restarting my tanks indoors, seeking advice on upcoming purchases

[hazelnut1]

Sorry about the title, wasn't sure how to word it haha.

I'm having a few issues with my 190 litre 4 foot tank, mainly the sand getting sucked into the filter, so I've decided to start fresh and give it a makeover on a tight budget.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on my plans and if you know of any cheaper alternatives or better options without breaking the bank. I'm in the UK, so UK links would be great.

This is for my Cichlids, by the way.

First off, I'm looking at this filter from APS - http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/a ... 0-l-h.html.

I'm currently using B&Q Dry Kiln Sand, but I want to switch to Pool Filter sand. I'd love to get the coflake sand, but it's just too pricey at £20+ (I'll be thoroughly cleaning and rinsing all my sand and rocks, don't worry).

I found this Pool Filter sand on eBay - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swimming-Pool-Sand-F ... 2a1279b5a3.

I've already picked up a bag of beach rocks from my garden centre for £10, which is a bit steep, and I'll probably need more.

I'm planning to make my own 3d background, and I think I'll follow this method - http/dramaticaquascapes.com/AS0004-1.html.

I've got the cement to cover the polystyrene from B&Q - it's the same stuff as this, just from B&Q - http/www.tesco.com/direct/quick-set-cement-p ... tAodmiQAiA.

I'm going to get this polystyrene in sizes 600x400x25, and a pack of 12 - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EXPANDED-POLYSTYRENE ... 3a7129ec07.

To attach the background, I need sealant. I was thinking of this stuff - is it the right one? - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HA6-RTV-MARINE-SILIC ... 20d0960fe1.

So, what do you guys think? Am I on the right track?

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it.

[flinta]

I'm having a few problems with my 190 litre 4 foot tank, so I've decided to start fresh and make it look better, but I'm on a very tight budget.

So I'd love to know what you think about what I'm planning to buy and if you have any other links to the same stuff cheaper or something better for not too much more in price. (I live in the UK, so UK links would be great, thanks.)

I've got Cichlids, so that's what this is all for.

First off, I'm going to buy this filter from APS - http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/aquarium-1/a ... 0-l-h.html. I've read mixed reviews, but I've not used one myself. If I'm honest, I'd always try and get a second-hand Eheim or Tetratec if I could. You could even make your own, I suppose.

I'm currently using B&Q Dry Kiln Sand, but I'm going to switch to Pool Filter sand. I'd love to get the coflake sand, but it's just too expensive. I've found this on eBay - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swimming-Pool-Sand-F ... 2a1279b5a3. Loads of people use it, so I'm sure I'll be fine.

I've already bought a bag of beach rocks from my garden centre for £10, which is just ridiculous. I'll probably need more. Have you ever tried collecting stones from a local brook? That's what I'd do if I were you.

I'm also going to make my own 3D background. I've found this tutorial - http/dramaticaquascapes.com/AS0004-1.html. There are loads of different ideas on YouTube, so have a look around.

I've got the cement to cover the polystyrene from B&Q - it's the same as this stuff - http/www.tesco.com/direct/quick-set-cement-p ... tAodmiQAiA. I've heard you need to soak it in water for ages to get all the impurities out. You might want to paint it with acrylic paint afterwards. There are loads of different ways to do it, so just have a look around.

I'm going to buy this polystyrene in sizes 600x400x25 and a pack of 12 - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EXPANDED-POLYSTYRENE ... 3a7129ec07. If you can find some Kingspan or Celotex, it's easier to use, but this will do.

To stick the background polystyrene down, I need sealant. I was going to buy this stuff - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HA6-RTV-MARINE-SILIC ... 20d0960fe1. Is this the right stuff?

So, what do you all think? Am I going the right way? Thanks for any advice, it's much appreciated.

Looks like you're on the right track. For DIY stuff like filters and backgrounds, check out DIYFishkeepers. You'll find loads of ideas on there. Cheers.

[hazelnut1]

Cheers for the advice, looks like I'm on the right track. I've had a look at diyfishkeepers and it's a great site, loads of good ideas. I've also checked out their youtube channel, it's really helpful. Can't wait to get everything sorted and looking good, should be a big improvement on what I've got now.

[flinta]

I've come across some useful DIY projects on that site, like Joey's canister filter tutorial. Also, I recently shared my sump design on there, you might find it helpful.

[hazelnut1]

Joey does a diy canister filter on diyfishkeepers, I think it's a great idea. My sump design is also on there in a recent thread, not sure if you've seen it.

A sump is basically another way of filtering your tank, it's like a refugium, but can be used for other things as well, like a place for your heater and other equipment.

[flinta]

Here's the link to Joey's DIY canister filter - http/www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread ... ter-filter. My own thread on the trickle tower sump design is here - http/www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread ... ump-design.

If you check out the DIY filters section, you'll see a bunch of sticky threads at the top. A sump is basically another tank or container under your main tank. They're often used with drilled tanks, but you can make a DIY overflow without drilling. They're super popular for marine tanks, but work great for freshwater too.

A trickle tower, also called a wet/dry sump, is the way to go. Joey's got loads of DIY vids on YouTube that include DIY overflows. Definitely worth checking out. Cheers!

[hazelnut1]

Cheers for the interest, a sump's basically another tank or container under your main one. Not just a filter, but helps with filtration, and can increase your overall water volume. They're often used with drilled tanks, but you can make a DIY overflow without drilling yours. They're popular for marine tanks, but work great for freshwater too. A trickle tower, or wet/dry sump, is the way to go. Joey's got loads of DIY vids on YouTube, including DIY overflows, worth a look.

[hazelnut1]

Also, I commented on your thread, just trying to reach that 15 post limit, it's a bit frustrating to be honest.

[flinta]

Yeah, I noticed you commented on my thread, thanks for that. Almost finished building mine now, just the final touches. It's basically a filter, but it's gonna be a game-changer for my tank. Hopefully, I'll have it up and running in a month or so, fingers crossed.

[hazelnut1]

Yeah noticed you're almost done with yours now, that's great. Would be good to see some pics of it when it's up and running, cheers.