220 Softy Grow Out

[SeaworthyAquatics]

Been a while since I've had a real softy tank, but excited to get this one going.

96"x30"x18" perimeter braced Planet Aquarium gets here next week and the other parts have started coming in so lets get started.

Nice 60" 90 gallon glass sump. This thing is bigger than most of my tanks!

First things first, going to remove the filter socks and put in some media baskets. Since there won't be a lot of rockwork in the display I'll need to maximize the bacteria elsewhere, so I'll fill these with 25mm Siporax sintered glass media and cover with a grate to lay floss on top, but that'll come later.

Up next, media racks and mushroom boxes for the display.

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

Here's what I'll be using to build baskets for everything, a bunch of 1/2" pvc and some aquatic plant baskets that I'll fill with crushed coral.

Lets get assembling!

Probably go with some taller legs, these are 6" and I'll switch them out for 8", to make sure the fish can swim underneath easily, but not a bad start. I'll end up making at least 9 of these and zip tying them together in sets of 3 for easy removal and cleaning when need be. Once everything is built, I'll fill the pvc with sand to make them heavy enough to sink then I'll cap and seal everything. Now I just need to cut 184 more pieces of pvc... this might take a bit.

Guess it's about time to start cleaning out the old quarantine room where this will be going instead.

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

Now we're getting somewhere.

Just a few more days for the tank!

 

[Aquadude1]

Following

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

Following

Thanks for following along! I've been super busy last few days, but I plan to try and update every day. Speaking of...

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

The tank is here and it fits like a dream!

96.5"x30.5"x18.5", roughly 235 gallons.

 

[Aquadude1]

That front to back space will be awesome!

 

[strich]

You sir, have a lot of tanks. Does this tank have commercial aspirations to sell softies with, or just for you?

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

You sir, have a lot of tanks. Does this tank have commercial aspirations to sell softies with, or just for you?

A little of both lol. This will be our 12th tank with 5 more on order. My wife and I run a shop in Houston TX that has been open about 8 months. I had a small online fish quarantine business for several years before that and it slowly built up to include coral as well. Eventually I was able to leave my old job and focus on this full time and my wife is slowly transitioning out of hers.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[strich]

A little of both lol. This will be our 12th tank with 5 more on order. My wife and I run a shop in Houston TX that has been open about 8 months. I had a small online fish quarantine business for several years before that and it slowly built up to include coral as well. Eventually I was able to leave my old job and focus on this full time and my wife is slowly transitioning out of hers.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of monthly income are you pulling with this kind of business?

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

Following along!

Thanks for following along!

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of monthly income are you pulling with this kind of business?

That's hard to say since we are still a little known shop and almost all of the money goes back into the business while we finish building these tanks. All I can really say is it's better than my previous job. I was a room service chef for many years and I'd consider the pay quite low. Mentally I'm much better off as I love the animals and don't mind the labor, but the time and physical demand is quite high.

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

Time to get this thing really going!

First things first, let's get the stand level.

Be sure to check both front to back and side to side.

Not too bad out the gate. Grab a good wrench and it's super easy with the nice leveling feet that come on all Planet stands.

Every time you adjust one foot, make sure to check all the others, some might lift off the ground and need to be fixed.

Five minuets later, presto! Looks pretty good to me since after we get the tank on, we'll go through and check again

Next step is uh.... who wants to lift this thing onto the stand for me? Might have to borrow or break down and buy a hydraulic lift table. This will be the first of four identical tanks.

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

There we go. Looking great!

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

Tropical storm Alberto slowed us down, but finally got the plumbing done and filling her up!

 

[yPhye]

This is awesome tank can’t wait to see where it goes.

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

This is awesome tank can’t wait to see where it goes.

Thanks! Sorry I've been so behind, but the tank is up, running and cycled! Added some captive bred Yellow Tangs. I'll let them grow up in here for a bit before moving them into the shop.