180 build from scratch!

[michika]

The tank is completely clear as of this afternoon. I didn't look at it this morning. Water tests tell us; Ammonia is >0.25ppm, Nitrite 0.25, Nitrate is 16ppm, and pH is 8.2.


Basssnake,

The tank has no frame on the bottom, assuming you are speaking about one of those plastic frames. The top is eurobraced with 4" wide 5/8" glass. Any 100% silicone, without fungicide should be an appropriate product. Some products are rebranded as Aquarium Silicone, to allow manufacturers to sell it at a higher price via stores.

 

[fareforce]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12532663#post12532663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michika
The tank is completely clear as of this afternoon. I didn't look at it this morning. Water tests tell us; Ammonia is >0.25ppm, Nitrite 0.25, Nitrate is 16ppm, and pH is 8.2.

I think we need some pics!

Were you guys nervous about building the actual tank? I dont think I could ever do that. lol

 

[jnarowe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12532663#post12532663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michika
Some products are rebranded as Aquarium Silicone, to allow manufacturers to sell it at a higher price via stores.

nah, they wouldn't do that to us would they??

 

[michika]

Alright, photos for the masses;

Clear tank with no lights, prior to aquascaping.

Oh look, reflectors, but again, no lights yet. We are wondering if we could get away with 2x250w MH vs 3. Something happened with our measurements, and we originally thought we could put 3 luminarc reflectors plus 8 T5s, however now we only have 1 3/4" between the edges of the reflectors.

We have also seen a 20-30% increase in humidity here. We aren't sure if its really a true 20-30% though as the tank is right around the corner from the thermostat. Never the less we have a dehumidifyer, and are going back to decide which plan we want to use to deal with the extra humidity.

 

[basssnake]

So, can you buy the silicone needed at walmart and how do you know if it doesn't have the fungicide? I need to reseal a tank, and if i don't have to buy aquarium silicone, it would be nice.

 

[michika]

I don't know about Wal-Mart, as I've never been, but what you want to look for is something that is not intended for bathroom use. I believe the brand is GE type 1 windows and doors. There is also a photo of another GE silicone product that I used to build this tank, its on page 1. Any packaging should say on the ingredients if it contains an anti-fungicide.

 

[fareforce]

GE Type I/II Doors and windows are the only two I know of you can use. Of course that is all we get up here in Alaska.


Well catherine your build is now quite a bit ahead of mine. My tanks came in yesterday (after waiting 6 weeks for them), and the sump looks great, and the front of the main tank was broken. So I have to wait longer for another tank. Yours is looking great though! So I will have to enjoy yours for a little while longer! =P

 

[michika]

I would be devistated had my tank arrived with a broken pane! Have you re-ordered the pane or what is the plan?

GE II silicone is always sold out here, I've never used it, but have heard and seen others using it. I've used GE I with lots of success in the past. The construction grade stuff, photo from page 1, was available for cheap from the builder so I figured why not.

 

[fareforce]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12538531#post12538531 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michika
I would be devistated had my tank arrived with a broken pane! Have you re-ordered the pane or what is the plan?

GE II silicone is always sold out here, I've never used it, but have heard and seen others using it. I've used GE I with lots of success in the past. The construction grade stuff, photo from page 1, was available for cheap from the builder so I figured why not.

Yeah we reordered the whole tank. The LFS gave us the optoin to change styles, brands, size etc if we wanted to. So we did. The original main tank was going to be an AGA 75gal, the new one is going to be an Oceanic 105gal with starphire front. It should be here in about 10 days from Monday! The 50 gal sump that came in at the same time as the broken one is fine though.

The GE silicon is kinda funny. Here they always have the GE II, but are always out of GE I. :lol:

 

[michika]

On a side marine note, does anyone know the artist's website? I've been before, but can't remember how I found it or got there. Here is an example of the work I'm thinking of;

And for some amusement;

 

[melev]

Here you go:
http://www.nataliedee.com/nd-archives/ndarchive-dec07.php

 

[michika]

Sweet that is one of them! Thank you. Do you know about the first one, with the cartoon tang?

 

[melev]

Sorry, I didn't have any luck with that one. It used to be on this page:
http://www.scubatshirt.com/Humor Diver.html

 

[michika]

Thank you though!

I PMed a user who has it as an avatar. I'd been to the website before, and neglected to save it in my bookmarks.

 

[michika]

http://www.scubadorable.com/ is the website. I just found it after some creative googling from the T-shirt site you sent.

Today's chemistry;
Ammonia, >-.25
Nitrite ~0.25

I'm also seeing some funny discoloration in the silicone. It wasn't there last night, or this morning at 10:30. Its like a pink/red tinge, that is only on the front and side panel, its also only on the bottom silicone, and only in some areas. Ideas? I'll post up a photo later.

 

[fareforce]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12539759#post12539759 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michika
Today's chemistry;
Ammonia, >-.25
Nitrite ~0.25

I'm also seeing some funny discoloration in the silicone. It wasn't there last night, or this morning at 10:30. Its like a pink/red tinge, that is only on the front and side panel, its also only on the bottom silicone, and only in some areas. Ideas? I'll post up a photo later.

Might be the begining phase of cyno. I remember my last one doing that at first, but it went away in a week or so.

 

[michika]

Definitely not cyano, its limited only to the silicone. I haven't yet tried to rub it or check the texture. Still waiting on the return of my camera to post photos.

 

[michika]

This would be how I am feeling today about my tank and people's reactions to it.... People keep walking by and stopping at our window to peer in. They seem a little shocked when I wave back. Seriously the number of Peeping Toms have increased probably 10 fold since we started this tank. Its gotten to the point where its uncomfortable to sit in our front room and watch television or either of the tanks.

Since when did it become appropriate to walk up to someone's front window and peer in? I'm buying a couple of long box planters today, and hopefully some climbing vines, or taller plans, at least enough to deter people from walking up to our window. Next step would be that crappy stick on window frosting. Does anyone else have this problem? Any other ideas for a solution?

Yesterday's chemisty;
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0.25

Today's;
Ammonia 0
Nitrite almost 0, maybe 5ppm at the highest, stupid color matching!
Nitrate low/undetectable (kind of like the balance in my bank account today!)
pH 8.1

 

[kar93]

Next time they do it, follow them home, pull up a deckchair in their garden and sunbathe until they say something. That should stop 'em.

 

[jnarowe]

geez, that would tick me off. Maybe you need to get rid of a few neighbors?

There is a reflective window coating like tint that is one-way viewing. That would be your best bet i would guess.