Bala's Scapes.. 150g on pg 18

[Bala de plata]

This has been a project long in the making, but has started to pick up steam. Think it was back in February that I picked up a used Do!Aqua 90p and stand. Sat on it a while and then decided to sell the used tank and picked up a brand new ADA 90p end of May.

Well with my daughter fast on the way and finally finishing some remodeling on the house, I was able to start on the stand refinishing. I knew I wanted the tank to stand a little higher and the original paint was pretty shoty, so it took almost all of the past three weeks to complete. Framed up the base to be separate in case one day I decide I need it lower or if I sell the stand. Paint wise I was staying with black on the outside and white on the inside. Gave everything a good 3 process sanding, two coats prime, caulked all inside/outside joints and three to four coats on finish paint. Finish coat is basically an epoxy coat, lol. I hate water damage.. This stand will not absorb moisture even if its standing in water.

The stand and the original Do!Aqua 90p


Playing around with some manzi


Base for the stand before second sheet of ply was added


Stand and base together and finished height right where I want it




Stand in prime process after sanding






Up next, breaking down the old tank and moving in the new one...

[Bala de plata]

I am somewhat limited on aquarium real estate in the house, so for one to come in one had to go. Consolation prize is I get to setup my mini m in my daughters room! But that's a build for another thread. So here's the old tank with all plants pulled and ready to breakdown.



Successfully moved all but one inhabitants to grow tanks in the garage. Not sure how I lost one, but I found one of my Glo lights on the ground in the garage a couple hours after relocating them. Must have jumped out of bucket or the tank. Sucks, I like my Glo lights :-/

Anyway, tank is down and moving in the 90p. I am using privacy film as a back glass diffuser. I may later on add LEDS that shine up the back for different light affects (sunrise/sunset). Light diffuser should help with the effect.

Using a 1/4" sheet of paneling foam to take up in plain deviations of the tile floor as well as the added benefit of no wicking if there is a spill to the stand.


Base


Base and stand


Base, stand, and tank


Test fill to see how everything sits with weight. All looks good...



In the next week or so I will be working on the hard scape as well as plumbing and wiring of all the systems. Still waiting on some parts and pieces and making some final decisions.

Substrate will be full ADA system with New Amazonia Normal Type and Powder type. Will be using a "home brew" powersand but with the ADA additives. There will also be a transition using lava rock to a Bay of sorts with fine sand and some islands of green. Manzi will be a big part of the scape also, but no rocks other than substrate rock at this point.

Equipment wise, already have the FNI 36" four bulb T5HO fixture. I disassembled that and had it refinished in a black anodize. I have a few more modifications to make to this light, but I will just let them play out as I make them. It will work fine as it is in the meantime. Filter is a Eheim 2075 I got new at a smoking price match from "that fish place". CO2 will be supplied by a 20 lb. tank and Victor regulator feeding a combo of in tank diffuser and inline reactor until everything is established and fish are fully stocked.

Biggest thing I am waiting on is making up my mind on a monitor controller. Been wanting to go all out "reef" style plant tank for many years. So I'm finally jumping in, 99% settled on getting the APEX. It seems to be the best all around system and has all the control and managing functions I'm looking for.

So until then, stay tuned.

[Tanman19az]

Looks good!

[Zenzu]

Love it man, Your house is nice when you gonna have everyone over for whiskey and beers?!?

[Bala de plata]

Love it man, Your house is nice when you gonna have everyone over for whiskey and beers?!?

If it works out, may be able to have a a couple peeps by before the October meet. Will have to wait and see what things are like around then though. Far as beers and whiskey?!?... Your on your own there! Haha

[CACrimson]

Perfect place for the cat to stretch! I know mine would with the bed so close! Maybe even a little paw fishing. haha

[John7429]

VERY nice!

[sc91006]

Nice job on the stand, looks great and very promising. Keep updating.

[angeltre]

Very nice Rory! I am about two weekends behind you on my 120g. 50g in the garage is cycled and some of my less fussy plants are moved. Big move is this weekend and then the stand gets redone, tank gets rescaped. May have to invite you over for some of the heavy lifting when you are done with yours. I will buy the whiskey and beer!

[xmas_one]

Oh man this is gonna be good. Did you decide on what fish you are planning on keeping?

[Bala de plata]

Nice job on the stand, looks great and very promising. Keep updating.

Thank you Sidney, will do!

Very nice Rory! I am about two weekends behind you on my 120g. 50g in the garage is cycled and some of my less fussy plants are moved. Big move is this weekend and then the stand gets redone, tank gets rescaped. May have to invite you over for some of the heavy lifting when you are done with yours. I will buy the whiskey and beer!

Thanks Angel! Yeah, this was pretty tough and tricky moving around by myself. Furniture dollies were ESSENTIAL! Haha

Just let me know bud, I can help you out I'm sure, your not too far.

You guys and your

I know I'm weird so you don't need to tell me, but I gave up drinking when my wife got pregnant. And I have actually enjoyed it to the point that I no longer drink at all, so more for you guys!! I'm good

[Bala de plata]

Oh man this is gonna be good. Did you decide on what fish you are planning on keeping?

I have in holding tanks a school of aprox 40 +/- various sized Harlequin Rasbora's and a dozen Panda's that are for sure going in this tank. The "show" fish are still undecided, but leaning towards true Altum's. Have my fingers on the pulse in a few different places waiting to here when Colombian orders are taken. At that time I will make up my mind, only thing that is holding me back is if I really want to keep buying them expensive food (amano's) or switch to something else... Suggestions welcomed.

Other than that I have quite a few different fish that could make an appearance but will not "fit" my vision for the scape. Other fish on hand are 20+ various endlers, 10 green neons, 10 albino neons, 16 ember tetras, 8 penguin tetra's, 7 glo light tetra's (need 3 more to make them an even number!), 4 cardinal's that are in retirement (about 5-6 years old), 4 neon gobies and then amano's, painted cherries, nerites and oto's

[Tanman19az]

Congrats on giving up drinking! You probably love how much money you are saving

[Bala de plata]

I usually only notice when I'm spending it! Not like I was a big drinker anyway, but going out to dinner or with friends our bill is usually half or even less than half of their tab! But money wasn't the motivating factor, I just feel better honestly and I wont ever miss being hung over. Other big thing is I dont ever want to be in a situation were I NEED to react and I am unable to, wether it be for my wife, daughter or anything else. I never want to feel regret for that reason.

As far as saving money, ya that's why I drive a 2004 Ford Mini Van HA!! I had fancy done up trucks and stuff, was fun but massive waste of money. My tanks and my electronics though, I have no problem spending on those still

[substratesource]

Happy Birthday!

[MLB]

hey is it your birthday. Happy birthday.

[xmas_one]

Happy birthday old man!!

[BradA]

hope you had a great day Rory

[Bala de plata]

Thanks guys and gal

[Zenzu]

Bah missed it by 20 min, Happy Birthday anyway man! Hope you had a blast.