Building my new 400 litre + - tank and stand

oh wow that would be GREAT!! @Pauline Thanks so much!! dimensions are 862mm x 608mm

 

Thanks - will ask a few people tomorrow; and see what i can get for you. You might have to join two pieces; but you never know - will go on a polystyrene hunt *looks for her ninja outfit*

 

@Pauline yea thats not a problem at all!! haha its not like any1 sees the polystyrene anyways, think the only thing is that they must be the same thickness otherwise ill have a wonky tank haha, thanks again its much appreciated. hahahahahhaa at the ninja suit!!

oh yea and when are we gonna see your collection of fish tanks i havnt seen any threads or pics of them???

 

My 1.8, I changed the substrate to the small pool filter sand, and have planted two thirds of it; waiting for the order from Moolis to arrive next week, then I can finish it. And I'll post all the pics of all the stages
The 4ft has guppy double swords (from Prof Dirk) in it; and they're doing well. The 3 ft has common guppy fry in it. Have a tiny tank that I converted into a 'Hospital tank' - it currently has some corys in it, while i monitor them for white spot. And I am busy preparing a small quarantine tank for new arrivals of fish and/or plants. Currently has some plants floating in it, quarter filled with water. I also moved three of the tanks today - so hopefully by the long weekend, I will be able to post sme nice pics.
Thanks for asking

 

If your tank is on a flat surface you dont need the polystyrene. The weight will be distributed throughout the bottom of the tank. If the surface is not flat then the polystyrene helps with the weight distribution. I am not sure if my 4ft has polystyrene on it - I dont think so.

 

i think anyone would be taking a serious chance on not having polystrene under his tank. not only could your tank crack if there is only a slight shift or bump in the surface on which it is resting, the polystyrene would absorb this if it should happen, sometimes the wood on which the tank is resting could swell a bit due to moisture or for any reason and the polystyrene would negate this to an extent. the polystyrene also helps with insulation and helps to keep the temperature more stable in the tank. something that is essential for your fish.

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@wrenchy you have a 400L tank, that is 400+kg of glass and water weight that your tank is pushing down on the bottome glass with. glass does not bend and if you have any problems it will crack under that weight. please make sure that you use some polystyrene.

 

@Pauline WOW!! quite a collection!! are u breeding those guppy double swords, they are a really beautiful fish!! i look forward to pics of your setup!! what fish are u planning to put in the 1.8??

@TheGrissom i think i have to agree with @mydummyname on this 1, also my table top has clouts in it which are not 100percent flush maybe 1mm or even 1/2 mm off the surface.

I will see if @Pauline has any luck in finding some for me

 

Hi @wrenchy yes, I am breeding the guppy double swords - I think there is at least one nicely pregnant one at the moment - I am watching her, although she is still a smallish fish. Might only have a few fry.
I will try and put some pics up this weekend.

Have not forgotten about the polystyrene - getting my people to contact their people, who might know people ... either way, we will hopefully have some soon will keep you updated

 

I think I will have to concede the whole polystyrene thing. In terms of insulation it makes sense. And for absorbtion of energy that is applied externally it also makes sense. I was always under the impression that it was to be used as a flat surface for the tank to be on. I know my 3ft has not got it. I also have a 1ft tank that doesnt have it. I based my judgement on those tanks.

 

@wrenchy - they are being really sticky at work - apparently anything that leaves the premises must be put up for tender for all staff first; and they do not put scrap polystyrene up for tender. Pretty pathetic. I am still waiting for another guy to respond, might be lucky. Lets hope.

 

@Pauline Thanks so Much!! really dont stress about it! im sure i can manage to get the stuff from a lfs or something. But let me know what that other guy says. Thanks again!! really really appreciate it!

 

@wrenchy - sorry I have had no joy in getting polystyrene for you.
work have become too strict, and have not found anyone else who can help.

 

@Pauline its all good thanks for the effort though, its much appreciated!!!

 

I am soooo jealous @wrenchy.... I wish I could build myself decent sized tanks. But there is one small problem and one MASSIVE problem. Small problem. Not tenough space in my townhouse Massive problem, I am useless whne it comes to being a handy-man. Seriously like in ten thumbs!

Can't wait to see the new tank though

 

hahahah Practice makes perfect if you knew how many mistakes i have made when it comes to building things it is scary!

But thanks, glass has arrived im sure i will have a tank by next week now the trick is to build the canopy!! haha

 

My filter has ARRIVED FLUVAL 405 YAAAAAY!!! hehehe will upload photo's when im back at home , probably a week or two

 

If you're still struggling to find polystyrene, just go down to your local Builders Warehouse and buy a sheet. They'll even cut it for you.

 

Thanks @Whipme Im actually collecting the tank tomoz and the peeps who built it organised it for me hehe cant wait to see how it turned out

 

UPDATE!!!!! hehehe so picked up MY tank at rainbow aquariums !!! The glass is starfire glass, also know as extra white and low iron glass used black silicone the guys really did a good job of it sooo stoked!! also unpacked the filter hehe its all coming together here some pics !!!

 

Freakin hell,that looks nice Dude.....