Fluval Chi - First SW tank - Open to Ideas

[BSVKilbey]

UPDATE:

So I decided to remove the sand... It was ****

I went to my LFS and got the correct Sand and cleaned it to 1000%!

As a result, a MUCH better starting point!

Now to sort out the water flow.

 

[BSVKilbey]

UPDATE:

A package arrived!

Updated my thread on aquascaping with pictures. This should be fun!

 

[BSVKilbey]

 

[BSVKilbey]

Placed the scaping into the tank and bought myself a Jebao SW2

Only thing is, I don't like the look of the Jeboa and there is;t enough room for my idea!

Time to be imaginative

 

[BSVKilbey]

I decided the chunky Rock would look superb in a bigger tank.....

Out went all of the water and the sand!

I flipped the rock upside down and glad that was suggested!

In addition to that, I used my leftover barnacles and created a funnel for the Jebao SW2 I purchased! Works an absolute treat! On full power, it now diffuses 3 ways instead of 1!

I also added a black background and a clear sheet of perspex to cover the top completely and reduce evaporation.

 

[BSVKilbey]

UPDATE:

Not much has happened.

Light is now on and waiting game.

How long do I need to leave it like this and empty?

Also, someone mentioned trapped gasses etc. This has resolved itself naturally as the perspex has created a slight curve allowing some evaporation and gasses out.

Thanks

 

[Karen00]

I'm following. Someone is selling one of these Chi's really cheap in my area. I've been thinking of grabbing it but was debating whether the effort to convert is worth it. I found you thread looking for Chi conversion ideas. I think it looks great so far and gives me hope. How's it going? Are you still cycling?

 

[BSVKilbey]

I'm following. Someone is selling one of these Chi's really cheap in my area. I've been thinking of grabbing it but was debating whether the effort to convert is worth it. I found you thread looking for Chi conversion ideas. I think it looks great so far and gives me hope. How's it going? Are you still cycling?

Hi Karen,

perfect timing because I have something growing in it and I think it’s algae.

I really like how it looks. It’s size, shape etc. Depending on the price it still might be cheaper to buy a premise unit but this is unique to me and works in my setting.

 

[BSVKilbey]

UPDATE:
I now have what appears to be algae growing on my sand and glass.

I have not put anything in the water I got from my LFS.

Do I now need to do a water change?
Just scrape the algae off the glass and carry on?

Introduce some clean up crew?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Karen00]

Hi Karen,

perfect timing because I have something growing in it and I think it’s algae.

I really like how it looks. It’s size, shape etc. Depending on the price it still might be cheaper to buy a premise unit but this is unique to me and works in my setting.

Nice! Thanks for this. At least algae is a sign of life and usually how most tanks start. I will be keeping a keen eye on this thread! I have limited space (too many freshwater tanks that I don't want to tear down) which is what makes this tank appealing.