The new tank [Archive] - Discus Forums

Merrilyn

Wed Aug 31, 2005, 01:52 PM

Hi all. Just wanted to show off my latest toy.

This new tank is 8 x 2.5 x 2.5. with cabinet and hood (you can see the hood on the floor, just to the right in the photo.

It arrived today, carried in by 6 big strong guys. It only just managed to fit thru the door LOL

Big hugs and kisses to my dear friend Matthew. :wink:

Ben

Wed Aug 31, 2005, 02:03 PM

Thats an awesome tank Merrilyn! :shock: :shock: :shock:

Cant wait to see it set up! :D
Anything special going in that tank? :wink:

Thanks for sharing the picture, :D

Cheers,
Ben

kevkoi

Wed Aug 31, 2005, 02:04 PM

:shock: U managed to fit ANOTHER tank in the house... Guess the idea of 20 altums in there ain't too far away? :lol:

Merrilyn

Wed Aug 31, 2005, 03:47 PM

Well Kev, it is in the fishroom. I just didn't have a wall long enough to put it against. So where better, than down the middle of the room LOL

That lovely new eheim Pro 3 filter is going on that tank, along with 2 Aqua One 2400 filters, each driving a large UV. Heating will be provided by two Hydor 400W heaters.

And yes Ben, something very precious is going in that tank :P

the_oracle

Wed Aug 31, 2005, 04:45 PM

Merrilyn,
That tank is gorgeous...................
Really love the cabinet. In wood finish. Must have cost you a lot. I wish I can fit that in my house..................... :lol: :lol:
Something big going on?
Altums? Albinos? RGDs? Which one?.................
Take some pics. once its done....................

Sanie.

KatStar

Wed Aug 31, 2005, 11:47 PM

Wow what an impressive tank :shock: . So jealous. It would be lovely if you kept a journal for us all to see of your progress on this tank.

kalebjarrod

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 12:32 AM

LOL

Divorce your hubby and marry me!

we can make beautiful tanks together :wink:

pitchblack

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 02:10 AM

wow thats the size I building at the moment. Cant wait to see it finished and set up. :lol:

jim from sydney

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 02:21 AM

Merrilyn.....that is not a tank,....it is a SWIMMINGPOOL....i am jealous like hell......Jim

Dee

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 05:07 AM

Hey All,

I was out at Merrilyn's yesterday and got to see the tank in person, all I can say is ... :shock: :shock: :shock: HHHHUGE !!! It makes my 4x2x2 look like a 2fter :lol:

Merrilyn, I hope you don't take up Matt's offer to "seed" the tank for you :shock: :P Best of luck with the setup, can't wait to see some pics when your done !

Cheers,

Dee :D

merman

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 05:38 AM

All very nice play on words :)

Darth_discus

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 07:35 AM

man that is huge :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

you and your hubby could have a river side romantic dinner beside it.

nice tank.

discus000

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 10:37 AM

very nice tank indeed.

taksan

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 10:53 AM

Merrilyn

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 11:01 AM

Ahhhhh Matthew, no thanks hun. This is a family forum :lol:

AussieStar

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 11:06 AM

gees almost 375 gallons thats huge. Cant wait to see it going

Dee

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 11:18 AM

Hey all,

Just read my post back hmmmm, I could of worded that better :oops: When I was at Merrilyn's Matt kindly detailed a unorthodox way to fishless cycle a tank ... was very funny :lol: I might stick with the amonia method though :wink:

Matt, thankfully all my filters are fully cycled haha :P

Cheers,

Dee :)

Merrilyn

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 12:09 PM

Just a couple of pictures of the filters and heaters that are going on that huge tank. Must say, I'm very impressed with both brands.

The Aqua One has the bare minimum of filter media, but is a very well built unit. I had to add extra sintered glass rocks to the media, but otherwise, it's excellent value for money.

Kaiser

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 12:14 PM

wow! that is a huge tank!

Mattzilla

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 12:21 PM

great looking tank...i wish i had the space for a monster like that!!!

DR.V

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 01:00 PM

wow ! nice and big ! i love that hydor heater, they're bigger than normal heater.

did you have to argue with your hubby to get this tank ? or he loves it too ?? hehe

kalebjarrod

Thu Sep 01, 2005, 09:21 PM

i am so indescribaly jealous :wink:

i so wish i was in melbourne just so i could drool

can you keep adding pics for me please

i'm a junkie and need a fix!

Proteus

Sat Sep 03, 2005, 12:39 PM

next forum bbq...

guess where?

:wink:

Merrilyn

Sat Sep 03, 2005, 12:41 PM

Gee do you really need to guess.

And this time Ryan, you better get here LOL

You too Ro.

No excuses now boys :lol:

colinM

Sat Sep 03, 2005, 03:41 PM

Hey Merrilyn, Now thats a fine Aquarium :D :D
Been a while since I posted although always trying to find time to read and VOTE :!: :!:

How are you getting power to the Mid/Room (under floor?).
I am just installing a new 5 x 2.5x2.5 along side another (same) cant wait to see the effect.
Had you considered a reef/sump or does the PH suggest Lge cannisters?

P.S since your valuable advice have had some success and learnt by a few mistakes along the way.

Now back to that tank- I figure you have an alterier motive...
If a back yard pool is out of the question for all those RGD's then well what the heck get the largest I can get New togs, mask/snorkel..........
I've always wondered what it would be like to wade/dive in those magnificent rivers.
Hope this note finds you well.
Regards Col.

Merrilyn

Sat Sep 03, 2005, 04:14 PM

Hi Colin, another night owl huh?

Wait till I get that new tank is up and running, and you're welcome to come and visit. :D I might even let you go swimming in there. :lol:

I had thought about a sump, but I have to say, I really don't like the noise of the running water associated with them. Guess I'll just stick with the canister filters.

Glad to hear you've had success with the fish.

How about some pics of the fry Colin. :P

OscarManAlpha

Sat Sep 03, 2005, 04:39 PM

Altums in a huge planted tank.

Here is a picture for some inspiration.

Anybody interested in planted tanks. This is a nice link.

http://www.plantella.com/

Merrilyn if I put your tank in my small unit I would just be able to open my unit door hop in the tank swim to the otherside jump out towel off and get to my bedroom. I would have to do the opposite to get out.

Best wishes setting it up. I will be watching this topic with great anticipation.

How thick is the glass ?

Just occured to me I couldn't fit it through the door !!

Is the base thicker or the same as the rest of the tank ?

goldenpigeon

Sat Sep 03, 2005, 11:04 PM

hehehehehe :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: HEHEHEHEHEHE!!!! who cares about fish :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

lets drill a few holes in it, get a really powerful pump, insert those water jet thingos they have in spa's that give you a masage on the back. make some benches to line the bottom of the tank. then some multicoloured underwater lights. stick in a floating beverage bar. stick a mist maker in the room. also stick a few super airstones in the bottom so we have bubbles.... then my favorite!!! bubble bath!!!!!! heheheheehe

now for.... SKINNY DIPPING!!!!!

lol nice tank merrilyn! very jelouse! im commin to melbourne this time! hehehehehe!!!!!

Darth_discus

Sat Sep 03, 2005, 11:51 PM

GP only you would think of something llike that and especially the NO SKINNY DIPPING hehehheheehhehe

goldenpigeon

Sun Sep 04, 2005, 05:24 AM

lol yes my friend :D that is what makes me unique........ :twisted:

Darth_discus

Sun Sep 04, 2005, 12:19 PM

hehehehehehe you bath in the glory hehehehehehe
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

goldenpigeon

Sun Sep 04, 2005, 01:11 PM

lol for some reason im the only 1 in the room now :( c'mon guys.... will yas come back in if i oput my clothes back on? :twisted:

Merrilyn

Sun Sep 04, 2005, 01:32 PM

Hey GP get outa my tank :shock:

You'll scare the fish :lol:

Benny

Sun Sep 04, 2005, 02:10 PM

Lol LR u forget hes only 14yrs old, your fishies will make a meal out of him!!!

Haha!!!!!

goldenpigeon

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 06:04 AM

hmmm i think that was a little below the belt dont you benny ? :lol:

you seem to be confident saying that :twisted:

Merrilyn

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 07:54 AM

Update, Monday.

The tank man arrived today to fill the tank and fit all the equipment. Now the cycling begins.

Merrilyn

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 07:58 AM

Now the fun begins ...............

Merrilyn

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 08:03 AM

Plants will be added on Thursday, and then in a couple of weeks, the fish :blob

discus000

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 08:09 AM

That is one nice tank Ladyred.
That must have cost you a fair bit of dough.

I wish i had the room for a tank like that and the money.

The wood in your tank looks like an entire tree.
How big is it?

Keep those pics coming.
:)

nicholas76

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 08:10 AM

TRULY AWSUM

DR.V

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 08:17 AM

Thats a mad setup ! Are going to do the cleaning by yourself ? or are gonna get someone to do it for you ?

3 huge cannister filter ?? Hehe

I hate cleaning filters !!!

Keep us posted with more pics ! ^^

nicholas76

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 08:33 AM

Dr V

Lady red has a harem of men at her feet didn't you know that!!??

hehe

luve that UV set up on the rear of that tank, brilliant brilliant setup , i just wish i could have the same for my marines one day.

goldenpigeon

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 09:08 AM

lol yes and first inline is ryan :lol: what a bunch of suckers :lol:

AussieStar

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 09:45 AM

i cant stop looking, cant wait to see it in a couple of months when all has settled in

kalebjarrod

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 10:14 AM

Can you take me a pic of the cabinet underneath? with the canister's in it?

i am getting toooooooooo excited

nicholas76

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 10:18 AM

pretty full on isnt it Ryan,

I know my limitations but geez you simply cant say no to a tank like this can you.

kalebjarrod

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 10:20 AM

I'd almost fight ya for the chance jsut to clean the thing nick!

although come to think of it, i would fight ya to clean it! LOL

Stunning

can i ask, whats is to go in the tank?

nicholas76

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 10:26 AM

mate you can have all the cleaning rights to it !! LOL

ive seen the beast live , imagine putting in 2 inch discus ! Fat chance of ever being able to catch the buggers again LOL

i think merris is putting some of her existing discus into the tank in the coming months.

DR.V

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 11:18 AM

yeah its really hard to catch the fish back in such a big big tank ....

hehe "harem of men at her feet" huh ? LOL

Didnt she said she wanted to put altum angels in there ?? Surely you can fit 200 in that tank :P

sammigold

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 11:29 AM

Merrilyn, that tank is amazing!!!! What did you do with your dining table??
Cant wait to see it with Fishies.. thats fantastic!!!

Merrilyn

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 11:42 AM

Sammi, the dining table doesn't usually live in that room. That really is the fish room LOL.

And yes, there are altum angels going in that tank, along with a few others, but as they grow, the altums will dominate the tank. Full grown altums are huge.

Big hugs and kisses to my dear friend Matthew, who made all this possible 8-)

Everyone should have a friend like that :wink:

Merrilyn

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 12:26 PM

Ryan, this is just for you. The two Aqua One filters at either end, and the Eheim in the centre. :wink:

DR.V

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 12:29 PM

What sort of gravel you using in that tank Ladyred ??

Matthew

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 12:42 PM

holy shit merrilyn.
thats a god damn beast.

*jealous*

-Matt

pitchblack

Mon Sep 05, 2005, 01:02 PM

hey LR is chris the tank man from the west of melb.Did he used to work for a lfs called aquaforce in campbelfeild. He looks preety familiar... anyway thats one nice tank.

jim from sydney

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 03:24 AM

Merrilyn.....tell me when the "welcome home party for the fish" will be on and i will start saving for a plane ticket.......
WHAT A TANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kalebjarrod

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 05:02 AM

Stunning, love the canister's

that is going to be one hell of a tank!

taksan

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 05:58 AM

Yes he did work for Aquaforce

hey LR is chris the tank man from the west of melb.Did he used to work for a lfs called aquaforce in campbelfeild. He looks preety familiar... anyway thats one nice tank.

goldenpigeon

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 06:13 AM

merilyn i have an idea to make it look spiffy:

because it is in the centre of the room why not put some thick golden palms behind the tank to cover up the back of the stand? it would also make the front appearance awesome :D i think it would go well with the plants in the tnak and with lots of light it will be grand :D just a thought tho. ryan will be able to help you with it tho ;)

OscarManAlpha

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 07:21 AM

What lighting will you be using ?

And how many ?

LOVE the WOOD :D

Crocky

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 07:48 AM

Hi Merrilyn

Why did you get 2 aqua one and 1 eheim filter,do they come with different parts eg spraybars ect or the uv fit one better then the other.

Brad.c

weird

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 07:54 AM

Go you good thing , lady red ... sorry I am so late to follow this post.

Merrilyn

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 08:20 AM

Hey Jim, there will certainly be a party and you're all invited, but I may actually find myself in Sydney at the end of this month, so we might all arrange to meet at a pub somewhere and catch up. It would be great to be able to put some faces to all the names.

Hey Junior, now that sounds like a great idea. I was thinking of putting a false back on the whole of the unit, tank and cabinet, to hide the equipment, but I think you may have hit on a better idea. I think it will look terrific.

Oscarmanalpha, just two twin four foot lights are going on that tank under the hood. I'm not planning on a big planted display, as the fish will be the main feature of this tank. Twenty altums gliding around in that tank will be an awesome sight. All the plants going in there will have low light requirements, and altums prefer subdued light also, so I won't be going the high light intensity route.

Crocky, I'm interested to see how these Aqua one canisters work. My first choice will always be Eheim, but three of those big eheims would be overkill on that tank. I wanted lots of circulation and lots of oxygen in the water and mega filtration, so it needed three canisters. I've heard some very good reports about the Aqua One Filters, and they are excellent value for money, so I think they'll be up to the job.

I'm doing a fishless cycle at the moment, so I'll keep you all updated on the progress of the "monster".

AussieStar

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 08:24 AM

yer i have aqua one filters besides my 2 404s are they are great, only problem i think is the quality of the noodles they give you so i just add others.

goldenpigeon

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 08:46 AM

h9i merrilyn,
just about the palms, i dont know how they will go indoors (obviously ryan is your man here) and ofcourse the are a thousand plants to choose from but i go to bunnings quite a bit and i usually see younger palm that are about 2m high that are really think for about $20 a pot. if you got mayb 5 pots it will have a nice affect. you may be able to trade in your old palms when they get to big for some younger ones and just switch them around every 12 months or so :D

HTH

goldenpigeon

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 08:52 AM

also: just wonder why you got canisters instead of a sump... is there a particular reason for this or do you just like canisters? just trying to get an idea thats all ;)

kalebjarrod

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 10:02 AM

if you want some palms try Raphis excelsa

nice palms, low light

but me i hate indoor plants LOL

i don't own a single indoor plant they are too much work LOL (coming form a person who has ten tanks that sounds like a fo-par LOL)

Proteus

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 11:04 AM

GP, I think Merrilyn answered that question previousily regarding a sump... IMO a sump would have been a better option, however, canisters do a great job as well... especially considering the size of these guys (the 2 x Aquis 2400's turn over close to 4800LPH)

kalebjarrod

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 11:10 AM

but as my father in law says (god bless him)

" that noise sounds like a billy goat pis-sing in a tin can"

i always thought they where quite, some just can't handle the sound ony any running water LOL

duck

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 01:39 PM

Now that's what you call a tank,Can't wait to see when it's finished.

I have seen then aqua canister's they are huge,Off the top of my head it hold's 22 liter's, One of the the model's have a protein skimmer.

jim from sydney

Tue Sep 06, 2005, 10:50 PM

Merrilyn...what sub-strata are you using.....looks only gravel?????JIm

sammigold

Wed Sep 07, 2005, 12:24 AM

I wish I had a "fishroom" mine is currently my Lounge room. We have the tank under the bar deal that was there when we arrived (rental house) plus our original 3 footer and a small octagonal 40 litre in the Kitchen. trying to talk vic into getting another but I think in the end we have really run out of room.LOL

taksan

Thu Sep 08, 2005, 12:50 PM

I had the good fortune to visit the loverly Ladyred today and took some pics ..... Oh my it certainly is a huge tank

This is Ladyred hiding behind it ....

http://www.akn-media.com/lrvisit/VC1Q4760.jpg

Its big ..... really big

http://www.akn-media.com/lrvisit/VC1Q4765.jpg

no make that really really big ....it makes the other 8 footer in the huge room look small

http://www.akn-media.com/lrvisit/VC1Q4763.jpg

discus000

Thu Sep 08, 2005, 01:12 PM

I very impressed by the way the tank is starting to look.

I like the bog wood that's in the there.

What are those plants attached to the wood?

Keep the pics coming!

DR.V

Thu Sep 08, 2005, 01:42 PM

Those plants look like anubias, but can they grow that BIG ??????????????

LR, what lighting do you use ??

Merrilyn

Thu Sep 08, 2005, 06:13 PM

Dr.V the lighting is very simple. The Anubias have low light requirements, so two twin four foot lights is all the tank will have.

The fish will be the main feature of the tank, with 20 altum angels gliding around mid water, and a variety of catfish for the bottom of the tank.

Orinoco altums grow huge. They will need every bit of that tank.

discusjim

Thu Sep 08, 2005, 11:13 PM

Hey ladyred,
You done a really good job, unreal looking tank, beautiful!!!
You are right they grow big. My mate from holland has wild orinoco Altums they are 5 years old now , they are 40 cm high, i am not joking!!! I have a look if i can get a picture.
Keep up the good work , Jim

OscarManAlpha

Thu Sep 15, 2005, 09:52 AM

G'day Ladyred,

Would love to see more pics. And get update when you have some time.

africandiscus

Thu Sep 15, 2005, 10:22 AM

Why would you have not used a trickle filter for that tank. Is it not more effient ?

Ben

Thu Sep 15, 2005, 11:49 AM

Filter or no filter, that tank Merrilyn is absolutly awesome!!!!

Cheers,
Ben

Jonesy

Mon Sep 19, 2005, 09:28 AM

why mot have a sump.. you would of saved your self alot of money ?...

with that abount of water flow from your 3 chansters ..]

very nice tank ladyred ....

do u need a water permit to full that thing ?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Merrilyn

Mon Sep 19, 2005, 09:40 AM

AussieStar

Mon Sep 19, 2005, 10:57 AM

go the canisters 8-)

Benny

Mon Sep 19, 2005, 11:20 AM

Agreed, 2120lph canister filtration on my 350L tank :P:P:P:P:P:P

OscarManAlpha

Mon Sep 19, 2005, 11:34 AM

Five reasons for ladyred to have 3 cannisters and no sump on her new tank.

1)She doesn't like the sound they make.
2)Less frequent maintenance ( top sponge on sump )
3)Almost endless variety of media in separate canisters.
4)If one malfunctions ( impeller or other ) the other two would manage perfectly.
5)They can be cleaned at one month intervals of each other !!

I'm sure there are many more reasons.
Lets do a top 50 if we can :lol:

jim from sydney

Tue Sep 20, 2005, 07:44 AM

LOL Jonesy.

I really don't like sumps. To me they always sound like a waterfall. I'm from the old school and can't seem to get past the canister filters. They've always done a wonderful job in the past. I have canisters on the other 8 footer, and they work well, coping with upwards of 50 fish.

Everyone has different ideas I guess, but I'm sticking with the canisters.

Merrilyn.....it is interesting with canisters....example.....when 1500l/hr is specified have you ever checked that is actually outputs that volume?????
I have 2 caniters 1500l/hr but when checked they deliver about 500l/hr
interesting??????

mcloughlin2

Tue Sep 20, 2005, 09:44 AM

I have a 1500L an hour cannister filter...i agree i dont think it filters 1500L...but i have nver checked....

Sam... :wink:

Benny

Tue Sep 20, 2005, 10:06 AM

my aquaone 1200lph canister with no head height (the canister was on the same level as the tank) i measured @ 700lph....

I guess its all about the quality of the filter, and also how clean ur media is......

im sure my CF1200 would push more then 700lph if i measured it now, that its under my tank...

Regards,
Benny

P.S. Eheim rates their filters with and without media ;) much more accurate and fair measurement to the consumer

AussieStar

Tue Sep 20, 2005, 10:46 AM

P.S. Eheim rates their filters with and without media ;) much more accurate and fair measurement to the consumer[/quote]

so does fluval

Benny

Tue Sep 20, 2005, 11:54 AM

My 203 never made any mention of with versus without media flow rates, but heck its 10 yrs old they might have come along way since!!!

jim from sydney

Wed Sep 21, 2005, 02:50 AM

worth a thought...........interesting analysis......Jim

Patrik-discus

Sun Sep 25, 2005, 08:47 PM

Wow, what a nice tank you have!
I wait for more photos :)
Patrik

rytis

Wed Oct 05, 2005, 03:16 AM

no ofense ladyred, that wood dont look good in your tank. tank is awesome!. but in the middle of the room, u need to find a way to hide the wiring in the back.... is it 500 gallon btw?

if i were you, i would rearange landscape.

axelfaz

Wed Oct 05, 2005, 04:48 AM

rytis
if you read the whole thread Merrilyn states that shes not to worried about the aqua scape.

The fish will be the main feature of the tank, with 20 altum angels gliding around mid water, and a variety of catfish for the bottom of the tank.

Merrilyn

Wed Oct 05, 2005, 05:43 AM

Hi Rhytis, it's very much a work in progress. New plants and driftwood are being added all the time, and yes, it will soon have a false back on the tank to hide all the hardware LOL.

I have another two huge pieces of driftwood soaking at the moment, and they will go in the tank this weekend, so I'll update with some more recent photos shortly.

The tank is in my fishroom, so it's very much a working tank, rather than a display tank, but I dare say I'll change quite a few things over the next few months till I'm satisfied with the appearance.

Thanks for the interest.