60 Gallon Community Build

[JoshyJosh]

Hello Everyone!
 
I am finally getting back into the fish keeping hobby after being out of it for a few years. My previous experience was a 29 gallon freshwater community tank that I kept in college and absolutely loved! I bought a tank and stand just before Christmas and now I'll be getting the rest of the equipment to get it up and running. Here's a list of what I have and will be ordering so far:
 
Have:
60 gallon tank (4'x2'x1') with stand and lid/light
 
Ordering:
2 Emperor 400 power filters
2 150 watt Aqueon Pro Heaters
1 API Freshwater Master Test Kit
1 API GH and KH Test Kit
2 Liquid Crystal Thermometers
1 Maxi-Jet Pro 600 Powerhead
 
I'll be picking up a couple bags of white pool filter sand locally along with all my decor and fish.
 
This will not be a planted tank, so I don't have any plans to upgrade the lighting system right now. I think the most I'd do is replace the bulbs and then maybe in the future pick up a better lighting system.
 
As far as stocking goes, I'll go with all community type fish like neon tetras, rummy nose tetras, etc...but that'll come later on after I do a fishless cycle and can give it more thought.
 
I'm really looking forward to getting this setup and sharing the process with all of you.
 
If there are any questions or comments, don't hesitate to share!
 
 

 

[Ninjouzata]

to TFF! Hope you enjoy it here.
 
I look forward to reading about your tank

 

[JoshyJosh]

Thank you!!!

 

[Fishmanic]

you certainly have plenty of filtration for that tank and two heaters is nice to even out the heat exchange.  If I buy a 55 gal, it will be the same dimensions as yours except the height would be 20 inch.

 

[JoshyJosh]

you certainly have plenty of filtration for that tank and two heaters is nice to even out the heat exchange.  If I buy a 55 gal, it will be the same dimensions as yours except the height would be 20 inch.

Thank you!! I wanted to have a lot of filtration to keep water conditions as pristine as possible and to have some good surface agitation. I figure two filters tied with regular water changes will work out nicely. I also wanted two heaters in case one happens to fail and also to evenly heat the tank. I may add an air stone at some point. We'll see...

I should be ordering everything pretty soon!!

 

[Fishmanic]

do you keep the heaters at the same temp? or is one higher than the other

 

[JoshyJosh]

do you keep the heaters at the same temp? or is one higher than the other

 
One may be set a bit higher than the other because it'll be submerged deeper in the tank than the other one.
 
To update everyone, I got a bit of work done today in preparation for all the equipment. I also realized I haven't uploaded any pictures and what's a build thread without pictures?!?!
 
This is what I'm starting with:
 

 
I didn't want to put a vinyl background because they never seem to stick on long term, and I also didn't find anything that peaked my interest, so I decided to go with a nice blue color for the background. Here are a few shots of the paint process:
 

 

 

 
I also had to level the stand out because it's sitting on carpet. A couple shims painted to match the stand:
 

 
Finished product so far:
 

 
Now what I'd like to know is if you guys think this is level enough or should I try to get it better? This first picture is side-to-side:
 

 
This is front-to-back:
 

 
What do you guys think? I'm not very impressed with the light kit that came with the tank so I'll definitely be upgrading those.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Tank looks gorgeous!
 
I'd think you want it completely leveled? I havn't really checked into that stuff though :C Also it might level out once filled with water?

 

[JoshyJosh]

Tank looks gorgeous!
 
I'd think you want it completely leveled? I havn't really checked into that stuff though :C Also it might level out once filled with water?

 
Thank you so much!!
 
That's what I was thinking. I filled it with water to do the leak test, but that was before I added the shims. I may fill it one more time and let it sit overnight and see what happens. I feel like I read somewhere that it doesn't have to be perfect...just close because water will end up leveling itself out. I did check the stand to make sure it was level and it was; just sits a bit off because it's on carpet I guess.
 
Any recommendations on either better bulbs or a nice light kit with included night light?

 

[Ninjouzata]

I don't really know about any lights except the ones we've just got which are THESE.
 
Sorry I can't really be of help >.<

 

[Rexenator]

The tank I have now doesn't sit level (accidentally placed the stand too close to the wall, so it's sitting on the carpet tacks...). I didn't think I would notice if I filled it up enough. But sometimes the water evaporates just enough for me to notice and it drives me crazy because I can't move it now.

 

[JoshyJosh]

That's ok...gives me the chance to do more research

The tank I have now doesn't sit level (accidentally placed the stand too close to the wall, so it's sitting on the carpet tacks...). I didn't think I would notice if I filled it up enough. But sometimes the water evaporates just enough for me to notice and it drives me crazy because I can't move it now.

 
Guess that's a good thing because you know when to top off haha. I'm going to fill it again soon and let it sit for a couple days and see if that helps. Otherwise I think it'll be OK.

 

[JoshyJosh]

Well...just bought the Satellite LED Plus lighting system for my tank!!
 
Anyone on here have this system? What are your thoughts?

 

[Ninjouzata]

Did you look at my link? That is what I suggested to ya. I love them, they're bright and have lots of color options and such.
My dad originally got some for my 55g for Christmas. The other tanks looked terribly dark in comparison so..now they all have them!
 
HERE is a link to my 55g doing the colors. I imagine this might be obvious but..don't have the lights shining at your face when you first turn them on
 
I hope you enjoy them! ^^

 

[JoshyJosh]

Did you look at my link? That is what I suggested to ya. I love them, they're bright and have lots of color options and such.
My dad originally got some for my 55g for Christmas. The other tanks looked terribly dark in comparison so..now they all have them!
 
HERE is a link to my 55g doing the colors. I imagine this might be obvious but..don't have the lights shining at your face when you first turn them on

 
I hope you enjoy them! ^^

 
I certainly did, plus a few others, and this was definitely the best light for the money. Plus I was able to get 20% from Petco and use some gift cards that I had...so it made the deal even better. I'm really glad you like yours; I can't wait to get mine and get it setup!