[MD Fish Tank Lighting Choices]

I am thinking of an African River tank similar to what MD did, some reds and hair grasses etc, mostly medium-easy plants in 2/3rds of the tank though. I don't mind putting some CO2 on in place of having the best light, but overall I want to spend a lot more on plants/fish/hardscape and spending $250 for a 6 foot light doesn't seem appealing. This is going to be a standard 125 gallon or possibly a 100 gallon acrylic, trying to keep it to a 21" depth but might end up being 24". Would love to keep lighting at $100<

[MD Fish Tank Lighting Choices]

Hello All, 

 

I have some plants doing well right now such as sword & dragon lilys with regular lights. But I have noticed that MD and other people love to use cheap option from places like Lowes or Amazon that are just standard 6500 Kelvin lights for $15-20 rather than something that has blue & red. I do have a nice light for my reef tank, however would using only white lower plant growth? How does he also manage to get items like hair grass to grow with no Co2 and such a low tech light? His plants are doing well enough to grow, propagate and even sell, but I thought plants were similar to coral in that they need color diversity to grow wide (blue) or tall (red). 

[Used Tank Advice]

Is the consensus just to buy used regardless if it looks like a great fairly new set-up for half price? Most people seem to say save money on the tank and spend more on equipment? I am assuming 90% of used tanks out there aren't low iron glass though, but rather are aqueon/top fin glass. 

[Used Tank Advice]

On 7/21/2022 at 11:22 PM, Brandon p said:

Check to see if the glass is etched. We’re it can be cleaned. I use lots used tanks mostly for breeding. Just be careful even if you don’t want his stuff for the acrylic he my not want it and say you have to take it. Do you have pics of the glass tank.  Etching is common at water levels. Is there a reason it’s 3/4 like a leak. The silicon is not a big deal but people often hide or just don’t notice a small leak in the glass especially if the back is painted. I can show you some tanks that are etched. They looked like they could be cleaned. Just be careful. I would never own another acrylic tank. Personally but as a show piece new they are great. If you have had them before that’s different. One of the major petstores had there 125 with stand for 500 new.  If you get the glass I would re-silicone it anyway.

Yeah, I was wondering on buffing the Acrlyic, I know glass probably has minor scratches that cant be buffed. I have had that happen with a used tank I bought before. luckily not very noticeable if not up close staring at it.

 

I did see the Petsmart 125, which is what the used one is (1 year old), I could build a better stand too which would be nice. But the non-low iron glass of petsmart I am questioning, because my current 55 is low iron Visio glass and I don't want to sell it to replace with a low quality glass. It has kind of spoiled me..... especially if I only upgrade to a 75.

[Cheap Hardscape???]

Thank you all, I have a family member who lives on a beach where it is legal to take driftwood. I was honestly just thinking of collecting a lot, treating it to be freshwater safe, and selling the extra online to fund buying spider pieces of wood which seem harder to find. It just seemed shocking how expensive these items are.

 

I was also thinking of using Prime Time Aquatics recommendation of landscaping stores and buying river rock, or another type he suggested. Just making sure there are no shiny pieces or chalk/soft pieces. 20-40 cents a pound seems great. 

[Cheap Hardscape???]

One thing I am curious about watching Youtubers "price" out their new builds; other than the DIY stand, they always seem to save $$$ on hardscape. I live in California and have access to driftwood. But how do people find all these extremely cheap rock/wood/driftwood options. I have seen complex test to determine if a rock is safe, but is there any easier way (such as an existing local river)? 

 

Wanting to build out a 125 and looking to save money. Already trying to make a base 2x4 gorgeous stand with cherry wood facade screwed over it, but would love to save some money on hardscaping. 

[Used Tank Advice]

Both tanks have been stored inside and are filled. I would never buy a tank not set-up or too old. 

[Used Tank Advice]

On 7/20/2022 at 7:06 PM, Ken Burke said:

I would want to see them leak checked.  3/4 full could just be whatever, or a leak near the top.

 

im guessing the acrylic can scratch easily, at least compared to glass. I’d inspect for deep scratches.  Do you know how to buff out an acrylic tank?  

No I do not know how to buff acrylic but I am sure I can figure it out. Deep scratches I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between that and surface. 

[Used Tank Advice]

Hello All,

 

I am looking to build out a new (used) 125 gallon African river aquarium and get rid of my 1 year old 55. Been in the hobby for a 10 years but never big tanks; so I was always comfortable buying petsmart for tiny tanks or spending the extra for a brand new 40-55 from Visio or Cobalt.

 

Any advice on what to avoid or look for in these two local options:

(1) Acrylic with solid wood stand (a must so I can sand and paint it white). Owner said it could use very minor buffing, the tank is 7 years old. He is asking $650 which seems high for a used 125 (albeit I don't want his substrate/equipment so maybe $500 if I am lucky). 5x2x2. Currently full of water & stock

 

(2) standard 125 glass with solid wood stand (albeit I have to replace the cabinet doors because its a horrible style). Unknown tank age, seems dirty in the photos but looks like maybe just grime at where the water level fluctuates, currently is 3/4 full of water. Asking $450, probably will come down to $350.

 

Thank you