Aquascaping the 500 Gallon Plywood Aquarium! (Stocking Revealed!)
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- čas přidán 19. 05. 2024
- I am aquascaping my new 500 gallon DIY plywood aquarium! In the video, I finish waterproofing the plywood tank with more pond shield, finishing the plumbing of the sump and pumps, revealing the stocking list for this tank, and of course aquascaping the aquarium! I've hit a few bumps in the road during this plywood fish tank build, but we're still tracking towards a completed aquarium soon, and I can't wait for that in the next video.
This is my first time building a plywood aquarium, and I'm bound to make small mistakes along the way. If you're looking for a true "how to" video, I'd look up some of the Fishtubers who have more experience with these builds. I'm confident that this tank will all work out fine, but just wanted to throw out that caveat.
- Part One: • Building the DIY Plywo...
- Part Two: • I Built a Huge DIY Ply...
- Part Three: • My Huge DIY Plywood Aq...
- Part Four: • Building My 475 Gallon...
- Part Five: • Finishing My 475 Gallo...
Below are Amazon affiliate links to all of the materials I used in this plywood aquarium build. I'll keep an ongoing list here and throughout the series:
EQUIPMENT
- Sicce Syncra SDC Pump: amzn.to/3wfQ4eZ
- Ecotech Radion Lights: bulkreefsupply.sjv.io/1rxbND
- Python Water Changer: amzn.to/3a17dbb
- Carib Sea Sand Substrate: amzn.to/37p2Kzf
DIY BUILD Materials
- Pond Shield (Black): amzn.to/4b6QzYm
- Pond Shield (Sky Blue): amzn.to/48Xbb3s
- Fiberglass Resin: amzn.to/3u2AUbX
- Fiberglass Mat: amzn.to/492RE1x
- Wood Screws - 3 inch: amzn.to/47Seyrk
- Wood Screws - 2.5 inch: amzn.to/496QJx3
- Wood Screws - 1 inch: amzn.to/47Qq8mK
- Wood Glue: amzn.to/3OfVsob
- Sander: amzn.to/3OihjLH
- Sand Discs (60 Grit): amzn.to/4bd1tvR
- Paint Roller Kit: amzn.to/3OeTfcy
- Paint Brushes: amzn.to/42flPk2
- Silicone: amzn.to/3SjsOnw
- Latex Gloves: amzn.to/4b3GTxX
Plywood/Lumber (so far):
- 3/4in 5-Ply Birch Plywood: x3
- 2x4: x18
- 2x6: x10
Tools used/eventually needed:
- Miter Saw: amzn.to/47HVn3u
- Power Drill: amzn.to/47P35c0
- Corner Clamps: amzn.to/4b3HeAJ
- Circular Saw: amzn.to/42oQgEa
- Hole Saw Kit: amzn.to/42Nrz4K
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Build Recap
1:53 - Plumbing
8:56 - Stocking
11:11 - Aquascaping
15:46 - Lighting
17:13 - The Leak
18:42 - Final Thoughts
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⚡️For zoom consultation inquires, or Business inquiries, please email ➡︎ cichlid.bros1@gmail.com
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#cichlidbros #cichlids #cichlidtanks #plywoodaquarium #plywoodtank
I got way too excited when I saw this came out. Stopped studying for my final and started preparing food for the show
Haha love to hear it! Best of luck with the final
you are a certified fish nerd lol (I am also)
Awesome
I give you credit for not letting any of this stop you! I try to hang a picture frame and if it doesn't go smooth on the first try I swear and throw a fit like a child and walk away lol... You'll definitely get there man. Great work so far and looking forward to seeing that ray!
Amazing job. So so cool.
Thank you!
AYEEEEE WE HERE!!!
👊🏻👊🏻
A couple coats of Plumber’s Silicone would probably plug that leak. I had to use it on my aquarium’s pipes when I got my first aquarium in March.
Looking good …Enjoy
Thanks 👍
Looking really good Troy your hard work will pay off in the end. Little set backs are there to help us learn and grow! They are not there to give us the feeling of defeat. Remember look for the Silver lining in set backs its all good brother!! Love the channel!!
Thank you, really appreciate that! And definitely agree! 💪🏼
Can't wait to see the stingrays, one of my lfs has them and they are huuuuuge
Troy, she'll get there. Your doing an amazing job and when you have to wait until everything cures, it's a bummer. The scape is spectacular and I can already picture a baby ray relaxing in there. Superb news for the big guys, I hope you show their transfer when the time comes. You have safe travels my friend. Peace.
Thanks, Sandy! Will definitely show the fish transfer! Hopefully will be soon 🙏🏼
Hallelujah I've been waiting for this video for a long time , get that popcorn honey Troy's finally ready to show off his Monster Wood 🍿
Awesome brother! You did an amazing job start to finish! Also great to family in there with the assist!
Thanks, Mike! Appreciate it!
Wow it is going to look awesome and your fish will be the happiest ever in that size of a tank! The Bala Shark is going to grow to 3ft in there! Hope there won´t be any more leaks
AWESOME. thanks for sharing this build and if you decide not to use the 180, I can come take it off your hands 😂
Haha, thanks for watching!
Looks out of this world! Just gave me confidence to do it even more!
Thanks, Dennis! Best of luck if you try it!
@@CichlidBros thanks. One last quickie question. Is the 180 going to be the new central tank or is that gonna be a different project? How's the Cubans?
Your very patient. 😂 I had to buy a very heavy rock to sink my driftwood
Amazing tank, and the stocking is gone to be awesome
Thank you!
Licensed plumber here, those ABS fittings with PVC glue makes me extremely nervous. They make a transition glue for these applications. Also, when gluing pvc or abs in plumbing systems we always insert then quarter turn to desired position. Reasoning is that upon insertion there may be the straight line that is a void from potential defects or debris. I would have suggested pushing the 90 with the hose into that fitting horizontally then twist it(with it fully inserted) down to the desired position.
We are all happy to see the progress, keep up the good work!
Abs with pvc glue is a major fail. Need the combo glue for sure.
I’ve used this glue for multiple sump installations with no issues for years. The leak was not due to the glue anyway. I’ll do the quarter turn next time, thanks for the tip.
Soft plumbing there was a mistake
Return lines you used is going to collect debri. Hard plumbing is the way to go
@@shindama and yet I’ve used this EXACT plumbing for years on multiple setups. Probably last time I’ll respond to you since it’s always something negative anyway. Have a good day
Looks great! Stingrays will be awesome!
That video went from: Yes to Lets gooooo to LETS FREAKING GO to No to NOOOOOOO to YES to I have to wait more 😂
Haha yep, that’s been my past few weeks 😅
Thumbnail on point
Where was Quinn? Any particular reason why he didn’t help out? 🤔😂 “ what is it, you do here?”. lol
Lmao 😂
Everything looks good. No worry about the setback. You got this! Looking forward to the continuation of this series. Always fun to see the "fish reveal" and the aquascape.
I must say that you guys really inspired me to get back into the hobby. So much great info, easy to follow, and straightforward with so much good content! Keep up the great work guys! I never subscribed to anyone or anything on CZcams but you guys will probably be my first! Thanks CichlidBros
Love to hear that! Comments like these keep us goin! Appreciate you watching 👊🏻
Glad to know the structure is intact. Can’t wait to see the final setup. All the best🎉
Rambo you cutie ❤
Love watching this project come together ❤ watching from Australia 🇦🇺 😊
Thank you! Always enjoy having Rambo help me lol
What journey but worth it in the end. I’m using the same pump on my 100 gallon system at 52%. My LFS had the price marked down to the 6.0, all because the box got wet and squished. Fired Up deal for me.
Love to hear it!
Hi Troy the plywood tank is coming along great can’t wait till the next video and the stocking of the tank is going to look wonderful and i can’t wait to see the stingray in there 👍
Really appreciate that!
Tenacity m8 you got loads of it, well done.
This is sooo freaking coooool!!!!!! been waiting for the finish. Great job man!!!!
Thanks a ton!
Been waiting for this video ! Looks amazing can’t wait to see the stringy ray in there !
Thanks for watching!
Amazing video! Love the build and the step by step of it all coming together.
I have few huge monster tanks now, only thing I recommend is, the sting ray has huge bio loads and when you adding all those fish from the other tank it’s going to be hard to keep alive. Your 500 gallon realistically is about 300, after all that woods and rocks and plants. All my tanks are bare bottoms, boring to look at but I rather care for the health and space for the fishes. The fish is the main focus point. Less is more but I am looking forward to your new video. Cheers! 😄👍
Stingray is my next project too. Going in my 240 gallon custom build.
U did an excellent job bro in building the tank even after setbacks/leaks in tank u still keep up the spirit 👏
Excited to see the sting ray along with 180 gallon tankmates..❤🎉
Thank you, appreciate that!
@@CichlidBros ur welcome bro
I have been looking forward to the completion of the tank. Congratulations on a job well done. Just wonder if the stingray will have enough surface area to move around the scape.
Thank you! If it ever seems like he needs more space, I’ll remove some rocks/decor
Nice. I think you should have far less aquascape to provide more floor space for the Stingray. If it was just cichlids it wouldn't be an issue.
But it's easy to fix. Or ignore. It's your tank. 😊
Thanks for saying that respectfully. I definitely will remove some of the rocks over time. I think it’ll be great for a small Ray for awhile
@@CichlidBros No probs. Yes. It's an easy issue to address in the future.
I look forward to the next update.
Good video tank looks good 💪🏾💯
Thank you!
Awesome tank bro can’t wait to see it finished I’ve been into aquariums my whole life just more getting my wife into it after 21 yrs of marriage
Good job there's always something but way to overcome 👍👍
Thank you!
Wow! Getting so close! It took me a moth to get a factory built tank drilled, sump setup, scaped and filled. I thought that was frustrating…
The stingray will be really cool, but I was hoping that you were going to say he would have peacock bass for tank mates.
good choice, look forward to seeing it. though for a stingray i would leave a larger open area on the bottom and use smooth river rocks...
Loved it ❤
looks great. I would recommend moving some of your rock towards the sides/back for the ray. I have a ray myself and he really enjoys plenty of free-swim room in the tank without obstructions.
It's very impressive. Good job. I think you should get some peacock bass ( kelberi) or (monoculus) and a silver arowana.
Awesome video!
Very cool video series! I noticed when you glued the drain line elbows that you simply applied the glue and pushed the elbow in. I was lucky enough to do a workshop with Master Breeder Dean where he taught us to push the elbows in about a quarter turn off-set and then twist them by that quarter turn into place to make sure that the seal is leakproof once cured. Perhaps that's why you have that small leak from the drain lines?
It wasnt leaking from there. It was the space between the gasket and tank wall on the inside
Podziwiam
Amazing work, yes I waited for this video for every week in last some weeks, good that it's getting completed.. I think u have too many rocks for stringray , not sure if all are smooth. Rest everything looks amazing
Thank you! Yeah, I’ll likely remove some rocks over time. For awhile it’ll be cichlids until Ray is done quarantining
👍👍👍👏👏 awesome one thing about just paint the returns BLACK 🤔
👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
Nice set up bro man should get a puffer fish
Thanks man! Would like to at some point
please get a arowana that be so cool!
Since you cant do plants in the water, maybe you could do some above the water with the roots hanging in the tank? Like pothos.
Probably wont since it's toxic to cats. Probably will do a refugium in the sump tho
@@CichlidBros great idea!
Me when I have a leak: PANIC! Run around looking for backup solutions in case the tank goes.
You: Let me get the camera.
Yeah it’s the last thing I want to do in the moment but had to do it
Awesome project, and well done!
I am curious about those fake plants. Where from ??
Thanks! From Hobby Lobby
Question for, Ivan had my 55 gallon fish tank for about three years, no issues. I have sand gravel and not the pool sand. Aquarium sand. About six months ago, I got some Cory cat fish, and that’s where my brown algae problem started. Not sure what caused the brown algae but has been worst and worst. Since then I have moved those Cory catfish to my other tank.
For the past four months, I have removed all decor, cleaned everything and as much of the sand. I am doing 70 percent water change every week since, clean glass, gravel vac sand, add my frits water treatment and beneficial bacteria every time. Fishes are good, no casualties, but man the brown algae comes with persistent and gets worst and worst to the point I do water changes every three days.
I do not over feed, on top of water changes, two HOB all with sponges including the inlet, water clear, but the whole sand is now brown and just gets worst. I’ve been using phosguard as well for. A month. What else can I do to get rid of this brown algae?
Will the stingray have room on the bottom to move on? Outside of that way too go on the build and things.
Troy,
Wow how much did this all cost to setup and everything? I am wondering on price and how much cheaper vs buying an aquarium?
Appreciate you showing us even the trials you are going through.
Thanks for watching! I’m going to do a full pricing breakdown video soon!
Great job! Question for you. I am an African cichlid guy. I have hard water in my area and the Africans love it. I would like to get a South American tank like yours. What is your opinion on getting the water softer for the South Americans?
Thanks,
Nat
Thanks! I would usually recommend keeping the parameters consistent. Most SA cichlids will do just fine. I have hard water/high PH and they do well
I have heard of Ray's chewing on the pondshield best of luck looks great
good build, but I was wondering why you did use flexible pipe instead rigid pvc pipe?
Came with the sump
@@CichlidBros ah okay , btw beautiful build you done 😊
@@KathouQC thank you!
boil the hosing for a few minutes it is easy to straiten
Cool scape but just a question - Wouldn't the stones impede and possibly hurt the ray? since they seem to be in the middle, will the ray have space to swim on the sand?
Yeah as I mentioned I’ll make changes as it grows
@@CichlidBros awesome.. Been loving this series
How does cleaning the plumbing work? Will that be hard to do?
Pretty easy actually. With the sump being open and accessible, very simple to maintain
@@CichlidBros Even with the piping that is attached? Does that have to be scrubbed out with a hose cleaner or anything at any point? (I'm new to the hobby and trying to figure out the balancing of cleaning things!!)
@@TheRevolutionary33 nope, typically it doesn’t need to be cleaned out
@@CichlidBros Neat! Thanks!
How much was the cost of the build including all the free equipment priced out?
Assuming free equipment. Gotta love all your comments 😂
@@CichlidBros as soon as you had the sicce shirt on, I knew they must have comped the return pump. Just be honest brother.
Just curious why so many drain lines?
More filtration is always good
Just from my experience rays especially at a small size do not like fish that occupy the bottom, i have 5 breeding tanks for rays and have only had real long term success with bass, datnoids and arowana. They usually don’t like allot of activity in their tanks, also sand will eventually cause you issues with finding barbs that are shed
I don’t mind the barbs. And im sure he’ll be fine with adult cichlids that are aggressive
@@CichlidBros it’s finding the barbs in the sand, and it’s that they don’t like the activity as they can get picked on pretty easily as they’re not agressive them selves
More info on the large fake plants you got?
I think that’s too many rocks for Stingrays maybe if they’re small for now
I cover this in the video.
Anybody know where he got the fake plants from?
Hobby lobby
I done this too and had a mini marble motoro stingray with my SA cichlids, until the ray started eating the cichlids. Might want to reevaluate the tank mates….
These adult cichlids will be just fine with a ray.
Following build, aren’t you concerned having a tank so close to electric panel🤔
No, as I stated in each video, I’ll be covering it
To much rock.stingrays Need lots of open sand space to dig. I have stingrays and had to change my tanks a few times.
I cover this in the video…
sting rays need a full circle to be comfortable. Do the reasrchj
Lmao. I don’t have the Ray yet what are you even talking about? The ole “do your research” comment while also misspelling 😂
If you want a stingray get a saltwater stingray. They at least swim around the tank. Freshwater stingrays just sit on the tank floor like a doormat waiting to be fed. I get that they’re a status symbol in the aquarium hobby, but IMO they’re way overrated.
I’m not doing this as a “status symbol” lol. Such negative comments from you on all my videos 🤷🏻♂️
@@CichlidBros - I've been anticipating this build almost as much as I anticipated getting my first aquarium. I'm just a little disappointed that the centerpiece fish is a stingray. but to each their own. The decor looks nice. I'm sure your fish will love it.
Dude I’m so excited to see the finished product. Those lights are sick! Just wanted to add that watching your videos has got me expanding my fish keeping and aquarium knowledge. Thank you so much, I always enjoy watching you and your brothers content. I just started my own channel and would feel extremely privileged if you would subscribe.
Thanks so much, and love to hear that! Best of luck with your channel!
I think it’s lovely that you’re thinking of your already loved fish giving them an upgrade. I find it very touching 👍🥹,all I ask is that the 180 doesn’t get
African cichlids 👎☺️
I saw these awesome things online called ladders. Really really cool. Check ‘em out some day
Wow okay let me look that up 🫡