A few questions on new setup

[amcgee2842]

Hello new to the group and have a few questions on a setup. I finally got my dream 92 corner bowfront aquarium that I am going to set up for cichlids and have just a few questions.

1. What kind of lighting do you recommend T5's or LED's (no live plants in aquarium)
2. I am also thinking of doing a DIY 3D background any good links or recommendations on how to do this? Also if I go this route is there a way to weigh down the background instead of siliconing it to the aquarium. The last thing I would like to do is glue the background to the aquarium and then decide I don't like it and have to take it out.
3. I have a 70 gallon tank set up with 12 assorted african cichlids, 3 peacocks, and 2 bn plecos. I need to break this tank down move it and set up the 92 corner in its place whats the best way to hold the fish until new tank is set up? I will be using filters from the old tank for the new so not so worried about cycling but knowing the best way to keep the fish alive for a day or two while I setup my new tank.
4. The stand that came with tank is nice but I would like to raise it 4 inches and match the look of the stand any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for anyone and everyone's help.

[SunnyHouTX]

Hello new to the group and have a few questions on a setup. I finally got my dream 92 corner bowfront aquarium that I am going to set up for cichlids and have just a few questions.

1. What kind of lighting do you recommend T5's or LED's (no live plants in aquarium)
2. I am also thinking of doing a DIY 3D background any good links or recommendations on how to do this? Also if I go this route is there a way to weigh down the background instead of siliconing it to the aquarium. The last thing I would like to do is glue the background to the aquarium and then decide I don't like it and have to take it out.
3. I have a 70 gallon tank set up with 12 assorted african cichlids, 3 peacocks, and 2 bn plecos. I need to break this tank down move it and set up the 92 corner in its place whats the best way to hold the fish until new tank is set up? I will be using filters from the old tank for the new so not so worried about cycling but knowing the best way to keep the fish alive for a day or two while I setup my new tank.
4. The stand that came with tank is nice but I would like to raise it 4 inches and match the look of the stand any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for anyone and everyone's help.

First off, welcome to HFB. Now for the answers.

1. LED by far, don't get Marineland double brights for Cichlids

2. Nothing to add here, but YouTube might be a good place to start.

3. Depends on how long it will take to break down one tank and set the new one up. If it takes only a few hours, your bath tub will do. If more time is needed, one or two Rubbermaid tubs with filters, air and heaters will do.

4. You could build a frame out of 2x4 lumber and stain/pain to match to get the tank up to desired height.

[prostreet69camaro]

I usually keep fish in a 5 gallon bucket or a cooler. Use the water out of the tank. Throw an air pump into it. Probably wont need a heater with this summer weather but you could put one in if you like.

I would take a 2x4 and make a new frame to put under your stand. Put the 2x4 on its end and you will gain 3-1/2" taller. Screw it to your stand. Take some base molding and add over the 2x4 to finish it off, then paint or stain.

[mistahoo]

Welcome to the box!

1. Lights are your preference since you have no live plants. Personally I like Metal Halides and LEDs.

2. Youtube is a great place to find DIY 3D backgrounds. If not there, DIYfishkeepers.com is my go to place when trying to look up anything "DIY"-able in the hobby.

3. Many people use coolers, big trash cans, other tanks, buckets, etc. Make sure to have an air pump or powerhead (if container is big enough) running for extra circulation. You could run your filters on the container as well. Just treat it like another tank. I had my 6" plecos in a 5gal bucket with a 2213, Penguin 170b HOB, Tetra 10i, and an air pump. Left them in there for about a month before moving them to their new tank.

4. Like the other two have already stated. 2x4 frame that'll match the footprint of your stand. Paint/stain it to match and you're good to go. You could screw it together, or just use wood glue if you plan on making it permanent.

[troy tucker]

Welcome to the Box!
As was said lights are not needed unless you have plants. So any light will work But you can make shimmer look or dark water look with the lights.
3D backgrounds are cool. Good luck on that.
+1 on any container that you can put your filters on for the time the fish are in it.
2+4 platform trimed with a base molding. easy but there are people here who could build a custum taller stand for the new tank.
Pictures are always wanted.
We look forward to seeing the new setup.

[amcgee2842]

I figured 2x4s for the base but since it is a corner bow front not 100% sure how to do the front curve although I have a few ideas. As far as LED's anyone had experince with beamwork's or current USA led's? I will up load pics once I start I am going to grad school and have test to study for this weekend but should start the project the following weekend.

[amcgee2842]

or finnex rays leds?