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So, Despite some setbacks, I finally got my 90g tank up and running.
The first setback was a used fluval 403 that leaked. I attempted to patch it, and this didnt work, so then I purchased parts from Big Als Online, and tried again. This time the fluval blew apart at the seams literally, soaking me, my kitchen, and everything on the counter. I decided this fluval is going to the filter heaven in the sky.
The second setback was the hood we built, beautiful skookum' wood hood, one problem, it was too tight on one end. We solved this by edging out one side with the Dremel mini tool. Fits like a glove now.
3 days ago I started the process of set up, added the gravel, which is a gorgeous natural pebble, small, very round, and very natural looking. Looks just like the river bottoms around here (knows this thanks to swimming with mask and snorkel).
I attached my driftwood peices to some large peices of slate with fishing line to weight them down. They are hemlock (says my dad the silvaculture expert ) and it is unlikely that they will sink at all he says, but I have hopes that weighing them down may do it if I am patient long enough. The main driftwood peice is most of a branch off a tree that looks like it got literally ripped off the tree at some point, and resulted in a great curved peice. It is exceptionally large, and has filled in the main focal point of the tank. 1 other peice I liked came detached from its stone, but I have decided I like that spot with just the peice of slate anyway. My 3rd peice of driftwood forms a natural domed cave. Again, a gorgeous peice.
I moved in my live plants, and Decided that I neednt add any fake ones, my amazon swords now have tons of room to spread their leaves in the front of the driftwood log, the giant Hygro filled in the spot behind the wood cave, and the wisteria filled in a bushy area on the left hand side, which the gouramis and my Bolivian ram seem to enjoy. The onion plant is doing well in front of the cave, and my java fern is looking quite showy beside the cave as well. It has a really authentic "river and stream" feel to it.
I added 80% of the water and 95% of the gravel from my 25g tank, as well as the Fluval 204 filter. It will be only temporary until Sept, when a larger filter will be purchased to aid the 204 in the filtering of this tank.
I added 2 air stones, a round one which is fabulous, and a 6 inch bar stone, one on each side, and with the fluval positioned just right, it creates a nice slow circular flow and eddy of bubbles throughout the tank.
My fish moved in without any troubles, and seem incredibly happy. My sailfin mollies have been loving each other up with the utmost of joy, smacking their tails on the surface in happiness, my bala sharks are loving the fact that they can zoom up and down the length of the tank, my Angelfish is happily exploring, and my Bolivian Ram looks more colorful and perky than she ever has!!!
All in all, a success!
Today, as a reward for my hard work, I brought home a single Pearl Gourami to join our family. It is settling in now as I write this post.
I will try to post some pictures within the week, and look forward to many hours of endless enjoyment, from the cories who enjoy resting under the log in a heap together, to the polkadot botia who cant get enough of tasting all over the wood, to the sheer beauty of my Balas doing what Balas do best, synchronized swimming above and around the driftwood arch.


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That sounds like a really neat tank Good luck with it and see if you can get a Male Bolivian Ram...they are VERY pretty and have excellent finnage Maybe you could end up with a bunch of little ram babies