magicmagni

Well after more than a year growing these water weeds with evolving success I have decided to try something new- A planted Discus tank!

Here's the new tank below. It is a 120 gallon All Glass brand that measures 48"X24"X24" (1220mmx610mmX610mm) This is going to replace my 55 gallon planted tank and I look forward to having so much more depth as the standard 55 gallon was quite challanging to aquascape due to it's narrow profile. What I like also about this size is that it is the same lengh as the 55 gallon so I can carry over the Coralife 4X65w lighting.


I am planning on using this stump in the aquascape. I placed it with reference to the "Golden Ratio" and I think I'm pretty much set on it right now. You can also see the egg crate that I put down. This is to protect the glass below. Even though the glass is tempered the crate helps to distribute the load better.

Getting the stump into the tank was quite a task. This is what it looked like before:


The stump had to be carved to the fit the tank just right. After studying the tank and the wood for quite some time the cut was made with the help of Pops and his saw.... no going back now.


Here's some more detail of the stump. I really think it has a lot of character to it and I can't wait to start attaching some anubia and moss to it. I like that it gives the perception of a tree growing on a riverbank in the water. I think the Discus will really like it.


Here is the cabinet for the tank. I purchased it unfinished so that I could stain it myself. Here is is with the first coat of stain. I will be using a marine product to finish it since on my 55 gallon I found the standard finish didn't like wet hands and drops of water and such. This marine finish can be used on the bottom of the boat so I figure a wett hand or a drop of water here and there won't cause any problems.


So that's it for now. As soon as the cab is done and fully cured it will be time to have some real fun and start aquascaping!

Jeff

John P.

Lotsa potential there! I like how the top of the stump will be at or above the waterline. It's so much better aesthetically this way.

Looking forward to updates.

niko

Jeff,

It all looks carefully prepared but is the stump soaked in water or it's dry? It looks dry that's why I ask.

--Nikolay

magicmagni

Well it was in a river when I got it and I had it soaking for a good week in a large garbage can full of water. Actually the stump is so big it couldn't get it to fit all the way. I wanted to put it in the tank so that I could get a feel of how it is going to look, but yeah it's drying out now since it's been in there a few days now. I'm hoping it doesn't float up on me when I fill the tank. It's a pretty heavy solid peice of oak, although I plan on putting it back into the water when I have an extra set of hands. I tell you this stump is heavy! Really dense wood.

turtlehead

That's a nice piece of wood. Got to love your pops.

dwhite645

those pics look all too familiar, except the surgery with the small chainsaw. It looks like it will be some real eye candy once complete. Keep posting pics as you go!

magicmagni

Yes I agree. I had to actuall prop up that end of it to get it to reach the water line. Alternatively I was thinkin I could let it sit below the water line and plant some African Bolbitus (spelling?) on the top of the stump and let it grow out and up to the surface. Anyways this was just a mock up to get an idea, but I think I'm going with it.

Bavarian3

Ive been running across your tank since you first posted, and i must say your tank has made some amazing progress.

It really turned out great and the fish look beautiful as well great work!

magicmagni

Thanks!

summitwynds

Very nice!! I have been following this thread for awhile and it has inspired me to try a discus tank. I am in the process of taking down a 75 gallon hexagon and replacing it with a 78 gallon cube. The hex was too deep (30"). Now I am thinking about putting some discus in as the main fish. Maybe a couple dwarf cichlids too. And Amano shrimp. I may have missed it, but what temperature are you running your tank at? I saw you upped it to 85 degrees when you got the ick. Thanks for your help.