90 gal... Best bang for the buck?
 

Hi gang,

It's been smooth sailing with my Clown Loaches (CL's) and other
fishies... As always I'm looking towards the next upgrade after the new
year or later... A few questions please:

Q: is a 90 gal. tank the best "bang for the buck" as a step up from a
55? 110 gal better? I've alway thought 55's to be best deal per gallon
(bang for the buck) as compared to the smaller tanks. I'd be putting my
6 CL's and one queen botia dario. They are not that big yet (about the
size of my big thumb) but if I can find a used 90 gal or so I'd do it
before they are too big for the 55....

Q: Is a 90 gal a "common" size that should be easy to find locally
used? 110 better for almost same price? I don't know about those big
tanks but I have the space and I want loaches the would be too big for
a single meal each... Not the I would actually eat them, but I like 'em
big... BIG!!! I have the space and a good solid floor on a conrete
slab.

Q: Where is a good simple site to compare tank size in gallons along
with dimentions.

At risk of rambling too much I'll cut it short now, Thanks fine group.
Karl.

90 gal... Best bang for the buck?
 

wrote in message
oups.com...

Q: is a 90 gal. tank the best "bang for the buck" as a step up from a
55? 110 gal better? I've alway thought 55's to be best deal per gallon
(bang for the buck) as compared to the smaller tanks. I'd be putting my
6 CL's and one queen botia dario. They are not that big yet (about the
size of my big thumb) but if I can find a used 90 gal or so I'd do it
before they are too big for the 55....
===============
Only you can know what's available for sale in your area. Check the pet
section of your local newspaper and Penny-Saver type papers. Check out the
second hand stores. Some of them here carry tanks that others donate.
Compare prices.
--
KL....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö ~~~~ }((((({*

90 gal... Best bang for the buck?
 

wrote in news:1158091863.814198.314170
@p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com:

Q: Where is a good simple site to compare tank size in gallons along
with dimentions.

We sell our tanks virtually at cost. We make next to nothing on them, but
getting someone to buy a tank is the best way to make a new customer. Shop
around and you should be able to find a big aquarium outlet that does the
same. A lot of the Omni-pet stores will rob you blind on what is really
amounts to five pieces of glass, some silicone, and two plastic braces.

Without talking any more about tank cost there are some other issues to
think about.

The standard 90 gallon tank is 48x18x24". That is a rather deep tank. If
you want to have a well planted aquarium you will have to take that in to
consideration. The deeper the tank the more light you will have to put into
it.

The standard 110 gallon tank is 48x18x30", even deeper therefore even
harder to light well without shelling out big bucks.

If you want to save on lighting for a tank in that size range I would
recommend the standard 75 gallon, which is 48x18x20". It doesn't sound like
much on paper, but those vital few inches make a huge difference for
plants.

Your requested tank links:
http://www.all-glass.com/products/aq...standard.shtml
http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h100perfecto_tanks.htm

I have no affiliation to the above links.

135 gal project...
 

Hi fish driends!

I wanted to add Craigs List to the resources because I though "Hey, if
I'm gonna build/splatter paint a stand and hood I may as well go real
big... Here is the report:

Got a 72x18x24 (needs work but does not leak-he said) tank, he was
pretty sure it is a 135 gal, yes? Loaded the tank into the house, it
will soon be cleaned, bottom frame re-installed, Top frame possibly
reinstalled, insides all clened and relsealed (is that done same way as
a smaller tank?), three cabinet stand, and modest hood.

In a month or so I plan to add my favorite fishies (clown loaches) into
it so I'll keep y'all posted with stand and hood up first. Color pics
comming soon too...

dc wrote:
The standard 90 gallon tank is 48x18x24". That is a rather deep tank. If
you want to have a well planted aquarium you will have to take that in to
consideration. The deeper the tank the more light you will have to put into
it.

If I'm more into plastic plants for easy maintenance and very low plant
death rate. Also, while I was under the "cabon" brain wash I tried live
plants a few times and the plants quickly perished... And how the heck
do you vacuum gravel with those weeds in there? :)

Thanks, Karl.

NOTE: This is my first big tank so any advise/experiences is welcome
and would be appreciated! Thanks again...

135 gal project...
 

Sorry, should read "friends", it's been a good but very long day...

Paid $100 for the tank as is...

Also have to remove blue paint from the back that's on there pretty
tough, what is best to remove paint and is still safe for fish? It
won't easily just scrape off. :(

Thanks, Karl.

wrote:
Hi fish driends!

135 gal project...
 

On 24 Sep 2006 21:29:44 -0700, wrote:

Sorry, should read "friends", it's been a good but very long day...

Paid $100 for the tank as is...

Also have to remove blue paint from the back that's on there pretty
tough, what is best to remove paint and is still safe for fish? It
won't easily just scrape off. :(

I've had good luck with a heat gun on glass if you move quickly.
Failing that, there were a number of different citrus oil based paint
strippers available at home depot when I was doing some painting last
year. You'd have to wash the tank throughly afterwards, but you
planned on doing that anyway, right?

Thanks, Karl.

wrote:
Hi fish driends!
--
2006.09.22 - Abe vs. the fish of Crum Creek!
Abe: 11
Fish: 8
Redworms: -19

135 gal project...
 

"Abraham Evangelista" wrote in message
...
On 24 Sep 2006 21:29:44 -0700, wrote:

Sorry, should read "friends", it's been a good but very long day...

Paid $100 for the tank as is...

Also have to remove blue paint from the back that's on there pretty
tough, what is best to remove paint and is still safe for fish? It
won't easily just scrape off. :(

I've had good luck with a heat gun on glass if you move quickly.
Failing that, there were a number of different citrus oil based paint
strippers available at home depot when I was doing some painting last
year. You'd have to wash the tank throughly afterwards, but you
planned on doing that anyway, right?


I'd try scrape it with a proper paint scraper or even a razor blade.
Or heck leave it there
I always did like the backs of me tanks painted.
congrats on the big tank!
remember my first 6 footer, I set it up at the base of me bed so I could
watch me fishys as I fell asleep.
It just looked so...... HUGE!!!
hehehehhe
now I have a few big tanks in me life it seems like a normal sized tank
but yea that first big tank
it just looks so big
:-)
now don't forget to put styrofoam between tank and stand!
Hate to have to pack it up it put a bit under it if ya forget!
rokin

135 gal project...
 

Set up Questions please:

Q: How many Clown Loaches can I put into this tank so as not to be over
corwded when they fully grow? I was hoping to put total of about 11...
I may throw a few botias (close cousin to our friend the Clown Loach)
in with them but it's really just about the Clowns... :) There SO cute
and silly!!!! ('Hope I don't sound like a fruit cake caying that!)

Q: If i get 5 more very small CL's to go with my 6 med CL's, will they
form two clans in the "big tank" or will they all get together for one
huge school? That would be so cool!!

Q: How big do CL's REALLY get in captivity? I've heard stories from
6"-12" with 8"ish being the most common estimate..

Q: How's my filtration? I ordered an Eheim 2217 and have two AC110 as
well... No UG filter... Sound like plenty on paper... Yes?

Q: What's this about styrofoam? How thick? How far does it stick out
under the tank? Where to buy it, home improvement (home depot) store?
I've never heard about this before...

Notes: I don't do live plants so I don't care about lamps, the CL's
hate the lights anyway and when I turn them on I never see them anymore
:(... I'll try the ideas for paint removal, I'd much rather leave it
but it looks a bit nasty from wear, tear, and poor repair...

Progress report: Last night I cut most of the 2X4's for the 3 cabinet
stand, 2217 filter is on order now, one AC110 is well established, the
other AC110 is running on a 55 tank now with seasoned Aqua-Chargers and
sponge. I've got three days off and enough coffee to power a small
city! To the garage I go!

Thanks all, Karl.

135 gal project...
 

Karl,

I would suggest leaving the paint. Clown loaches can tend to be rather
secretive at times, hiding in caves and other nooks and crannies. By
leaving the back painted, you create a visual wall that will make them
feel more secure.

One of my clown loaches which is 10 years old now is about 7 inches
long..
wrote:
Set up Questions please:

Q: How many Clown Loaches can I put into this tank so as not to be over
corwded when they fully grow? I was hoping to put total of about 11...
I may throw a few botias (close cousin to our friend the Clown Loach)
in with them but it's really just about the Clowns... :) There SO cute
and silly!!!! ('Hope I don't sound like a fruit cake caying that!)

Q: If i get 5 more very small CL's to go with my 6 med CL's, will they
form two clans in the "big tank" or will they all get together for one
huge school? That would be so cool!!

Q: How big do CL's REALLY get in captivity? I've heard stories from
6"-12" with 8"ish being the most common estimate..

Q: How's my filtration? I ordered an Eheim 2217 and have two AC110 as
well... No UG filter... Sound like plenty on paper... Yes?

Q: What's this about styrofoam? How thick? How far does it stick out
under the tank? Where to buy it, home improvement (home depot) store?
I've never heard about this before...

Notes: I don't do live plants so I don't care about lamps, the CL's
hate the lights anyway and when I turn them on I never see them anymore
:(... I'll try the ideas for paint removal, I'd much rather leave it
but it looks a bit nasty from wear, tear, and poor repair...

Progress report: Last night I cut most of the 2X4's for the 3 cabinet
stand, 2217 filter is on order now, one AC110 is well established, the
other AC110 is running on a 55 tank now with seasoned Aqua-Chargers and
sponge. I've got three days off and enough coffee to power a small
city! To the garage I go!

Thanks all, Karl.

135 gal project...
 

Progress report... Stand is done and primed, soon it will get the 4
color splatter coat and later a clear "deck sealer". The tank has been
stripped of the nasty blue paint and the bottom frame will soon be
re-glued.

wrote:
Karl,

I would suggest leaving the paint.

The paint is (was) very nasty looking, if it was nice I would have left
it on, it was two different colors from sections that came off and were
re-painted by some one pouring paint on. There was air under the paint
in some spots which also looked very bad.

I will use a back ground that curves around each rear corner to provide
solitude for the Loaches from my kitties.

135 gal project...
 

The one bit of glass you don't wanna crack is the bottem bit therefor a
layer of styrofoam is needed.
tank bases may expand, have a bit of gravel/sand on them or just not be
level (stand or tank)
a styro sheet prevents any of these things being a problem
it needs to be big enough to fit on you stand, tank goes onto stand and any
excess styro faom can be trimmed away.
do it tho, it saves massive drama later on
massive drama!!!
:-)

135 gal project...
 

Since I am not a big fan of drama I did in fact use styrofoam under the
tank. I look at it as an ounce of prevention is worth 3/4 ton of cure,
thanks to the many fine folks here in the group.

Update:
#A- The stand was clearcoated with a clear "polycrylic" water based
liquid that I sprayed on in two coats. I found on my other stands that
if I scrubbed the paint the splatter color would start to wear off. Now
I clear them with water proof stuff. (The deck clear was not good
because "natural clear" was not clear at all! It was brownish color
clear)
#B- The tank has styrofoam and is filled for a 24 hour leak test, hour
three and all is well.

swarvegorilla wrote:
The one bit of glass you don't wanna crack is the bottem bit therefor a
layer of styrofoam is needed.
it saves massive drama later on
massive drama!!!
:-)

I'm not a big fan of "massive drama". :)
Thanks, Karl.

P.s. One daunting thought I have been evading.... How does one do a 25%
water change on one of these monsters? That's like what, six+ 5 gallon
water juggs? Plus my other (55, 55, 29gal) tanks!
;\

135 gal project...
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
Since I am not a big fan of drama I did in fact use styrofoam under the
tank. I look at it as an ounce of prevention is worth 3/4 ton of cure,
thanks to the many fine folks here in the group.

Update:
#A- The stand was clearcoated with a clear "polycrylic" water based
liquid that I sprayed on in two coats. I found on my other stands that
if I scrubbed the paint the splatter color would start to wear off. Now
I clear them with water proof stuff. (The deck clear was not good
because "natural clear" was not clear at all! It was brownish color
clear)
#B- The tank has styrofoam and is filled for a 24 hour leak test, hour
three and all is well.

swarvegorilla wrote:
The one bit of glass you don't wanna crack is the bottem bit therefor a
layer of styrofoam is needed.
it saves massive drama later on
massive drama!!!
:-)

I'm not a big fan of "massive drama". :)
Thanks, Karl.

P.s. One daunting thought I have been evading.... How does one do a 25%
water change on one of these monsters? That's like what, six+ 5 gallon
water juggs? Plus my other (55, 55, 29gal) tanks!
;\


Ok so maybe this isn't for you.
But I use a powerhead pump connected to a bit of hose.
At first I gravel vacc (or just skim over surface for sand with a hose) into
a bucket.
Then I clean filter stuff in the bucket.
Then I chuck pump/hose into bucket and pump water onto garden.
I then put pump/hose into tank and pump it where ever.
Next I put the pump into a new plastic garbage bin that has decholinated
water with an airstone and heater in it. When the temp in bin is same as the
tank (or a degree cooler to trigger spawns) I pump/hose it to the tank.
Theres the curved 'U' bits that come with cannisters, usually for the intake
pipe.
Anyway one of them on the end of ya hose means you can hook it over the side
of a tank rather than hold it there.

Anyway I hate carrieing water.
If gravity can't do it for me than I use a pump.
If I need to drain a pond I hire a fire fighting pump.
time is money
But a broken back is.......
well just as lame as anything else that ruins sex.