patrick Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 (edited) After letting go of my last Tangs I ended up with an empty 75 gallon tank. Naturally, this is going to be a Vic tank. Yes I know you are all surprised There will be only one species in this tank and my choice is Lipochromis sp. "Matumbi Hunter". I am going to keep a large group of approx. 25 individuals. The tank will be fitted with AquaTerra Slimline Mesa Rockwall and the largest module, Sierra Rock 1, cut in two pieces. I will be running an FX-5 and all the equipment will be hidden. Here is the tank, emptied and cleaned. The slimline needs to be trimmed and here I am marking where to cut. I am cutting it about half way through. Once It's cut it snaps right off. I am using a saw blade to cut the module in two pieces. I am using the insert from an old Aquaclear to shape the intake that will be attached to the module. This will not be visible from the front of the tank. Next I drill a hole for the FX-5 outtake. I will not be using the dual nozzle, only a hose. Edited September 3, 2008 by patrick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted September 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 (edited) I also wanted some surface skimming so once again I cut a piece from the old Aquaclear. I used a dremel to cut out an opening at the top of the module and it's just a matter of sliding it in. Here it is glued with black silicone and I also poured fine sand onto the silicone to make it blend in better. I have started to glue the slimline in place on the back glass. Even though not absolutely necessary, I also use wood to put some pressure on them so they will sit really snug. Here I am applying silicone to the module. Again I am putting pressure on to make it sit tight. The hose clamps for the FX5 are being fitted. The hose is being fitted and cut. Edited September 1, 2008 by patrick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted September 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 Here is the hose cut. This is how it looks behind the module. It's a bit tight but it fits. The plastic trim on the glass lid is cut to fit as well. The second piece of the module will be glued on the bottom, against the slimline. I am drilling a few small holes in it to allow air to exit and water to enter. It's been glued and now I just have to wait for it to cure. Finally, all the pieces are in place! Now I am going to let it sit for a couple of days to make sure the silicone is complety cured and then I will add sand, some rocks, maybe a piece of wood and some plants. To be continued... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 Looks awesome! Great pic tutorial! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegrandpoohbah Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 That looks amazing! Can't wait to see this up and running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 So cool. Are you using these pics for the installation instructions on your website? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted September 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 So cool. Are you using these pics for the installation instructions on your website? Thanks. Yes I think I will use them on the web site, I just need to edit and fix some of my horrible grammar. Once the "Matumbi Hunters" have been moved from the 90 gallon to this tank I will install a full 48"x24" Canyon Rock in the 90 gallon and take pictures along the way. That way I should have all bases covered Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharuq1 Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 Looks fantastic! If I had the money I would be doing that to my cichlid tank. Great work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catshanon Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 wow...really nice work...work of art.. if only the fishes knew what pains we take to make them happy...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 wonderful!!! truly awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 what kind of materials were you using, and did you paint it? I have be planning on doing this with my 112 and 75. dont know where to start. wicked stuff by the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted September 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 what kind of materials were you using, and did you paint it? I have be planning on doing this with my 112 and 75. dont know where to start. wicked stuff by the way. Hi Callie, Those are all AquaTerra products and you can view them on www.gillsnfins.ca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 Wow Patrick, you did such a good job on that. Thanks for posting it, now everyone is getting ideas! I have been thinking about the canyon rock since it is so much cheaper than the Rift Lake backgrounds, does it's colour match the modular rocks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick Posted September 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 Wow Patrick, you did such a good job on that. Thanks for posting it, now everyone is getting ideas! I have been thinking about the canyon rock since it is so much cheaper than the Rift Lake backgrounds, does it's colour match the modular rocks? Thanks Taylor, Yes the modular rocks match all backgrounds of the same color. The modular rocks are also available in grey to match the new grey Malawi Rock and Tanganyika Rock. You don't have to use a slimline on the back either, you can just paint the back glass black and glue a couple of modules on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shai Posted September 3, 2008 Report Share Posted September 3, 2008 Excellent tutorial and photos. The tank is really going to look stunning when it's finished! You make it look really easy. : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.