.
Gino

[Jkhuu]

Great looking tank John. Have you considered 22 degree elbows on your outlet pipes. This way you might be able to push the sump right under the tank.
Gino

Thanks Gino for the suggestion. Thought of using that and than 90 degree into the sump. Or flexible tubings. Might be a possibility...

[Jkhuu]

Got some more plumbing done on the tank. This time for the inlets from the sump pump. Well, most of the time was spent drilling the 2 holes thru the side eurobraces. Finally got the right size holesaw and probably spent an hour drilling it as I didn't want to rush and put too much pressure.

1. Ordered some 1/2" modular Loc-line modular pipings/bulkheads during boxing week and finally installing it for the inlets from the water pump. I'll tap into these pipes and attach an air tube. The so called 'Venturi effect' is what I am hoping to achieve. This will hopefully result in lots of bubbles mixed in with the water. The attached air tubes will also prevent siphoning action when the pump stops for whatever reason. See attached pics. The sides of the tank will also have aquarium background attached to hide the pipe. I am looking forward to these modular pipes as I'll be able to direct the water flow wherever its needed.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=631&stc=1&d=1264571888
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=630&stc=1&d=1264571888
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=632&stc=1&d=1264571888

[2wheelsx2]

I like it. I've been considering using loc line to replace the outlet of my FX5 and Fluval 204 for a while. Where did you get it?

[Jkhuu]

I like it. I've been considering using loc line to replace the outlet of my FX5 and Fluval 204 for a while. Where did you get it?

Lol..Closer to you than me. JLAquatics. Think sales is still on.

[2wheelsx2]

Lol..Closer to you than me. JLAquatics. Think sales is still on.

Wahaha.....I've been there lots and didn't even know. I've been eyeing the Aquacontrollers there for a while too. Have to pop in for a visit again I guess. Thanks.

[Jkhuu]

Yesterday, picked up some glass tops for the tank. A bit of miscommunication when ordering glass over the phone, while driving : ) Ended up getting some that were not the thickness I was hoping to use for this tank. I'll reorder another set that would be 3/16" thick. I can always reuse these tops on other tanks.
The upside of this is that it allowed me to dry fit everything. I can just give them the exact size, thickness, etc. when I re-order.

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=633&stc=1&d=1264697146

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=636&stc=1&d=1264697146

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=637&stc=1&d=1264697146

[Jkhuu]

I've been waiting for this day for a long time it seems. Well, since the beginning of sept '09to be exact. Thats when I decided to go ahead with the plan to build this tank for my scarlet and a few other plecs. I know I've put some of you folks to sleep with the my slow build progress. Its a balancing act between work, family, personal free time, etc.

A bunch of things were completed the last few days and a few more things to do yet. I'll continue to tweak it until I am totally happy.

Some pics that I am excited to share.

1. Decided to redo part of the plumbing for the sump to put it inside the stand. Sacrificed the ability to completely remove the lid for the first sump chamber, but its still accessible. This is where one of the two heaters will go. Didn't take too much convincing to relocate it but thanks Marowana. Got me thinking about it.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=638&stc=1&d=1264841884

2. Another view of the sump. Still need to cut holes in glass top for the hoses, and install the drip tray, etc. Media wise, I am thinking of putting in some bio-balls, reused bacteria house media, 4 sponges filters and some filter mats.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=639&stc=1&d=1264841884

3. Saw some slate bottom in one of Rich's pics. Was initially going to go bare-bottom, but decided to line the bottom with slate instead. Looks quite nice too. Thanks Rich.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=643&stc=1&d=1264842089

4. Bought this Laguna UV light last year but never got a chance to use it. Heck..might as well put it in use.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=641&stc=1&d=1264842089

5. Pic showing the trim along the back edge. Eurobrace is keeping the tank from bowing. Quite a difference compared to my smaller 100 gal that didn't have bracing.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=640&stc=1&d=1264842236

6. Front view of the tank. Still need to refinish the trims. I removed the bottom trim to access and shim part of the tank that stuck into the wall. Then sprayed expandable foam to keep the shims in place.
http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=644&stc=1&d=1264842236

Wow..almost 4:30am. Need to catch up on some ZZZZZZZZ.

[CanadaPleco]

Looks amazing man! was a late night for ya!

[willin]

Wow John, the tank really is looking nice...loving the tiles on the bottom of the tank man.
I'm going to line mine with some slate as well...before Rich puts a patent on his design!
Can't wait to see the plecos in there new home.
Well done John!

Rich

[Bwhiskered]

Great looking tank. Everyone loves to see a tank in a wall. It really makes a room.

[Jkhuu]

Thanks Willin', Charles.

I can't believe i finally have the tank up and running with some plecos.

Inhabitants: Had couple of tester guys in the tank last week until I was sure all is well. For the last few days, I've added, the L95, 3xL600, 2xL25 and 9 sterbei cories. Possibly in the future, I'll add some schooling fish for the upper water column.

Euipments: I decided to pull out the slates as there were rust (iron oxide) on some of the pieces. Its safe for fish, but I didn't want to stain the glass as its hard to remove over time. So, bare-bottom it is for now.
I managed to get the big driftwood and several other smaller pieces into the tank. The largest piece very close to 3.5 feet does not sink, but is just slightly floating just below the water line. Its currently held down by the weight of the glass lids. This turned out ok as the bottom is opened for the plecos to swim around.
I had added a canister filter and 7 sponge filters from other tanks to get the sump seeded. Will leave those in there for atleast a month or so. Then remove 2 sponges and the canister filter.
Other equipments included, a grounding probe, a trimeter (pH, temp, TDS). Two heaters, one in the sump, one in the main tank. Kept those separate just incase there's a disconnect between the sump and the tank.

I am sure there's a bit of tweaking and adjusting over the next little while :) Some pices and a video to share..

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=677&stc=1&d=1266270664

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=678&stc=1&d=1266270664

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=679&stc=1&d=1266270664

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=680&stc=1&d=1266270664

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWUkVFaJwjs&feature=player_embedded

[CanadaPleco]

Looks amazing John! We all have our fingers crossed that those scarlets will spawn for you, and there will be baby Sao Felix L25 all around Toronto, and Detroit of course :)

[dreville]

Awesome tank and amazing fish! Hope you have babies soon! Good luck!

[willin]

The tank looks amazing John...just need a Mistletoe over the tank to get some sparks going...

Well done John!
willin

[tobalman]

Tank look very nice, simple design bring out the beauty of these red plecos.

[Jkhuu]

Thanks guys!!! I was really worried about putting all the big fish together as I wasn't exactly sure of the aggression expected from the male scarlet. Thank god he sort of calmed down after I put his cave in. Once the dust settled and the pecking order sorted out, only some torn fins...pheww !

Continuing to keep a close eye on them...

[Altum Nut]

JK.....tank is a true master piece. You should be very proud of yourself for putting in many hours during the build. Any fish would love this tank as thier home. Great arrangment with the driftwood.
The Leopards laid but no fertilization occured. Lets hope the other one is a male.

...Ralph

[Jkhuu]

Thanks Ralph,

One step closer with the leopards. Nice :)

[Pamelajo]

Awesome tank!!!

[Jkhuu]

Thanks Pam. Appreciate

[matti2uude]

The tank looks great!

[Jkhuu]

The tank looks great!

Thanks Matt.

[Thanusan]

wow.very nice!!

[Jkhuu]

wow.very nice!!

ahh.. Thanks Shawn. I should get some more up to date pics of the tank. Its constantly changing.

[CanadaPleco]

Looked great today! Could see like all the pleco's pretty much without looking!

[CanadaPleco]

Thanks Willin', Charles.

I can't believe i finally have the tank up and running with some plecos.

Inhabitants: Had couple of tester guys in the tank last week until I was sure all is well. For the last few days, I've added, the L95, 3xL600, 2xL25 and 9 sterbei cories. Possibly in the future, I'll add some schooling fish for the upper water column.

Euipments: I decided to pull out the slates as there were rust (iron oxide) on some of the pieces. Its safe for fish, but I didn't want to stain the glass as its hard to remove over time. So, bare-bottom it is for now.
I managed to get the big driftwood and several other smaller pieces into the tank. The largest piece very close to 3.5 feet does not sink, but is just slightly floating just below the water line. Its currently held down by the weight of the glass lids. This turned out ok as the bottom is opened for the plecos to swim around.
I had added a canister filter and 7 sponge filters from other tanks to get the sump seeded. Will leave those in there for atleast a month or so. Then remove 2 sponges and the canister filter.
Other equipments included, a grounding probe, a trimeter (pH, temp, TDS). Two heaters, one in the sump, one in the main tank. Kept those separate just incase there's a disconnect between the sump and the tank.

I am sure there's a bit of tweaking and adjusting over the next little while :) Some pices and a video to share..

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=677&stc=1&d=1266270664

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=678&stc=1&d=1266270664

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=679&stc=1&d=1266270664

http://www.canadapleco.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=680&stc=1&d=1266270664

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWUkVFaJwjs&feature=player_embedded


So has that big piece of wood sunk yet?

[Jkhuu]

So has that big piece of wood sunk yet?

Hey Rich,
Looks like I have a floater piece. Most of it below water. This is good as the bottom surface is open
for the plecs to move around.
I might add 1 or 2 big sinking ones that Brian picked up from Montreal. Same place that Chouin got his from. Heavy suckers :)

[Jkhuu]

Update: The big driftwood didn't sink yet. Doesn't look like a sinker. It worked out great though as tank bottom is still open for the plecs swim around. We'll update again in another 6 months :) On to Tropheus tank project.

[Pamelajo]

Beautiful plecos!

[MsGardeness]

Looks amazing in person! The floating driftwood is fabulous.

[Jkhuu]

Thanks Pam/Liz !!