Habitat - Indoor :: So here's my new setup. :D

[Rubicon]

For some that may know this was my old setup:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... 620#163620

Was way to small for my guys and the fine rock could have killed them. So I went out and bought a used 55gallon tank. It's pretty rough and needs some work. I'm currently in the process of cleaning all the old calcium/mineral build up off. After that I will be removing the old silicone and redoing it. Also to keep the water level high I will be buying some acrylic from Home Depot. Cutting it and making a base to raise my Tetra Reptofilter waterfall. I also just purchased a Fluval Plus 4 internal filter for the opposite end of the tank. Also got them a new heater to keep all that water warm. Last on the list will be a new lighting setup.

So what does everyone think? What can I improve on?

Here's progress pics:

Old:



New/Used:



I know they will need a larger tank but this new tank is HUGE compared to the old one. Should do them just fine for the next few months.

[yeshuaskid]

The only thing I can see with the old tank is that the waterfall is really close to the top of the tank. If your little guys are able to climb it...they will climb out. As for the new tank. It should last you longer than the next few months. They're gonna love it! Have you checked out craigslist? I found the best way to get a larger tank is to check craigslist vigilantly every day. It took me three weeks but I found one that was 75 gallons w/stand and river rocks for $100.

[Daniel3507]

you should look into a canister filter. they are the best at keeping water clean and dont take up swimming room.

[Rubicon]

Well I filled it today after scraping the old crusty stuff off. Looks like the previous owner replaced the silicone and didn't do a good job. The whole side popped out and smashed.

Any idea what a 48" Long x 20" High x 3/8" thick piece of glass would cost?

[untsmurf]

Wow! That blows. I'm sorry to hear about it. I don't know about glass but I did a quick search and found this stuff.
http://freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/polypropylenesheetthreeeighthsinchthick.html
It says it's stronger than glass, and it's not that bad. They have the size you need and it's like $30. Might want to look into it.

[Daniel3507]

oh man thats horrible. hopefully it wasnt inside when it happened. i have no clue how much it would cost. you could try a hardware store or a window place even.

[Rubicon]

I'm sooo happy it wasn't inside!! I always fill test the tanks outside first and let them sit for an hour or so.

Here's the carnage:





Looks like I need to find a new bottom piece also.

[Rubicon]

Wow! That blows. I'm sorry to hear about it. I don't know about glass but I did a quick search and found this stuff.
http://freckleface.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/polypropylenesheetthreeeighthsinchthick.html
It says it's stronger than glass, and it's not that bad. They have the size you need and it's like $30. Might want to look into it.

I wonder how that stuff would work?

[Daniel3507]

very good idea filling it up outside. man thats worse than i thought. i wouldnt be happy with the person i bought it from

[Rubicon]

I contacted him hoping he will purchase the replacement glass. It sucks I've already bought a new filter and other stuff. Funny I was going to start removing the silicone today looks like it did part of it already for me.

[untsmurf]

You should definitely contact him. Send him the pictures of what happened. If he sold you a tank and told you it could hold water, he is responsible for the replacement.

[Rubicon]

Just sent him a PM (on another forum) with pictures. I'm guessing the silicone was failing because there was some algae stuck under neath it. He never mentioned anything about it not hold water or needing work. What really sucks is I drove an hour one way and spent $20 in gas to pickup this thing. Then it needed to be re siliconed and a cleaning badly. All I could think of is how much my little guys would have loved it. Now it needs a new pane of glass.

[Daniel3507]

well if all else fails the petco dollar a gallon sale coming up. it usually goes up to 55 gallons but there is a rumor it will go to 75 gallons. i know it will suck having to buy another tank but this is the best deal you can get.

[madmax1]

time for a NEW tank u be much better off good luck

[Chrisbarnett]

Uh, did you fill it exactly where it is in the pictures?

If you did, the bottom was unevenly supported and probably blew out the back of the tank from uneven weight distribution.