20 gallon long journal//new pics added 3/3

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by xpistalpetex

where did u buy the 20 gallon long for 10 bucks >_<

Craigslist. Had to pick it up locally.

[lauraleellbp]

Since you're going with a low tech setup, IMO you can't get much more bang for your buck with a filter than with an HOB. I personally really like AquaClears, but Penguin/Emperors are also pretty good (I own some of both). You can find them used in the S&S pretty frequently. (Keep an eye on the "trading forward" thread- I've seen several go through there. Also a good place to look out for a heater.)

Lighting is probably going to be your biggest expense, though- no way around that. BigAls has great prices on these fixtures though http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...lestriplight30

[bulrush]

If you own an air pump (for aquariums) you can make your own sponge filter from 2 or 3 inch PVC. It's real easy. Several projects on Petfish.net, or maybe here too.

[lauraleellbp]

Originally Posted by bulrush

If you own an air pump (for aquariums) you can make your own sponge filter from 2 or 3 inch PVC. It's real easy. Several projects on Petfish.net, or maybe here too.

Thats a really good idea.

[mizu-chan]

If you own an air pump (for aquariums) you can make your own sponge filter from 2 or 3 inch PVC. It's real easy. Several projects on Petfish.net, or maybe here too.

Thanks! I just browsed through that site and found several links. (:

[mizu-chan]

Part 1

So I finally cleared a space for my 20 gallon tall to make room for my 20 gallon long.



So I went and set up the stand so I could go ahead and make the transfer. The tank was extreamly heavy.
Me and my friend had quite the time moving it. I emptied out as much water as I could without
stressing out my Rasboras. But there was still 20 of Caribbean sand...



Me moved it with a little struggle as you can tell from my friends face. hah.



I actually changed everything out of my 20 tall before I did anything else. Not scaped or anything.



So got the 20 long on the other stand, and filled it up. I tried to top it with Eco Complete before filling,
which made the layers mix... oh well. I learned my lesson Also it's really cloudy.



And yes I was able to get some Eco Complete with no cost to me. Like I said, low budget here, so
while I was browsing my LFS I asked the owner if the price on it would ever go down, and jokingly I told
him he should just let me take it for free. He laughed and paused for a moment and told me to wait
where I was. He goes into the back and brings back a bag of Eco! He said that I couldn't have it because that
morning one of his workers had dropped it and punctured a hole in the side, and that he would no longer
be able to sell it. So yes with luck I go a FREE bag of Eco. Very very happy indeed



Also the friend that helped me gave me this filter to borrow while I earned some money up. Not the best
thing in the world, but it works

So far so good! Still haven't spent anymore money


Part 2

Woke up in the morning and my water had cleared up a lot. Decided that it was time to take action on
finding some sort of lighting. Tried looking up a lot of DIY, but got nothing (well -- that I could do ).

I ended up getting a loan from my parents. $30.00 to spend on lighting. Not much eh? But I really don't want
to get into debt with them. Turn evil when you owe them money

First stop was Home Depot. Got nothing. Next was Lowes.
I actually thought I got
some really good stuff for my money.

- wood scrapes (free)
- 2 clip on lamps (-$18.89)
- 2 65W plant growth bulbs (-$9.67)

Total used -$28.56

I made the wood scraps into a base for the lamps to clip onto, then painted it black. I actually thought it came out pretty well











This is also not scaped yet, but I still like it a lot better with the lighting. I'm sure this isn't as efficient as the
expensive lights, but I work with what I got


Comments/Criticism appreciated.

[Church]

A free bag of eco-complete, all because you just simply asked!! That's amazing! Talk about good timing!

[chase127]

hey its looking really nice! what did you finally go with for substrate?

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by Church

A free bag of eco-complete, all because you just simply asked!! That's amazing! Talk about good timing!

I know! Just my luck. Seriously kept a smile on my face the whole day (:

Originally Posted by chris127

hey its looking really nice! what did you finally go with for substrate?

Thanks! I went with Schultz Aquatic Soil. Cheap, and from what I've heard the plants love it.

[mizu-chan]

So good news! Was able to sell a painting, and I'm going to deposit the money tomorrow. Watch out S&S, tomorrow I'm going all out. (:

[scilence]

awww...lol, two girls moving a twenty

[lauraleellbp]

Nice DIY for your light fixture!

Happy shopping!

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by scilence

awww...lol, two girls moving a twenty

haha...
jk (:

Originally Posted by lauraleellbp

Nice DIY for your light fixture!

Happy shopping!

Thanks! (:

[Hilde]

You sure are thrifty.

You might want to switch to spiral bulbs that are labeled daylight. They have a ballast like flouresant lights do, thus they put off less heat and use less electricity. Check Wal-mart out for these. Cheaper in a package of three than 1.

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by Hilde

You sure are thrifty.

You might want to switch to spiral bulbs that are labeled daylight. They have a ballast like flouresant lights do, thus they put off less heat and use less electricity. Check Wal-mart out for these. Cheaper in a package of three than 1.

Thanks for the heads up