I finally found the 72 gallon bow front I wanted on Craigslist. I'm just starting to get it set up. I spent the last weekend repainting some of the stand and I painted the back of the tank black. Here it is with some driftwood. I have it in there dry for placement.
Substrate:
I wanted eco-complete but I can't afford it at this time. The tank came with a bunch of brown gravel. I'm thinking of using the clay kitty litter on the bottom with the gravel and some play sand on top. Has anyone tried the clay kitty litter? Its only clay (no additives) and once rinsed it looks like gray flourite.
Decorations:
It came with some nice driftwood. The pieces are dry and need to sink again. They are screwed to slate bases but are still floating. I've started a fishless cycle so hopefully they will be sink in a couple of weeks when the tank is ready.
Lighting:
I'm leaning towards the Catalina 4 x 54W T5HO. It seems to be reasonably priced. Has anyone used it?
Filtration:
I had an XP3 I bought off ebay a bit ago. The tank came with an overflow and sump with bioballs. (The previous owner had Oscars). I'm looking at using one or both. The sump had really good circulation. The Rena is quieter.
Fish:
I currently have a small selection of community fish (dwarf gourami, ADF, rasbora, danios, brigs) that will move over to this tank. I would like to get a school of bosemani rainbows. My water is 7.8ph with 10kh. I realize I should just get cichlids but I love the look of a planted tank.
Other:
I don't plan on any CO2. I would rather do a low-tech planted tank with some liquid ferts. I'm still looking at possible plants, but I think some xmas tree moss and anubis would look great on the driftwood.
Look for more pictures in a couple of weeks!
Substrate:
I wanted eco-complete but I can't afford it at this time. The tank came with a bunch of brown gravel. I'm thinking of using the clay kitty litter on the bottom with the gravel and some play sand on top. Has anyone tried the clay kitty litter? Its only clay (no additives) and once rinsed it looks like gray flourite.
Decorations:
It came with some nice driftwood. The pieces are dry and need to sink again. They are screwed to slate bases but are still floating. I've started a fishless cycle so hopefully they will be sink in a couple of weeks when the tank is ready.
Lighting:
I'm leaning towards the Catalina 4 x 54W T5HO. It seems to be reasonably priced. Has anyone used it?
Filtration:
I had an XP3 I bought off ebay a bit ago. The tank came with an overflow and sump with bioballs. (The previous owner had Oscars). I'm looking at using one or both. The sump had really good circulation. The Rena is quieter.
Fish:
I currently have a small selection of community fish (dwarf gourami, ADF, rasbora, danios, brigs) that will move over to this tank. I would like to get a school of bosemani rainbows. My water is 7.8ph with 10kh. I realize I should just get cichlids but I love the look of a planted tank.
Other:
I don't plan on any CO2. I would rather do a low-tech planted tank with some liquid ferts. I'm still looking at possible plants, but I think some xmas tree moss and anubis would look great on the driftwood.
Look for more pictures in a couple of weeks!
