*** PROJECT NIAGRA ***

[fuzzylogic]

Well I began hard-core brainstorming for my new project. essentially what Im trying to accomplish is 2 display tanks housed in a rock formation with 2 waterfalls. Ill be using 2x4s for structure, 2 50 gal breeders, a sump I have yet to determine size, and styrofoam faux rock exterior for aesthetics. Take a look at my idea Ill include a profile picture and a lil clay/lego model Stoney made to sort of illustrate what I'm going for. Let me know if you think its doable and please give me input if you think I might be forgetting something. This is a pretty big project for me but I think it will turn out ok.

[bnoel210]

What do you plan on stocking each tank with? From clay model it didnt look like you could see in the front of bottom tank. Also are you going to use something for a splash guard. With the water falling from top to bottom wouldnt it be splashing water out of the tank or will you beable to control the current?

[fuzzylogic]

All of these are great questions. For stocking it will probably be up to my Girlfriend but we had talked about possibly having a species tank up top with grow out on the bottom. Yes the fronts and sides of both tanks will be visible. As far as splashing and waterfall flow, this one will be a bit tricky especially until I get everything plumbed and can test. Im looking for more of a water cascading or trickling to keep the noise down. This I plan on achieving by rock placement or route the water will take. I also plan on putting a ball valve in line on the pump at which I can control the rate there.

[glenoweth]

sounds neet... keep us posted.

[davidtcb1]

The splashing thing was my first thought too.

[fuzzylogic]

Got started on the stand today. I'm definitely no carpenter. It doesnt need to be pretty just structurally sound because the entire thing will be covered. Today I got the bottom and the base for the bottom tank done. I will probably do the top tank portion tomorrow.

[bnoel210]

Just suggesting a middle bracket or it may staet to bow in the middle. Looking good so far bro.

[fuzzylogic]

Yep center supports will be added tomorrow as well

[bnoel210]

Look awsome

[LunchboxCritter]

Pretty Snazzy

Are you going to use Great Stuff and paint to make rocks?

[fuzzylogic]

I may use great stuff, but that alone won't be economical enough. I will probably utilize several methods I've found for creating the fake rock look.

[davidtcb1]

Keep posting as you work Fuzzy, neat to see things progressing.

[fuzzylogic]

***STAND BUILT***
Today I got the stand completed with quite a bit of lumber left over. It took almost a 1lb box of exterior fine threaded screws. I used wood glue between most of the joints, measured a bunch and only had to cut once.

p.s. I also added 2 more vertical supports on the back for the top tank. I just took my pictures before that step. I will paint the stand tomorrow or the day after.











For good measure and to check my clearances I threw my tanks on for a final dry fit and to check my notch for the bulkhead that will drain into the sump. Maybe this will show a better idea of what I had in mind with the 2 tanks overlapping and both sharing the same sump system

[bnoel210]

Looking good buddy

[ree123]

I'm thinking you might need a glass of "Tang" after all this hard and productive work, which looks fabulous, BTW.
I am enjoying all the pictures of progress.
You know, your waterfall could maybe even be turned into a controlled winding stream with live marginal plants in and near the stream. Just an idea.........