Dustin1300
Reefaholic
What prompted the change of ths shape of the structure? Looked much more like a volcano prebviously...I do like the small pool though
The Volcano Tank - Konolua
- Thread starter Konolua
- Start date
Konolua
New member
What prompted the change of ths shape of the structure? Looked much more like a volcano prebviously...I do like the small pool though
Yeah, Volcano Tank is no longer quite appropriate. I really want to LED's on the thing, and the spotlight effect didn't look right on the Volcano. Also, it was personally frustrating to see things that didn't look natural. The left side of the tank didn't look right too me, so this is a fun way to mix it up. Also, I really loved the idea of the basin.
I guess I should call this the Bonzai Tree Tank.
This version has a very cool viewing angle from every side. The other only had a frontal and right side appeal.
Konolua
New member
Uh, YEAH! My next iteration will be an 8' x 3' x 16" tank that is going to be built to to where our bar currently is. We are doing some remodeling (small scale stuff first) and it will be part of the second phase. I will be doing the rock formation as it looks (or similar) on one side of the 8-footer and then leave the other side as just a sandy extension. My goal is to have 4-5 carpet anemones in that portion.
So, when you speak of that, I understand! This however was something to re-energize my interest and I got to do the waterfalls better. I drilled a whole from the bottom of the basin rock and glued in the water source. I put the "slope" on the right in as a last minute detail, so the water source for it is not permanent. So, I suppose you can say this was "practice" if you know what I mean!
Konolua
New member
Thanks!
TenKreefer
New member
Left side looks like a nice grouper overhang
WOW! That will surely be awesome!
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
Not knockin' at all as I still love the tank. You have a pump that puts water in the basin pool or you just add every once in a while? We can just say the volcano erupted and this was the molten lavas new shape
Konolua
New member
Not knockin' at all as I still love the tank. You have a pump that puts water in the basin pool or you just add every once in a while? We can just say the volcano erupted and this was the molten lavas new shape
I did this one the right way: I have drilled a small hole in the bottom of the new "basin" rock and it is part of the return. I just puttied in a couple of holes and a couple of "sides" to raise the water level (pictures to come of what I am talking about) and now it spills water off the left side. Constantly moving waterflow up there and in fact, it is kind of a dangerous area because of all the twists and turns. A couple of copepods were getting sick last night! :lolspin:
I totally thought about the Volcano exploding idea, and had named the post "Planned Explosion" because of that! Totally looks like the top flew off!
Konolua
New member
Mucho thanks!
I have had some jumpers. It's sad. For some idiot reason, I tried two blennies before. No need to say the outcome there (I felt like a murderer as I fully knew the risk but did it anyway).
I also lost my dwarf lionfish to a suicide as well. I think it was instigated in some way, as they are not jumpers.
That's all. I had a magic crab get out one time too. Still have no idea. I think he made it up the silicon side. There is no physical possibility of exiting the tank any other way. Also, the occasional snail has gone for an adventure.
Konolua
New member
Thanks for all the feedback everyone! Looks like the new set up is a hit. Most people mentioned the sadness that is missing the Volcano, but everyone dug the new, more "œrealistic" set up. Me too. After looking at it for two days, it really seems like it is so much more versatile.
So, there were some details I was going to share with everyone since I was asked so much. First, it is interesting to note, that through simple water displacement, I gained almost 10 gallons of water. I removed a huge rock, three medium/large rocks, and about 5 fist-sized rocks. That, and the biggest rock in the tank was removed and turned into a basin! It also seems that there is about a gallon and a half to two gallons in the basin. Holy cow!
I also raised the water level in the basin. I did that because I wanted the water to spill out the left side. When I first set it up, it was very noisy and the water spilled over the front in about 4 different spots. So, I got some putty and created "œdams" to force the water to the left. Now, it's funny because the rock was in the tank, and now is not, so the putty sticks out like a sore thumb, BUT because of the way the water flows, some still seeps and spills over the front at a very very low rate, so I am expecting it to algae up like the previous basin had. I am guessing about 3 months before it looks a bit more natural.
So, there were some details I was going to share with everyone since I was asked so much. First, it is interesting to note, that through simple water displacement, I gained almost 10 gallons of water. I removed a huge rock, three medium/large rocks, and about 5 fist-sized rocks. That, and the biggest rock in the tank was removed and turned into a basin! It also seems that there is about a gallon and a half to two gallons in the basin. Holy cow!
I also raised the water level in the basin. I did that because I wanted the water to spill out the left side. When I first set it up, it was very noisy and the water spilled over the front in about 4 different spots. So, I got some putty and created "œdams" to force the water to the left. Now, it's funny because the rock was in the tank, and now is not, so the putty sticks out like a sore thumb, BUT because of the way the water flows, some still seeps and spills over the front at a very very low rate, so I am expecting it to algae up like the previous basin had. I am guessing about 3 months before it looks a bit more natural.
Konolua
New member
Also, you can see the water line to the basin here. I used the cyanoacrylic glue. That will algae up pretty quickly too.
Got some new animals today too. Cool stuff. Some orange richordia mushrooms, a candy cane coral, an amazing crocea clam, a red cucumber, some store bought snails and hermits (I hate that, because the crabs just eat them, but needed help cleaning the recently disturbed detritus), two sea stars, and ordered 6 mangroves (here in two weeks).
Here are some shots of those guys, along with a nice left and right shot.
Keep the feedback coming! Thanks to all that takes the time to read this and write back!
Got some new animals today too. Cool stuff. Some orange richordia mushrooms, a candy cane coral, an amazing crocea clam, a red cucumber, some store bought snails and hermits (I hate that, because the crabs just eat them, but needed help cleaning the recently disturbed detritus), two sea stars, and ordered 6 mangroves (here in two weeks).
Here are some shots of those guys, along with a nice left and right shot.
Keep the feedback coming! Thanks to all that takes the time to read this and write back!
reeftanknewbie
New member
very creative.......like the pool effect. Reminds me of the tide pools when I lived out in Santa Barbara area. how did you create this look?
solastsummer
New member
Hey Konolua how does it feel to be such a inspiration to the community BTW i hope you dont mind, i stole one of your pics for my PC background.
BTW i hope you dont mind, i stole one of your pics for my PC background.
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
I'm definitely liking the basin look better than the volcano now that I see you have rics/zoas in it. Really cool idea and design is so unique. I'm ready to see this upgrade you talked about
gasbatalla
New member
Looks great. Can we see a video?
