125 Gallon "Angels in Paradise" Journal - Journals

crshadow · 11-30-2005, 05:21 PM

This tank was actually completed a few months ago as far as the final aquascape goes. I had hoped to continue to refine it, but work and other time constraints did not allow me to do so. Also, I apologize for adding this journal at the last minute. I don't know if it will still count for extra points, but even it doesn't I still wanted to share this tank's evolution with everyone.

Here's a pic from 3/23/2005. This was taken shortly after purchasing the tank. The driftwood I purchased quite some time before this off of ebay in anticipation of eventually getting this tank. In the pic, I was testing the rough layout of how I wanted to place the wood.

crshadow · 11-30-2005, 05:26 PM

For this tank I used a background material called "Oceanvisions" which attaches to the back of the tank similar to the manner in which window tint is installed. The result is a very smooth finish.

crshadow · 11-30-2005, 05:33 PM

After this I began a project to build my own canopy. I designed the canopy with my old 3d Studio Max program. The rendering was color coded for different stock size pieces of lumber. (1x6, 1x4, etc)

crshadow · 11-30-2005, 05:38 PM

Here are a couple pics of the construction of the canopy.

crshadow · 11-30-2005, 05:43 PM

Next I primed, and painted the canopy.

crshadow · 11-30-2005, 06:01 PM

For lighting I purchased 6 AH Supply 55 watt light kits... Err.. To be more specific 3 2x55 Watt Bright Kits for a total of 330 watts. This tank was a little tricky to light as it is not a standard 6 foot 125 gallon, but rather it is 5 feet wide and a little taller than a normal 6 footer. I would have loved to fit a little more light under the canopy, but it wasn't feasible with CF's.

Each bank of lights can be controlled separately with switched receptacles mounted to the back of the canopy. I also plugged my solenoid into one of these receptacles so that the CO2 will come on when a specific bank of lights turns on.

Phil Edwards · 12-01-2005, 04:43 AM

Very nice equipment! I think an elegant and efficient equipment arrangement can be as effective in presenting the aquarium as the plants and fish. Good choice of lighting, it'll do you just fine.

Rek · 12-01-2005, 10:49 AM

very nice wood

crshadow · 12-01-2005, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Edwards

Very nice equipment! I think an elegant and efficient equipment arrangement can be as effective in presenting the aquarium as the plants and fish. Good choice of lighting, it'll do you just fine.

Thanks! My previous tank was not so nicely prepared. For this tank I wanted to do it right the first time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rek

very nice wood

Thanks! I was very lucky to find such nice pieces on Ebay.

-Jeremiah

crshadow · 12-01-2005, 08:52 PM

Below is a pic of the of the inside of the right side cabinet. In here I have my Rena Filstar XP3 as well as my CO2 reactor and the plumbing. The brass fitting is a quick disconnect that I use to attach hose and drain the tank, using the filter as the power source for draining. It makes water changes a breeze!

With the hardware in place, I drew a rough (very rough) sketch of the layout.