Thanks, Wild, but I am all over the cabinet thing! Building a shaker-style one to match a TV stand close by!
Back in the trenches......
- Thread starter lousyweather
- Start date
For what it's worth, I've had Safe-T-Sorb in a tank for a couple years with zero breakdown. My only issue with it is that plants do not seem to like to take root in it as much as they do in my sand/fluorite mixture. It may just be the lack of mass, but I've seen tanks using 100% Safe-T-Sorb with great success.
I use two Hydor in line heaters. They are both plugged into a Hydor Hydroset Thermostat.
Think of it as an extra layer of protection. If the temp gets higher than specified, it shuts off power to the units. I set it a couple of degrees higher than the heaters. So far it's never had to shut them off, but I feel better knowing my livestock is protected. A luxury? Yes. But if I lost some of my mature Rainbows, which take years to grow out, I would not be too happy.
A momentous day! My first setback. My venerable old Eheim 2017, I pulled it off the shelf, cleaned it and hooked it up......very noisy. I pulled the impeller, cleaned up the magnet, still noisy. The pump does work, but too noisy in the living room....would be inappropriate for all my romantic evenings! I also have a 2217.....impeller is smaller in the old unit, so, can't swap it out. Parts are no longer available for the 2017. I guess I can use it for temporary pump stuff like water changes, etc.
As for the cabinet, coming together. Almost to the urethane and stain stage....still needs sanding, edging, etc. I will post pictures after that point......
As for the cabinet, coming together. Almost to the urethane and stain stage....still needs sanding, edging, etc. I will post pictures after that point......
myswtsins
Global Moderator
Hey, don't dis the Eheim! The 2017 was discontinued like 15 years ago! And there is an upside....it still works, just noisy. I can still use the hoses, even the canister body and cover is the same as the 2217, so, parts if I need them!Grumble grumble, I can't talk about eheim filters right now.Do you have pictures of during the build for the cabinet? I hope so!
As for pics, I am building the stand in my scary dungeon like cellar, but will take and post some tonight. The doors are done, and the frame is made to put on the subframe, which is also done.
Grumble grumble, I can't talk about eheim filters right now.
ok......here are a few pics of the cabinet so far....no laughing about my woodworking skills (or lack thereof), and the mess that is my cellar.
The above picture is the subframe with the exterior shell placed in front. The doors are leaning to either side. The subframe is KD spruce, while the shell is red oak. At this point, nothing is really sanded. The doors will hinge on the left and right, hopefully giving me access to the area under the tank where the CO2 injection and my Eheims will be. There wont be a sump, so should have plenty of room. I made it sturdy enough to carry an elephant, just in case I ever need to put one in the tank.
This is a picture after tonights work. Unit still isnt sanded, but the shell has been attached to the subframe and the bullnose (edging) has been screwed in place and glued. It will stay clamped until the glue dries. After this, Ive alot of sanding to do, will add a scotia moulding just below the bullnose, then satin, urethane, mount the doors, lug it upstairs, slap the tank on it, and start plumbing! Sadly, I have to work this weekend, so, no more work until early next week.
Apologies on the little dots on the pictures...its sawdust. I took the pics with the underwater camera I snorkel with, and since the detail on the screen of the camera is small, and I am old, I didnt realize the lens was dirty! I didnt notice the dots until I uploaded them......sorry!
myswtsins
Global Moderator
You call that woodworking!? 
Kidding! 
That looks awesome! Gonna be very fancy! I love DIY but most of it doesn't end up too fancy. lol Well, a couple of my canopies are nice, if you get bored and wanna browse them... 72g Canopy (starts at post 26) and 33 flat back hex (starts at post 1 
). But sounds like you will have me beat for sure!
You never know when you might need to house an elephant in your tank, good job being prepared!!
I looked for it and I couldn't find this "mess" in your cellar?? My basement is SOOOOOO much scarier! lol
Kidding! That looks awesome! Gonna be very fancy! I love DIY but most of it doesn't end up too fancy. lol Well, a couple of my canopies are nice, if you get bored and wanna browse them... 72g Canopy (starts at post 26) and 33 flat back hex (starts at post 1 ). But sounds like you will have me beat for sure! You never know when you might need to house an elephant in your tank, good job being prepared!!
I looked for it and I couldn't find this "mess" in your cellar?? My basement is SOOOOOO much scarier! lol
