New loach river tank (Too many pics)

[oilhands]

I'm finally getting my new 125 river tank setup. Picked up the tank, stand, and filter for $200 (36" compact fluorescents went on my existing planted tank) a few months back. Here are some pics of the setup and fill.

The background is painted on 1/4" plywood which covers the hole where the fireplace used to exist.


Another angle and we can see the carpet patch where the fire brick once lay.


Here the tank and stand sit with the main portion of the river tank manifold in place.


Added the flourite first. Placed the slate attached wood and then added the play sand.


Next the rocks and plastic plants are added. Garden hose where are you?



Thanks for the help Tom.


Lots of fun and all done.

[cloudgodd]

just one question, I am new at this I noticed you put gravel on what I think is a home made UGF, then put sand over the top is that a way you can use a UGF with sand?

oh and it looks beautiful good job

[oilhands]

just one question, I am new at this I noticed you put gravel on what I think is a home made UGF, then put sand over the top is that a way you can use a UGF with sand?

oh and it looks beautiful good job

Nope. This is not an UGF. This is a River Tank mainfold which is based upon Martin Thoene's design which can be found here: http://www.loaches.com/articles/river-t ... old-design

[tariesindanrie]

Really lovely! And the painted background is wonderful- did you do it yourself?


Kate

[oilhands]

Really lovely! And the painted background is wonderful- did you do it yourself?


Kate

Thank you. My brother-in-law and Bill (a friend of the family) tag teamed on the painting part of the project. They did a great job and they did it in a single evening.

[LoachOrgy]

haha, cool. you look very excited!

[Graeme Robson]

Superb!!

[oilhands]

haha, cool. you look very excited!

Thanks. Actually, that is my cousin and fish mentor Tom. He has really helped me out a lot on my various projects. He's been doing this for almost 30 years and his advice has always been helpful.

[krazykat]

Will you be using real plants? I note that you used flourite under the play sand but put in plastic plants? Are you using the flourite as some sort of pH buffer?

[greenbaron]

Wow, that is very cool !!!
Great job photodocumenting the set-up, and thanks for sharing !!!