SMB 45g Jungle Ruins Community Tank

**showmebutterfly** · 07-24-2014, 05:13 PM

I was lucky enough to find and purchase a 29 gallon tank with a (rusty) metal stand for only $10 from Craigslist.

uploadfromtaptalk1406221913831.jpg

Luckily the tank holds water!

uploadfromtaptalk1406221941027.jpg

My plan is to set up the 29 with a jungle ruins theme using aquarium decor and plantings.

As I am also in the progress of setting up a 40 gallon breeder aquarium for cichlids, this journal will probably be slow moving.

**showmebutterfly** · 07-24-2014, 05:19 PM

The stand:

uploadfromtaptalk1406222282171.jpg

So far the stand has been cleaned, scraped and scrubbed:

uploadfromtaptalk1406222310972.jpg

And sprayed with rust sealant / primer:

uploadfromtaptalk1406222332772.jpg

**gronlaura** · 07-24-2014, 05:54 PM

Yay, a new journal. Stand is looking good! I love my dual 29s. They are a really nice size tank and a snap to maintain. After doing PWCs on my 75 gal, the 29 gal was like, "what, I'm done already?".

**showmebutterfly** · 07-24-2014, 07:52 PM

Thank you! I had a 29 setup a few years ago, but hadn't done my research so it didn't do well. I plan on making this one work.

I forgot to add in the intro that this will be used as a dual stand with the 29 on top and a 10 on the bottom shelf - probably for QT and some plants.

**Triton** · 07-24-2014, 07:55 PM

Know what is great about that stand... eventually it can fit a second 29g tank below it :)

But I'm pumped based on the scape you have in mind here

**showmebutterfly** · 07-24-2014, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Triton

Know what is great about that stand... eventually it can fit a second 29g tank below it :)

But I'm pumped based on the scape you have in mind here

Thank you! The hubs doesn't think a 29 will fit on the bottom and I am letting him think that for now. We came to an agreement that I have a 3 tank limit. But tanks come in all sizes... :-)
I am excited about this build too and appreciate all the helpful plant advice and suggestions you have given me!

**gronlaura** · 07-24-2014, 09:31 PM

A 20 long (same footprint as a 29, but shorter in height by 6") will also fit on that stand. It is also a really nice size tank to stock.

**showmebutterfly** · 07-24-2014, 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by gronlaura

A 20 long (same footprint as a 29, but shorter in height by 6") will also fit on that stand. It is also a really nice size tank to stock.

I was originally planning on buying a 20 long for the top if it turned out that the 29 was leaky. A 37 also has the same footprint, but is 22" in height, so 4" taller than a 29.

I may eventually work up to having the 29 on the bottom and a 37 on the top. Or maybe just two 29, depending on how high the one on top sits. But that will be a ways down the road for sure. At any rate it's good to have options. :-)

**sheamurai** · 07-24-2014, 11:45 PM

10 bucks, good deal!

I like the jungle ruins thought too....will be cool to see

**showmebutterfly** · 07-25-2014, 02:40 AM

Originally Posted by sheamurai

10 bucks, good deal!

I like the jungle ruins thought too....will be cool to see

I had begun the jungle ruins with my 40, but then took it all apart to turn the 40 into a cichlid tank. Starting over with the 29 with a better idea now of what I want the end product to look like. I have plans to order one or three more pieces of decor, put in dark substrate and lots of plants so they can be represent the jungle. It will mostly be modeled after the ruins at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. There are several aquarium ornaments available that are mini replicas of the ruins there. The way the trees have grown over and around the temples is fascinating and has a unique beauty and peacefulness, imo.