Large tank set up (Franks way)

Author: Frank

If you are considering the possibility of building a large tank set up, some of what is to follow might be of use, so please enjoy, laugh at my methods or just completely ignore everything, either way I got a kick out of building it.
While not a HUGE tank, a 7 footer is still quite a substantial piece of furniture. The things I have learnt in constructing it have helped me to better understand some of the more basic principals of fishkeeping.
While maybe not always the correct or only ways much of what I have done could be employed in larger or smaller systems as the basic single objective is the same, ie life support for your fish.
At this point I would like to mention that I am not one for using brand names unless something has proven to be either incredibly bad or exceptionally good. Most equipment on the market today is of a reasonably good quality, and besides, much of what I do to it in the form of modifications renders any warranties void.
The tank itself measures 7 feet by 20" by 20" and is constructed from heavily braced 10mm glass.
I run 2 external canister filters each shifting around 800 lph.
Lighting is provided by eight 3ft flourescent tubes enclosed in a purpose built forced air cooled cover with 4 opening lids.
Water heating in the tank is provided by 2 electric units with remote thermostats and controls. The heaters are mounted outside the tank, (one of my most successful ideas).
A single large filter and single heater would have been sufficient but I am a firm believer in back up.
The whole set up sits on a custom built timber and corrigated iron stand, I just like the rustic look.
The tank backing is a dark blue velvet (used because of it's non reflective properties).
Inside I have used fine gravel and a large quantity of Waimakariri river stones, all hand scrubbed then glued together, no plants.
All the residents of the tank are healthy and happy and are growing rapidly, maybe I have done something right.
Following is a shot of the tank and some photos of some of the residents.

Hope you like what you see. I will explain some of the gear in articles to come. I take a lot of pleasure from watching my tank and observing the fish, but the longer I look at it, the smaller it becomes.
Solution: Build a bigger tank.

Stay tuned for the next instalment
# 2 The pros and cons of a big tank.
#3 Make a plan.
Back soon.