Some help with new tank set-up

[rheann]

I hope to set-up the new 40 gallon tank that I got. I still need to find some time to chip off the blue cracking paint off the back and find a stand for it. I think that the tank is a 40 gallon long tank. It might be a 45, I'm not sure because I got it from my husband's brother. It has a lot of scratches in the inside, so I will go with Eric's method of scratch removal once I find the time to. The tank came with no accessories, hood light, etc. so I have to work from scratch.

I am thinking of also going with the Rena Filstar xp1 filter. This sounds like a very good option for my tank. Sounds good to me ^__~

Now there is some other maintenance to the tank that needs to be done. The tank works find for holding water, no cracks, but the tank is old and is also made with fake brown wood trimming. There is also some serious water stains inside the glass that look just terrible. Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of paint I can use for the fake brown wood trimming? I want to paint it black; I'll use painters tape to protect the glass. If anyone knows a good/safe brand to use, it would be most helpful.

The other problem is the water stains. Would lime-away be toxic to use to get the water stains off? I want to take precautions because of the deep scratches in the tank. Chemicals could easily get trapped in them.

Other than that, I have no idea what color of sand substrate I will use. I am going to shop around. I would normally buy another whole tank set-up, but I can't afford it right now and my axies are getting pretty big, need more room

Anyone have recent pictures of their 40-45 gallon tank set ups that care to share with me? Inspiration helps tons!

Thanks guys for all your help!

 

[stipe]

hey that sounds great, i recoment black sand/finely crushed mabel like mine.. (pictur below) if your painting the outsidew of the tank u can use any paint. about the inside scratches i have no idea. if you need to clean the tank, i sugge4st only using a hot water and salt solution, mabey with abit of bicarb soda.
here look at my new tank.

 

[rheann]

Ah, I finally had some time to check this post I put up

Thanks Stipe for the advice. I'll try the Salt Solution to get rid of the Water Stains.

About the paint, I am worried about led in paint. I need to know a good brand of paint that does not contain led. I haven't had a chance at all to start on this tank yet.

I still also have to decide on what color of sand-substrate I will use.

I have some time now, So I will search the forum for pictures and see if I can get an idea on what color I would like to use. I want it to be different than what I am using now

Anyone have any further ideas for me?
Any will help

 

[joan]

Rheann, as far as I know, all paints sold in the US are lead-free now. This is why there's such a big push to get rid of old paint in old houses, as it contains lead, leading to lead poisoning in children.

 

[rheann]

Ah, I see, thanks Joan. I was really wondering this. I have seen it pushed. I was worried however and wanted to make sure

Would spray-paint be alright to use? I have no idea if this stuff is water proof. They probably do sell water-proof types. I'll have to check at my local home depot when I go in next time. I was actually thinking of painting some sort of design on the fake wood stuff, I'll have to see what I come up with. Thanks again, Joan

 

[jon]

as long as you seal it afterwoods you should be able to use any paint you like?
when i say seal it i mean with somesort of pond/aquarium sealant over here in the uk the main 1 ive seen is called G4 and it comes in a varity of colours/tones?
ive tried using it on painted surfaces yet tho
heres some tech info:http://www.arghamvillage.co.uk/products/details/180.html

 

[rheann]

Oh thanks Jon! I forgot about the sealants. I'll see if I can find some pond Sealant here in the states of a similar brand. I'll check for it at my local home Depot and see if any garden shops in the area might carry it.


I am also debating if I will make another rock cave. I am not sure on this. It was a pretty time consuming project lol.

 

[jon]

arr but worth every second in my case?lol
how did yours turn out?

 

[kim]

They do a paint in the UK now that is for kids.

Its child safe, and they can draw on it (it will wipe off) and it smells of things!

 

[jon]

"and they can draw on it (it will wipe off)"
it dont bl**dy wipe off!!lol
as i found out just yesterday when my lovely boys decided that our freshly (less then 10 days) decorated hall and landing needed a little more colour!!
so i now have a creamy/ivory coloured hall with red,blue,green and purple graffiti (lines) all over!! and a yellow,pink,orange and BLACK landing lol!! grrrr brats!!
oh well im over it now! better get the undercoat out! lol