75 gallons is my biggest. Not sure if I could go bigger than that. Don't really have the space. No problems yet but I did recently buy some leak detectors like the ones in your video.
I have a 4200gallon display I built myself that is tied into 7 other tanks as a single system totaling over 6300 gallons of saltwater. It's all in the basement. My biggest nightmare is a failure of the humidity control systems required to keep safe humidity levels in the house. I actually had my whole house dehumidifier go down this summer and had to put lids over all the tanks and turn up the HVAC to prevent a high humidity disaster. Sometimes nightmares come true, which is why it's important to have contingency plans. Great video.
I have a 60 gallon in my room, and a 29 gallon n the living room…..I wanted to put the 60 gallon in the living room” But it’s too long, and won’t fit in the living room……the 60 gallon tank measures 61X16X14” The tank is very shallow with the height only 14inches. My bedroom has no carpet, and vinyl flooring…..the drywall is raised, and covered with base molding” if a leak or failure happens, it allows me to clean up the water, and replace the base molding……before it can do harm to the drywall. I’m thinking about replacing it with plastic mounding, and sealing it from water getting behind the plastics molding. My main concern is for the fish.
450g Central American cichlid tank acrylic in the garage. Had a 300 glass tank when I lived with my parents. Within a month the bottom cracked and had 300 gallons of water gushing out. Mom was upset but not mad. All fish were saved lol
There’s nothing like having a big tank with big fish. For me doing the water changes, filter maintenance and checking water parameters is part of the satisfaction of seeing these beautiful big fish roaming around in the tank makes everything worth while. Downside is well for me none. Just the peace and quiet sitting in front of the tank watching them gracefully swimming around is so therapeutic for me anyway.
I'm not complaining. If you would have watched the entire video, you would have heard talk about how big tanks are completely worth it for me. I think you might have missed the point. But you left a comment, so thank you for that 🤘
You are actually a really funny guy Dave. I love your channel. I love your content. My wife and kids definitely think I'm crazy.. I have been accused of spending more time with my fishes than I spend with them lol. Fishkeeping is definitely a rewarding hobby but the anxiety can be real.
I had to be very careful on how big I went because I have a raised foundation(not ideal, I know). I doubled check to make sure which direction the floor joists were running so the tank was sitting across them to even out the weight. I'd love a 125 gallon, but I don't think my house can take one. So, 55 is what I went with. I love that tank and I love my 20 gallon too. Being it was my first tank.
Even with my 300l (80 gallon) I am super paranoid about hearing cracks or movement😂 but I also live on the upper floor of an apartment complex so many people wouldn’t be very happy if something were to happen. I do have a aquarium insurance tho that would cover any water damage. Great video as always brother. Greetings from Germany.
I had a 125 gallons discus tank, came home one day from work and half of it was all over the floor, thank was leaking. Ended up running too buy a 75 to put fish there and the 125 stayed empty for 3 years. Just 2 months ago, decide to remove all the silicon and reseal it. Its been running fine, but that fear still in the back of my head. Love sitting there and it's so relaxing.
David, You are right about that constant fear of water leaking from a tank. My old 100 gal tank that I started with I decided to turn that into an MBUNA tank. That tank is now up and running. I did a bunch of prep work and one of those was to redo the silicone on the tank because some of the corners were really thin. I went with a black silicone and I redid every place the silicone was at in the tank. I feel I just gave the tank more years of service now since the silicone is much thicker and much better now. I also beefed up the tank stand with 2 x 4s in the corners and in the middle of the stand. I wanted the stand to be able to hold the extra weight of the rocks for the MBUNA. I also sanded the stand and stained it a darker color to match my wood floor and other furniture in the house. The wife loves the tank and so do I watching the MBUNA go in and out of the caves is so cool. I was able to get a fx6 and a 407 and a 207 for a little over 300 bucks. During the PetSmart black Friday weekend sales. I can’t believe I got a fx6 for under 200 bucks. The MBUNA tank has two tidal 110s and a fx6 I think I am good for filtration for a soon to be overstocked tank. I also took your advice and added the egg crate at the bottom of the tank to support the rocks and protect the glass from falling rocks. Thanks for telling us about that we learn from each other.
Yeah I can't believe the deal you got on those filters. Sounds like a beautiful setup, and I can't believe you have mbuna now. Awesome! As far as me teaching you something, I think you've taught me much more than I've ever taught you. So thank you, sir.
today i will be gone purchase my first large tank a 60 gallon I’ll run two sponge filters and lots of plants i like a natural scape like you took a part of the river and put it in a little box dirt at the bottom with sand on top should be decent
Do I want a big tank, not really. The maintenance on a big tank is a part time job. BUT do I NEED a bigger tank, yes, yes I do, because I want fishes that require that space. End goal: Black Arrowana and Congicus Bichir. What is recommended: 8x3x2. What Im getting: 10x4x2. Though they have smaller variants, Jardinis and Endlis are kinda a**holes and others species are either banned/rare to find/doesnt fit the image. And substitues dont satisfy that feel. For nightmares, I am doing everything of my checklist to ease my anxiety: stronger stand, acrylic, finished basement with cement under floorboards, and living in the basement with them to monitor as long as I am home.
I bought a used 125 gallon tank from someone local. I removed all of the old silicone, cleaned and wiped down the glass with rubbing alcohol. After letting it cure of over a day I filled it up and let it sit for 3 days. I then moved it down to my basement and set it up for my Red Eared Sliders. It lasted 3 months before springing a large leak. It flooded 3/4 of my basement because my sump pump decided it didn't want to work any more.
@11:05 enduring? I need to watch the video again, as at many beautiful scenes, your voice distracted me, and at many places when you were speaking, the beautiful scenes distracted me 😂❤❤
As soon as I buy a house, i NEED a 10x3x2ft tank. My display tank for now is a 125g with 55g sump, can filter 1400gph if needed. But I wanted it to be overkill since i have 6 oscars in there. Crystal clear water and minimal maintenance, the food bill on the other hand... LOL. Also have a 75g grow out tank with a 30g sump that can filter 850gph. You'd think it would be as easy as my 125g but it actually needs much more attention.
@BrodyStringer-kw4jq I do have a few non cichlids, like my red tail shark and my tire track eel, but they are the exception. Most all my inmates are cichlids.
I like watching other people on UA-cam with huge tanks. For me a 125gal is a big tank. Aquarium Domain is a channel I like. He makes his own huge tanks. His biggest is 4500 gallons. If I was going to have a big tank in the basement I would have to make it myself like him.
I had a custom python system setup on spare garage. I could do water change on 250 acrylic in less than 10 minutes. I had custom filter where changing was a breeze and had draining system setup on tank in case of a leak. Only in a catastrophic break leak is the only way I would had been trouble. Kept fish were temps wasnt an issue.
Drill the intake right below the water line…hmm? Ive never heard of anyone doing that. Doesn’t affect suction or flow at all does it? I mean i get how it would break suction in theory once water drops, im just curious why ive never heard anyone else in the YT fish community recommend it? I mean ive heard of doing this to prevent a reverse syphon on the outflow of a sump. Im running an fx4 and considering this hack…but am paranoid to drill my fx4 intake and ruin it. Can u provide any further information or experiences from yourself or even others on this hack?
I don't think I can handle anything bigger than a 75 gallon. Canister filter clean up and water changes can run at about half hour each. If i do it well. Water leaks are scary...I dumped 1 to 2 gallons of water by accident and its a lot more than you'd think. I would love to try the hack to drill the intake hose towards the top of the tank but with all of the evaporation that happens in ny tank...I would have another problem in that I would be constantly refilling and repriming I have a fluval 407😅 just subbed.
You are so right. One gallon on the floor is a lot more than you'd think. And I have a rimless, lidless tank that loses about 1/2 inch per day, so I hear you about refilling it all the time. Thanks for the comment and subbing 🤘
@MiamiObi yeah and what's even more disappointing is that it was only up and running for a week. Was a new tank I bought back in March but only got going now as life got hectic for a bit. Oh well I'll get the glass replaced and try again is all I can do.
I do the same thing, sounds, sights and even smells. I just moved a tank yesterday and as much I was able to save the contents of that tank the lid of 4’ trunk I used was ruined peeling the veneer off, the contents were untouched and fine because I used layers to separate it but I do feel it was a just. Otherwise that’s the main reason why I switched to using pumps and hoses for water changes. I told someone just yesterday big tanks seem intimidating but they are actually less work though they do take more time. I don’t have massive tanks like you but I do have several tanks over 100 gallons so I can relate on a level just not up there as much. I’m still working to make good set ups but I need to move about 50 fish to make things easier for my groups. Unfortunately I choose to combine several tanks so I have in what some may call massive over stock, but the tank that’s in question is loaded with fry so it’s ok and they actually move relatively fast so I don’t think it will be an issue. And I can’t agree enough with your points but it’s a journey and most rush just to have to migrate things and even downscale to those upscale items like lights and filtration. That all being said I don’t think I sleep through a night without listening and even going to just check to make sure the 9 tanks I still have up are not doing things like leaking. Great video and awesome fish! Stay happy and healthy my friend!
Thanks, Will. I was really just making some points about big tanks people might forget about when deciding to go big especially new guys. I love my big tanks. Wouldn't trade them for the world. 100 gallons. Is a big tank in my book. Are you keeping the 100g tanks?
@@CichlidCharmer4 infact, 110, 125, 125, 100 and a 90 besides my 55 and 65 and 2 40 breeders. I apologize if I sounded rude or know it all like I was just commenting my experience. A 220 is available but that’s sorta the opposite of what I need to do right now. I’m stabilizing until at least may right now so I’m happy to keep a few but likely I’m saying good bye to a few still, have already rehomed 107 fish. Otherwise my previous predictions led me to think I was completely shutting down but with some help things are pulling along. Thanks again and stay happy and healthy my friend!
@@CichlidCharmerfingers crossed my furnace just kicked the bucket 😂, I can’t wait for 2025. 2024 I swear I spent more time losing than I ever won. But I’m pulling through, and yes you taking your time to reach out is making a difference. I truly appreciate this as I don’t think the roller coaster is over yet but I am prepared for the next thing. I hope you had a great Christmas and have an awesome new year! Stay happy and healthy my friend!
@@HapiPETSWM Oh boy. furnaces aren't cheap. Your positive attitude is your chief weapon in times like these, and it sounds like you're wielding it like a pro.
Had many large tanks before, now I have a small outdoor inground fish pond around 1,000 gallons. Coming out in the morning with a cup of coffee and enjoy watching them asking to be fed even the school of clown loaches coming up to my hand and taking food. But it takes time to get used to see them from the top rather than front.
Biggest tank is a 60g acrylic. Only have two tanks. A 50g and 60 g acrylic. Had glass tanks leak. Temped to go larger, but all considered, stayed with the smaller tanks. Lightly stocked. Easy.
"Big" is relative in this hobby. IMHO, 180 is the ideal size - 6x2x2. To some people a 180 is huge. I consider it medium size. I never wanted to go bigger than 180 because they're just too difficult to move. Even a 180 is PITA, but any bigger is a nightmare. PS. Your geos are gorgeous!
@@CichlidCharmerI’m using the smaller diameter python hose, and the flow rate is not what i was expecting from the sicce. I’ll give the 1inch diameter a try.
My biggest aquarium is a 60 gallon oddball tank, it’s a custom built tank” made to sit on my heavy duty dresser” the size is 5ft 1inch long, by 1ft 5 inches wide, and 1ft X 2inches high…..it’s the biggest tank I have ever owned. I wanted it to be a rimless aquarium…….but the glass is tempered” Temper might be stronger, but the edges are weak, if the edges get damaged…..the tank practically explodes” therefore” I had to use plaster molding on the edges. It sits on a foam pad, with painted 1X2s around the sides of the tank……this makes the tank even stronger. Anyone with a tank bigger than a 55 gallon should put a foam pad under the tank” this protects against uneven flexing of the tank.
Good video it's not often somebody talks about d ups n downs on having big tanks ! Here in Singapore it's a major project having any tank more than a four footer ! Here we live in apartments mostly n its no joke the weight n cost of transporting a large fish tank ! I have a 4ft 95 gallon n its's plenty and I've always wrestling with myself on whether I should get me a six footer ! But I'm glad I never got one for obvious reasons ! for me one tank a 4 ft 95 gallon is plenty !(For now lol !) it's been with me for 16years n it's still enjoyable from day one ! I'm always thinking of the six footer who knows may be one day !
That's great that you can have a 4-footer in your apartment. Here that wouldn't be very likely to happen. Thanks for the great comment, and thanks for watching way over in Singapore!
@CichlidCharmer ive never thought of that i have a endler tank infested with bladder snails that i throw in my cichlid tanks for the loaches and for some of the cichlids that want a treat i should start using the fork strategy because my blanched zucchini always gets stuck to the filter intake
I woke up once thinking it was raining outside, the severeness off it made me jump out of bed in an instance and run upstairs to my aquarium. My pump had leaked about 80 liters (out of 420liter) on the floor. It ran across the floor to tha backside of the house into the wall. The water came down on the outside of my window through tiny gaps made for leaking out small amouns of moisture... The floor was wood but miraculously survived and we had no (visible) moulding anywhere and luckily no wooden structures in our house (concrete house)... That was the last strike my wife gave me and my aquarium 😂😂
Not gonna lie. I love big tanks. I do have the same anxiety with large tanks. I make sure I got a back up of a back up generator just in case that back up generator don’t work (No i don’t my mom says I over react). I always count my fish 5 times a day to make sure there fine and well. Then I sit back and relax. At night I lose three hours of sleep just for me to wake up making sure I have all my fish. I do say and agree large tanks are easy to kept clean and it kind of takes less to equal work as a 5 or 10 gallon. Do small water changes every few weeks then do a large one once a month.
I've had an acrylic 240 gallon for over 40 years or so. Its now my only aquarium. Its set up with sort of the Amano plant design. Its mostly green and not one of those 75 different plant species set up. Large near 6" Boesemni rainbow fish,three of them were born in that tank. It's a low maintenance affair. Water changes maybe every three weeks. If it ever starts to leak then that will be the end of a more than 50 year interest.
A bigger tank means more stable conditions. If a 5 gallon is easy and low maintenance, a 50 gallon will be easier, and 100 could be fully hands off, long as you keep the same plants and animals. If external filters are scary, use more, beefier internal ones, or take advantage of the sheer space and go no-tech with light stocking. The reason these things get harder as you go larger isn't cause of the size, it's because with more size, people also increase their expectations. You want bigger fish. But that's not a linear scale, a fish twice the size needs 3-5 times the space and filtration. Diminishing returns. A massive school of small fish, even at the same biomass of a larger fish, will produce less waste, need less food, and want less space, pound for pound.
Yeah, I mean I don't really consider tanks to be really big until they are 180 or so, but 55 and above are still big enough to put you to work and add some danger to your home. 40 is a fair size. I wouldn't say big though. That's all just me though. I'm sure others would have different opinions
Your big tank is made by one of the best aquarium manufacturers in the USA, if not the world. I own big Aquariums by All Glass/Aqueon Aquariums, and I "knock on wood" never had them fail, so you should sleep like a baby after what you paid those Aquariums.
My big tank is under the house so im not too worried.I did have a little tank with a crack in the bottom lol.The fish got to moving the gravel around and pushed it all to one end so to much weight.Oh and i run a sump on my big tank much easier to service than a canister filter. This was my big tank i had outside,it was a aquaculture tank around 2500ltrs.ua-cam.com/video/au3F1CstuJw/v-deo.htmlsi=qDvXlm9WDUUAkumk
I don’t understand why you guys constantly talk about water changes. I have five tanks in my house that have been established for over a year. sand beds,Live plants only good filter and forget it and leave it. I’ve never done a water change on my tanks and everything is thriving. I just don’t understand. Why would you want to do a water change and take all that nutrients out if you create a ecosystemyou will not have to do a water change but now Cichlid so I guess could be different because you can’t put a lot of plants in that tank.
Many people don't know how to keep plants alive or maybe it's not their thing. Cichlids love to eat all the cool plants, and you can't have soil in there because they constantly shift the sand around, digging every chance they get. Plants will work in a refugium or on top of the tank with roots dangling into the water. I have pothos above Alcatraz, but it hardly makes a difference.
@ my friend I do apologize you are absolutely correct. I do not have any cichlids so completely slipped my mind what you are saying is 100% accurate and true I guess it’s one of those things out of sight out of mine. But I did mention cichlids, and how that would be a little bit more difficult to do.
Right now, biggest tank is the custom 90gal which I love other than a few squabbles here and there from the royalty that live in it. My worst nightmare was years ago in a 125gal, while getting ready for work and the 3 boys ready for the sitter I heard that saying all mothers gasped when heard "MOM", 2 of the boys were yelling at each other and one threw a spoon at the other and it hit the tank right on and cracked the glass which then broke... we all know what was next... water glass and fish everywhere.......you know mom was not happy F-bombs everywhere. I love to clean my smaller tanks wham bam and done, bigger tanks lugging around those heavy cannisters wow, guess I have big guns because of it or ruined back right. Freshwater tanks are a lot easier than I'm finding with saltwater and I don't even have livestock yet only the rock is curing, my family and friends already know I'm crazy so no difference there. Thanks for this video and the helpful info.
I had no idea about that one, Polly. A spoon!??? Man that sounds horrible. Good thing it would bounce off my acrylics. I think San Quentin's glass is too thick for a mere spoon to break it. Hope so anyway. Thanks, Polly!
Relax dude, a aquarium is to be enjoyed, to relax. Live is too short to be worrying about material things or to nag about the time lost on maintenance or the price of gear. Maybe this hobby isn't for you?
I have a 150 from custom aquariums. I use a strong pump. Tht drains 80%. In less then 5 minutes. I refill the tank using a plastic garbage can. Easy quick and simple. I abandoned the bucket 🪣 brigade. Years ago. Like ben ochart says 👏🤣
What's your biggest tank? Any problems or nightmares?
75 gallons is my biggest. Not sure if I could go bigger than that. Don't really have the space. No problems yet but I did recently buy some leak detectors like the ones in your video.
160 gallon 7ft long was a nightmare to level on tile but so worth it. Love your videos man you inspired me to get a salvini and a texas
I have a 4200gallon display I built myself that is tied into 7 other tanks as a single system totaling over 6300 gallons of saltwater. It's all in the basement. My biggest nightmare is a failure of the humidity control systems required to keep safe humidity levels in the house. I actually had my whole house dehumidifier go down this summer and had to put lids over all the tanks and turn up the HVAC to prevent a high humidity disaster. Sometimes nightmares come true, which is why it's important to have contingency plans. Great video.
I have a 60 gallon in my room, and a 29 gallon n the living room…..I wanted to put the 60 gallon in the living room” But it’s too long, and won’t fit in the living room……the 60 gallon tank measures 61X16X14” The tank is very shallow with the height only 14inches.
My bedroom has no carpet, and vinyl flooring…..the drywall is raised, and covered with base molding” if a leak or failure happens, it allows me to clean up the water, and replace the base molding……before it can do harm to the drywall.
I’m thinking about replacing it with plastic mounding, and sealing it from water getting behind the plastics molding.
My main concern is for the fish.
450g Central American cichlid tank acrylic in the garage. Had a 300 glass tank when I lived with my parents. Within a month the bottom cracked and had 300 gallons of water gushing out. Mom was upset but not mad. All fish were saved lol
There’s nothing like having a big tank with big fish. For me doing the water changes, filter maintenance and checking water parameters is part of the satisfaction of seeing these beautiful big fish roaming around in the tank makes everything worth while. Downside is well for me none. Just the peace and quiet sitting in front of the tank watching them gracefully swimming around is so therapeutic for me anyway.
Exactly, don't know what this guy is complaining about
Sounds lovely.
I'm not complaining. If you would have watched the entire video, you would have heard talk about how big tanks are completely worth it for me. I think you might have missed the point. But you left a comment, so thank you for that 🤘
You are actually a really funny guy Dave. I love your channel. I love your content. My wife and kids definitely think I'm crazy.. I have been accused of spending more time with my fishes than I spend with them lol. Fishkeeping is definitely a rewarding hobby but the anxiety can be real.
Thanks, man. I really appreciate it. They certainly are addicting lol. Thanks for the kind words. Always good to see you 😊
Yay. I’m comment 1. I love your channel. Keep the good stuff coming. Subscribed!
Thank you! It's always good to see you here 😊
What a beautiful video. Thanks for sharing
Thank you!
The way I see it keeping a large aquarium is 20% maintenance and work, 80% joy and relaxation watching it.
Totally agree with you. I would be so sad if I didn't have them. And I also feel like there's always a bigger one just waiting for me lol
@ keep up the great work with the videos my brother. Look forward to them every Saturday morning while enjoying my aquariums and drinking some coffee.
I absolutely love making them. Thank you for watching and for your comments. Always appreciated!
I had to be very careful on how big I went because I have a raised foundation(not ideal, I know). I doubled check to make sure which direction the floor joists were running so the tank was sitting across them to even out the weight. I'd love a 125 gallon, but I don't think my house can take one. So, 55 is what I went with. I love that tank and I love my 20 gallon too. Being it was my first tank.
Beautiful analogy David. Great video my friend.
Thanks, Danny!
Moving homes ( is hell on earth ) with a large aquarium
Oh my gosh yes.
It's not that bad if you plan it out
@@sage8573Indeed, I moved a huge aquarium multiple times, with good planning and preparation it's not that hard
Even with my 300l (80 gallon) I am super paranoid about hearing cracks or movement😂 but I also live on the upper floor of an apartment complex so many people wouldn’t be very happy if something were to happen. I do have a aquarium insurance tho that would cover any water damage.
Great video as always brother.
Greetings from Germany.
I first thought I saw you had a 300 gallon on the top floor of an apartment lol. Got me there! Thanks for watching, and for the nice comment
I had a 125 gallons discus tank, came home one day from work and half of it was all over the floor, thank was leaking. Ended up running too buy a 75 to put fish there and the 125 stayed empty for 3 years. Just 2 months ago, decide to remove all the silicon and reseal it. Its been running fine, but that fear still in the back of my head. Love sitting there and it's so relaxing.
Scary, but worth it to people like you and me ❤️
Wish you the best for that tank.
@@arkapadma Thank you.
David,
You are right about that constant fear of water leaking from a tank. My old 100 gal tank that I started with I decided to turn that into an MBUNA tank. That tank is now up and running. I did a bunch of prep work and one of those was to redo the silicone on the tank because some of the corners were really thin. I went with a black silicone and I redid every place the silicone was at in the tank. I feel I just gave the tank more years of service now since the silicone is much thicker and much better now. I also beefed up the tank stand with 2 x 4s in the corners and in the middle of the stand. I wanted the stand to be able to hold the extra weight of the rocks for the MBUNA. I also sanded the stand and stained it a darker color to match my wood floor and other furniture in the house. The wife loves the tank and so do I watching the MBUNA go in and out of the caves is so cool. I was able to get a fx6 and a 407 and a 207 for a little over 300 bucks. During the PetSmart black Friday weekend sales. I can’t believe I got a fx6 for under 200 bucks. The MBUNA tank has two tidal 110s and a fx6 I think I am good for filtration for a soon to be overstocked tank. I also took your advice and added the egg crate at the bottom of the tank to support the rocks and protect the glass from falling rocks. Thanks for telling us about that we learn from each other.
Yeah I can't believe the deal you got on those filters. Sounds like a beautiful setup, and I can't believe you have mbuna now. Awesome! As far as me teaching you something, I think you've taught me much more than I've ever taught you. So thank you, sir.
When you say drill a small hole in your hose what diameter are you talking about?
Also curious
It doesn't have to be very large. Just enough to let air into the hose if the water level drops.
What about round tanks? Say like 120gal how would you do the set up for filtration? Or can you you use fresh water clams as well as hang on back ?
Not entirely sure if I'd do anything differently. I've never even heard of freshwater clams lol.
today i will be gone purchase my first large tank a 60 gallon I’ll run two sponge filters and lots of plants i like a natural scape like you took a part of the river and put it in a little box dirt at the bottom with sand on top should be decent
Any update on finishing the bigboys stand? Just started a 9ft one for my 150 and 180
Not yet. I probably won't get to it until this summer. I'm just so busy with everything else right now. Good luck with yours!
Do I want a big tank, not really. The maintenance on a big tank is a part time job. BUT do I NEED a bigger tank, yes, yes I do, because I want fishes that require that space. End goal: Black Arrowana and Congicus Bichir. What is recommended: 8x3x2. What Im getting: 10x4x2. Though they have smaller variants, Jardinis and Endlis are kinda a**holes and others species are either banned/rare to find/doesnt fit the image. And substitues dont satisfy that feel. For nightmares, I am doing everything of my checklist to ease my anxiety: stronger stand, acrylic, finished basement with cement under floorboards, and living in the basement with them to monitor as long as I am home.
I bought a used 125 gallon tank from someone local. I removed all of the old silicone, cleaned and wiped down the glass with rubbing alcohol. After letting it cure of over a day I filled it up and let it sit for 3 days. I then moved it down to my basement and set it up for my Red Eared Sliders. It lasted 3 months before springing a large leak. It flooded 3/4 of my basement because my sump pump decided it didn't want to work any more.
I'm always too scared to buy a used tank these days. That sounds absolutely horrible
@11:05 enduring? I need to watch the video again, as at many beautiful scenes, your voice distracted me, and at many places when you were speaking, the beautiful scenes distracted me 😂❤❤
Is that a compliment? If so, thank you!! 😁
As soon as I buy a house, i NEED a 10x3x2ft tank.
My display tank for now is a 125g with 55g sump, can filter 1400gph if needed. But I wanted it to be overkill since i have 6 oscars in there. Crystal clear water and minimal maintenance, the food bill on the other hand... LOL.
Also have a 75g grow out tank with a 30g sump that can filter 850gph. You'd think it would be as easy as my 125g but it actually needs much more attention.
I have tiger barbs. They are still growing. I feed them every other day. Do you think I need to feed them every day?
I feed all my juvies at least twice per day.
@ ok. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Do you only have cichlids?
@BrodyStringer-kw4jq I do have a few non cichlids, like my red tail shark and my tire track eel, but they are the exception. Most all my inmates are cichlids.
@@CichlidCharmer ok thank you.
@BrodyStringer-kw4jq Welcome!
I like watching other people on UA-cam with huge tanks. For me a 125gal is a big tank. Aquarium Domain is a channel I like. He makes his own huge tanks. His biggest is 4500 gallons. If I was going to have a big tank in the basement I would have to make it myself like him.
Would you consider a 40 gallon a big tank or a safe bet. 40 is my hugest. It holds a musk turtle and guppies than a 20 gallon with pea puffers.
A 40 gallon might be considered a big tank to some, but I'd still think of it as a smaller tank. Sounds nice 🙂
8:24 really spoke to me 😅
I just do dabs and have mine in the basement with cement floor with a drain in it so I don’t worry at all lol
Just like heaven lol
I had a custom python system setup on spare garage. I could do water change on 250 acrylic in less than 10 minutes. I had custom filter where changing was a breeze and had draining system setup on tank in case of a leak. Only in a catastrophic break leak is the only way I would had been trouble. Kept fish were temps wasnt an issue.
That sounds amazing 😍
@CichlidCharmer Was an amazing tank for over 12 years until I decided to move. Besides cleaning sides it was a breeze but kept light to a minimum.
Drill the intake right below the water line…hmm? Ive never heard of anyone doing that. Doesn’t affect suction or flow at all does it? I mean i get how it would break suction in theory once water drops, im just curious why ive never heard anyone else in the YT fish community recommend it? I mean ive heard of doing this to prevent a reverse syphon on the outflow of a sump. Im running an fx4 and considering this hack…but am paranoid to drill my fx4 intake and ruin it. Can u provide any further information or experiences from yourself or even others on this hack?
Any holes below the waterline shouldn't affect the syphon. It'll just suck in a little more water from the tank through the tiny hole.
I don't think I can handle anything bigger than a 75 gallon. Canister filter clean up and water changes can run at about half hour each. If i do it well.
Water leaks are scary...I dumped 1 to 2 gallons of water by accident and its a lot more than you'd think. I would love to try the hack to drill the intake hose towards the top of the tank but with all of the evaporation that happens in ny tank...I would have another problem in that I would be constantly refilling and repriming I have a fluval 407😅 just subbed.
You are so right. One gallon on the floor is a lot more than you'd think. And I have a rimless, lidless tank that loses about 1/2 inch per day, so I hear you about refilling it all the time.
Thanks for the comment and subbing 🤘
@CichlidCharmer of course!!
my issue with cichlids, i avoid having to constantly change water plus i prefer live plant. beautiful fish though
Thank you!
@@CichlidCharmer awesome tank too
Most appreciated
My big tank fear came to life yesterday. My 115 gallon back glass cracked and water everywhere. 😢
Oh no!
@MiamiObi yeah and what's even more disappointing is that it was only up and running for a week. Was a new tank I bought back in March but only got going now as life got hectic for a bit. Oh well I'll get the glass replaced and try again is all I can do.
Oh man that's awful! Sorry to hear it!
I actually gasped when I read this, hope all is ok and nothing is ruined, wow so sorry for you.
I had the exact same thing happen about ten years ago with a 37gal tank I got second hand. The clean-up sucked.
I just smoke weed and don’t worry about it 😂I’m 6plus years going strong
Some of these responses I'm getting 😂😂😂
@@CichlidCharmer 😂i figured you’d like that one
Love it lol
lol
LMAO!
I do the same thing, sounds, sights and even smells. I just moved a tank yesterday and as much I was able to save the contents of that tank the lid of 4’ trunk I used was ruined peeling the veneer off, the contents were untouched and fine because I used layers to separate it but I do feel it was a just. Otherwise that’s the main reason why I switched to using pumps and hoses for water changes. I told someone just yesterday big tanks seem intimidating but they are actually less work though they do take more time. I don’t have massive tanks like you but I do have several tanks over 100 gallons so I can relate on a level just not up there as much. I’m still working to make good set ups but I need to move about 50 fish to make things easier for my groups. Unfortunately I choose to combine several tanks so I have in what some may call massive over stock, but the tank that’s in question is loaded with fry so it’s ok and they actually move relatively fast so I don’t think it will be an issue. And I can’t agree enough with your points but it’s a journey and most rush just to have to migrate things and even downscale to those upscale items like lights and filtration. That all being said I don’t think I sleep through a night without listening and even going to just check to make sure the 9 tanks I still have up are not doing things like leaking. Great video and awesome fish! Stay happy and healthy my friend!
Thanks, Will. I was really just making some points about big tanks people might forget about when deciding to go big especially new guys. I love my big tanks. Wouldn't trade them for the world. 100 gallons. Is a big tank in my book. Are you keeping the 100g tanks?
@@CichlidCharmer4 infact, 110, 125, 125, 100 and a 90 besides my 55 and 65 and 2 40 breeders. I apologize if I sounded rude or know it all like I was just commenting my experience. A 220 is available but that’s sorta the opposite of what I need to do right now. I’m stabilizing until at least may right now so I’m happy to keep a few but likely I’m saying good bye to a few still, have already rehomed 107 fish. Otherwise my previous predictions led me to think I was completely shutting down but with some help things are pulling along. Thanks again and stay happy and healthy my friend!
@@HapiPETSWM That's great news! It would be so hard to give up all my tanks. You'll still have plenty. Glad to hear this!
@@CichlidCharmerfingers crossed my furnace just kicked the bucket 😂, I can’t wait for 2025. 2024 I swear I spent more time losing than I ever won. But I’m pulling through, and yes you taking your time to reach out is making a difference. I truly appreciate this as I don’t think the roller coaster is over yet but I am prepared for the next thing. I hope you had a great Christmas and have an awesome new year! Stay happy and healthy my friend!
@@HapiPETSWM Oh boy. furnaces aren't cheap. Your positive attitude is your chief weapon in times like these, and it sounds like you're wielding it like a pro.
My biggest tank is 80gal. And got a 55gal too
4:41 small water pump + garden hose going out the window = no more buckets.
What was the song at the beginning? Love it
I use upbeat.io for most of the music. It was some royalty free song by I think Justin Lee.
Had many large tanks before, now I have a small outdoor inground fish pond around 1,000 gallons. Coming out in the morning with a cup of coffee and enjoy watching them asking to be fed even the school of clown loaches coming up to my hand and taking food. But it takes time to get used to see them from the top rather than front.
That sounds amazing. Another guy I know is putting a little above ground pond in his garage. So cool
Biggest tank is a 60g acrylic. Only have two tanks. A 50g and 60 g acrylic. Had glass tanks leak. Temped to go larger, but all considered, stayed with the smaller tanks. Lightly stocked. Easy.
"Big" is relative in this hobby. IMHO, 180 is the ideal size - 6x2x2. To some people a 180 is huge. I consider it medium size. I never wanted to go bigger than 180 because they're just too difficult to move. Even a 180 is PITA, but any bigger is a nightmare. PS. Your geos are gorgeous!
I agree with you completely. Good points. Thank you -- I just love those geos!
Larger volumes of water also experience less fluctuation in temperature.
What size hose do you have on the sicce pump?
It's an inch inside diameter, and I think it's 50 feet.
@@CichlidCharmerI’m using the smaller diameter python hose, and the flow rate is not what i was expecting from the sicce. I’ll give the 1inch diameter a try.
It's so much faster. I've used that python hose.
My biggest aquarium is a 60 gallon oddball tank, it’s a custom built tank” made to sit on my heavy duty dresser” the size is 5ft 1inch long, by 1ft 5 inches wide, and 1ft X 2inches high…..it’s the biggest tank I have ever owned.
I wanted it to be a rimless aquarium…….but the glass is tempered” Temper might be stronger, but the edges are weak, if the edges get damaged…..the tank practically explodes” therefore” I had to use plaster molding on the edges.
It sits on a foam pad, with painted 1X2s around the sides of the tank……this makes the tank even stronger.
Anyone with a tank bigger than a 55 gallon should put a foam pad under the tank” this protects against uneven flexing of the tank.
Good video it's not often somebody talks about d ups n downs on having big tanks ! Here in Singapore it's a major project having any tank more than a four footer ! Here we live in apartments mostly n its no joke the weight n cost of transporting a large fish tank ! I have a 4ft 95 gallon n its's plenty and I've always wrestling with myself on whether I should get me a six footer ! But I'm glad I never got one for obvious reasons ! for me one tank a 4 ft 95 gallon is plenty !(For now lol !) it's been with me for 16years n it's still enjoyable from day one ! I'm always thinking of the six footer who knows may be one day !
That's great that you can have a 4-footer in your apartment. Here that wouldn't be very likely to happen. Thanks for the great comment, and thanks for watching way over in Singapore!
why do you have forks in that little tank at 4:20 ish
Probably had blanched zuccini. The forks hold it.
Lol glad you asked. Those are to put zucchini on for my new snails.
@CichlidCharmer ive never thought of that i have a endler tank infested with bladder snails that i throw in my cichlid tanks for the loaches and for some of the cichlids that want a treat i should start using the fork strategy because my blanched zucchini always gets stuck to the filter intake
I woke up once thinking it was raining outside, the severeness off it made me jump out of bed in an instance and run upstairs to my aquarium. My pump had leaked about 80 liters (out of 420liter) on the floor. It ran across the floor to tha backside of the house into the wall. The water came down on the outside of my window through tiny gaps made for leaking out small amouns of moisture... The floor was wood but miraculously survived and we had no (visible) moulding anywhere and luckily no wooden structures in our house (concrete house)... That was the last strike my wife gave me and my aquarium 😂😂
Every fish keeper's worst nightmare happened to you! And you were banned from tanks. Bummer
I believe 50cm-150cm is the middle way for most people. Up to 300cm if you have permanent house. +300cm is insane, unless if you're rich.
Not gonna lie. I love big tanks. I do have the same anxiety with large tanks. I make sure I got a back up of a back up generator just in case that back up generator don’t work (No i don’t my mom says I over react). I always count my fish 5 times a day to make sure there fine and well. Then I sit back and relax. At night I lose three hours of sleep just for me to wake up making sure I have all my fish. I do say and agree large tanks are easy to kept clean and it kind of takes less to equal work as a 5 or 10 gallon. Do small water changes every few weeks then do a large one once a month.
I’m not afraid of water in the house I’m afraid of the fish losing the water. Then having less.
I've had an acrylic 240 gallon for over 40 years or so. Its now my only aquarium. Its set up with sort of the Amano plant design. Its mostly green and not one of those 75 different plant species set up. Large near 6" Boesemni rainbow fish,three of them were born in that tank. It's a low maintenance affair. Water changes maybe every three weeks. If it ever starts to leak then that will be the end of a more than 50 year interest.
Sounds great!
A bigger tank means more stable conditions. If a 5 gallon is easy and low maintenance, a 50 gallon will be easier, and 100 could be fully hands off, long as you keep the same plants and animals. If external filters are scary, use more, beefier internal ones, or take advantage of the sheer space and go no-tech with light stocking. The reason these things get harder as you go larger isn't cause of the size, it's because with more size, people also increase their expectations. You want bigger fish. But that's not a linear scale, a fish twice the size needs 3-5 times the space and filtration. Diminishing returns. A massive school of small fish, even at the same biomass of a larger fish, will produce less waste, need less food, and want less space, pound for pound.
Those are some great points 😀
Nice water 🎉
Thank you
The water leaking fear is so real, all it takes is one big tank to go and an entire section of your house can be completely destroyed!
You've just amplified my fright lol
@ it’s only a slightly terrifying thought 😂 definitely doesn’t haunt me at all….
😂😂😂
I am a nut job. I love throwing my money into a black hole but I ended all of my tanks but one and boy was it worth it. Now it’s time for a pond.
What do you consider a small tank?
For me it's anything under 55, but definitely 29 and smaller.
@ so 40 in between??
Yeah, I mean I don't really consider tanks to be really big until they are 180 or so, but 55 and above are still big enough to put you to work and add some danger to your home. 40 is a fair size. I wouldn't say big though. That's all just me though. I'm sure others would have different opinions
@ Ok thank you! I subscribed today and I really like your channel!!
If you do it the right way you won’t have to worry about all that you are worrying about.
Okay
That’s why I prefer stock tank ponds ☝️
this is exactly why all of my tanks are in my basement.
Perfect place for them
Your big tank is made by one of the best aquarium manufacturers in the USA, if not the world. I own big Aquariums by All Glass/Aqueon Aquariums, and I "knock on wood"
never had them fail, so you should sleep like a baby after what you paid those Aquariums.
Nothing is perfect, and anything can fail, but yes, I do sleep a lot better knowing I have tanks made by great companies.
I thought you were going to say that the guy was swimming with the fishes
Oh that's WAY better lol. Darnit.
New fear unlocked 😵💫 got a 240 gallon tank in the living room.
Ooooo nice
Good thing my condo is in a building made of monolithic concrete.
My big tank is under the house so im not too worried.I did have a little tank with a crack in the bottom lol.The fish got to moving the gravel around and pushed it all to one end so to much weight.Oh and i run a sump on my big tank much easier to service than a canister filter.
This was my big tank i had outside,it was a aquaculture tank around 2500ltrs.ua-cam.com/video/au3F1CstuJw/v-deo.htmlsi=qDvXlm9WDUUAkumk
I got 5 tanks and all over 75 gallon . If I had more space I’d have more .
I want to party with this guy
My 80 gal. Cost me 200.00
Thanks
One easy solution is to keep your large fish tank room in the basement !
Yep!
I don’t understand why you guys constantly talk about water changes. I have five tanks in my house that have been established for over a year. sand beds,Live plants only good filter and forget it and leave it. I’ve never done a water change on my tanks and everything is thriving. I just don’t understand. Why would you want to do a water change and take all that nutrients out if you create a ecosystemyou will not have to do a water change but now Cichlid so I guess could be different because you can’t put a lot of plants in that tank.
Many people don't know how to keep plants alive or maybe it's not their thing. Cichlids love to eat all the cool plants, and you can't have soil in there because they constantly shift the sand around, digging every chance they get. Plants will work in a refugium or on top of the tank with roots dangling into the water. I have pothos above Alcatraz, but it hardly makes a difference.
@ my friend I do apologize you are absolutely correct. I do not have any cichlids so completely slipped my mind what you are saying is 100% accurate and true I guess it’s one of those things out of sight out of mine. But I did mention cichlids, and how that would be a little bit more difficult to do.
Thank you so much for the kind response, Kevin. @@kevinr3533
Ugly af lmao 😂 I have the same thoughts about sponge filters. Subscribed!
Yeah super ugly lol. Thanks for subscribing!
Poor Jeffry
Lol
so I guess I can't have. large tank since you say I shouldn't
You didn't watch the whole video, did you?
Big fish are fun small fish I find very uninteresting idk they just swim around
Yeah, I totally agree! Boring small fish lol
Right now, biggest tank is the custom 90gal which I love other than a few squabbles here and there from the royalty that live in it. My worst nightmare was years ago in a 125gal, while getting ready for work and the 3 boys ready for the sitter I heard that saying all mothers gasped when heard "MOM", 2 of the boys were yelling at each other and one threw a spoon at the other and it hit the tank right on and cracked the glass which then broke... we all know what was next... water glass and fish everywhere.......you know mom was not happy F-bombs everywhere. I love to clean my smaller tanks wham bam and done, bigger tanks lugging around those heavy cannisters wow, guess I have big guns because of it or ruined back right. Freshwater tanks are a lot easier than I'm finding with saltwater and I don't even have livestock yet only the rock is curing, my family and friends already know I'm crazy so no difference there. Thanks for this video and the helpful info.
I had no idea about that one, Polly. A spoon!??? Man that sounds horrible. Good thing it would bounce off my acrylics. I think San Quentin's glass is too thick for a mere spoon to break it. Hope so anyway. Thanks, Polly!
make it eco system aquarium , problem solved , and is much more fun
Relax dude, a aquarium is to be enjoyed, to relax. Live is too short to be worrying about material things or to nag about the time lost on maintenance or the price of gear. Maybe this hobby isn't for you?
I think you might be new here. Thanks though!
yes rich people problems
You have friends…? 😅
Of course not. Did I say I have friends?
@ haha I’m in deep here, I need longer arms and pockets.
Nothing you said makes sense
Watch it again.
You’re full of crap
Oh wow lol
AI BULLSHIT
Not sure what you mean
I have a 150 from custom aquariums. I use a strong pump. Tht drains 80%. In less then 5 minutes. I refill the tank using a plastic garbage can. Easy quick and simple. I abandoned the bucket 🪣 brigade. Years ago. Like ben ochart says 👏🤣
“Water always wins” . Ya ever heard of brick mate
No, what is this brick?