kiwipete

Can I just add some constructive criticism? The stand should, IMHO, some diagonal bracing across the back and sides to prevent it folding over in an earthquake or someone leaning on it. I know you have glued and screwed it, but with the weight on top, it could still let go. This can be achieved at the back and sides with a sheet of timber, ply etc, or some metal strapping as used in the building trade. Painted black of course. I really like the idea of the exposed timbers theme you have done too so think the metal strapping would be your best option.

Long stories make for interesting reading.

So, the big question is, how has the lid turned out, is it finished and have you any pictures?

Cmon, where are the pics?

So; hows the stand coming along then?

This is a great idea, I like it. Cover the slate with your media and it will be a nice and permanent set-up in your tank.

If you need anything cut/routed over the weekend, give me a holler.

Yup, the second one, don't use treated timber, could leach smells etc into tank?

Thanks, I will put one together over the weekend.

Thanks for that, I'd be interested in hearing how you made the CO2 dispenser though and how you operated it.

What type of lights were they, std fluorescents or a specific type? How did you make your CO2 dispenser?

Maybe its time to plant out the tank, and leave it a month, changing the water every other day????? At least if it does stop leaching the fishes will have some settled plants in there too. I dunno, just my wandering thoughts. :-?

I would have thought with the thin coating you applied, it wouldn't take too long for it to stop leaching, ie a couple of weeks?

From.........? Any pictures, we need pictures............... You have spurned me into doing something with my 900x450x450 tank now however I will have the smaller side on the R/H side. I have to source some polystyrene now, just dumped a large load a coupla months ago

What about going to your local pool shop and getting some silica sand they use for the pool filters. This is what I am going to use soon to change my substrate.

If someone in Chch wants some timber cut, I could do it for you. I have a small wood workshop at home with many tools for such a job. 8) When I made my octagonal tank stand, I used MDF timber. I know full well the effects of water ingress here and had several spillages on/in it with no water ingress. I used water based Aqua Enamel paint applied thus. Sealing coat consisting of two coats of primer under coat, and three coats of top coat in black. This was then sealed off with two coats of Cabots Clear Floor Aqua Urethane.

To those of you who have/are making moss walls, what medium are you using for the plants to grow in and what are you using for feeding? I am thinking of doing the same for my tank, but including some plants in it too.

I would also look at where you are going to place the tank when full. Reasoning is thus, the legs have a very small footing on the floor and there will be a considerable force applied to the flooring on each one. just something to keep in mind IMHO. You could use silicone chalking to bed the bottom layer of glass and sides into the metal frame, if you want a white finish that is.

Just as a thought, I hid all my wiring and hoses in a piece of alkathene (sp) piping about 18mm diameter. It runs from top to bottom of tank and is held in place with 2 suction cups. This was placed in a corner and has the heater near it. I split the pipe lengthwise to allow for inserting the cables etc.

Its called Dacron, I use it in one of my filters and is ok.

Gawd, I must be starving my fish. They get fed 3 times a week.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will go to some LFS's today and see what they have. I was thinking more of a submerged plant, or at least semi submerged. I want to try something as a feature on one side wall of the tank, sort of try to have plants on the wall?

Yes, of course. How silly of me. :oops:

Thanks Alan. I have no idea what these plants are, but I will find out and see if I can get some.

Are there any type of plant(s) I could look for that will hang in the tank water? I was thinking of putting something in my small funnel type feeder thing that attaches to the tank via a suction cup. Putting some daltons potting mix or similar in it to supply nutrients to the said plant. I currently have several uprooted plants caught around it and the fish love exploring around it.