My Aqua Design Journal - Aquascaping

AQUAMX · 07-10-2007, 02:32 AM

Part 1.

First part of my creative document is the construction process and setting of the cabinet and aquarium. Part 2 will consist of the layout technique including substrate, rock placement and finally planting. The tank in this layout is 120x60x60cm. It will be entered in the ADA 2008 and I hope the AGA 2007.

First was the construction of the ADA style cabinet. I was inspired by the many i have seen on the web so set about building my own. I used 30mm construction grade plywood for this cabinet. All joins were glued and screwed.

First I constructed the base framework. Extra timber pieces were put under the top of the cabinet for extra strength. Although I believe it did not need it. This picture also does not show the extra piece placed on the top and bottom of the cabinet. It becomes double the thickness of what is seen here.

I then puttied and sanded the exterior.2 Holes were drilled with a 50mm bit in the rear of the cabinet for hosing etc and also power. The inside was also stained at this stage and 2 layers of undercoat were applied.

I then finished the cabinet of 2 coats of Colorbond Woodland Grey.

The next stage of the setup required the mounting of the light from the ceiling. This required entering the roof to attach the cables securely but it came together well. I was happy with the outcome of this particular part of the setup.

Finaly I placed the mat and the aquarium into position.

The next instalment of this journal will include the substrate setup along with rock placement. I will be using ADA substrate system including powersand special, aquasoil Amazonia and bright sand.

FelixAvery · 07-10-2007, 04:33 AM

did you enter the roof from behind or did you go for the missionary position?
haha just kidding, nice cabinet and a great start! could you please tell me the pantone number for the color if you have it?
edit i have another question how high is your stand, i want to make one just like it at my dads factory on thursday

Jdinh04 · 07-10-2007, 07:44 AM

That is one sleek stand you have there! Love the color of it. I may also be inspired to build one for an upcoming cube tank!

AQUAMX · 07-10-2007, 01:22 PM

Thanks Felix and Jdinh04

Felix, i entered from behind of course, gangster style lol.

The stand is 900mm high, enough to allow a proIII filter and co2 bottle inside. The color is by Colorbond who bring these colors out on roofing iron mainly. It is an australian company but im sure they could send you the color id for a similar company.

The number is 231 and here is the link http://www.bluescopesteel.com.au/ind...11D0DB357747A3

Thanks for the positive comments guys

Brad

arowanaman · 07-10-2007, 08:53 PM

Great stand how much did it cost you to build this stand. I may just need to go and make me one of these for myself I just cant justify $950. for the stand on the ADA 120H I am planning on getting in the near future.

AQUAMX · 07-10-2007, 11:46 PM

Hi mate

You need to more than double that estimation for one here in Australia. I dont beleive there is a stand here yet which id kinda sad.

All up this stand cost me approx $250, as i did all the work myself.

LindaC · 07-11-2007, 06:13 AM

Nice looking stand, I really like the color!

teacherthomas · 07-11-2007, 07:09 AM

Looks great, the room seems to be made just for the tank, long and straight to the tank.

bacarlile · 07-11-2007, 02:03 PM

Will you be using all ADA ferts, eca, etc.?

AQUAMX · 07-11-2007, 11:57 PM

Thanks guys

I plan to use ADA ferts, but in the begining i will have to wait some time for delivery. It takes a while to Australia unfortunately. If it is unavailable to me upon completion i will begin with seachem flourish and d.i.y or seachem npk and traces.

Brad