New 150 - Build Journal

[jarrodaden]

I was excited all day about the prospect of receiving my new 150 and black stand. The canopy had to be ordered.

I was initially delighted when they showed up with the canopy as well. I was supposed to be next week some time.

By far, the coolest tank I have owned.

Right after they put the canopy on I noticed a factory defect in the tank. The black trim at the bottom of the tank had a bulge in it. Very unsettling after I had my 72 gallon leak... I couldn't accept the tank the way it was, so now I have a stand and canopy sitting in the living room.

I hate to wait another week for the tank, but I think it was the right thing to do. Kudos to the store I bought from. They didn't argue a bit and they were willing to make it right.

Meanwhile, my cichlids are still living in an Igloo cooler.

Tim - I make take you up on that offer after all.

Looks like I have another week to agonize about picking the perfect setup...

[stevenallenbarnard]

You're better off in the long run. had the tank developed a defect later you would be up the creek........ Literally.

[freespool]

Smart move and good eyes to pick up on the defect. Make sure yo post up pics as soon as you get it. I would like to follow your build out.

[jarrodaden]

OK. I will make this thread a build journal.

[jarrodaden]

Hard to much without a tank, but here are a few photos.

IMAGE_188.jpg
soaking rocks in water / clorox
IMAGE_189.jpg
Sample rock - Going for a stacked rear wall look
IMAGE_190.jpg
Cabinet
IMAGE_191.jpg
Canopy - Treasure chest style

[cichlid1409]

what a tease.

gonna look good when you get that tank back.

[jarrodaden]

I am not a tease. Here is a photo of the rocks after freshwater rinse with dechlor.

[jarrodaden]

Help with ammonia of 0.5 please. Here is the update.

Tank arrived 5pm
Added rock in back
Added gravel (small amount from temporary fish tank) larger amount from old tank (has been dry in garage for about 2 weeks)
Added Eheim 2217 and ecco pro (established and has been running on temporary tank)
Added water with nov aqua + conditioner
Added artificial plants and driftwood

Got done fiddling with everything and decided to do an ammonia check. I got 0.5.

The only treatment I have is what Walmart had on the shelf just now (ammonia clear tank buddies). I have not added that yet. Hoping to get some immediate help here.

[freespool]

Umm I know you have a camera, so where are the pics?

[jarrodaden]

To busy watching my ammonia levels and nobody has helped me resolve that issue yet. Also the water was horribly cloudy last night.

[Mzungu]

I'd do a quick test on another tank to make sure your ammonia test is giving you a correct reading.

If you get zero on the other tank, then it's probably just an indication that you recently started up the new tank. I know you added established filters and decor, but it could just take a while to convert over. Have the ammonia levels risen or fallen since you first tested?

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[Mzungu]

P.S. The cloudiness could be indicative of a bacterial bloom, which is good, and could mean you're on your way to start seeing the ammonia drop to zero. :)

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[jarrodaden]

I think the ammonia is due to the "poo" being stirred up when I moved the gravel from one tank to the other. The cloudiness was more of the same combined with dust that was on the rocks I had added. The rocks were completely cleaned and soaked, but I broke several to size before adding them to the tank.

[jarrodaden]

Just tested ammonia, and it looks good now. I am going to keep a close eye on it.

I still have lots to do, but here are some progress photos.

[jarrodaden]

For money reasons, I am still leaning toward a standard flourescent strip inside the canopy instead of a T-5. Any opinions on this?