New User, new tank

[Ray]

Everyone

I am having a 225 gallon tank built and have ideas on the interior. Fresh water, cichlids - angels, discus - along with other "community" fish.

My idea is to have a cutaway mangrove root along a side of the tank, roots extending mostly downwards and bit to the sides. The tank depth is 32 inches so I will need a big one. Anyone have suggestions? Buy one? Make one?

First big tank for me even though an experienced aquarist.

Welcome experiences of others on filtration (Eheim the way to go?), lighting, type of gravel, plants - live? and other items.

Many thanks.

Ray

 

[Tony]

Welcome to the forum.

Sounds like it's going to be a great setup.

For filtration, I'm partial to sumps on large tanks. Is it drilled?

For that depth, if you decide to do live plants, you will probably need some serious lighting and/or CO2. Metal halides or T5s imo.

 

[Ray]

Tony:

Many thanks. Dealing with contractors now on the stand and about to purchase the tank itself. Glasscages - anyone deal with them before?

Ray

 

[Ray]

Not drilled.

Ray

 

[mscichlid]

Hi Ray and welcome to our forum.

Check this out if you didn't know: www.ccadoesaca.com

I have tanks from glasscages. I like them fine. I've read on the net about trouble with tanks larger than 300. But you know about the things you read on the net.
Their delivery schedule is on their website.

For wood that size, I would contact manzanita.com for branchy stuff. There is a site, of which I can't remember the name of, that sells mangrove pieces. Google for it. I'm sure, to realize your vision, screwing pieces together is a good option.

I'm partial to Eheim's and the Marineland C series filters. Quiet and effficient; a snap to maintain.

Tony's right about the MH. You could also go for catalina aquarium lighting or AH supply for T5HO for good reflectors. What are the dimensions of that tank?

For substrate, it is unlimited. There is ADA Amazonia (will cause a ammonia spike for a while) Fluval, Eco-complete and pool filter sand. There are a couple of folks on here that could guide you on the plants for a hot discus tanks.

Most folks donot put angels and discus together. Although it has been done.

This project sounds exciting. Keep us posted. We like pictures.