David R

You're probably right, but if I was going to go to the trouble of wiring something like that I'd probably just build a purpose-made rack (and I will for my big tank), this just seemed like a quick and simple option.

There was a thread a while back about using LED torches/phones etc for a moonlight, I just picked these up for ~$9 for the three (batteries included!!) from Mitre10. They've got a sticky bit on the back so they could be mounted on something above the tank. I've sat them on the lids and the light is a bit focused (see second pic) but the shimmer effect and colour is great. Not sure how long the three AAA batteries will last, but as far as a cheap easy way to get the shimmery moonlight effect they seem pretty good! I'll have a play around with the camera to see if I can get a better pic once they're suspended a bit higher above the tank, the pic below makes it look lighter than it actually is because of the long exposure when set on Auto. Tank is 140cm long, so you'd probably only need one on anything <4' long.

Looks good!! Can't wait to see how it evolved. I love the idea of going out and collecting bits and pieces for a tank, I really must have a go at this one day. What sort of lighting are you running? Am I right in thinking natives generally don't require the same intense lighting of a tropical reef tank as most of the inhabitants don't photosynthesise?

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... 300-Gallon I think having a slot in the ply on the side of the tank and an external box with the drains in the bottom is the way to go. RE the plastic tubs for sump, they can work but they aren't as easy to put baffles in like a glass or acrylic tank, and the other problem I've found is there aren't many plastic tubs available big enough for the size of the sump I need! They get these 150g Rubbermade 'Stock Troughs' in the US and people on MFK use them for sumps, but most of the big ones I see here are round.

It depends if you want it just for the waterproofing or also for structural strength. Personally I think a good application of fibreglass is a better option than the liquid rubber type products, and as I understand the silicone seals better to fibreglass too. You're a bad influence, I thought I had made up my mind about doing an all glass tank!!

Acrylic will flex more than glass, so you would have to use very thick acrylic to avoid having any deflection otherwise the glass would end up taking the weight, or have the glass sitting off the acrylic which could lead to problems with cleaning. Is be reluctant to have a piece of thin glass in a tank with a 50cm aro too. Henward, one of the big advantages with a timber framed tank is that the wood is completely supporting the glass, and the silicone is just there to seal it, not structural. I think 19mm would be fine for a 900 mm high timber framed tank, and can think of at least one example that has been running for years.

great pics, more of the old Escorts!!

You'd have to order "new" glass with it being that thick as it can't be cut using the usual 'score and snap' method, needs to have the edges machined etc. And there aren't likely to be any offcuts big enough for the kind of tank Henward is likely to be planning using 25mm glass....

Could give you a hand one weekend if you want. If you get the timber cut to size its just a matter of gluing and screwing it together.

Knowing your location would probably help. I got a 200L food grade barrel from Barrys Barrels (http://www.bb.net.nz) that had been used for importing olives, gave it a good scrub and its been fine (pic). The cost of shipping it if you're outside Auckland would probably make it uneconomical though. I think you're right about the 1000L pallet ones being used for chemicals, I haven't found one that hasn't been. They are damn expensive to buy brand new too, cheaper to buy a 1000L water tank.

Or cover it with an old sheet. If you weren't worried about doors etc you could easily make a box using the 2440x600 MDF panels, can't remember what they cost but not having to do any long cuts makes them easy to use, in fact you might be able to get them 1800 long for your tank (or is it 6', not 180cm?).

If you're using cinder blocks I'd suggest making a frame out of 4x2 frame for it to sit on so it is supported along the length. That or just a regular 4x2 stand would be pretty cheap (but not pretty), copy the design of the stand for that 3' tank of mine you have, just add an axtra pair of legs in the centre.

I'm not a big fan of fake/unnatural looking tanks either, but I must say the scale of some of the things they do and the innovation that goes into them is awesome. The episode I watched they made a huge (18' IIRC) acrylic shark tank for an orthodontists office, and while I'd never put a fake sharks head in my tank it serves the purpose the dentist wanted it for, and at least it may inspire a new generation of aquarists... http://youtu.be/O47B9SDAQKg

Was certainly worth the trip, looking forward to seeing this guy get huge in the new tank...

Dorado is awesome!!

Wasn't really a day trip, more a mad afternoon race there and back trying to avoid the traffic! Didn't even have time to stop at hff.

7.5 hour round-trip pleco delivery finally done and dusted, after an 0430 start at work this morning. PHEW!! Just acclimatising the newbies then its time for a cup of tea...

No judgements, just advice...

My 2c, if you're passionate about something then trying to earn an income off it will quite often turn a fun hobby into a chore. If you're 19 and struggling to find a job then you should really be looking to up-skill yourself, go to uni/tech/whatever, get a degree/diploma/pre-trade cert, anything to show you can set your mind to something and achieve a goal. I've tried working in an industry I'm interested in, and have found it far better to get a job that pays well (many hobby-related jobs don't) that you can tolerate doing that provides sufficient time and income to do the fun stuff you're passionate about outside work. ps. you're 19, if 35km is a barrier to you getting a job you can't be very keen to work, I can't imagine you having your roots too firmly set at that age (aside from not wanting to leave Mums laundry and cooking! I know that kept me at home for some tim). Find a job somewhere, then relocate to a more convenient location.

Yep, on MFK (link is in my sig), I'm not going to repost it on every forum I browse so if you're interested in the progress thats where it will be updated. At this stage still waiting on a price for the glass from the tank maker and a price for the stand from HFF...

would most likely have more flavour than most of the generic green-bottled lagers...

Yeah should be great, just a shame its at Villa Maria, I don't think their selection of beer will be particularly good...

http://youtu.be/RMvI5OX6nUw can't wait for the concert!!

:sml1: yeah she helps out with the fish from time to time, not quite as passionate (obsessive/addicted/crazy) as I am, which is a good thing really, but still interested and supportive. I couldn't handle having a woman who was anti the things I love, I guess thats [one of the reasons] why I married her... We have plenty of hardwood forrests up here, I think the main reason we don't get as much of it is we don't have the big rivers to carry it down from the hills. Places like Ohope, Wanganui etc that have loads of wood on the beaches all have good sized rivers that flow thru the forests and presumably pick it up when they're at their peak over winter. lmsmith the tank is going to be ~1750L, link in my sig has more details.

:facepalm: we have the best beaches in the country for everything except driftwood, we just don't have large rivers flowing thru areas of native forest as do the driftwood hot-spots like Wanganui, Ohope, SI west coast etc.