35 Gallon progression!

[Juavichar]

Alright, I finally got my tank! It's now in my room. I still have to disinfect it and such. I've regrouped and forced myself to slow down and not rush things. I'm really interested in making a 3d aquarium background, so we will see how that goes.
A question: the tank came without a lid.. so there is no glass between the light and the water. Will this be a problem? Is there an easy fix to this?

Anyway, here's the tank! I paid 95 bucks for it offa craigslist. :D :D

[SeaWitch]

Congrats on the tank!   As for the light with no glass, I would try and get some sort of glass to go in between there, as you don't want any water getting on the light fixture as it may short it out.  Keep us posted!!!

[Fizgig]

Yes, you should have glass between the light and water surface.  If nothing else, it will keep the light from heating the water.  Cheapest option is to find a glass cutting place and order it.  If you don't have that available, as us for sites =)

[diakka00]

looks nice!  Good luck setting up!

[Juavichar]

I've been really interested in doing a home made background for my tank.

So I've been trying - I bought a sheet of 2" styrofoam and measured, then cut and carved rock formations, etc.

I used quikcrete cement  - I'm on my second layer. Takes about 2-3 days for that stuff to dry.

I'm really excited about this - hoping it will turn out really pretty and natural looking.. especially once some algae grows on it.

Anyway, here's a pic. I decided to use two pieces, then fit them together once its all finished.



PS. I know there are some issues with minerals leaking into the water. I am going to coat the whole thing with marine grade epoxy resin. I also have another tank set up and cycled where my lil fish is going to live until I make sure this device is safe. I'm going to have the water tested once a week at my local pool/spa/water supply store for harmful toxins.

[SeaWitch]

Those are very nice!  I hope it all works out for ya, as I would love to see what they look like in the tank!

[Juavichar]

Alright, after many weeks of saving money, I finally could afford some marine grade epoxy resin. That stuff is EXPENSIVE.

Anyway, here's my background after:

1. adding another layer of quickcrete
2.Spray painted with textured acrylic paint
3. Using silicon to glue on a bunch of stones and a few quartz crystals
4. Adding the first layer of epoxy resin

I plan to add another layer of resin and possibly sprinkle some colored sand into it for some more texture so it isn't that glossy. The containers for the epoxy say I could sand it with sandpaper to roughen it up, but I think sand would give it a nice edge.

Anyway, here's the pic:

[SeaWitch]

Nita, those are beautiful!!!   I can't wait to see them finished!!!!  They look amazing already!

[Juavichar]

Thanks so much ^-^ I'll keep you posted!

[Lolafish]

Alright, after many weeks of saving money, I finally could afford some marine grade epoxy resin. That stuff is EXPENSIVE.

Anyway, here's my background after:

1. adding another layer of quickcrete
2.Spray painted with textured acrylic paint
3. Using silicon to glue on a bunch of stones and a few quartz crystals
4. Adding the first layer of epoxy resin

I plan to add another layer of resin and possibly sprinkle some colored sand into it for some more texture so it isn't that glossy. The containers for the epoxy say I could sand it with sandpaper to roughen it up, but I think sand would give it a nice edge.

Anyway, here's the pic:

(Image removed from quote.)

You should repost this in the DIY area:  http://www.aquapuppies.com/aquapuppies/index.php/board,35.0.html

Can't wait to see how it all looks completed.  Good job with making sure it's 100% safe before adding fish.  You could ask your LFS what they think too about possible contamination.

[addictinganimal]

That is SO awesome! How'd it end up?

[claire_uk]

It does look great, have you managed to get it all finished and in the tank?

[Juavichar]

No, it's not in the tank yet. I still have to do some water testing and such in a different container. I'll let y'all know and take pictures when it's ready ^-^

[SeaWitch]

LOL, sorry to be pushy, Nita!   You know us; we are just so excited when someone does something different to their tanks around here!

[Juavichar]

nAH, I don't mind ^-^

I just want to be sure there's nothing leaking into the water. So I'm letting it soak in a tupperware for a few weeks.

[Lolafish]