I decided to wait until my new build was done to post on this site for the first time. I purchased a beat up 225 gallon tank and stand off Craigslist for $500. When I got it, it was a complete mess. This past week I finally had time to work on it after it had been sitting in my living room for several months. I must admit, my wife beat me into submission in order to get it finished. I worked non stop for 4 days with a total of 8 hours sleep to get it completed.
The first major obstacle was the fact it was pre-drilled. I decided I didn't want to go the sump route. So I purchased bulk heads and capped off the ends. The tank also needed a major cleaning and to be resealed. I cleaned the tank with water and vinegar at first. Once that was complete I wiped down the whole tank with rubbing alcohol. I started to cut out the old seal with a razor blade and scraper. I then resealed the entire aquarium. Here is a picture of the tank during a leak test. Doing a leak test on a massive tank you resealed when having no real experience was nerve wrecking.
In the end there was a slight leak coming out of one of the bulk heads. So i emptied the tank and resealed it again. This time it held well. I then decided to flush the tank several times. I filled it up and emptied it about 10 times.
The next major step was painting the stand and trim on the tank. I also wanted to replace the hardware on the old doors. The God awful blue color had to go. So I lightly sanded down the whole stand and trim with 100 grit sand paper. When it came to picking a color, I decided I wanted to do something different. I felt like every tank and stand was either black or stained wood. So I decided to go with a dark grey. I also decided to go with brushed nickel hardware.
Now that I was on the home stretch, I had to build a basking platform and decorate the inside of the tank. I decided I wanted to go with an all natural look for the tank. I had a large ammount of shale that I used on my old 75 gallon tank. So I cleaned it all up. I also wanted to create a cave beneath the basking area so my DBT could hide like she loves to do. So I went to Home Depot for the 900th time during this build and picked up some flagstone and decorative rocks.
I decided to stagger the shale and slate to give hiding places for my frogs, snails, guppies, and African Cichlids. Here is the top of the basking platform.
I decided to get a large piece of driftwood as the focal point of the tank. I went to my local aquarium shop and picked up the driftwood along with a few other things.
My next major hurdle was figuring out my entire filtration system. I had an FX5 already but wanted a little bit more. So I started out by making a spray bar for my FX5 to get better surface agitation. What should have been the simplest project, I somehow screwed up numerous times. I just wasn't happy with the end product. So I finally got it right after 4 attempts.
I also ordered a new Fluval G6 filter http://www.fluval-g.com/filterspecs_e.php It won't be here until Saturday though!
So here it as of now........
I should also point out a few things. I added a circulation pump for my tank to get better water flow. I used a Marineland maxi-jet 1200. I have a new light set up coming tomorrow. I purchased two 30 inch t-5 HO hoods. I was beyond thrilled to learn Zoo Med was making t-5 HO bulbs in 5.0 UVB. My plan is to buy some Lexan or other plexiglass like material and use it as a cover. I am going to cut out spaces so the UVB gets through no problem.
[url]http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/11442-580032/zoo-med-reptisun-t5-ho-5-0-uvb-high-output-bulbs.html?utm_source=googleproductads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term={keyword}&gclid=CK_r5qmo57UCFUVN4Aod7XQACA[/url]
I also want to TRY and grow some plants in the tank so I purchased two of the Marineland 24-36inch LED lights for plants. http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Aquarium-LED-Lighting/I/Aquatic-Plant-LED-Lighting-System.aspx
So my equipment list is as follows:
Filter: FX5 with spray bar and Fluval G6
Lighting: 4 22" t-5 HO 5.0 UVB bulbs/ 2 24-36 in Marineland LED
Basking Light: 150 Watt ceramic bulb
Water Heater: 2 300 watt Deep Blue Heaters
Circulation Pump: Marineland Maxi-Jet 1200
Here are some more pictures with my turtles also:
awesome work!
