Getting back in the game in Ohio

Hello,

My name is David Bradford from Van Wert, Ohio. Anyone else from this area?

I used to have a 55 gallon and a 75 gallon tank for my Angels and some other misc fish. I was breeding angels and had 3 pair living and getting along in that tank. They would lay eggs on the bottom filter risers and I would take them out and hatch them.

I had to take down the tank to get new flooring in our dining room. I had all of my fish in a 30 long growout tank (way too high of a bio load really) and my Son of about 6 or 7 years old fed them... The whole can of fish food!

Well, I lost all of my fish, and gave up on it. So currently, the only fish I have are a bunch of comets that I bring inside during the winter

Recently, that same son (now 17) wanted to use that 30 gallon tank in his room. He likes oscar's because he loves to watch them eat live fish.

Well, the bug has re-bitten me, and I was watching for a good deal on a 6 foot long tank. I always wanted one, and well, there was a great deal so I grabbed it.

At this moment, I am building an oak stand for it. Then, we will have a 125g, a 75g, and 1 55g. It's like a giant blank slate. I had planted tanks in the past that I really like, so I will plant at least one. But what fish?

I keep thinking of going back to Angels, or moving up to Discus, but I see two problems with Discus. Most people say you need 50% water changes every other day! I don't have time for that. I change 20% weekly or maybe bi-weekly. Also, discus are a bigger risk as the cheapest ones are $35.00 compared to Angel's which are about 20% of that.

I also am thinking about Rams, Gouramis, and convicts. I prefer to have stuff I can probably breed after full grown.

So, here are a couple of pictures from my old tanks.

Wish me luck!

I am making mine from 2x4, but since it is oak, it will be much stronger than the pine ones you see in the store. (and look better too) I'll post some pics when finished. My stepfather tore down a couple of buildings that were over 100 years old. when they built them, they used whatever was growing there and roough cut 2x4's out of oak and everything else. He kept the wood and pulled the nails for me! I think it will look awesome.

Here's the project so far. Front and back. Not shown are the panels that hold it together. It's held together with pocket screws. It took for ever to get those old boards straight on my joiner, but they look great I think.

looks good

OK, got the stand finished except for doors. Here it is. 2x4 Oak construction. Sides are frame and panel. All connections with Stainless Kreg Pocket Screws. I'll probably get the doors done in a few weeks.