60 gallon hex build journal

[fizgig]

Today I build my reinforcement frame, which fits very tightly inside of the table, but can be removed if needed. Got the tank moved onto the permanent stand tonight. Tomorrow I'll see if I can thaw out enough of the play sand I have in pile in the back yard to get my laterite/sand substrate put in and get the tank filled back up.

Reinforcing frame - first non-square thing I've built:

It fit so nice and tight that I had to do some sanding, and then tap it in with a hammer to get the doors to close properly.

Tank couldn't be any closer of a fit to the table:

 

[AnythingShiny]

Looks awesome!!!

 

[Rbishop]

Nice work on the reinforcing.

 

[fizgig]

Well, I've had it set up for a couple weeks now with the sand/laterite, some dead leaves mixed in, and some rock decorations, and the canister filter running. Yesterday I added eight male guppies and a handful of Java moss. The gups are looking good today. Got a Hydor in-line heater, so I'll add that this weekend when I can stick around and monitor the temp for several hours. The water is tea-stained from the leaves, and will probably get worse once I add some driftwood. If parameters look good, I'll add a few mollies next week, and hopefully find some Java fern, too. Tank definitely needs some decor and plants; it's looking pretty plain right now, but slow and steady is the way to go here.