Hello all, I'm new to the forum but been coming here for years. I've kept a lot of different fish over the years but I fell in love with big beautiful cichlids. I've had multiple cichlid tanks from breeding red devils to a 150 g mixed cichlid tank. I recently purchased a 250 gallon marineland Deep dimension tank(60"L x 36"W x 29"H) and I cannot wait to start this journey, so I thought I'd share it with you all. This is not going to be a fast process as I have to frame out and finish the room in the basement as well as tear out a door frame to fit this sucker into the basement Haha. But I will keep you posted with all the progress I make. I plan to have diy led flood lights and I would like to build a custom fluidized bed sump. Any input along the way would be great. I will post a few pics of the tank. It is still at the sellers house will be picking up monday!!! Wish me luck.
Just a quick update I picked up the tank yesterday and got it itp the storage shed. Took me and 2 other guys to do it comfortably. Thing is heavy. Anyway went to the home depot today and prices out everything to finish the basement area out. Going to start on it in the next 2 weeks depending on schedule.
Oh. And does anyone know if it's best if I leave the concrete unfinished under the tank or can I tile/carpet the whole room and set the tank on it just fine as well?
Well I got the basement framed out still running wires and have to get a new electrical panel. Current one is so old its always tripping breakers. I think I'm going to mount a faucet on the wall next to tank for easy water changes.
I think it's going to go into the closet where the furnace and water heater are. Will look better that way and still be close. Have to work all weekend so will update again next week. I have to move the tank in befor I finish framing the doorway downstairs, it's too big to fit though the 36 inch door.
Got the self leveling underlayment down today. Now just waiting for flooring to come in. Should be here on the 18th hopefully. Will be finishing drywall and all befor then.
Looking for stocking idea for the 250 gallon. Originally thinking of having a mixed vieja tank. Now I'm just not sure. Would love to hear any ideas. Also getting a 150 tall for the wife she wants Fontosa, was wondering what else might could go in there with them.
Been about a week and its moving forward. I finished drywall and painted. Put the flooring down last night and this morning. My knees and back hate me now. I'll have the tank moved down there by tonight I hope maybe tomorrow at the latest. Still need to put trim up though.
