I've got a plan...

[fatfutures]

Old angel is going after new angel again. Last night I moved the new guy into the grow out tank with the babies. If he eats em (shrug)... Old dude keeps going after his eyes... they look all cloudy.

Anyhoooo... the convicts and the oscar have to go. I think I'm going to take them to JFP. I know they'll be well taken care of until they find new homes.

Then I'll drain the 55, remove the gravel and paint the back of the tank. I'll be using white sand in this tank. Filler back up and turn the filters back on. Won't clean the filters prior to this. Probably also add some o that good bacteria in a jar stuff (can't remember the name right now)

While all that's happening, I'll be scouting for a few new, good sized angels. They will go in the tank first. Then I'll add new dude and LAST will come old dude. Hopefully, this will throw old dude off his game enough for everyone to get along.

I'll have driftwood and lots of (fake silk) plants.

Maybe this will work and everyone can get along?

[AndrewH]

Yeah, that sounds like a good game plan.

[fatfutures]

SO... I loaded up the big boys this morning and took them to Just for Pets. Oscar wasn't amused, he almost took a header onto the floor. Picked up a couple small bags of white sand while I was there.

Got home and drained the tank. Poor pleco... I kinda forgot he was still in there, til the water got REAL low and started to get frantic. Got him moved and got out most of the water. I painted the front black, crappy paint took 3 coats. Went and got my neighbor and she helped me spin the whole thing around. Pretty smart eh? Painted the front and only had to spin the beast once!

Now, I've got to get out the gravel AND dispose of it... UGH! Then I'll be ready to fill her back up and turn on all the filters.

Good times!

[AndrewH]

...I painted the front black...

From an outsider's point of view it might seem like "she's got it all wrong, how is she gonna see the fish" :rofl:

But that was a pretty slick way of handling it.

[fatfutures]

I was hoping to have that effect! LOL

I knew as soon as I typed it! WOW that sounds SO wrong! But, it sure made things easier!

[tsunderl]

I feel your pain.... Part two of As The Tank Turns continues at my place tonight. :)

[fishyjoe24]

sounds like a good plan to me.

[fatfutures]

It still needs some tweaking and FISH but....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2327/1536939931_08f81978b5.jpg

[rolloffhill]

Do I spy a bamboo fancy plant? :)

[fatfutures]

LOL yeah, big ol plastic sucker!

But, I like the overall effect.

[rolloffhill]

Thought it looked familiar.;) I put one exactly like it in mine, not many options for tall plants out there.

[biggin]

I like it. Very clean.

[fatfutures]

Thanks Blake!

It still kinda looks like it snowed in there, white sand all over the rocks. But, in a few days the sand will settle down.

I really like it and I'm glad I made the change.

[Haiven]

I love it! I want to get rid of my black substrate and go with white! It's gorgeous, and the rocks really set it off.

[poel_19]

flippin sweet!!

[fatfutures]

I really like this sand... it's not that sugar white stuff. In the bag it kinda looks off white and it's a slightly coarser texture. Sure does look glowing white in the tank though, eh? LOL

Also, I really didn't use that much... only 15 pounds. I'll be adding a little more from the 30 when I clear it out. THe thin layer of sand is easy to keep clean.

[bra8ndy8]

I love it!! It looks beautiful! I have been trying to talk my husband to change my gravel to sand.......but it will take me a little longer!!

[FishGurl721]

wow! its looks great! my guys will love it!! :)

[kewlkatdady]

very nice...

I love how clean it looks...

[AndrewH]

Yeah, I definitely think it looks peaceful and calming.

Very tranquil.

Any pics from different angles?

[fatfutures]

No.. just the one angle. But, I'll get some others... can't take pictures of it during the day. Well, I can...but, they dont' turn out very well. Lots of reflections from the bay window..

Thanks for all the compliments. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. It's so much calmer than before. Very nice for the living room.

[chebert22]

#1.... THAT IS A FREAKIN AWESOME TANK!!!
#2.... What kind of paint did you use to paint the back? Or how did you get it to stick rather
#3.... Is that plastic bamboo from the LFS?

(did yall catch that? I used an Acronym from the list!?

[fatfutures]

Thank you thank you...

The plant is a Fancy Plant that I bought at Petsmart.

The paint, I honestly couldnt' tell you what it was... just a small can of black paint that was sitting in the garage. Took several coats and it's not going to be very durable. But, as it's not as though I'll be moving this thing around, I'm not too worried about it. People here seem to use all types of paint. I used what I had on hand and what was easy for me. I was doing this by myself so taking it outside to spray it was out of the question.

I'm pretty happy with the overall results.

[rolloffhill]

I have used spray paint on a 20 gallon, and I used latex on another tank. I don't think it really matters as long as you clean the glass well before you start.