On my way to getting my dream aquarium...

twocents

---> Now I have to go wash my hands... brb.

Nilet699

Whilst obviously having to be done on a much smaller scale (unfortunately!!!) i dont think something this stunning is overly undo-able in a tank your size. its at the sumida aquarium and if you take a peek on the tube there is a full video of how they assembled it, which you can obviously take from. On their site, they also have a range of beyond stunning natural looking tanks, any and all of which would be a dream to have but im sure could spark up some interesting ideas for your tank.

Something along this kind of lay out would also provide you with great 360 views

Byron

Yes. At least, I would think it is. That close to the surface means close to the light, and that is where a brown/black algae frequently appears. Also on filter spray bars a lot. The "slippery" is due to the natural biofilm that forms, trapping various bacteria.

Ogre44

Sounds like the stuff that grows on the baffle I put under my filter outflow.
When it gets bad I drop a couple of snails up there, make 'em earn their keep.

Canadian Fish

Nice, thanks. True, it is close to the light. And the only other heavy algae build up occurs on the glass on the top center of each side, right where the light is. I've been scrubbing it off.

Maybe I should get some sort of alga eater in there, after the tank has aged a little more. I'd like a Saillfin Pleco, but I know it won't work with my plants. Maybe a few bristlenose?

I could put snails in, though it would be with the understanding that one day I will be adding loaches to the tank and they will become food. Hey, loaches need to eat too.

Byron

If this is what I think it is, there is no fish or snail that will eat it, or do more than nibble.

Leave it on the wood, it is natural and will provide microscopic food for all and sundry. On filter tubes/spray bars, you just clean it off periodically. An old toothbrush can get it, if not left too long. My filter tubes don't get cleaned as regularly as the filters are rinsed, so by the time I get to this I usually need a scraper tool, such as a putty knife.

Chesherca

Not to derail from the uggy topic at hand, but how often DO you clean your filter tubing? *ahem* Better question, how often SHOULD you clean it? I've been wondering about this, though I'm sure it will depend on stocking and such. . . is there a normal recommendation? Everything I read pretty much just says 'when output is reduced,' but I want a rough idea of when that will happen!

Termato

It will completely depend on stocking, plants, what kind of plants, feeding and many other variables. Assuming you clean your tank every week, this would most likely occur either bi weekly or on a monthly basis in my tanks.

:D

Ehlectric

That's a sweet setup. Did you get that at the Ottawa West store?

Canadian Fish

Yep, at the last Giant Tent sale they had in September.
You shop at that location?