150g Mbuna - Build Thread

[M. Boona]

Just joined the forums, figured we'd share our build thread from another forum in case anyone's interested in following.


My boyfriend and I finally got our first large tank!http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif We've been planning on combining our two 75g mbuna setups into one large tank for a while now, but this day has finally come for us!

We listed a WTB ad on Craigslist and we found a 150g tank with 2 canister filters for $200. The people we bought the tank from were even nice enough to deliver it! We wanted to make our own stand for the new 150g tank as well.

Here's a list of our two 75g tanks that we'll be combining into the 150g:

First 75g - Mbuna around 3-4 inches in size
3 Iodotropheus sprengerae - Rusties
8 Labidochromis sp. Mbamba - Yellow Top Mbamba
8 Labidochromis sp. Hongi - Hongi
8 Metriaclima greshakei - Greshakei
8 Metriaclima zebra OB - OB Zebra
Bottom Feeders
2 BN Plecos
4 Pictus catfish

Second 75g - Mbuna around 4-5 inches in size
7 Labidochromis caeruleus - Yellow Labs
7 Metriaclima callainos - Cobalt Zebra
7 Metriaclima estherae - Red Zebra
6 Metriaclima greshakei - Albino Greshakei
Bottom Feeders
2 Common Plecos
4 Pictus catfish
3 Bala Sharks

We'll also be removing our 2 Synodontis eupterus from our grow out tank and adding them to the 150g.

[M. Boona]

Below are some pictures from our first day of building the stand. We actually had to stop because we ran out of wood!

Here's the tank.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3426.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3427.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3428.jpg

Two canisters and a piece of driftwood.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3429.jpg

[M. Boona]

Tools and supplies...
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3424.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3425.jpg

More wood and egg crate.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3430.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3431.jpg

[M. Boona]

Base of stand.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3433.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3434.jpg

Side supports.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3436.jpg

Top of stand frame in place, time for a drink.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3437.jpg

[M. Boona]

Added additional 2x4s for support and then finished the stand with side trim.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3467.jpg

Stand trim extends to cover the tank trim.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3463.jpg

Front will be attached with velco for easy access to storage.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3468.jpg

Frist coat of stain on side of stand.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3470.jpg

[M. Boona]

Stained front panel.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3471.jpg

The canopy.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3477.jpg

Rear of the canopy. The holes are for power cords and canister tubes. The rectangular cut-out is for an Aquaclear 110. We plan on using two canister filters as well as one "hang on back" filter for filtration.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3476.jpg

This is the first canopy we've built. Since we bought thin plywood we had to attach the hinge to the top of the canopy. The sides of the plywood we're using for the canopy top are also a little warped (thanks Home Depot!) so we will probably add a couple strips of velcro to both corners to keep it down for now. We've gone this far and just want to complete the tank at this point, we can always make another canopy later.

[M. Boona]

These are pictures from after we had applied the second coat of stain. The color looks a lot better now, IMHO.

Back of the stand with the front panel laying across it.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3483.jpg

Side of the stand.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3484.jpg

Canopy
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3482.jpg

[M. Boona]

It ended up taking three of us to move the tank - it was too heavy and awkward for just two people to move so my boyfriend's father helped us. I'd guess it weighed somewhere between two and three hundred pounds but was just plain difficult to grip!

We ended up putting the tank in the back of an SUV and driving it down the hill around the side of the house and carrying it in through the sliding glass door in the picture. The ground was frozen in some spots and probably too slippery for three people to carry the tank down the hill around the side of the house safely and going through the house was not an option since the tank wouldn't have made it through some narrow turns and down the stairs without wreaking havoc on the walls! http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/images/smilies/nilly.gif

The tank was still heavy and awkward to move but the truck made it much easier!

In front of the 75g who's spot it will be taking... look out!
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3479.jpg

[M. Boona]

Stand and canopy were now dry so we brought them inside. We were going to setup the tank today but we noticed the silicone was peeling a little. We decided that even though it's not leaking right now, it would be better to reseal the tank while it was still empty.

Silicone peeling slightly at the edges:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3485.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3487.jpg

Items used. The awl was to poke open a previously sealed tube of silicone.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3488.jpg

The previous silicone came off very qucikly and easily.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3489.jpg

[M. Boona]

The tank is an "All Glass Aquarium" which was assembled in July of 1992. I'm not certain how long their silicone seal is supposed to last, so it was probably a good idea to reseal it while we had the opportunity.

"Built on" tag.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3494.jpg

Cleaned off the edges with rubbing alcohol before resealing.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3493.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3495.jpg

[M. Boona]

Silicone applied.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3498.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3500.jpg

So now we wait 48 hours for the silicone to dry. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif Then we cross our fingers, fill it up and hope it doesn't leak! http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/images/smilies/nilly.gif

[Zippo]

Gonna be a nice tank from the looks of it. Best to reseal any used tank IMO, you never know what you're getting. Good luck.

[fischfan13]

Absolutely GREAT POST!:beerchug:

[EMTBMIKE]

Looks like the set up is really coming along. It was a smart idea to reseal the tank prior to setting it up. It is a hassle trying to relocate all of the fish to empty the tank. I have one question though. How come you did not build doors for the front instead of velcro?

[M. Boona]

I have one question though. How come you did not build doors for the front instead of velcro?

We have four different 75g tanks at the moment as well as other smaller fry and plant tanks, so we keep all of our tank maintenance items in a seperate area. Aside from cleaning the canister filters under this tank we really shouldn't need to access this space too often so velcro seemed like a simple solution that would give us easy access and was still quick and easy for us to put together.

The stand does create a nice storage area and, believe it or not, the front panel isn't heavy enough where it's difficult to move - it's a little awkward in size but it is easy enough to take off and put back on. I think the inside of this stand could very well work as a permanent storage space for us in the future if we needed to store anything else down there.

[YoungAquaticPhotos]

Nice post! Great step by step pics!

[Artie]

I really enjoyed the step by step photos. Looking forward to seeing it set up. I wish my house was built this good !!!!!!!!!!!:smilewinkgrin: Enjoy !!!!!!

[themadhap]

Wow i love the velcro idea thanks alot im goin to use velcro in one of my projects thanks and keep us posted GL

[M. Boona]

Thanks for the compliments so far. :)

We just filled up the tank and no leaks so far! We're going to let it sit overnight to make sure.

Quick question though... Our 150g is one of the older style AGA tanks without center braces. After we filled the tank we measured the corners and the middle. The corners are 19" and the center is 19 1/4" - so the tank is bowing out 1/4" in the middle. I'm almost positive all tanks do bow slightly when filled, I'm just checking to make sure it's not excessive. My gut feeling tells me it's fine but I'd rather check and make sure before going further. Any input is appreciated.

Also, I want to add that the tank was built in 1992 and the people we bought the tank from seemed to have it set up for a while. If the tank has been fine for all those years is this something we should worry ourselves over?

[joe_jaskot]

All tanks bow out after a while. My oldest tank is a 29 gallon from the 70's. It is bowed out more than a half inch. I don't lose sleep over it. Then again it is only 29 gallons of water. I have a 36 gallon bow front tank. Every time I change water in it, the tank makes a funny noise. Scares the $hit out of me every time.

[cory1]

Really enjoyed your tank journey to this stage...hope you intend to keep us all posted on how it goes:thumb3d:

[M. Boona]

Filled tank yesterday, pictures with fish to come soon! :jump:

Can you spot our two helpers?
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3552.jpg

Egg crate and pieces of milk crate:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3556.jpg

Started decorating and filling:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3558.jpg

[M. Boona]

Tank filled, still cloudy:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3570.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3571.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3559.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3561.jpg

[fischfan13]

Wow, excellent work!

[M. Boona]

Thanks Bill!

Sorry about the lack of updates, but the tank is finished! :partay:

With the lights on, so you can see the stand and canopy:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3634.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3637.jpg

Under the tank if anyone's interested in seeing:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3601.jpg

[M. Boona]

Pictures with fish:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3590.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3583.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3631.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3632.jpg

[M. Boona]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3633.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3619.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3626.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3597.jpg

[M. Boona]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3608.jpg

Synodontis on driftwood:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3610.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3595.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3596.jpg

[M. Boona]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h67/VTEC_THIS/Fish/IMG_3585.jpg

Sorry we've been late with the updates. After setting up the new tank we had to move two 75g tanks, take down a 20g and re-setup the 75g's. :sigh:

We used 1/4" plywood for the sides and top of the canopy which seems to be too thin. The top of the canopy is actually warped so we might have to redo the canopy some time in the future, but for now it's nice to be able to sit down, relax and enjoy our new tank. :)

BTW, I did the best I could with the camera - I'm not great with aquatic photography!

[fischfan13]

Absolutely GREAT job on the tank...and the pictures are really nice as well.
:woot::thumb3d::woot:

[AlishanAS]

Nice tank.

I see you have other than African mbuna in the mix - Synodontis eupterus, RT shark and a Jack Dempsey. But what is the fish swimming on the lower right(striped tail) in the last photo. It looks like a catfish of some sort. Possibly a pimelodid?

[eggzackary]

Very nicely done! I really like that big piece of driftwood you are using.