Window Well Aquarium

[RanDX14]

I feel like yesterday was a waste, turns out the big stump driftwood is to dense, I wasn't able to keep it from floating. To bad, because I had a scape that I really liked.
Now I'm contemplating options. Anchor it with a steel plate (sealed with epoxy) use fish line and several bigger boulders, (because of the shape I'm afraid it would still try to twist and wiggle its way to the top) or use the other root structure driftwood I have, that is less dense, I'd have to trim it I bit to get it to fit.... I guess this is a better issue to deal with than a leak.

 

[AquaBarb]

Cool project! Looking really good so far

Keep the updates coming

 

[RanDX14]

Ok, time to fill ot for hopefully the last time. I picked up 6 bigger boulders, 30lb clear fishing line. I have the back peace tied down woth 6 lines, 3 on each side and wedged in the front with a couple boulders. There's a lot of glare on this photo, but I think it'll look pretty natural once it's filled.....

Ok, enough stalling, time to get filling

 

[RanDX14]

So far so good. The main piece feels pretty solid. I am not sure how much stress is on my fish lines. Hopefully it will hold it long enough to water log the wood.
Started working on the inside trim. Things are starting to come together. I had to glue the pieces to the concrete wall so I have some bracing in place to hold everything together while it cures.
Just need to wait 7 days for the water to clear up again to get a good look at it.

 

[Tacocat]

So far so good. The main piece feels pretty solid. I am not sure how much stress is on my fish lines. Hopefully it will hold it long enough to water log the wood.
Started working on the inside trim. Things are starting to come together. I had to glue the pieces to the concrete wall so I have some bracing in place to hold everything together while it cures.
Just need to wait 7 days for the water to clear up again to get a good look at it.

Are you going to put a cover over the top of the water well where your tank is or are you going to leave it open top?

 

[RanDX14]

@Tacocat yes, I built a cover for it, trying to control the lighting and debris... and of course safety factor so animals or people don't fall in.

 

[RanDX14]

Looks like my pics didn't go through.

 

[RanDX14]

Had a little extra time this afternoon to finish up the interior trim. Water is still pretty cloudy, but its all starting to come together!!!

 

[KatieMR]

That looks so good! What a fun room! I love the lighting effects! I am definitely looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

 

[RanDX14]

I received my plants, all low light variety. I wanted to experiment with them, not sure they will do well in this cold water environment but I figured I'd give it a try... plus the koi will probably think it's a salad bar. Figure I'd test them out in my filter tank first, if they survive I can move a small clump to the tank and keep propagating more in my filter.
If this doesn't work I'll probably try some legit pond plants that I know will grow in cold water. Part of my filtration system calls for plants to help purify the water, trying to create a natural eco system.

 

[RanDX14]

....oh, and I ordered my fish today!!!! Little baby koi, (peanuts). They should arrive Thursday.

 

[RanDX14]

Starting to wrap up the outside today. In the fall I'll be able split some plants and finish the landscaping, but this will have to do for now.

 

[RanDX14]

Installed a new light fixture. Still playing with the intensity but it definately brighten it up. Still a lot of tannins in the water but I guess that's to He expected with this much wood.
Fish arrive tomorrow!!!!!

 

[Sunnyspots]

That is looking so good! Well worth the effort, I think. Do you feel so?

 

[RanDX14]

@Sunnyspots definately like how its turning out!!! I think once I get the lights dialed in it'll look amazing. The overall project really wasn't to bad, just a lot of waiting for silicon to cure and sourcing the glass took a lot more time than I anticipated.