My Complete Roma 125 Journal.

[Joshwainwright]

JOURNAL POST

I'm currently on my 6th day of my cycle and there's still no drop in the ammonia level, so it looks like I'm in for a long wait...

I've decided to get rid of the U3 and fit my Fluval 205 external filter but I need to get round to cutting the hood as it looks absolutely stupid!

I really need to get it cut, the only problem is I know it will go wrong. There's no way I will be able to do it straight!

 

[JoshuaA]

Odd that Fluval haven't designed integration of their own filters on their own tanks. However the Fluval 05 series does seem to be awfully bulky on the pipes I had the same problem with my Juwel 125 but it was less pronounced as it was pre grooved on the trim.

I like the tank and I like the amount of bogwood, if not I would love to see more of it!

Word of advice, possibly a good idea to put the heater on a diagonal so it heats more efficiently and distributes the heat more evenly across the tank.

Looking forward to see the progress on this tank.

 

[chrisodapz]

hi,
I have a roma 125 and there are parts for cut outs so shouldnt be too hard to do, i have a fluval 305 external and once you do cut outs all fits well.

chriso.

 

[Tizer]

Nice looking tank, you might want to put the heater in diagonally since the thermostat sits at the top, with hot water rising, it will always register hotter than the tank really is.

 

[Joshwainwright]

Odd that Fluval haven't designed integration of their own filters on their own tanks. However the Fluval 05 series does seem to be awfully bulky on the pipes I had the same problem with my Juwel 125 but it was less pronounced as it was pre grooved on the trim.

I like the tank and I like the amount of bogwood, if not I would love to see more of it!

Word of advice, possibly a good idea to put the heater on a diagonal so it heats more efficiently and distributes the heat more evenly across the tank.

Looking forward to see the progress on this tank.

The way I've positioned the bogwood was only supposed to be temorary until the tanks cycled but I think I might keep it how it is and see what it comes out like planted.

Thanks for the heater tip.

hi,
I have a roma 125 and there are parts for cut outs so shouldnt be too hard to do, i have a fluval 305 external and once you do cut outs all fits well.

chriso.

I do plan on cutting the hood however I know I will probably do something wrong and it will end up looking even worse. I really am the worst at DIY!

Nice looking tank, you might want to put the heater in diagonally since the thermostat sits at the top, with hot water rising, it will always register hotter than the tank really is.

That makes sense, I'll move it diagonally.

Cheers!

 

[Joshwainwright]

JOURNAL POST

I've only just realised I haven't updated my journal since yesterdays events. Well, the good news is I finally grew a pair and cut the hood so that the pipes for my Fluval 205 fit. I'm really glad I did it as it looks a lot neater. Luckily, I didn't make a mess of it as you can see below.

The other good news is on the 7th day of my cycle I have seen a slight drop in the ammonia level. Hopefully things will begin to speed up from now on!

 

[neo83]

JOURNAL POST

I've only just realised I haven't updated my journal since yesterdays events. Well, the good news is I finally grew a pair and cut the hood so that the pipes for my Fluval 205 fit. I'm really glad I did it as it looks a lot neater. Luckily, I didn't make a mess of it as you can see below.

The other good news is on the 7th day of my cycle I have seen a slight drop in the ammonia level. Hopefully things will begin to speed up from now on!

Nice Journal Josh, can't wait to see the final result. I have the same tank as yours and they look really lovely especially when only the tank lights are on in the room. I remember asking Jamepss for advice on cutting the lid for my fluval 305 on his old thread he referred and never got around doing it

I really like how neat the cuttings are. How did you/ what have you used to cut it like that? (look at me asking the same questions again ). Anyways here is an old pic of my roma 125 although i took out the barrel on the left and replaced it with the coconut shell from the right, and put a flat stone where the coconut shell was for the bolivian ram pair. I'll try a get the latest pic tonight.

 

[Joshwainwright]

It really is a nice tank although I'm already wishing I went for the bigger Roma 200 which wouldn't have cost that much more. Never mind though, I still think this is a nice addition to my living room.

As for cutting the hood, I used a small hacksaw to cut 2 slits for each indent and then ran along where I wanted the final cut to be with a Stanley knife a few times. I them simply bent the plastic hoping it would snap where I had marked and it did (neatly to my surprise.)

It still isn't as neat as I would like it to be but seeing as I'm probably one of the worst people at DIY in the world, I'm rather pleased with my work.

The old photo of your tank looks great! Remember to remind me once you have a newer photo!

 

[Warehouse]

I have the same issue with my external pipes and Roma 125 hood. That's a definate design flaw. I'll cut mine soon as you're right, the lid looks awful leaning on the pipes. I just hope they come out as well as yours have.

 

[Biulu]

It really looks much better. I am glad you got around doing it. And oh, I considered myself very bad at DIY too, but if you practice enough with small projects, things get better and better. The only thing I dare not touch yet is electricy; just too afraid to get a shock.

 

[Joshwainwright]

I'll find something else to try out soon, I don't exactly enjoy DIY but it saves a lot of money!

 

[LilyRose Tank]

congrats on doing the tank holes. it looks great. really wish i had the time for a bigger tank, but i shall persevere with my little 64L for now, as I keep having disease problems

 

[Joshwainwright]

congrats on doing the tank holes. it looks great. really wish i had the time for a bigger tank, but i shall persevere with my little 64L for now, as I keep having disease problems

I already want an even bigger tank!

I'm sure your 64L looks great though...

 

[Little_Nemo]

congrats on doing the tank holes. it looks great. really wish i had the time for a bigger tank, but i shall persevere with my little 64L for now, as I keep having disease problems

I already want an even bigger tank!

I'm sure your 64L looks great though...

Haha I'm like that and i've only just bought my 35lr tank! Thought it'd be great to start off with, but now i want a bigger tank too!!

 

[Joshwainwright]

JOURNAL POST

Seeing as I haven't updated my journal in a few days, it would be nice to give you a giant update. Sadly, this isn't going to happen as my cycle has decided to test my patience. It got to the 7th day of my cycle and the ammonia seemed to begin to drop, 4 days later however; things still seem to be slowing down rather than speeding up.

Here is my log so far:

Hopefully, things will begin to brighten up and speed up soon.