Journal UNS 150U - Nature Aquarium

[JayP]

Thanks! When you take it for a test drive, would you be willing to report back? I like the dual sensors, and concept of overflow protection.

Also, I'm about to fabricate a DIY budget version of the Tunze 3152. I'm just waiting on the float switches from Digikey, and I'll need to model a 3d printed mount for the switch and tubing. Once I have it built and tested I'll do a post on it and share part/build details.

 

[MKEnovice]

Your aquascape is aspirational, hard to believe that you are returning to the hobby after so many years. I have something like this in mind in the future, would love to see an equipment cost breakdown.

 

[Capraquaria]

Your aquascape is aspirational, hard to believe that you are returning to the hobby after so many yours. I have something like this in mind in the future, would love to see an equipment cost breakdown.

I am almost hesitant to post this, because I don't want to scare anyone away from this hobby, and we all have different needs, goals, and means, but keep in mind this is a pretty large tank, and because access to gear and materials is so limited here in the US, I have had to ship everything. However, it will show what a deal @Kwyet got from @Naturescapes_Rocco on that 150 setup! Also, as I am returning to the hobby, I am having to buy literally everything from scratch. So, here you go. Cost so far, not including any fish...or plants...which I am not sure I can afford now At least I made half the substrate sand!

Equipment	Cost (US $)
UNS 150U Tank & Stand	$3,962.29
ADA Garden Mat 180×60 (*150 N/A)	$129.99
Chihiros Vivid 3 x2	$1,319.98
Chihirios Vivid 3 Shades x2	$127.81
GLA PRO-DS-1 Dual Stage CO2 System (Modular)	$400.00
GLA Atomic V2 – Nature Aquarium Check Valve	$24.99
10 Lb. Aluminum CO2 Cylinder (empty)	$169.99
Stainless Yugang CO2 Reactor (L), Clamps & Hose	$179.97
Chihiros Auto Dosing System (4 doser)	$189.99
Chihiros Dosing Flow Adapter	$24.99
Oase Biomaster 2 Thermo 600	$296.00
Oase Biomaster 2 Thermo 850	$440.98
Jardli Glass Lily Pipe Outflow 16/22 (2)	$53.98
Jardli Glass Lily Pipe Inflow XL 16/22 (2)	$59.98
ARC RGB Backlight	$899.00
Hakkai Stone 125 lbs (56.7 Kg)	$683.10
Manzanita Wood x4	$630.09
Simplicity 5 Gallon ATO Reservoir	$149.95
OASE CrystalSkim 600 Surface Skimmer	$61.36
ATO Kit	TBD
Powersand, Soil, Sand	$200.00
Misc (Hoses, tubing, media, additives)	$250.00
Total​	$10,254.44

 

[TRyan]

Very nice setup! It's going to look awesome. Now it's time to add plants and fish to that list.

 

[hamfist]

$10,254.44 ...................... gulp !

 

[Capraquaria]

Very nice setup! It's going to look awesome. Now it's time to add plants and fish to that list.

Thanks! Yeah, don't think I didn't consider trying to figure out what it takes to become a Tropica dealer. Can probaby add a grand, or two, to that number by the time it is planted and filled with livestock. The 30 WCMM were about $300 including shipping. On the bright side, I have completely talked myself out of ever getting an 8 foot tank.

 

[Capraquaria]

$10,254.44 ...................... gulp !

That number is a bit palpitation-inducing, I agree. However, some will spend that on an annual vacation, and due to my lack of work-life balance I haven't had a vacation since 2004, and it's cheaper than therapy. By that logic...22 years of no vacations, does that mean I can build a whole aquascaping gallery? (jk)

 

[TRyan]

It's all money well spent. You can't put a price on better mental health and a relaxing hobby.... You can't afford not to!

 

[JayP]

By that logic...22 years of no vacations, does that mean I can build a whole aquascaping gallery? (jk)

Well, that's what I'm working on . I've taken a few vacations over the last 40 years but none that cost over a couple thousand...and I'm about to sell my camper which would pay for such a setup. I think I'll stick to tanks no bigger than 120 though. I wish I'd started this hobby a couple decades ago but then again. I might not have any money in savings if that were the case .

 

[Capraquaria]

Well, that's what I'm working on . I've taken a few vacations over the last 40 years but none that cost over a couple thousand...and I'm about to sell my camper which would pay for such a setup. I think I'll stick to tanks no bigger than 120 though. I wish I'd started this hobby a couple decades ago but then again. I might not have any money in savings if that were the case .

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing how your space comes together. I agree, this 150 is probably my absolute max size, and not sure I want another. It is also an awkward size (leveling mats, and light screen were difficult to find). I could envision a room full of 90P and 120P's. If I can figure out how to get rid of the previous owner's Nautilus workout monstrosity that was too cumbersome for them (or anyone else) to move, I would have small room I could eventually convert into a little studio. It was the prior owner's workout room in the basement. Maybe someday I could convert it into a more meditative yoga space surrounded by aquascapes instead First, though, I better finish scaping this one!

 

[MKEnovice]

I am almost hesitant to post this

Thank you @Capraquaria for sharing this, I am 5000$ deep into this too.

You can't put a price on better mental health and a relaxing hobby.

Agreed, not everyone can or want to take expensive vacations, this hobby serves as an outlet for me.

 

[MKEnovice]

Chihiros Dosing Flow Adapter

Heads up, I remember reading somewhere that the older version of this adapter was a potential failure point. I wanted to go this route but decided on sticking to the in tank one. Keep your eyes open.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

Yeah unfortunately My Chihiros dosing adapter got clogged multiple times, even after cleaning. I had to stop using it.

 

[Capraquaria]

Heads up, I remember reading somewhere that the older version of this adapter was a potential failure point. I wanted to go this route but decided on sticking to the in tank one. Keep your eyes open.

I have read that a number of people of had issues with either leaking, or clogging (or clogging leading to leaking), but others have had good success. We will see if it works out. I like the idea of one less thing hanging off the edge of the tank, but I will be watching it like a hawk when I start it up. I did buy a multi-pack of leak detectors to squirrel away under the cabinet. I will make sure one sits directly under the dosing adapter, though!

 

[Capraquaria]

This is probably the slowest aquascape in the history of aquascaping to come together, but I will get there in the end

While the dark start continues doing its dark-starty thing, I am gradually narrowing down my plant choices. List isn't final, because these days plant choices leave one a bit spoiled for choice. The majority of plants, and fish, for this tank I am trying to hone in more on Asian in origin, if for no other reason than to give myself some focus. As the Hakkai stone is smaller and lower in stature, not massive, I figure it would imply somewhat slower moving water (i.e. more downstream than upstream). I resisted adding Anubias to the list, but I may use it to contrast against the majority of darker Buces. The Myrio will be temporary while the tank gets established post planting.

• Anubias barteri var. 'Mini Coin'
• Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
• Bucephalandra Blackcurrant
• Bucephalandra Brownie Blue
• Bucephalandra Dark Venus
• Bucephalandra Kedagang
• Bucephalandra Theia
• Cryptocoryne parva
• Cryptocoryne spiralis 'Caudigera'
• Cryptocoryne Willisii
• Cyperus helferi
• Eleocharis Acicularis
• Eleocharis Parvula
• Eleocharis pusilla 'mini'
• Eriocaulon breviscapum 'Feather Duster'
• Eriocaulon sp. 'Vietnam'
• Fissidens fontanus
• Hydrocotyle verticillata
• Microsorum pteropus trident
• Myriophyllum mattogrossense
• Nymphaea zenkeri Red
• Rotala Indica 'Bonsai'
• Staurogene repens
• Taxiphyllum sp. 'Barberi'
• Taxiphyllum sp. 'peacock moss'
• Vesicularia ferriei 'Weeping Moss'

Been fiddling around with ScapeIt, although I find it's a bit restrictive and 2D. Would be nice to have a top down planting view, especially for tanks that are wider front to back, so the mid-ground will definitely evolve a bit. The grasses in the back will be mixed, and the goal is not to have a dense wall, but be able to see light through the grass from behind, hence the variety of Eleocharis and Eriocaulon species, with a Crypt spiralis var caudigera thrown in, because it's the only tall rosette crypt I could come up with that won't eventually take over the tank, and I refuse to use Val in this tank for the same reason. Yes, I am avoiding too many densely planted stems for this one. It's a big, and deep tank so looking to simplify maintenance a bit, too, but a couple more stem plants will likely find their way to the list.



One of the fish I miss the most are my Pearl Gourami's. I had them for years, and may consider them as a feature fish in this setup, so the lilies would be as much for them to hide and lurk under as well as being a focal point. I did have one jump out of my old 75 gallon during a water change once, so a little surface cover in a rimless is probably prudent. Feedback, and/or suggestions always gratefully received!