okay... today is the day!

[recycling goddess]

today is the day. our 125g tank has arrived... the stand is under neath it (a good place IMO) - and so, today i move all the fish from my 135g in the front entranceway into the new 125g in my living room.

all the fish from my 77g in the kitchen go into the 135g.

and my new fish which are being held for me... will be brought home soon to be housed in the 77g.

it's going to be a long day... moving substrate (sand), rocks, setting up habitats for the different fish within the tank before moving the fish over... we have around 100 fry in the 135 who need to be moved as well...

so... send me some happy, giddy, fun fun fun vibes to make this day more fun than work - i have no helpers... i'm doing it alone.

so once i get some going and i'll have a little in my step and get to work.

when i'm done i'll be sure to take some and upload them to my so you can all see how gorgeous they are!

i've been waiting so long to get this done... and i'm sooooooooooooo happy the day has come to set up this new tank!

so... i'll stop and start some substrate and rocks up the stairs.

oh ya... did i mention the stairs? i have to move everything up the stairs and then the other tank stuff down the stairs... so i should loose about 30 lbs today as well! (yup we are looking for the perks here folks)

[Gooseman]

ROFL Aleesha, you sure do know how to make the most mundane of tasks sound interesting. Well, best of luck in having little to no glitches that'll slow you down or cause any extra frustration. Perks are always a plus!

[Nate]

I bet you could use some help. it sure is nice here...i think i might grab a sweet tea, head out to the patio and bask in the sun for a while and pretend i'm helping you so I won't feel so bad

sounds like a busy day for you...I can't wait to see some pictures

[recycling goddess]

thanks guys aren't you both ever so helpful!

it's hot hot HOT here as well... which may make this better (having my hands in water all day) or worse (humidity of said water and heat of said water)

but... we ARE looking at the positives not the negatives!

[tmlowe5704]

I feel like I was reading one of those stories from those Highlights magazines as a kid. Have fun today! Fish tanks are gorgeous but I don't have the patience to deal with them

[fishmommy]

that will be so great when it's done!


my back aches just thinking about it...moving substrate is about the worst pain in the lower back you can have!

looking forward to pics when the dust settles!

[frankykeno]

My only words for you dear friend are...

LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS NOT YOUR BACK!

If I was closer I'd love to come help. I spent the other hot as hades day here shampooing carpets if that makes you feel any better LOL. Can't wait to see the pictures when all the tanks are set up and the fishies are settled in.

[recycling goddess]

no need to wait any longer!!!!!

and yes, i did lift with my hubby's legs rather than my own

I'M DONE!

whew... my hubby was a GREAT help! normally he doesn't assist at all but today he was wonderful!

so.... here's the pics.

starting off... so many people forget the number one most important part of setting up a tank... make sure it's level! the stand may be level... but the floor may not be... so always check!!!



and filled...



the tank is a little high for me... it was tough reaching the bottom... okay i can't but i almost can

and then the move of the oscars... oh man are they grumpy now! you can see brindi in the right hand corner (white and orange) and felix is behind her (black and orange). they are mad... hey refuse to leave their corners!



and... my first ever DIY project. i went to home depot and bought some of the grating for ceilings ($19 for the two pieces)... and i cut it to size and made a lid... and then used a flourescent lighting fixture ($34) and a set of daylight tubes from home depot ($9) and voila! a tank lid!!!



the fluval fx5 is great. it is working like a charm... very pleased with the flow so far. it has a dual direction head... my absolute favourite part!

of course the tank stand will be finished with a hog island boa enclosure on one side and a set of shelves for our tarantulas on the other side... and behind it - the fluval fx5 will reside!

and yes... as i get more done... i'll update with pics!

[recycling goddess]

I feel like I was reading one of those stories from those Highlights magazines as a kid. Have fun today! Fish tanks are gorgeous but I don't have the patience to deal with them

i looooved that magazine! LOL

[frankykeno]

Wow that's a huge job undertaken! Good job Leesha and her hubby! I must say though dear I've never seen pouting Oscars before LOL.