Journal My First 120, From Ugly Duckling To Beautiful Swan?

[techman81]

Very early but wanted to create a place holder for the next build journal. Today I took ownership of my first 4 foot aquarium.

While my other builds and tanks waiting in the wings (except the farm tank) are all rimless low iron beauties, this is a rimmed ugly duckling. it's a 90 gallon, brand unknown (maybe Aqueon or Marineland). I wasn't really looking to add another tank because I still have plans to remodel the basement, but a work associate really wanted to get rid of this because she hadn't been able to keep up with maintenance. In fact, she wanted to give it to me for free but I refused and gave her a couple hundred for the tank, stand and equipment. I'll sell off all the equipment since I have my preferred equipment already set aside, including a new Oase Biomaster Thermo 850 and a Week Aqua light.

As can be seen in the pictures, the tank is in rough shape. The photos are even after I'd already done some scrubbing. Gunk was really caked on the rim. She only had a Pleco and two Loaches in the tank which we gave to another work associate. The tank was however, filled to the brim with Anubias. No petite varieties unfortunately, but many that I'll find a place for, none the less.

Haven't fully decided on a scape yet but thinking I'll put the river cobble I recently picked up to use. Perhaps a simpler triangular "river" layout with a lot of green.

I welcome any ideas on chemicals that can help with the hard water and encrusted algae. I've started with the scraping but can see it's going to be a lot of work.

 

[Pepere]

Vinegar should help with the minerals. Bleach should help with algae..

 

[Koan]

I've had good luck with Barkeeper's Friend on both , just be sure to use the powder not the liquid.

 

[techman81]

Update on the ugly duckling. It's still a bit ugly. I've spent considerable time using cerium oxide and buffing pads on the drill to remove some heavy haze on the glass. Unfortunately, clearing the haze only revealed the scratching to be even worse than I first thought. I also resealed all 4 of the tank's vertical seams as there was quite a bit of algae and mineral deposit build up under the old silicone. I've now had the tank completely filled for the last few days to confirm no leaks.

My hope was that once filled with water, the scratches wouldn't seem too bad. That was the case with just room lights, but once I put an aquarium light on the tank, even at low levels, the scratches again stand out. It may just be me being overly critical. Most of the used tanks I see locally on marketplace look like they may be just as bad, but I'm guessing, many of the more advanced aquarists here would agree with me based on the photos below, they wouldn't be happy with this tank. Tell me what you think. I'm strongly leaning toward reselling just the tank on marketplace for a cheap price and getting a new Aqueon 60 gallon breeder that has the same footprint for this stand. Believe me, the scratching looks far worse up close than shows in the photos. The previous owner admitted she used green scotchbrite to clean it, not knowing that scratches glass and leaves lots of swirl mark scratches.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

There are some people who aren't bothered by scratches. I am not one of those people. When I see scratches in the glass, it can be really hard for me to look past it.

If you can get a 60 gallon breeder when they do their $1-2 per gallon sales, I would just do that. If the scratch is bothering you now, I promise they will bother you in the future.

If they didn't bother you now, I might say you could save the money. But if it was me, I would for sure just get a new tank. It will take way too long to get the scratches out with cerium oxide, and if the glass is already thin to begin with, it could compromise the integrity.

Treat yo self!

 

[Kwyet]

I wouldn’t be happy with it either. If you’re able to replace it, I would do it.

 

[Koan]

Imagitarium Breeder Open-Glass Aquarium Tank, 60 Gallon | Petco

Unlock imaginative possibilities with this Breeder Framed Glass Aquarium by Imagitarium. Its classic design and clean look make it the perfect pick for showcasing the beauty of the environment you create within.

www.petco.com

North American Pet Products 125-Gallon Glass Aquarium with Glass Lids | Petco

The North American Pet Products 125-Gallon Glass Aquarium with Glass Lids is the perfect foundation for building your dream aquatic ecosystem.

www.petco.com

 

[techman81]

Imagitarium Breeder Open-Glass Aquarium Tank, 60 Gallon | Petco

Unlock imaginative possibilities with this Breeder Framed Glass Aquarium by Imagitarium. Its classic design and clean look make it the perfect pick for showcasing the beauty of the environment you create within.

www.petco.com

North American Pet Products 125-Gallon Glass Aquarium with Glass Lids | Petco

The North American Pet Products 125-Gallon Glass Aquarium with Glass Lids is the perfect foundation for building your dream aquatic ecosystem.

www.petco.com

The current tank is an Aqueon 90 gallon and I have a new set of the glass lids for it, but they are designed specifically to fit the Aqueon 90, 75, and 60 gallon tanks which also fit this stand perfectly. My 40 gallon breeder is the Imagitarium and I'd by the 60 if I didn't already have the lids. I'm in no rush and can wait for the sales. In fact, I think an LFS on the north side of KC has the Aqueon on sale for $160 now.

Also, one drawback to the imagitarium tanks, if wanting the lid, it has a black hinge rather than a clear hinge. Not the best design for lighting.

Of course, I could go without a lid like on my rimless tanks.