Classic 2ft Aquascape: Wonder

[jiajuen900]

Having been in this hobby for quite some time, I had multiple tanks here and there, mostly impulse buys randomly thrown together with whatever i had lying around...
But I never really went all out to properly plan and set up an aquarium so this shall be my first. (What i mean is like getting proper filtration, lightings and equipment)

May it be poison for those who have yet to go all out on a single set up

I've also never done a complete journal for any of my tanks, so this shall also be a first. I will do everything in my power lest i get too lazy to document this tank from start to finish So i hope you enjoy

The tank will be a 2ft by 1.5ft by 1.5ft. (My largest tank so far)

Will be trying many new things that i have never attempted before on this tank, hence the name: Wonder

Planning for the tank began a few months ago. This is what i have so far.

[IMG][/IMG]


More to come soon.
I wonder how it will turn out....

Anyone care to guess how many items are in that pile?

[AQMS]

How many litres is the co2 cylinder? It look very small judging from the pic.

Anyone care to guess how many items are in that pile?

48?

[jiajuen900]

Actually I'm not too sure what size the cylinder is
It was an impulse buy a few years back.
image.jpg
Next to a 1.5L green tea bottle.

im guessing it's a 2L tank.

[jiajuen900]

Currently having my tank and cabinet made with Roger @ Fishybusiness

[IMG][/IMG]

This is my rough sketch

I'm having a large cut out (50cm x 40cm) made at the back so that i have the option of placing my chiller in the cabinet (Despite many advising against this, i still want to keep the option open)
I will be using a Hailea HS28A which has its exhaust at the back so the cut out will definately help air circulation.

You can see that i am also planning for the position of my side hanging bar.

[Shadow]

You need opening at the front as well otherwise the hot air will just circulate inside the cabinet

[Donut the Donkey]

So much poison.. on another note, I think this is the most exciting part of the hobby; having all the equipment ready and having not the slightest idea how hardscaping is going to go (or anticipating the new challenges, as you put it, "never attempted before"). Good luck! Looking forward to updates.

[Phillipians]

Yep. Agree with shadow. You can design some slits/vents in the front to make it still look presentable. Also, its is best for you also to think of having a fan inside. Helps with circulation. The next cabinet/tank i make, i will also include the option to have chiller inside.

[jiajuen900]

You need opening at the front as well otherwise the hot air will just circulate inside the cabinet

I see. But it's a little too late to add the slits now. But i will take note of this for future projects

Yep. Agree with shadow. You can design some slits/vents in the front to make it still look presentable. Also, its is best for you also to think of having a fan inside. Helps with circulation. The next cabinet/tank i make, i will also include the option to have chiller inside.

If I do add the chiller inside i will probably be adding a set of fans. Haven't given much thought on that yet though.

[jiajuen900]

So much poison.. on another note, I think this is the most exciting part of the hobby; having all the equipment ready and having not the slightest idea how hardscaping is going to go (or anticipating the new challenges, as you put it, "never attempted before"). Good luck! Looking forward to updates.

Yeah. The anticipation is just building up haha. Itching to start.

[Shadow]

I see. But it's a little too late to add the slits now. But i will take note of this for future projects

You can either put the cabinet further away from the wall or just open the cabinet if too hot

[jiajuen900]

Yeah. The cabinet will be quite a distance from the wall. About 20cm?

[Urban Aquaria]

I see. But it's a little too late to add the slits now. But i will take note of this for future projects

Its not too late for that, you can just inform the cabinet maker and they will be able to cut the necessary slots on the cabinet door for you at minimal cost.

Even if the cabinet is already made, you can also detach the door (simply unscrew and unhook the door hinges) and pass it to the cabinet maker for a day or two to cut the slots.

[jiajuen900]

Happy New Year Pull your ear!! Hope everyone has a wonderful 2015 ahead!!!

To start the year, here is a picture of sunny Tasmania!
[IMG][/IMG]

Here is another picture from Australia, Tasmania where I spent 12 days before christmas!
[IMG][/IMG]

Unfortunately, my tank does not look anything as amazing as that yet

Now for some updates. Having been on vacation and with christmas and all, i have made little progress on the tank....

The cabinet and tank have arrived and are looking awesome!
[IMG][/IMG]

All the equipment have been gathered and are sitting in my living room just waiting for me to get started on.. Ohh my itchy fingers
[IMG][/IMG]

Soon I will be doing mock ups for the scape. So sit tight and get your comments ready!

[Phillipians]

Wow, that is quite a heck of hardscape for a 2ft tank but, well, its always better to have more than to find yourself wondering where to get that final piece....hahaha.

Enjoy your new year planning for the scape!

[hann]

Good luck to you bro. Should keep you busy for days. Great stock for your new setup. Think you might have to leave your chiller outside the cabinet.

[het]

Nice thing going there. I too get all my stuffz from FB (about 5mths back). Good luck and have fun =)

[mUAr_cHEe]

Seems like you have a good start. I will be camping here. Cool stuff you got there.

Take note that you have to be careful about ventilation for your chiller, I am assuming that you are leaving it in your cabinet since the picture is taken that way?

[WiNd08]

I think as stated in his first few post, the back of the cabinet is actually open? Maybe it's the opening is low and we can't see it from the picture.

[mUAr_cHEe]

I think as stated in his first few post, the back of the cabinet is actually open? Maybe it's the opening is low and we can't see it from the picture.

I think you are right. I wonder if an intake vent is required for better circulation.

[jiajuen900]

Wow, that is quite a heck of hardscape for a 2ft tank but, well, its always better to have more than to find yourself wondering where to get that final piece....hahaha.

Enjoy your new year planning for the scape!

Haha, yup. It is definitely a lot of hardscape but I wanted more room to play with it.
Thanks!

Good luck to you bro. Should keep you busy for days. Great stock for your new setup. Think you might have to leave your chiller outside the cabinet.

Thanks bro! It will probably keep me busy for the next few weeks at the rate i am going

Nice thing going there. I too get all my stuffz from FB (about 5mths back). Good luck and have fun =)

Thanks!

Seems like you have a good start. I will be camping here. Cool stuff you got there.

Take note that you have to be careful about ventilation for your chiller, I am assuming that you are leaving it in your cabinet since the picture is taken that way?

[IMG][/IMG]

There is a large cut out at the back of the cabinet and the exhaust is right against the cut out so heat should be removed quite easily.
[IMG][/IMG]

Distance from the exhaust to the wall is also quite large.

The only problem I am still trying to work around is that the air intake of the chiller is very close to the front of the cabinet as some of you mentioned before. Might try to solve it using some fans.

@MuarChee, Is your chiller still being placed in your cabinet?

I think as stated in his first few post, the back of the cabinet is actually open? Maybe it's the opening is low and we can't see it from the picture.

Yup!! I just posted the picture above.

I think you are right. I wonder if an intake vent is required for better circulation.

Yeah. That is the next problem i am trying to deal with and i don't really want to make vents in the cabinet door. Find it quite unsightly. So might have to work with fans as you had done with your tank.