Rant

[joecoral]

Does anyone else have so many problems with setting up a new tank?
Since buying it I have:
- managed to put the stand base on upside down so had to remove it and re-attach
- discovered a scratch on the front glass but cant return the tank as I have already removed the juwel internal filter
- discovered my floor leans forwards by 15mm over 40 cm odd
- been unable to cycle it yet as i have forgotten im away for a week in 2 weeks time
- bought some vinyl backing only to balls it up when cutting it to shape so must buy again
- discovered the external filter i bought (eheim 2026) only barely just squeezes into the cabinet, so much so that removing it is a pain in the rear

I have enough nightmares about it leaking / collapsing as it is without all the added pains listed above, I've lost count of the how many times i've nearly put my foot through the glass in frustration

 

[Chri$]

Don't put your foot through the glass as that will make things even worse!

 

[Matty P]

That wouldn't be good

 

[MermaidMel]

haha you sound like me, I hate setting up the tank
I get all excited about buying it, get it home and just wanna fast forward thru all the annoying, stressful bits
Try having a 3yr old that re-arranges your landscape too!

 

[joecoral]

the most frustrating part is that i can't do anything with it. there's no point in filling it as i cannot cycle it due to my 5 days away in 2 weeks time which would mean the cycle would halt and i would have to restart it, so its just sat there next to my desk taunting me. it also needs shimming as there is a reasonable lean from back to front

 

[MermaidMel]

do u have anyone who can come in and help out for the 5 days you're away?

 

[Lion007]

Hahaha Is yours an acrylic juwel? If so some 2800grit w/d and a rotary polisher with some compound will sort your scratch

 

[Matty P]

?

 

[madgap]

Personally I enjoy setting up a tank.
As for a leaning floor, frankly I think the stands that come with tanks are awful. Might I suggest a custom made one. That would obviously solve the problem. And would also give ample room for your filter.

 

[SouthernCross]

Our floor is uneven too, we just cut little slivers of hard wood to the right thickness to pop under the appropriate legs of the stand to level it out - we just used a spirit level and experimentation with different bits of wood until we got it right.

 

[madgap]

Yeah, its not rocket science. Glad you used hardwood. Softwood may have compacted under the weight of the water and took it out of level again. Hardwood shouldn't.

 

[GuppyDude]

Just do a fish less cycle. Fill it up, get the motor going, throw in some fish flakes before you leave, and when you get back things should be doing well. I've done this before and it seems to work fine.

Setting up can be a pain, especially kits, who invented the kit......

And if it's a jewel, i don't think your foot will go through it; use a hammer.

 

[joecoral]

i'm planning a fishless cycle, but if i start it now then go away in 2 weeks time for a week i will not be there to carry on feeding it ammonia and it will halt, meaning i will just have to start again when i get back

 

[Matty P]

do u have anyone who can come in and help out for the 5 days you're away?

Is there anyone who could do it for you while your away??

 

[joecoral]

do u have anyone who can come in and help out for the 5 days you're away?

Is there anyone who could do it for you while your away??

not really, no. it's just me and the gf at the moment as its the middle of summer break unfortunately, and shes coming with me