Leaveittoweaver's 55 Gallon Planted Freshwater

[leaveittoweaver]

Today I scored a 55 gallon tank, nothing included, no hood or stand, for $20.00!
I plan to do a planted moderate light tank. I'm thinking of using Fluorite or Eco Complete for this tank, what do you guys think?

I'm also wondering, what should I do to make sure this tank is safe and water tight? I have an apartment and I wouldn't want the tank to break and empty all over. It looks in great condition and doesn't have any cracks.

And here's the tank!

[FishyFingers]

Visual inspection of the silicon and glass, then leak test it by applying small quantities of water at a time and checking for leaks. only way to be sure.

[bignellm]

Place in Bathtub if big enough tub, fill partially and look for leaks.

Great score for $20. Nice job!

I like flourite and vote black flourite.

[leaveittoweaver]

Place in Bathtub if big enough tub, fill partially and look for leaks.

Great score for $20. Nice job!

I like flourite and vote black flourite.

I like the black flourite too!

Petsmart has a sale on stands right now but $140 still sounds like a lot :P I think I'm going to keep looking on craigslist which will give me more tie to plan the tank.

Anyone have good ideas on a hood or lighting for this tank for moderate level plants?

I heard those Deep Blue Solar Xtremes are good, but I don't know.

Thanks guys for the help, if it doesn't fit in the bath tub I'll just add water like suggested :)

[bignellm]

Hood? Versa Top Glass tops. Just measure the openings and then buy the one that fits. Make sure to measure over the lip for a proper fit. Very clean look IMO.

Lighting, low light maybe? A single bulb Hagen T5HO should be ok, I think. One that runs the whole length of the tank.

[leaveittoweaver]

Hood? Versa Top Glass tops. Just measure the openings and then buy the one that fits. Make sure to measure over the lip for a proper fit. Very clean look IMO.

Lighting, low light maybe? A single bulb Hagen T5HO should be ok, I think. One that runs the whole length of the tank.

I do like the look of the versa tops but what kind of fixture would I buy for the light? I'd like low/moderate light if I choose to plant it, which if I get Cichlids I probably won't plant since my understanding is they will tear your plants up :(

[bignellm]

Then a simple pair of T8's would be perfectly fine. Not as sleek as the Glo, but less penetration from light and would be less likely to start an algae growth spree.

Or if liking the look of sleekness and price splurging isn't out of the question, then Marineland LED fixture, for the legth.

Edit, LOL. Missed the part where I didn't suggest the fixture for the light. Hagen Glo fixture. Single bulb fixture. http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-Lighting.../dp/B005BU8A4C
^^^^^ they come in double and single fixtures and the single ones would be a little less, than this one in cost.

[enzof9]

Nice tank, good call on checking the integrity of the seal before setting it up. I can't wait until this becomes a journal!

[ldoerr]

I have aquariumplants.com sbs substrate. I LOVE it!!!!!!! It looks REALLY nice. My corries LOVE it. It is great at growing plants.