[CGY_Betta_Guy]

This is actually my original Fluval Edge that I have had for quite some time now. Finally getting around to actually putting this into a journal. Though I have had this particular tank quite a bit before my Fluval Edge salt FOWLR I never got around to doing modifications to it until recently.
Started out with the stock tank and used a Zoomed 501 mini canister filter hidden in the back of the tank for the initial setup which did a decent job but it didnt quite fit in there. You can see the slight bulge of the plastic

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

I replaced the stock halogen lighting with MR11 LED SMD light bulbs as most other people had been doing. I also made a supplemental U shaped LED light that wraps around the top of the tank out of an automotive LED light strip covered in shelf edging from the hardware store. You can refer to my DIY moonlight thread to see more info about the LED light strips.

And what it looks like on top of the tank. Gives me decent lighting all the way around the perimeter of the Edge tank.

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

20110726
Back in July I finally got around to modifying the tank in the same manner as my SW FOWLR. A new over flow and 10G sump were attached to increase the water volume of the system. The only extra feature that this tank has that the SW tank doesnt is the addition of a spot where I can mount a sponge to hopefully keep baby shrimps from making it down into the sump. Here you can see from the back side looking towards the tank where the overflow holes are drilled into the rim. The foam shown is just cut from a filter foam block and is held up to the overflow holes by 2 acrylic tabs that stick out. In hind sight I probably should have made this one whole peice that goes across since the sponge sorta sags in the middle with water going through it.

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

20110830
This tank has only had fish in it maybe twice since I bought it with the rest of the time being devoted to shrimp keeping. I had been trying without much success to have baby CRS survive more than a few days and only recently have I seen progress on that front. I was surprised when these guys emerged so and looking so nice! I will credit the new sump for that!

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

20110905
just under a week later

I am expecting plenty more

20110913

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

20110914
I just recently decided to take a different direction with this little Edge tank in order to make it easier to maintain and not get overgrown like crazy. Planting smaller plants that wont outgrow the tank will hopefully help me with that.

This is what the tank looked like back on 20100604

and what it looks like today

A pic with 10 gallon sump and plant storage/planting area. I am planning on having the sump with a reverse photoperiod to the tank so that nutrient uptake and oxygen production is fairly steady. Not sure if it will be that beneficial or not but figured I would see.

next to the SW tank

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

20110915
just some close up pics of the tank itself

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

20110930

Quick update... things seem to be growing in ok.

 

[urbguy]

Betta Guy:

Nice lights. I have to admit you must have put alot of effort in making the supplemental u shaped LED lights. It looks to be quite clean (I mean the LEDs with the shelf edging), far cleaner than I've seen.

You're the first I've seen placing pennyworts into their edge. They grow very quickly. Can't wait to see it all filled in.

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

Thanks, yeah I like my u shaped LED. Its definitely helping grow plants out on the outer parts of the tank. I just wish my HC would take root so I dont have to keep replanting it. I am sure the shrimp are pulling it up or it could be the MTS.

The pennywort was bought years ago and ended up in my tank for a while and it sent out lots of runners. When I did the rescape I moved it into the sump to store it temporarily.

 

[urbguy]

Oh ok, it's definitely your shrimp pulling them out. How long have you planted your HC?

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

Its been a couple weeks. Some of it does look like its starting to grow low and solid... some just keeps getting pulled out. I guess patience is the key.

 

[urbguy]

It really is. Even now, i feel like it's really established but some just came up last night.

 

[2in10]

Very nice job on the lights, great idea, tank looks very good

 

[Drema]

I love the planted tank beside the sw tank. What a wonderful and complete viewing experience.

 

[mjbubbles]

The baby shrimp are so TINNNEEEYYYY! Very cute!

 

[Jerrayy]

Have you thought about taking the top glass off the edge and making it a rimless tank?

 

[BlueJack]

Nice mods!

 

[CGY_Betta_Guy]

Thanks for the comments everyone!

@Jerray ... nope... kind of defeats the purpose of having the Edge tank. Here in Calgary evaporation is pretty high during the winter months so it definitely wouldnt be practical plus taking the top glass off means my overflow would need to be changed.

 

[mcqueenesq]

Why does your EDGE look so much bigger than mine? Lol. And your fissidens already looks great. Are you growing a moss wall too? This is going to be awesome. Btw, how long are you running your lights each day?