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1,322 Posts
75 Gallon
Lighting: Sun Blaze 42 dual T5HO 6500k
Filtration: SunSun 704B 525gph
Co2: Aquatek regulator, 5lb tank, Rhinox 5000 ceramic disc diffuser
Substrate: Ecocomplete base with Amazonia cap
Parameters:
PH: 7.6 at night 6.4 at peak co2
GH: 5
KH: 3-4
Whats up guys,
After a 2 year hiatus, Its time for me to get back into the hobby!
I've had a couple smaller tanks, and I have had a larger tank, Now its time to settle in the goldilocks zone with a medium tank, I think a 75 gallon will be perfect. Its large enough to be impressive, yet small enough that I can maintain it and still have a life.
So the first thing I did was hop on craigslist and the forums looking for a good condition used tank and stand. Unfortunately I couldn't find anything that I felt was in good enough shape for the condition I was wanting and ended up going to Pet Smart and haggling with one of the managers into lowering the price on the 75 gallon they had in their store, that came with a light (useless for my needs ) and glass lids. I claimed there was a couple scratches here and there on the trim and he said since it was near a 20% off sign, he would honor that and I got it for $120ish out the door. Pretty good deal on a brand new 75 with a light and glass lids.
Since I bought a tank new, that pretty much ate up the entire budget I had set aside for a tank AND a stand. So I had to build a stand, which I'm fine with, Its easy, cheap and customizable, I like my tanks to be higher up than most pre-made stands put them. I've built a few stands before, they are cheap and easy to make, and super strong, this time I used 2x3s since it just a 75 gallon, not to mention they are lighter, cheaper and easier to work with than 2x4s.
Here is the setup before I painted the back black and wrapped the stand in a black sheet.
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Here it is as it sits now
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A little perspecitive for where it is in my apartment
![]()
I scored a open box, but new SunSun 704B filter for $60 on [Ebay Link Removed] It has a 525gph flow rate.
![]()
Here is the life support system, I'm really proud of how it turned out, very tidy and organized. I still need to tuck a heater away in this corner, but I'm confidant that it will remain looking tidy.
![]()
Here is a 5lb Co2 tank I grabbed today for $40
![]()
Finally the co2 diffuser I got for this tank. its a 5CM diffuser, or 2" diameter. Its the biggest ceramic diffuser I could find. I know they aren't as efficient as reactors, but there are a few things about reactors that I dont like. First of all, they make a " Glug Glug " sound as the Co2 works its way up against the flow of the water in the reactor, and its so annoying to listen to. This tank is in the front room and I dont want to listen to this constant gurgling while I'm trying to watch TV. Also, and most importantly, I enjoy the way diffusers look in the tank, I like watching them bubble.
![]()
Lighting: Sun Blaze 42 dual T5HO 6500k
Filtration: SunSun 704B 525gph
Co2: Aquatek regulator, 5lb tank, Rhinox 5000 ceramic disc diffuser
Substrate: Ecocomplete base with Amazonia cap
Parameters:
PH: 7.6 at night 6.4 at peak co2
GH: 5
KH: 3-4
Whats up guys,
After a 2 year hiatus, Its time for me to get back into the hobby!
I've had a couple smaller tanks, and I have had a larger tank, Now its time to settle in the goldilocks zone with a medium tank, I think a 75 gallon will be perfect. Its large enough to be impressive, yet small enough that I can maintain it and still have a life.
So the first thing I did was hop on craigslist and the forums looking for a good condition used tank and stand. Unfortunately I couldn't find anything that I felt was in good enough shape for the condition I was wanting and ended up going to Pet Smart and haggling with one of the managers into lowering the price on the 75 gallon they had in their store, that came with a light (useless for my needs ) and glass lids. I claimed there was a couple scratches here and there on the trim and he said since it was near a 20% off sign, he would honor that and I got it for $120ish out the door. Pretty good deal on a brand new 75 with a light and glass lids.
Since I bought a tank new, that pretty much ate up the entire budget I had set aside for a tank AND a stand. So I had to build a stand, which I'm fine with, Its easy, cheap and customizable, I like my tanks to be higher up than most pre-made stands put them. I've built a few stands before, they are cheap and easy to make, and super strong, this time I used 2x3s since it just a 75 gallon, not to mention they are lighter, cheaper and easier to work with than 2x4s.
Here is the setup before I painted the back black and wrapped the stand in a black sheet.
Here it is as it sits now
A little perspecitive for where it is in my apartment
I scored a open box, but new SunSun 704B filter for $60 on [Ebay Link Removed] It has a 525gph flow rate.
Here is the life support system, I'm really proud of how it turned out, very tidy and organized. I still need to tuck a heater away in this corner, but I'm confidant that it will remain looking tidy.
Here is a 5lb Co2 tank I grabbed today for $40
Finally the co2 diffuser I got for this tank. its a 5CM diffuser, or 2" diameter. Its the biggest ceramic diffuser I could find. I know they aren't as efficient as reactors, but there are a few things about reactors that I dont like. First of all, they make a " Glug Glug " sound as the Co2 works its way up against the flow of the water in the reactor, and its so annoying to listen to. This tank is in the front room and I dont want to listen to this constant gurgling while I'm trying to watch TV. Also, and most importantly, I enjoy the way diffusers look in the tank, I like watching them bubble.
