New Year Projects

Discuss specific plants, general plant care, help setting up a plant tank, rare plants, and general help
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SCMurphy
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Real Name: Sean
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Post by SCMurphy »

My first New Years Project is to get crypts that I don't have yet. That's also number 2 and 3. <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley36.gif" border="0">

I picked up a couple of 10's from a reefer who is moving, and I've collected a rock pile to do some 'scaping. My wife looked at the pile and just laughed at me, she was gone while I collected it. <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley9.gif" border="0">    

<img border="0" src="smileys/232.gif" border="0"> Contests here I come.       <img border="0" src="smileys/winner.gif" border="0">    
"したくさ" Sean

Aquascape? I'm a crypt farmer.

If you've got bait, I've got wasabi!

I wish I could be like Mr. Sarcastic when I grow up! ;)
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Jamie G
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Post by Jamie G »

Ive got a 72g to get started on, but not sure what or how, thats why I an coming to visit GWAPA.
Jonathan Kalmes
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Post by Jonathan Kalmes »

Ghazanfar, I am indeed back, and will probably have to run some plants over to you from my collecting trip. Not sure I have room to keep them all till the auction.

As for the "plant-farm" setup, I've got most of the concept worked out, just have to figure out some details before I start drilling tanks. I happened to drive past Harbour Frieght on the way home from Florida and picked up a very reasonably priced CO2 and regulator, as well as a few other odds and ends, including something that "might" work as a decent needle valve. So, that's one more piece almost ready.

I think the 110 is already spoken for... I'm just trying to find a 120 tank and stand for under $500 so I can get started on that project (and waiting on an order from Big Al's before doing some major tank cleaning).
--Jonathan (aka smthng)

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe...
Rick Dotson
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Location: United States

Post by Rick Dotson »

I have all the parts to set up a small system of maybe 10 tanks and a sump. I just need to drill the tanks and build the stands. Somehow I have not been motivated enough to get started. I did add two 55 gallon tanks to store waterchange water, along with a pump and a remote on/off switch. This makes refilling tanks aftera water change a lot easier than the calibrated hand temperature hot water controller. I made some progress, maybe I'll drill the tanks this month?

anybody have any good stand designs?

Rick
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Jamie G
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Post by Jamie G »

How much was that regulator for from harbor freight? I got one for a gift from the holidays off EBAY for 90 regulator and bubble counter, hopefully it will do the trick .
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Archie
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Post by Archie »

I think stand designs vary upon who you talk to. being an informed newbie i can only suggest a few "pre-thoughts" when making your plans:
1. aesthetics- something to think about because you might want to make it something nice or you might just use scrap.
2. ease of movement-measure every doorframe you will move the stand thru. i learned this the hard way. <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley7.gif" border="0">
3. either build for one size tank or for 4' striplight
4. tank placement- end to end or side by side...this will affect pics or observing and will probably depend on what you are doing with the tanks
5. height- it sucks having to climb a ladder with a bucket; also it sucks if your arms are to big to fit into the tank
6. i wish i would have built powerstrips/surge protectors on my stands. it's much easier when they're not loaded with tanks <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">
just my 2cents
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RTRJR
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Location: MD exurbs

Post by RTRJR »

Ha! My DIY stands are the ultimate in simplicity and crudeness - concrete block and 2x4/4x4/4x6s. They are simplicity and strength only. All are constructed in place without possiblity of moving. Aesthetics are not on the list at all.

I second Achie's #6 comment on plug strips - advance thought pays off, but I've still had to add power in response to changes. The tiny tank room has either two or three circuits on its own, all GFI. It is embarrassing how many electric devices there are in there, but per my electrician, I'm still within margins comfortably.

Re Archie's #5, I do use a Kikstep to work on the top tier tanks, and to sit on when working on the bottom tier. Working access to tanks is more important to me than having me feet on the floor. Some earlier rackwork left inadequate working space which was a PITA.
Jonathan Kalmes
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Post by Jonathan Kalmes »

Hoagart, I just made a post about some of the Harbor Freight stuff in the Equiment forum. We can discuss it there in an attempt not to sidetrack this thread. <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">
--Jonathan (aka smthng)

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe...
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