Consolidation

xtc · Post by **xtc** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:24 pm

AARRGGG!!!!

In my quest to have pretty substrate- I managed to pick up a product that has a component of cement in it. It's not listed on the bag and I didn't think...but it did. So unless someone has a great way to remove it from the iron enriched under layer- I just wasted $50.

I had to drain the tank and clean the grit off everything-

bright side- it'll give me a chance to redo the background.

manutius · Post by **manutius** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:55 pm

OUCH!!!!!! That sucks big time

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 8:42 pm

Once reacted, by addition of water initially, and allowed to seep fully by wet contact, cement is safe for aqarium use. Large portions of many grand scale aqariums depend on this. If you throughly wet it, wait, rinse it, and wait a bunch more, it should still be safe to use.

xtc · Post by **xtc** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:42 am

I shifted directions...I'm leaving the idea of a planted tank. I decided to use pulverized limestone as a substrate- it's cheap and will look good when all is said and done. Plus it allows me to put $$ I was going to spend on from the lights and substrate to other areas...like a canopy!

I built a canopy last night. Looks ok, still have some work to do- and I need the secret manual on how to install hinged doors. But I'm going to try the Home Depot shop light route. The existing lights are 2 old 24w T-8s. This way I'll get 2 60w T-12s...should be a huge improvement.

xtc · Post by **xtc** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 3:46 pm

Well- the canopy wasn't to my liking- so I redid it this AM. Still needs a few things- to include staining...but that's next. I put a shop light with 2 40w shop light and it's nice and bright- can't wait to get the gravel in there! Oh what a day we have ahead of us...

xtc · Post by **xtc** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:31 pm

stained- looks much better...I wish I had finished the gravel- but it's been a long day.

Here's the living room- I can't get all the tanks in one shot but you have the 110g Malawi in the far back right, 20g Tanganyikan on the near right, and the 55g community up top/left, 10g Krib/Hospital and 10g shrimp tank.

Not pictured is the brackish 90 (closer left), semi-aggressive and 15g community in the bedrooms.

Yes, that's Maxwell pouting on the couch and yes, I do like my Myers and Coke after a long day of tank work!!

Post by **Hilly** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:09 am

Looking good.

xtc · Post by **xtc** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:04 am

Planted tank in place and cycling.

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