Momotaro's 75G Aquarium Journal (56K Warning) 3/07/08 re-do

[Momotaro]

Here are some photos of my new 75G Oceanic aquarium. I started it on 4/1/03. Just some basic shots of the aquarium itself and inside the cabinet. Inside the cabinet you will find a Hydrologix CO2 reactor, an Eheim 2126 Thermofilter (180W), and my swapped out CO2 tank. I am using the Milwaukee MA957 regulator set up. Since the photos I have finished the plumbing into the aquarium, and washed six bags of Flourite and added them also (will post photos soon). My next step will be to run all the power cords neatly, place the filter thermostat, connect the CO2, and place the CO2 controller once it comes. Tonight I plan to wash the rocks I collected today, and just chill out and enjoy what I have already done! After all, it's a hobby, not a job. Got the rest of my life to work on this!

[m.lemay]

It's looking SWEEET so far. I wish I could keep the inside of my cabinet as nice as yours. It's just full of aquarium stuff. It looks Ok when the door's shut. :lol:

Marcel

[Buck]

Yup...
That setup is a beauty ! Looks like a museum piece...about to come to life

Good Luck with your new project Momotaro... its a great start !
Buck 8)

[Momotaro]

Updated photo. I've installed the filter thermostat and added the Milwaukee pH controller. Did I forget anything? Most of the electric is done. I will add the lights, JBJs, after I place the rocks and driftwood.

[SNPiccolo5]

I'll second m.Lemay and say I wish the bottom of my stand was clean... again, mine is just full of aquarium stuff, but I have managed to put my CO2 tank under there. Looks awesome, I can't wait to see it when it gets filled!

-Tim

[jerseyjay]

Excellent setup except only one thing IMHO. You have too many tubing loops on Eheim filter. Your pressure right now is greatly reduced. You want to keep your tubings as short as you can for maximum pressure.

[Momotaro]

There is about 18" in the loops. I don't believe this will reduce the pressure much. Would the pressure be reduced by the same amount if I placed the filter 20" to the right in the right hand corner instead of in the center? The extra length will come in handy when it is time to clean/service the filter. If it doesn't....snip!!

[Momotaro]

Finally got the aquarium filled!! Boy, it took a while. I had to go with a 3:1 ratio of RO water to tap water. After all of the agonizing as to where to place the wood, one of the darn pieces dried out and started floating. It was quickly removed. Here is a shot of the "filling process". Siphoned one bucket at a time so as not to disturb the Flourite too much. There is a film on the surface of the water. I may have to contact Seachem about this. That is the only hitch I encountered.

Mike

[Momotaro]

Filled. Filling went off OK, but you know I could not get off that easy. The lights didn't fit. The JBJ 48" lighting fixture will fit a 75G aquarium. Just not a 75G Oceanic aquarium. The tank was about 1/2" too big. What to do? I took a couple of pieces of 2x3, primed them, painted them flat black, and put them under the JBJ stands. It works! They still flip and look pretty good. Were the lights the only problem I encountered up to this point? Of course not! The Milwaukee pH controller I bought did not come with any calibration fluid (I am beginning to suspect it may have been used). Now I have to wait for the company I purchased it from to contact me so we can come up with a resolution to this annoyance. For now everything is moving along. I am following this guideline for setting up the aquarium:

.http://www.csd.net/%7Ecgadd/aqua/art_plant_newtank.htm

I may start planting on Tuesday.

Mike

[m.lemay]

:shock: People still use buckets to fill thier large tanks ? Eventually you'll want to get a python to do the water changes, it'll make it way easier.

You should probably should buy some calibration fluid because they only give you 2 sample packs anyway. No big loss there

Marcel

[Momotaro]

Had to move the RO and tap water across the room. Buckets were my only option. I also kept count of the amount of water I put into the aquarium. The Aquarium holds 75G but with the displacement by the gravel, wood, and stones, there is actually 62G in the tank. I figured knowing how much water I put in would help me dose medications a bit more acurately. The buckets were much easier (and neater) than you might imagine.

[GulfCoastAquarian]

That's a fairly clever idea about the buckets. A little more work now might pay off in the end. Picture 081 isn't working, though. Does everyone else see it?
I'm planning on buying that same Milwaukee pH controller so that is a good tip to buy some calibration fluid ahead of time. Thanks!

[m.lemay]

Sam: Picture 081 isn't working for me either.

Mike: I was just busting your b_lls about the buckets :lol:

Marcel

[Momotaro]

It's OK Marcel!!!

I reattached the photo. I hope it works this time!

Mike

[Buck]

Never mind the buckets and the water....

Wheres The Plants and Fish ? :lol: