Project ACO tank-Aids Committee Ottawa

[charlie]

Hello, fellow aquarium hobbyist of Ottawa, I was recently contacted by a fellow club member-"barefoot_golfer" who was commissioned to setup the new home for a non-profit organization called ACO - Aids Committee Ottawa @ 19 Main St. Ottawa.      ACO assists with Child/Adult Harm Reduction, Food Bank, Cooking, Children's Programs and their core services to AIDs.
At their present location they have an aquarium that he would like to incorporate in the new location, to this end, I was asked to volunteer to assist in that make over. Since it`s a non profit organization  funds are on the short end of the spectrum, hence my free involvement.
Myself & Ron are appealing to the community here to consider donating if they are in a position to do so, some items we need to execute this project.
They already have the tank, cabinet and hood, filter, heater and an aged fluval filter .
The plan is to re do the tank as a low light planted tank viewable from 3 sides, with easy & infrequent maintenance, to this end Ron is donating a nice piece of Drift wood & some plants, my self donating my time & service to scape the tank along with a 25.00 gift certificate I just won on another forum from their anniversary photo contest. The following is badly needed
Plants- Anubias Nana,  Java fern Windeløv , Bacopa caroliniana, Cryptocoryne wendtii  brown or red , dwarf Sagittaria subulata and any other similar low light plants that you may have in abundance since the tank is about 110 gallons.
Hard Scape-  - dragon stone or Lace rock rocks, drift wood.
Substrate - Black Flourite or Black eco complete , used or new
If you have a canister filter or 48 inch Hydroponic  54 watt T5 HO light strip would be great
Any help is appreciated, please contact myself if you would like to assist, this project is set to be completed late Nov.
Ron can answer any questions you may have.
http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=376;u=2170
Regards Errol

[wolfiewill]

I have all the plants listed and willing to let you have what you need. See you later today.

[charlie]

I have all the plants listed and willing to let you have what you need. See you later today.

Thanks Greg, hope you can join me in the scaping of the tank.
Folks if you can supplement the plants Greg is so graciously donating , please do so, since it`s a fairly big tank & I would like to have it almost fully planted for the opening of the building.

[charlie]

Ron  was trying to post the following but is having computer issues doing so.

ACO - Aids Committee Ottawa is truly a great organization that reaches more people than anyone can imagine.

My last year and half involvement with ACO real estate search and now construction has opened my eyes to a service their website can't show .... where support staff reaching out to kid's/adults that are subjected to daily abuse, bullying, hungry or just tired of social services.       



ACO Nov 27th move to their new facility @ 19 Main St. marks a stepping stone forward to DEC 01 World Aids Day.

Next year marks the 30th Anniversary of the AIDs organization that had its humble beginning in someone's living room.



Errol has thankfully accepted my request in this ACO aquarium setup which will divide their living and dining room with a three sided view.         

In addition to the 3 sided view the aquarium will to being a focal point backdrop when entering the ACO client space.

This tank setup will be recognized as an OVAS contribution to the new ACO home.



As we all know a well-orchestrated move and tank setup takes a tremendous amount of volunteer time, a lot of plants, plenty of hardscape material and a lot of buckets      We have a plan, its your time, plants, hardscape and donations that we'd greatly appreciate.



In addition to my time towards the moving and helping Errol with the setup, I'm contributing my Big Al's points from a few years of enjoying this hobby ..... considered as paying forward to a great organization.



Please feel free to post us how you could help out     Many thanks for viewing, a heart full thanks for donating!
Ron

[charlie]

Hopefully this link works, this is the general idea I`m starting with & tweaking on the day of the scape, there will be some moss on the drift wood, along with Anubias & java fern around the base of the wood & rocks.

http://www.theaquatools.com/content/view-your-sketch&num=18374

[guck]

If plants don't have to be snail free, I could through in some Bacopa caroliniana.
And maybe some water wisteria.

[wolfiewill]

Thanks Greg, hope you can join me in the scaping of the tank.

Just let me know when and where. And is there any equipment needed for the planting/setup?

[lucius]

I have a brown crypt the size of a cantaloupe you can have.  I don't have enough windelov java fern to give out but I have needle leaf java fern you can have also.

[barefoot_golfer]

Errol,

Thanks for posting my initial response to you reaching out..
ACO staff & Board members are very excited in seeing the finished tank!   

Thanks again

[charlie]

If plants don't have to be snail free, I could through in some Bacopa caroliniana.
And maybe some water wisteria.

Thanks guck, but after having a look at what Greg is offering, it appears we have enough plants for the project.
Thanks Greg, very generous of you.
Errol

[charlie]

Thanks are in order to Fischkopp for his generous donation of his excess substrate, this will go a long way in making this project a success.
Thanks Robert

[Stussi613]

I have a Rena XP4 that is at David's, please take it the next time you are there and donate it to them Errol.  David already knows that I'm giving it to you.  I also have a few test kits and some miscellaneous items left over from when I was on the fresh side, I'll send you a PM with the inventory and you can have it all as a donation to them if they can use it.

[charlie]

I have a Rena XP4 that is at David's, please take it the next time you are there and donate it to them Errol.  David already knows that I'm giving it to you.  I also have a few test kits and some miscellaneous items left over from when I was on the fresh side, I'll send you a PM with the inventory and you can have it all as a donation to them if they can use it.

Thanks Stuart.

[charlie]

Folks, we have a stumbling block .
I had a look at the tank yesterday & it is badly in need of a re caulking of the outer seal, it appears  the mechanical seal is fine this presents a couple of issues- Housing of livestock temporally & skill set to undertake the re caulking of the tank.
The option of buying a new tank is out of the question due to finances , however if anyone is willing to donate one I`m sure the OAC would be grateful, they presently have a 48 x18 x 24, so even a 75 gallon would suffice.
The other feasible option is ask for a couple of folks to undertake re sealing the tank, if a few of you want to volunteer it would be graciously welcomed, the tank needs to be ready to set up by Nov. 19/20
The other problem is hosting the present livestock, if anyone or LFS is willing to do so please contact me or Barefoot Golfer/Ron.
Lease help if you can.
Errol

[charlie]

Folks, we have a stumbling block .
I had a look at the tank yesterday & it is badly in need of a re caulking of the outer seal, it appears  the mechanical seal is fine this presents a couple of issues- Housing of livestock temporally & skill set to undertake the re caulking of the tank.
The option of buying a new tank is out of the question due to finances , however if anyone is willing to donate one I`m sure the OAC would be grateful, they presently have a 48 x18 x 24, so even a 75 gallon would suffice.
The other feasible option is ask for a couple of folks to undertake re sealing the tank, if a few of you want to volunteer it would be graciously welcomed, the tank needs to be ready to set up by Nov. 19/20
The other problem is hosting the present livestock, if anyone or LFS is willing to do so please contact me or Barefoot Golfer/Ron.
please help if you can.
Errol

I would like to report that I`m over the moon on several fronts of this project.
I quickly received a PM from Sue, offering to Donate a Hagen tank, the downside was it was a bit narrower that the existing stand.
This morning I called Miracles Aquarium in Canada & reached out to them for a tank, instantly Miracles agreed to Donate a 90 Gallon tank to the project, something they said they don`t normally do WOW, thank you Miracles
Our LFS should really be supporting such dedicated Canadian companies by making their products readily available to local hobbyist ( in Store).
These are the instances when I feel proud to be an aquarium hobbyist, especially here in Ottawa, the community has responded to this project with open arms & welcomed arms they are.
The instant Ron /barefoot_golfer asked be to be a part of this project , I had to second thoughts to accept, it`s my way of giving back, the persons that have donated so far has re assured me that our hobby community is still well & alive, to Ron, Robert, Greg, Sue Stuart, Brian , Guck, thank you guys in joining me & Ron in making this project a success. to the others if you would like to contribute anything even your time to help , please continue to express your intent. So far Greg has offerd to help with the setting up a few more hands would be nice, we are planning to set up after hours around the 20 th of Nov.
Thanks to Peter Lim who was willing to undertake the resealing  if needed, with some help.
Thank you all

[barefoot_golfer]

Folks,
Logging into my account, I found myself extremely chocked up to see the out reach of donations from my fellow OVAS members and beyond.     Errol hit the nail on the head OVAS is alive and kicking!
Thus far I see Errol throwing his time and efforts on OVAS and beyond with quarterbacking the aquascape of this tank makeover and much more!
Greg, Many thanks for the crop of healthy plants I'm told your donating and look forward to joining you lads to learn a few things about aqua scaping of this ACO tank.
Rob, Many thanks for your contributing excess substrate to this tank make over.
Stuart, An honorable mentioned for donating a XP4 canister filter, I felt the existing canister needed some help. 
Sue, thanks for your stepping up with a replacement tank.   We were attempting to find matching footprint to our stand & rumour has it Derek @ Miracles Aquarium has stepped up with a new matching tank ( OVAS check out http://www.miraclesaquariums.com/ great pricing & Canadian)
Peter Lim, Thanks for volunteering to reseal the tank.
NOTE:   If I've missed anyone its in error, I'm hopeful to check back on Friday to update this posting.

Errol, I can house the ACO livestock in my 33G until the new tank is setup, I will be helping with the move/aquascape.

Unannounced to me, ACO have updated the website for their upcoming move.     http://aco-cso.ca/
In doing so they've also asked I keep track of individuals names and/or companies that donate products, funds or time to be shared in their media update.     Please send me @ your full name and for memory sack what you've donated.         

On behalf of ACO, I'm truly proud of OVAS members for steppin up.   
Thanks again for reaching out to make ACO new home a better place for reaching out to others!
Ron aka Barefoot_Golfer 

   

[Pyrrolin]

I can donate some plants but I'm not very close.  I am in Lanark but often we go to Carleton Place if someone is there I could drop them off to.

Are any fish going to be needed?  I have some mollies I would be willing to give away.

Now that I am thinking about it more, if another hand was needed and my budget allowed me to spend the extra gas I might be able to help out and bring plants/fish.  I think it would be fun to work with some others scaping a tank and sharing ideas and knowledge.

If things work out well, maybe the Club could help other organizations set up tanks.  We all know how relaxing it can be to sit and watch fish and it would help expose new people to the hobby.

[charlie]

I can donate some plants but I'm not very close.  I am in Lanark but often we go to Carleton Place if someone is there I could drop them off to.

Are any fish going to be needed?  I have some mollies I would be willing to give away.

Now that I am thinking about it more, if another hand was needed and my budget allowed me to spend the extra gas I might be able to help out and bring plants/fish.  I think it would be fun to work with some others scaping a tank and sharing ideas and knowledge.

If things work out well, maybe the Club could help other organizations set up tanks.  We all know how relaxing it can be to sit and watch fish and it would help expose new people to the hobby.

Thank you very much for your kind offer, the plants & fish is covered at this point.
We had a commitment yesterday from some kind gentlemen , to assist in the set up ( daworldisblack, exv152 & Wolfiewill), that said we truly are appreciative of your offer.
Regards Errol

[charlie]

The items we are short on is- a few bags of new Eco- complete,2 X T5 HO sunlight strips, another suitable  branchy driftwood, Dragon stone & Jungle Val.
Regards Errol

[limed]

  Let me know if you need any Pleco's , have lots of them. If you are missing items
for this project I have some credit at La Niche you can use.

Ed

[barefoot_golfer]

Errol,

Just back from Kingston to pickup the donated 90G aquarium from Miracles Aquarium.   
Tank looks great ...... thanks again goes out to Derek - Miracles Aquarium!

My rendez vous spot was @ Finaddicts who I have to mention had a great selection of fish! 

[charlie]

Errol,

Just back from Kingston to pickup the donated 90G aquarium from Miracles Aquarium.   
Tank looks great ...... thanks again goes out to Derek - Miracles Aquarium!

My rendez vous spot was @ Finaddicts who I have to mention had a great selection of fish! 

Great news, Dang I`m getting excited

[ajm1961]

The OVAS executive has agreed to provide funds to help this project. This aligns with one of our club's objectives:  to promote local area interest in the hobby. It is also an opportunity to give back to our community as a non-profit organization.

After talking with Errol on what is required, I will pick up two T5 kits (to be inserted under the canopy), and one bag of Eco Complete substrate for a total of over $100.

Thanks to all of you who are helping out - OVASians, you are the best!

[wolfiewill]

....I will pick up two T5 kits (to be inserted under the canopy), and one bag of Eco Complete substrate for a total of over $100.

What kind of T5 kits are you getting?

[charlie]

What kind of T5 kits are you getting?

SunBlaster T5 HO 41 - 4 ft  X 2

[charlie]

  Let me know if you need any Pleco's , have lots of them. If you are missing items
for this project I have some credit at La Niche you can use.

Ed

That is very generous of you Ed, thank you, perhaps I can put together  supplies list, such as basic water treatment . food etc.?

[charlie]

I just want to say how blown away I am at the response from the club & this community,.
When Ron first asked me to help with this project, I said yes without fully knowing what it will take to do this, as I thought it out, I quickly concluded this project requires more than I thought, I discussed it with Ron and started this thread reaching out for help, the result is an amazing response , so on behalf of ACO, Ron & myself Thank you all.
Errol

[Pyrrolin]

I can't wait to read a thread about the actual setup and some pics to go along with it and updates once the tank gets going well.  I bet it is going to be an amazing tank with the ideas from a few different people contributing.

[charlie]

Phase 1 is now done, Ron did a fantastic job with the old furniture.

[exv152]

I have tons of lemon tetras and some angelfish to donate to the build if it helps.

[charlie]

Went to install the T5`s kindly donated by OVAS, so I took the opportunity to play around with the driftwood. The smaller piece of driftwood was kindly donated by Got Fish Inc., the XP 4 in picture was donated by Stussi613.
Thank you all.

[lucius]

Wow, great job redoing the stand.

[daworldisblack]

Really excited to plant this!

[missavgp]

Wow! Love how the stand came out and I can't even imagine how great it is going to look 'scaped with that driftwood. 

[charlie]

Update : Tank is ready for planting tomorrow (Sunday)
Big thanks to Critter Jungle who generously donated the rocks.
Also to Greg who will be donating 90% of the plants.
The following guys will be giving up there Sunday morning to complete this project.
Daworldisblack , exv152, wolfiewil & yours truly.
OVAS community rocks, thank you all.
Errol

[charlie]

To the fish geeks, can you ID the fish to the left next to the angel, I`m thinking Severum?

[charlie]

phew long day & big shout out to Wolfiewill,exv152 & daworldisblack.

[charlie]

planting phase


Right after filling & cloudy.
Next is to hook up the CO2, Second filter, gradual introduction of more fish - school of 30 lemon Tetras 7-8 Angels, all generously donated by exv152 ( thank you)

Errol

[lucius]

Looks great.  So what plants made it into the tank?

[exv152]

From what I recall we had some bolbitis, cryptocoryne wendtii red & brown, tenellus, staurogyne, java fern regular and needle leaf, red tiger lotus bulbs,  giant vals,  sagittaria, a bit of anubias, christmas moss, and maybe another one or two others.

[exv152]

Next is to hook up the CO2, Second filter, gradual introduction of more fish - school of 30 lemon Tetras 7-8 Angels, all generously donated by exv152 ( thank you)
Errol

No problem Errol, it came at the right time – when I was planning to reduce some tanks. I think the folks there will get a lot of enjoyment out of that tank and it's for a good cause. You did a great job of designing the tank.

[wolfiewill]

I agree with exv152, Errol, it's a great set up and it was a pleasure to participate. Thanks for letting me help.

[charlie]

You guys rock( exv152,wolfiewill & daworldisblack)_, your help was a welcome gesture.
Tank is coming along nicely, fish has being stocked, plants are doing good and establishing itself slowly, the usual Crypt melt has made it`s appearance.
Lighting : 2 X T5HO 54 watt sunblaster strips(no reflectors) just hood painted white inside, these are running 4 hrs at present and supplementing the 48 inch Fluval plant LED.
Filtration : Eheim classic 600 ( 2215?) & Rena XP 4 both needs to be dialed back a bit.
Here is a cell phone picture as of today.

[daworldisblack]

Was so glad to be a part of this! Too bad the crypt melt hit but I guess we were anticipating that. Otherwise it looks good so far! Thanks for the Update Errol!

[bitterman]

Stunning! Great job everyone!

[ajm1961]

Nice layout - has Errol's signature!

Where can we see this tank in person?

Would love to see more pics - where are the tetras?

[charlie]

Nice layout - has Errol's signature!

Where can we see this tank in person?

Would love to see more pics - where are the tetras?

Not sure if seeing the tank in person would be feasible, since due to the nature of who they cater to requires some amount of confidentiality.
I will definitely try to keep this thread updated with pictures as time goes by, the tank after one week is coming along nicely, this is due to overwhelming support from the OVAS community , the ACO staff is amazed by this outpouring of help & has helped promote the hobby & OVAS.
The executive director has already mentioned putting something up on the tank or surrounding area , acknowledging the contribution from the OVAS community.
The school of lemon tetras went in today, thanks exv152.
Regards Errol

[charlie]

Nice layout - has Errol's signature!

Where can we see this tank in person?

Would love to see more pics - where are the tetras?

I had a chat today with Ron, he has asked me to coordinate the persons who contributed to this project to have a small gathering this coming week before the normal day to day operations of ACO starts on Dec. 1.
I`m suggesting we do so on Friday evening , say 6 or 7?
Please provide feed back here .
Regards Errol

[Pyrrolin]

If they think it looks great now, wait till they see in in a couple months once the crypts recover and things really get going well.  I am planning a move shortly after just moving a few months ago.  My plants are just now recovering from the last move and now I'm going to move them again.  My crypts did well the last move but the vals took forever to come back and now they are growing great

[ajm1961]

Hope last night's viewing was well attended - had to miss out myself due to other family commitments.
Very happy that this has come together. Look forward to seeing any other pictures on how the tank progresses.
Job well done!

[charlie]

Hope last night's viewing was well attended - had to miss out myself due to other family commitments.
Very happy that this has come together. Look forward to seeing any other pictures on how the tank progresses.
Job well done!

Sadly the effort was wasted, but ACO is still appreciative of the support.
Regards

[charlie]

 The plants are showing  signs of settling & recovering, fish are also doing great but suffered a loss of 3 Lemon tetras
Pictorial update as of Nov. 26.

[bitterman]

That looks awesome!!!!! I bet it is well enjoyed!

Can't wait to see it in a few months!

Bruce

[daworldisblack]

Sorry I couldn't make it out last night! I am disappointed that I did not get to see this beauty up close! Really coming along now - the tenellus foreground looks awesome and the huge anubias leaves look great in contrast to the other finer leaved plants. Thanks again for the opportunity!

[lucius]

Looks awesome! 

[ajm1961]

Like Don Cherry would say: "It's a BEAUTY!"

[barefoot_golfer]

A big thank you to all OVAS members & sponsors that reached out, donated and volunteered in the ACO tank setup.

Over the week of operation the staff & client's have expressed "its a beauty" if I can share Don Cherry words again!
It truly is a centre of attention and will only get better over time.

Today marked the first day the Food Bank filled ACO new pantry and it clients picked up groceries.
We should all be very proud of this accomplishment.

Thanks again for reaching out and making their Living Room come alive!
Ron a.k.a. Barefoot_Golfer

[charlie]

A quick update, the tank suffered a small hi cup due to some issues, as can be expected with most tanks after start up . The tenellus & Staurogyne repens  suffered the most as a result i removed them & have replaced the tenellus with dwarf sag which is now  starting to carpet.
The folks at ACO are still happy with the tank & so are the neighbors  that walk by to take a little peek after dark, it is the focus of conversation at gatherings.
Once again this would not have been possible without those that contributed to the cause.
Here is a quick phone shot, do excuse all the reflection, it was unavoidable.
Errol

[wolfiewill]

The tank looks very nice, and of course will be terrific in time now that you have made those changes. Good on you. And, I have a suggestion: some Java moss on the wood would soften up the look, and give a different texture, and a greater sense of depth.

[exv152]

The tenellus & Staurogyne repens  suffered the most as a result i removed them & have replaced the tenellus with dwarf sag which is now  starting to carpet.

I've never had any issues with staurogyne repens, it's grown quite well for me. Maybe because the parameters where they came from were similar to my own, so there was no initial shock. I know, like crypts, some plants will go through a shock response if the new parameters are different. Like trees losing their leaves in the fall. Which would explain the tenellus melt too. But if there was a period of time the co2 was inconsistent, or the light too low, that could've also play a part. I also find s.repens does really well from emersed to submerged IME.

[charlie]

Thanks for the input guys.
The caveat with a public show tank , is things can get out of wack when the caretaker is away, lets say wondering minds & fingers.
The personal hobby tanks affords growing in & working through growth issues , unfortunately not so with a tank like this, folks from all walks of life wants pretty or close to it at all times  .This is not a hobbyist tank it`s a piece of furniture among other purposes.
Appreciate the input though.

[exv152]

Thanks for the input guys.
The caveat with a public show tank , is things can get out of wack when the caretaker is away, lets say wondering minds & fingers.
The personal hobby tanks affords growing in & working through growth issues , unfortunately not so with a tank like this, folks from all walks of life wants pretty or close to it at all times  .This is not a hobbyist tank it`s a piece of furniture among other purposes.
Appreciate the input though.

Thanks Errol, I was just speaking from a planted tank hobbyist's point of view as it relates to growing s.repens in general. Just trying to spur some planted tank discussion on forum that is seeing tumbleweeds blow past.

[daworldisblack]

Thanks for the update Errol! Aside from the minor issues, it seems to be doing pretty good! Looks like the plants filled up a bit around the driftwood!