Jake's 45-F - High-Tech Guy Goes Low-Tech

[somewhatshocked]

I don't think it's a terrible filter at all. Use it on a couple other tanks with no issues. Just don't think it's perfect for my tank in its current location.

Probably gonna get the Eheim.

[MABJ]

Although I use it on a 2 gallon, I also think the 501 is a really nice filter capable of much more.

[pwolfe]

I dunno, I ran it on a 5.5g and was never happy with the flow I got out of it. Maybe my expectations are off base. I guess for biological it was great, but mechanical was always an issue for me.

[somewhatshocked]

In a heavily planted tank, I can definitely see where flow would be a concern. Or even in a deeper tank than this.

[somewhatshocked]

Dangit. How did you people talk me into this?

Ordering another Eheim.

[nerdariostomp]

I really like my eheim (I have a vintage 2011) and my 501. On this tank the 501 should be fine though. Either way more eheim filters will just make it easier to pull the trigger on other tank setups later

*Edit its a toms nano canister filter but it has same flow rating

[somewhatshocked]

I think the ZooMed would be fine but I really need a filter that I can place on the floor and out of sight. Not sure why I tried to cheap out in the first place.

Now I need to trek out to Home Depot for some smaller clear tubing to fit the output.

[OVT]

If you still do not like the clip-on lights you might have another option: I just used ZooMed's light stand and their Deep Dome fixtures with CFL bulbs from HomeDepo over a rimless 10g. I was looking for clip-on lights myself but could not find anything that I thought would work for me. Put yours on RAOK and I'll sign up

About ~$50 total for all:

[somewhatshocked]

Ha! Those are the stands I use to hold up the Marineland fixture on my 12gal long. Absolutely terrific. I've got a couple spares that I'm currently using for my dwarf citrus trees. Just don't have a way to properly position things with this tank without it looking like a jumbled mess.

Though, you have given me a great idea. I should spray paint some cheap Home Depot clamp lamps black just in case I decide to use them over this tank. Or others. Because I obviously have a serious issue (MTS).

[OVT]

Or dump the base and attach the arm to the wall behind the tank. Gives you height and light adjustable hanger. Or just make one yourself. The stand is like $20 on sale at Petco atm. The dome light is $24 at Amazon - gets you double reflector and no need to spray paint the $8 home depo brooder lamps. Add the cost of gas ...

Or better yet: attach the base to the bottom of your top shelf, then insert the arm from the top and you are golden. You can then also paint the light stand / lamps any color you like. May I recommend red - that will look dashing

Love this project btw. My favorite part is setting up new tanks. We both have MTS, brother

[somewhatshocked]

Just did a test run with one of the ZooMed stands. Zip tied it to the rack in several spots to steady it and think I could use it in a pinch.

Still think these little clip-on LED fixtures are going to get the job done just fine, though. They're a bit more powerful than the Archaea fixtures - even if they're no where near as attractive.

Who knows? Maybe I'll figure out a way to create something out of aluminum that actually looks great attached to the back of the tank. Maybe...

[OVT]

Rain gutters make decent light enclosures and they are lightweight.

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[somewhatshocked]

Crypt beckettii or petchii? Which should I select for the back right area of the tank? Leaning toward C. beckettii.

Still debating. I've got a bunch of Wendtii but don't think I want something so generic unless it's brown or reddish.

Gonna glue moss on the driftwood later today and let it sit in a bucket with a powerhead for a few days. That way it'll be a little water logged and I can just stick it in the tank when I'm ready to install the Eheim when it arrives.

[somewhatshocked]

I have half the C. parva I need and pulled a couple other crypts from my 10gal to use in this tank. Gonna pull an Anubias nana 'petite' I've got hidden in another tank, as well.

Goal for tonight: drill my spray bar, connect the 2211, glue moss to the wood and get this kitty purring.

That is - if - I don't fall asleep.

[somewhatshocked]

I was ignorant and didn't remember to attach some slate to the bottom of the wood. So it's weighted down with various rocks until I yank it out during the water change tomorrow.

Couple rough photos after setting things up:




Likely adding a bit more moss and probably hiding some attached to lava rock behind the stump.

Have an Anubias nana 'petite' or two to toss in when I figure out where they belong.

Should probably add a bit more Aquasoil during the water change.