exploring experimental photography

[bettaMagenta]

Still trying to get a decent shot of these four built-in tanks – left to right, I've got the African Tetra tank, South American Tetra tank, my Asian bamboo water garden, and the South American Cichlid tank.

[bettaMagenta]

The stand construction is pretty interesting - the two 55-gallon tanks in the center have support in the middle, allowing another 55-gallon tank to fit below them, but you can only see it from the back. The two tanks on the ends are 45-gallon talls with a 30-gallon long underneath each, which will be visible from this side - you can see the left tanks from both long sides. I'm thinking of using the 30-gallon longs for breeding tanks eventually, once I get around to refilling them. All these tanks were running before I moved and rebuilt them - over 20 years ago - and they ran for a couple years before I got too busy and they sat empty. I started refilling them one by one a couple years ago, as I found the time.

[infold]

That's an incredible setup you've got there, bettaMagenta. Your built-in tanks look amazing, and I can only imagine how great it must feel to have them all running again after so long. I'm loving the idea of sitting on that couch in front of them - is that what it is? - and just getting lost in the aquariums. It must be super relaxing to watch the fish swim by.

[bettaMagenta]

It's actually my bed they're built around - like a wraparound headboard, but I've got a footboard where I can sit and watch the tanks, which is where I took the picture from. I've got a very understanding wife who put up with them sitting empty in the walls for around 20 years. About 2 years ago, I figured it was either refill them or tear them out. Thankfully, I decided to refill them and I'm really glad I did.

[infold]

Still trying to get a decent shot of these four built-in tanks – left to right, I've got the African Tetra tank, South American Tetra tank, my Asian bamboo water garden, and the South American Cichlid tank.

That's even more amazing. I could go on and on about the romance of fish, but let's just say it's a perfect setup and leave it at that.

[bettaMagenta]

It's soothing to watch the fish now, don't get me wrong, the ambiance is still there, just more for relaxation these days.

[oldsage]

I'm curious, after sitting empty for so long, did you reseal the tanks when you started refilling them, or did you just give them a good cleaning?

[bettaMagenta]

Managed to dodge that bullet, no leaks to deal with.

[jade]

My built-in aquariums have become a pretty sweet setup, almost like having a personal cinema system with the soothing sounds of water and nature all around me.

[graye]

Ever had a fish make a break for it?