The Worst Thread in RAG History - Page 2

olsaltybastard · #11 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 06:47 PM

Today, I managed to get all of the fish out of the display tank and into the 65g holding tank. I will continually swap water between the holding tank and the main tank in order to reduce any possible buildup of ammonia. Not to worry, the holding tank has about 30lbs of rock, Tunze 6100 for circulation, and a heater.

And in keeping with the title of this thread, I have no more pictures. I plan to swap tanks this weekend; lets hope someone remembers to bring a camera!!

olsaltybastard · #12 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 12:50 AM

It's Saturday night and I think I am all set to go tomorrow around noon. I have to make one last trip to Dummy Depot to get some 3/4" hose to attach to the pump so I can move water between tanks. I managed to make up another 25g of water to make up for the volume difference; I should be good to go. I put the tank on the stand for the first time; glad I measured everything twice!! The overflow holes are in perfect position as well. I also noticed a pod explosion in the tank now that the fish are no longer eating them.

I'm pretty stoked!!

Scooterman · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 02:14 AM

Well I thought It was really the worst thread but actually not so bad after all!
Congrats on the set-up, starting out nice!

olsaltybastard · #14 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 03:27 AM

Well, the tank is in place and about 75% filled with water. I came to a stopping point in the plumbing as I want to be able to salvage some stuff when I do the permanent plumbing in a few weeks. I need a few more pieces to do it right. I have a Tunze powerhead in there now to keep the water in motion.

I added all of the rock that has been in the dark for quite some time. There is still about 40lbs of rock that is inside the fish holding tank that needs to be drilled and added. You can get a better idea of what can be done with the aquascaping. Like Goldenmean stated, you need to get a feel for the shapes. I'm still pretty excited about how it looks just thrown together.

I have not worried about the doors just yet; they would just get in the way over the next few weeks. I have to figure out a nice way to rewire everything so that it is neat and tidy rather than a rat's nest.

I borrowed a camera from a friend of mine.

ChuckG · #15 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 04:13 AM

I know you are stoked at the moment but it appears to me to be like 6 figurines standing in a tank of water. I hope that you will be connecting these things somehow to give shelfs and some further definition to the overall project.

MDPinUSA · #16 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 04:16 AM

Lookin' good.

olsaltybastard · #17 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckG

I know you are stoked at the moment but it appears to me to be like 6 figurines standing in a tank of water. I hope that you will be connecting these things somehow to give shelfs and some further definition to the overall project.

I call this motif, "The five pillars of Salty".

Yes Chuck, scaping will eventually come around. All of the acrylic rods are sticking out of the water by about 4 inches; I've still got my work cut out for me. The lights are in a temporary hanging position as well; I just wanted them off the ground.

One thing that I am bummed out about is the wood staining didn't turn out anything like I had hoped. I'm also pretty bad at 45 degree angles as well.

ChuckG · #18 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 12:10 PM

I'm sure the end result will be a sight to behold.

I know what you mean about "not being happy with your own work". From the photo, it looks great. I know that with most projects I do there is always several little details that don't seem to go quite right that I am unhappy about. The majority of the time, these little details that may seem like an eyesore to the builder are not even noticed by someone else unless you point it out to them.

olsaltybastard · #19 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 08:28 PM

I finished the plumbing this morning; it's not pretty but it will work for the time being. As I stated earlier, I will eventually have an external pump rather than an internal (vibration issues.)

I just found out that one of the Tunze 6201's that I purchased has a shroud for a 6100; I've got to see about getting the proper part for the pump. (Five minutes later...) I just spoke to Tunze USA, and they are sending the proper cover with no questions asked!! THIS is why I buy high end items!!!!!

olsaltybastard · #20 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007, 08:03 PM

Update:

I made my first real screw up!! When I glued the return on the right side of the tank, I glued the riser to the wrong bulkhead fitting. In other words, my drain pumps water into the tank, and the return is NOT draining the tank. I only have one overflow working, and a Mag 18 pump can quickly overflow a single return. I have to go to Dummy Depot to get a few plumbing parts, but I should be able to get the plumbing up and running tomorrow.

I also moved the fish from the holding tank back into the main display. Ten minutes later, they eagerly ate their first meal in their new surroundings.