Project Mouse Trap (Done for now)

[freespool]

It is finally done. Here is my final modified stand and home made hood.

[freespool]

Well, I got the primer put on the stand and the first coat of black down. I had to paint this stand with the tank on it. This is not easy and I do not recommend it. I also primed and put the first coat on the hood.

[freespool]

Setback today. I built a wood hood and added some trim to the wood stand to cover the trim on the tank itself (it had some scratches and chip on corner). Took the door from the cabinet into Home Depot to match the stain color. Well, I built the top, added the trim and stained it. The stain color was WAY off from the original and looks like crap. Now I have to paint the entire base and to top black to cover the mismatched colors. I prefer the look of wood grain, but black paint is guaranteed to match all. The fun part will be painting the base stand with the tank on it. I am not going to drain it now. Will post pics of the top and base later this week once it is painted.

[stevenallenbarnard]

OK now what..... I removed the gravel and bought 2 50# bags of pool filter sand. The sand i got came from warehouse pools and has the name "Sea Gull" on it. It says it is a silica based, triple filtered, sanitized, etc. Is this sand OK? It is not white, but tan. I put in some, but did not want to put it all in till I hear from the pros. Please Advise.
Thanks

i used this same sand in my tank. I actually kind of like it better because to me it looks more natural than the leslies which is a lighter color. the only difference besides color is that the leslies is rinsed better and doesn't cloud up as much when you first add it to the tank.

[freespool]

Here is an updated pic of the tank. I am still wanting to upgrade the lighting and add another small filter.
Stats: 110 gal long. 2x 24" florescent basic lights, sand rock substrate, (Decor: large rocks, driftwood, artificial plants), stacked rock background with love cave, basic heater, and Fluval 404 filter. on wood stand.

[freespool]

Thanks Marvin, I got some of that today, but want to give some new polishing pads for the Fuval a chance before I go adding chemicals. Big thanks to all of you, especially those who said to use sand. It looks great. I went by Fish Paradise today and picked up a few fish (2 pair of African chiclids) to start the tank. When the water clears better, hopefully by tomorrow night, I will get some pics up. Maybe another entry into the POTM!!!

[Marvin]

Will this type of filter remove fine particles? I already have a filter for treating the water, I want to remove fine particles now.

I use this from time to time when things (polishing filters, etc.) don’t get the water clear and it works great.

Nutrafin Clear Fast Particulate Water Clarifier

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3433713&lmdn=Fish

To my understanding it binds to the small particles and makes them bigger so that my filter will catch them. However, it’s for freshwater only.

I have not got to a sw setup yet, getting prepared for that so I don’t know what I’ll do when in your position, if you find something, please post.

Sorry I could not be more helpful.

[freespool]

Will this type of filter remove fine particles? I already have a filter for treating the water, I want to remove fine particles now.

[stevenallenbarnard]

http://www.petco.com/product/103768/EHEIM-Classic-External-Canister-Filters.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

This one is better (EHEIM 2217), I never liked the magnum canisters. Just don't buy it from petco or petsmart, you'll spend way too much.

[freespool]

The new sand is looking good, BUT. The tank is cloudy and the filter I am running does NOT filter out small particles (I think) Fluval 404. Is there a filter I can get for not too mucj that I can hook up when needed to filter out small particles? Or do I need another full time filter/ water polisher? I will not be having any live plants. Once the water is clear, I will post some pics and start to work on fish stock.

I am thinking about this filter. any comments

http://www.petco.com/product/3353/Marineland-Magnum-350-Pro-System.aspx

[algarciajr]

Personally, I would rinse it in a 5 gallon bucket before pouring into tank to remove some of the dust created from shipment.

[freespool]

So I am good to dump in the rest? It clouds the water as I pour it in.

[algarciajr]

Is this sand OK? It is not white, but tan. I put in some, but did not want to put it all in till I hear from the pros. Please Advise.
Thanks

PFS is a tan color and not white.

[freespool]

OK now what..... I removed the gravel and bought 2 50# bags of pool filter sand. The sand i got came from warehouse pools and has the name "Sea Gull" on it. It says it is a silica based, triple filtered, sanitized, etc. Is this sand OK? It is not white, but tan. I put in some, but did not want to put it all in till I hear from the pros. Please Advise.
Thanks

[wesleydnunder]

Nice job. I agree that sand would be better as your substrate.

Mark