DIY 72g Build w/custom canopy, UGJ & lots of extras (picture heavy)
- Thread starter myswtsins
- Start date
Thanks, me too so far. Can't wait to see how it really works out. I think I might need a little more power though. Currently I have 2 maxi-jet 1200s with 7 jets.
I got some pictures of the lighting!
An overall shot under the hood
A close-up. It looks like there is blue lights on both sides but it is just a reflection.
Under the hood while on the tank, daylights only on. The light on the left is a 50/50 bulb (actinic & 10k) & the one on the right is a 9325k. I definitely like the 50/50 bulb better for what I am going to do. I will probably buy another 50/50 & use the 9325k on planted tank or something.
The red cold cathode "sunrise" lights. Over-exposed a little so you can actual see it.
Blue cold cathode "moonlight" lights. The light on the left is brighter then the one on the right. I tried different power supplies but I think it is just the bulbs. After cutting the units up I do not feel right trying to get a replacement so this will have to do.
I also bought a couple new/used chrome trimmed tanks today so I will have something to do for the next 2 months while I wait for fish.
I got some pictures of the lighting!
An overall shot under the hood
A close-up. It looks like there is blue lights on both sides but it is just a reflection.
Under the hood while on the tank, daylights only on. The light on the left is a 50/50 bulb (actinic & 10k) & the one on the right is a 9325k. I definitely like the 50/50 bulb better for what I am going to do. I will probably buy another 50/50 & use the 9325k on planted tank or something.
The red cold cathode "sunrise" lights. Over-exposed a little so you can actual see it.
Blue cold cathode "moonlight" lights. The light on the left is brighter then the one on the right. I tried different power supplies but I think it is just the bulbs. After cutting the units up I do not feel right trying to get a replacement so this will have to do.
I also bought a couple new/used chrome trimmed tanks today so I will have something to do for the next 2 months while I wait for fish.
So I am going backwards here instead of forward. The colorquartz is about to go into the trash after 15+hrs of trying to clean it. One of the powerheads has also died & the canopy doesn't seem to be sitting on the tank properly now. :mad2:
As I figure stuff out I will update everyone but for now it is going to be slow going. BTW this way my first attempt at electric work!
As I figure stuff out I will update everyone but for now it is going to be slow going. BTW this way my first attempt at electric work!
I like the night lights. Im sure its a bit brighter in person.
So hows the build going?? made the canopy sit right??
Why are you trashing the sand?
So hows the build going?? made the canopy sit right??
Why are you trashing the sand?
Thanks. They are probably about the same brightness in person, I didn't want them to be too bright. They are 1st and foremost for the fishes natural cycle and my viewing pleasure comes in at a close 2nd.
The canopy is complete! It is hinged and sitting right, yay! Thanks for asking. As of right now I think the all construction is done. Although I am thinking about a DIY background but might intentionally leave that for something to do down the line, you know how we like changing things!
The sand and I are not getting along! :swear: I spent over 15hrs laboring over this sand and it still leaves black residue & oil in the water. I hate giving up on it but even after rinsing a 2cup portion for 1 hr & 45 minutes it is not clean!? I cannot seem to find a suitable replacement though so I am going to keep trying, just don't know HOW I am going to clean this crap yet. I know I am a bit anal about what goes into my fish tanks but it is quite oily still & the oil is what really bothers me.
Thank you! I sit and look at it even without anything it. :lipssealedsmilie:
BTW any comments or criticisms is always welcome, especially the later! If I am going to change anything now is the time.
Thanks & that's a good question AnDr3w! Just wish I knew the answer!
I am actually minutes away from starting to clean the sand again, just need to pull myself away from here first. I just finished cleaning out the UGJ after the oily mess (that was fun!) & I have all my lace rock cleaned up (well the 35lbs I have anyways).
Currently it is a lot of minor work and research. I am researching the heck out of Mbuna that I want, especially because I am going to my first fish event/show thing soon and want to be prepared. I am also trying to find some decently priced lace rock in NJ, which seems to be non-existent. Best I found is a place in Bordentown (45 minutes away) @ $1.50 per lb with free pickup.
I am actually minutes away from starting to clean the sand again, just need to pull myself away from here first. I just finished cleaning out the UGJ after the oily mess (that was fun!) & I have all my lace rock cleaned up (well the 35lbs I have anyways).
Currently it is a lot of minor work and research. I am researching the heck out of Mbuna that I want, especially because I am going to my first fish event/show thing soon and want to be prepared. I am also trying to find some decently priced lace rock in NJ, which seems to be non-existent. Best I found is a place in Bordentown (45 minutes away) @ $1.50 per lb with free pickup.
So I gave up and gave in, I went out and bought 60lbs of Tahitian moon sand! It only took me 1.5 hrs to thoroughly wash it all! :headbang2: It is very pretty too, it has amber grains in it as well.
Not a great shot but you get the idea. You only really see the amber when you are close, from a normal distance it is not that noticeable.
About 35lbs of power washed lace rock. Afterward I just did some very minor touch up with a toothbrush, super easy!
Close-up
Finally got some rock in the tank! Yes, the piece all the way to the left is fake & it will be replaced soon. I am not thrilled with the scape but it is a start & although it does not look it it is stable.
Another shot. I definately I going to get another 50/50 bulb for the right side. Water is still a little cloudy cause I just put the sand & rocks in. Oh & don't mind the green hose, I just flipped my Eheim intake to act as a surface skimmer for a little while.
Slightly adjusted the lighting & saturation so you can see a little more.
and in red "sunrise"
I will get some more photos later, people were trying to watch TV while I was taking these.
Not a great shot but you get the idea. You only really see the amber when you are close, from a normal distance it is not that noticeable.
About 35lbs of power washed lace rock. Afterward I just did some very minor touch up with a toothbrush, super easy!
Close-up
Finally got some rock in the tank! Yes, the piece all the way to the left is fake & it will be replaced soon. I am not thrilled with the scape but it is a start & although it does not look it it is stable.
Another shot. I definately I going to get another 50/50 bulb for the right side. Water is still a little cloudy cause I just put the sand & rocks in. Oh & don't mind the green hose, I just flipped my Eheim intake to act as a surface skimmer for a little while.
Slightly adjusted the lighting & saturation so you can see a little more.
and in red "sunrise"
I will get some more photos later, people were trying to watch TV while I was taking these.
