My New Tank

[Spurry]

Wow just found this thread, it's coming on very nicely keep us posted

 

[KkAaNnEe]

Looking great Tom!

I like the two islands alot, my sort of scape

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Thank you, that was really what I tried to do
The bigger wood is in a little awkward position tough, I might change it.

Tomorrow I will be finishing my hood and adding my background. Do you guys think I should paint it or just add a normal background?

 

[delta]

Just catching up. Looking good there.

All I can suggest re the wood is to keep moving it until something strikes the right chord with you. Regarding background I do think plain black looks good with sand but that's just my opinion. How heavily planted are you intending going?

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Well planted, but not a lot. Maybe 20 plants.

Right now, I am trying to get the tannis out of the wood. Any tips on how to do that?

 

[delta]

No quick fixes that I know of I'm afraid, I had 1 piece that stopped leeching after about a week and a couple of pieces of mopani that seemed like they'd never stop no matter how long I soaked them, in the end I bit the bullet and placed them in to a tank and they seem to have been okay since. I do have a large piece on standby for the new tank when it comes and I have no idea yet as to how long that's going to take. I think its either a case of living with the tannins until they stop leeching naturally or trying something like purigen in the filter.

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Well, thanks, I guess I'll just have to try it then...
I heard that carbon can remove the tannis, is this true?

 

[delta]

I imagine carbon should help, is the wood leeching badly or just enough to be annoying?

 

[Spurry]

Well planted, but not a lot. Maybe 20 plants.

Right now, I am trying to get the tannis out of the wood. Any tips on how to do that?

Mine still leach in the water but I like it since when was river water sparkling clear lol, regular water changes will keep it down

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Thanks, the wood is just leaching enough to annoy me... But I did a 100% water change, added some fishfood and stress coat, then installed my lid.
Here is what it looks like now:

Awesome, right?

 

[delta]

That sand looks really nice, what type is it?

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

It's 0.33mm grain size "Radasand". I got 2 bags (50kg) at my LFS for £30.
A bit expensive, but looks sweet.

 

[JDs4me]

You sure you want that chunk of wood in there? I will happily dispose of it for you! Its looking good there Tom

I was a bit worried about my two bits of mopani and there tannin release, but actually like the tint it gives the water and as Spurry says your water changes will keep it under control. After checking out one of Minnnt's amazing tanks however, I stopped worrying! Hope its OK to post a link to someone else's tanks...just in case you haven't seen it:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/382249-show-off-your-tank/page__view__findpost__p__3315299

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

On Friday I got my master test kit so here is an update!

My water stats currently:
PH: 7.6
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrate: 0
Nitrite: 0

Also, I my friend offered me some filter media and a 400L/H filter. He said I could keep it.
If I put that filter in my tank, would I be able to get some fishes?

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Any help please?

Can I put an already established filter in my tank and skip the cycle?