Big Tank, what would you do?

[Meganne]

I got a large hand me dowm tank. previous owner figured it to be about 88 gallons. it came with one florescant light. a duel bio wheel hang on the back filter, and air pump and under gravel system.
I can just barely reach the bottom of the tank using a step stool, so I want to keep the plantings simple. and I want to keep the lighting as is though I can up grade the bulb.
so given what I am starting with what would you do with it and what would you house it with as far as flora/fauna?

[driftwoodhunter]

wow - I've never seen a tank shaped like that! What are the dimensions? Is it a s tall as it looks? That might make it hard to get decent light at the substrate level...but what an exciting tank to work with - I'd love to find one like it! Ooooh...just think of the dramatic driftwood you can use ; )

[Meganne]

30x48x13, it was a custom built into a wall with all the access in the storage room behind it.
and yes, I am on the hunt for just the right piece of wood

[Meganne]

and my thinking is if it is planted to not use the under gravel, even if I were to only use gravel...thoughts?

[Sake]

Originally Posted by Meganne

30x48x13, it was a custom built into a wall with all the access in the storage room behind it.
and yes, I am on the hunt for just the right piece of wood

That should be closer to 81 gallons I believe.

[Meganne]

I hadn't done the math, just repeating a guesstamate.
but please, any ideas for it?

[Mike1239]

It sucks that its so narrow compared to hight. I would load it up with tall skinny plants like Val's and regular hair grass

[Meganne]

that is what I was thinking Mike, and a piece of wood something like the cazy third one in this listing
http://orlando.craigslist.org/for/3329350621.html

[Green_Flash]

Wow, I would get altums.

[Meganne]

Altums would be nice. I do already have 3 Melanotaenia Rainbow fish to move in there eventually

[sayurasem]

Discus would be perfect for this

[steven p]

Fish Freaks in Omaha had a similar tank, would be awesome for jungle vals or a tall sword.

[lochaber]

A tank that tall is just asking to be a palludarium...

Although, it will be kind of hard with it being as narrow as it is. - you would have to do a pretty minimalist backdrop, maybe thinned tree fern slabs, or slate, or something similar.

[Rexthecrayfish]

i'd get a sweet big peice of driftwood and cover it in anubias and java moss. you know a nice centerpeice

[HX67]

Originally Posted by lochaber

A tank that tall is just asking to be a palludarium...

Although, it will be kind of hard with it being as narrow as it is. - you would have to do a pretty minimalist backdrop, maybe thinned tree fern slabs, or slate, or something similar.

I agree on the potential for a paludarium.
The narrow width doesn't allow much earth or other hardscape above waterline, though.

But, my vision:
-black back
-filled in halfway with water (brackish)
-mangrove-like roots connecting the above with the below
-branches and perhaps some live vineing plant on top as a nice foliage canvas
-archer fish, some of the smaller species
-pointy light(s) to give a nice glimmer

Less is more.