PEMs Freshwater Planted 65G build

[PEMfish]

Stand is actually almost done. Just need to glue on some trim and back panel of one of the doors then hinge them on. Of course there the electrical panel and finishes but the building of it is getting close.

[PEMfish]

Lest try the pics again;

Edit: cool it worked this time.

pic;
1. you can see the left side of the stand. There is a gap at the bottom where trim will go and matching trim will go at the top hide the tank frame and plywood. The 4x4s will be veneered.

2. you are looking at the inside left. You can see the shelf mt canister filter will sit on. Between the 2x2s there is a 7.5" wide space witch the electrical panel will go in.

3. The inside right has a small shelf and 5 screws for hanging rags and nets.

[PEMfish]

CO2 system;

I will be getting a 5lb tank, just gotta get out there to do that. I don't need it yet but will be getting it before I do.

[Luukosian]

I like the bubble counter, looks pretty solid. The one I have is kind of cheapo. Wheres the solenoid? Looks like that chrome part before the needle valve but I dont see a cord.

[PEMfish]

Yeah, its between the regulator and the bubble counter ( witch has a needle valve in the bottom ). The cord is black so it is hard to see. It comes up off the chrome part and goes behind the gauge. You can see the rest of it coiled up under the regulator and in the bag.

[BigAl07]

Wow! GREAT update buddy!! That stand looks SWEET!! It looks/sounds like you've planned this out very well. KUDOS to you

[PEMfish]

Thank you, this system was months in the planning.

[Stacef]

Originally Posted by PEMfish

Thank you, this system was months in the planning.

It definately shows it! I can't wait to see it all coming together

[PEMfish]

Thanks.
How do think I feel?... I cant wait!!!

[BigAl07]

Paul when do we start "Counting bubbles"?

Like do you install the CO2 from the get-go or is that something you add later as the system matures and there is a greater NEED for it?

This CO2 system is GREEK to me.

[PEMfish]

Good question!
I will start it up right away for two reasons;
-The tank will be stable before life enters
-I have a PH controller

[Luukosian]

Yeah, if you heavily stock plants from the beggining they pretty much just start growing right away(and using co2). Not like a coral where you sometimes wait a month before it even starts to grow! As far as the ph controller I generally try to set my co2 so the solonoid is always open and co2 is flowing at a medium rate as not to have the solenoid oscillating. My solenoid hardly ever closes. Some people turn the co2 way up and depend on the solenoid/controller then wonder why everythings dead when the solenoid sticks open(which mine has been doing recently for some reason) or the controller gives bad readings.

Can't wait to see the tank all set up!

[PEMfish]

Originally Posted by Luukosian

Yeah, if you heavily stock plants from the beggining they pretty much just start growing right away(and using co2). Not like a coral where you sometimes wait a month before it even starts to grow! As far as the ph controller I generally try to set my co2 so the solonoid is always open and co2 is flowing at a medium rate as not to have the solenoid oscillating. My solenoid hardly ever closes. Some people turn the co2 way up and depend on the solenoid/controller then wonder why everythings dead when the solenoid sticks open(which mine has been doing recently for some reason) or the controller gives bad readings.

Can't wait to see the tank all set up!

Yeah, you only want enough flowing to not ever drop the tank concentrate.

[yungreefer2410]

so plants can go in the from the very start correct?

[Luukosian]

Some people cycle before they put in plants but most like to fully stock it with plants during the cycle. Ussually with fast growing stem plants first. With heavy stocking of plants your less likely to have any algae. Bio filters are almost useless in a planted tank in my opinion but can be a good backup to have just in case.