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solex69
10-09-2008, 19:52
Hi there

Herewith pics of my 1.2m. I have chucked the following plants in for growth. Please note that I am still allowing for the plants to grow, so it isn't completed yet. Once the sump is connected and working, I will be moving the heater to the first compartment in the sump. I'm just leaving the tank so that the plants can grow on it's own.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5004148.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5004147.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5004146.jpg

Plants in there are as follows:

Lugdiwia Repens
Hygrophila Polysperma
Nymphaea Lotus
Cardamine lyrata
Echinodorus grisebachii
Ceratopteris cornuta
Limnophila sessiliflora
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Microsorum pteropus
Vesicularia montagnei
Cryptocoryne becketti
Cabomba pulcherrima
Echinodorus rubin
Bacopa Monnieri


I need help with the I.D of another plant of mine but will put a seperate post on that.


Specs of the tank


Dimensions - Standard 1.2m
Lights - 3 X 36w T5 + 28w blue & white T4
Heater - 250w Jaeger
Filtration - Dolphin F1200 at the moment, but the tank is already drilled for a sump. I should get the sump back this Saturday as I had two extra glass pieces fitted to the sump so that filtration is 100%.
Substrate - Fine silica sand (need to add more though as the layer isn't thick enough....don't ask pls)
2 pieces of driftwood


Fish in there


12 X Black eyed Tetras
2 X Harlequin Rasboras
3 X Panda corys
1 X Red Tailed shark
4 X Tiger loaches
3 X Blue moscow male guppies
4 X Glowlight tetras (fully grown...others died and I didn't replace)
1 X Penguin fish (the rest died and I haven't bothered to replace the numbers)
4 X Betta Splendens Females
1 X Female Platie (fully grown and big...the other died)\
1 X Broze Cory
2 X Siamese Algae eaters (babies)


Don't think I'll add more fish as I'm focused more on getting the plants going in this tank.

Let me know what you think

Cheers
Dale

Henk Hugo
10-09-2008, 20:36
Yo Dale,

With your swords and crypts try adding a tetra waterlilly food tab and a small nail/bolt/nut to give it iron :D

Sabi
16-09-2008, 11:31
Very nice!:bigsmile: Those driftwood must've cost a tidy sum.

solex69
16-09-2008, 11:36
Well no, got it for free :) Got this tank for a nice bargain...got loads of freebies with it as well

hotdog83
16-09-2008, 12:09
What T4 lights do you have in the tank Dale? And where do you get them? Have not seen them before!

Sabi
16-09-2008, 12:42
Well no, got it for free :) Got this tank for a nice bargain...got loads of freebies with it as well
Cool! Very Lucky!

hotdog83
16-09-2008, 12:43
If you have access to a lot of beaches, you can pick up some awesome driftwood! I have a big piece in my tank that I picked up on a beach on Bazaruto Island in Moz!

solex69
07-10-2008, 22:25
Sorry I'm only seeing this post now.

The T4 I have a Sakura inc reflector. I bought it from another fish fanatic.
Thanks for the offer, but I practically live at the beach...will take me 1 minute to get there....ok ok, make it 2 mins :)

solex69
23-03-2009, 19:57
Ola

Here are some updated pics of one my 1.2m tanks.

To the discus pros, please comment on my discus...would like to hear what your thoughts are on them. Pls save me the "you should get more discus" speech....I'm aware of that thanks :D
The orange one used to bully the other, but I split them up and put them back together and now they are getting along just gr8...hardly ever swim alone. Must say that the orange one does still get a bit pecky on the other one, but rarely.

Fish in this tank:
2 X Discus
1 X Black Laced Angel
6 X Half-black Angels (Juvies)
12 X Cardinals
6 X Green Neons
1 X Moonlight Gourami
3 X Panda Cories
12 X Rummy Noses
4 X Black Neons
1 X German Blue Ram (female)
2 X Keyhole Cichlids
1 X Clown Loach
Lots of MTS and all still alive (the loach is an ass)
All other fish that were in here a few weeks ago were removed and given away. Had female bettas in here

Tank currently suffering from hair & brush algae, hence the moonlight gourami is in there to do a 'quick-fix' whilst I investigate.

Plants as follows:
Willow hygro
Limno heterophila
Hygro polysperma
Nymphaea Lotus (zenkeri)
Ceratopteris Siliquosa
Microsorum pteropus 'windelov'
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Rotala macranda
Rotala wallichii
Cryptocoryne becketti
Cabomba pulcherrima
Echinodorus tenellus
Bacopa caroliniana
Echinodorus grisebachii
Myriophyllum aquatica
Ceratopteris cornuta
Vesicularia reticulata
Sagittaria subulata
Eichhornia diversifolia

Shout if I missed anything

As you can see, lots have changed since the initial post, but I think I've scaled down on both plants and fish somewhat to reach the point of what I actually want out of this tank. More fish will be coming out, that's a promise, but I first want to be sure of what I want the end result to be.

*yeah, I should've planned this one properly from the start* :p

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005106.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005107.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005108.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005110.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005111.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005115.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005118.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005120.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005121.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005122.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005123.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005126.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005127.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005128.jpg

Carping
28-03-2009, 15:47
This does look wonderful,,, and I'm glad there are other people out there still changing and adding to their tanks..

solex69
08-04-2009, 08:39
Updated pics

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005266.jpg


http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005267.jpg


http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005270.jpg


http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005275.jpg


http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005278.jpg


http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005299.jpg


http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005307.jpg

solex69
27-05-2009, 10:18
Ok....now its official, I'm going to tear this tank down completely and rebuild it. Planning is beginning over the weekend. This time, going to get the sump actually hooked up first :)

Going to add C02, add one more T5 (if Sams actually gets off his butt and orders my damn SunSun tubes as he promised :mad:) and carefully select the plants going into this tank...probably going with less plant species this time round, but it'll tightly packed together.

I might need to stash my angels elsewhere for a few days while the tank is being rebuilt because I don't want to mix them with my scalare angels and my other tanks are way too cruel for these guys.

Will keep you guys posted

Cheers
Dale

solex69
12-06-2009, 07:41
Ok, following my decision to tear this tank down, here are the final shots of the tank before I start the process this weekend.

I will first remove all plants and chuck them in my tub. Fish will be captured and placed in temporary housing. All tetras are being put in a bare tank so I can capture them again easily to give to other members. Still have a slight dilemma about my angels, but I'll make a plan for them.

Going out to get the rocks and substrate tomorrow morning first thing. Will take some pics in between the breakdown of the tank and keep you guys up to date

Chiao
D

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5005999.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006000.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006001.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006003.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006004.jpg

Some of my silliquosa

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006012.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006013.jpg

solex69
13-06-2009, 15:40
Ok....just taking a breather now...thought I'll just I'll share the fact that it

SUCKS BIG-TIME!!!!!!!!!

Cleaning this tank properly is a big task. Hereafter, the substrate is to be washed

Gert Combrink
13-06-2009, 21:07
Part of a great hobby, Dale.
Good luck and may you have strenth. There's 5 tanks waiting for me!
I'm still gatering enough strenth.

JaguarCichlid
13-06-2009, 22:25
take a break and down a cold one, it gives you strength to carry on....
Maybe not with the same co-ordination, but the strenght is there...... or so you will think...

solex69
13-06-2009, 22:29
I know, but it really is a pain in the arse to do all the manual labour stuff. Wish I could've just started planting

Here are some pictures with progress

1. All plants & equipment removed
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006090.jpg

2. The sump connected (Thanks a mil Zafgak + Veegal)
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006094.jpg

3. The last little bit of water & sand remaining....MTS all over the show
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006095.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006097.jpg

4. Tank is clean
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006101.jpg

5. First portion of substrate added
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006104.jpg

6. Second portion of substrate added
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006109.jpg

7. ...so I changed my mind again re the middle piece :)

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006110.jpg

8. First play-around with the rocks & wood
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006113.jpg

9. Some more play-arounds
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006118.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006119.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006122.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006129.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006130.jpg

10. This is where I stopped...will continue tomorrow

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006137.jpg

JaguarCichlid
13-06-2009, 23:40
I like.... the last set up..

corylyle1
14-06-2009, 11:40
Hey! Wot are you going to put in the other compartments of the sump?? Otherwise looking good!! I like the second last setup!!

solex69
14-06-2009, 17:47
Still need to get the hair-curlers and the ceramic rings for the other compartments

Rowland
14-06-2009, 20:12
Waiting patiently bud

Zafgak
14-06-2009, 20:33
Looking good so far Dale -
looks like the sump was the easy part !!!!!!!
Veegal enjoyed the therapy of catching the fish :)
Your fish are doing well - a little jumpy, but we have closed the front of the tank slightly so they can't see too much action.

solex69
15-06-2009, 21:19
Naand-naand al die vis mense :p

I'm finally done with setting up this tank. The longest part was attaching some plants to the rocks & wood (sux big-time). Plants in there are as follows:

Cryptocoryne Undalata
Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne Parva
Hygrophila Difformis
Rotala Macranda
Rotala Rotondifolia
Rotala Wallichii
Microsorum Pteropus
Microsorum Pteropus 'Windelov'
Mayaca Fluviatilis
Barclaya Longifolia
Nymphaea Lotus
Riccia Fluitans
Vesicularia Montagnei
Anubias Barteri
Echinodorus Uruguayensis
Echinodorus Osiris
Echinodorus Grisebachii
Pogostemon Stellatus "Narrow"
Eichhornia Diversifolia
Sagittaria Subulata

No further plants have been added to the tank yet...going to wait for some growth before I add any more plants or fish to this tank.
Look closely and you'll find where I've hidden my CO2 diffuser :blink1: I have no cannisters at the moment, but I should get my order either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Heater is in the sump. The sump in the interim is just mechanical until I got get the other goodies for it.

Here are the pics

1. The riccia & moss

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006142.jpg

2. The Java Ferns

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006147.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006148.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006150.jpg

3. Full tank shot

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006151.jpg

4. Anubia added (thanks Henk...only 1 leaf remained after I was done with it :p)

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006152.jpg

5. Corner is done wrt the riccia & moss

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006159.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006160.jpg

6. The water starts to go in

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006165.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006168.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006173.jpg

7. The planting begins

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006175.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006177.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006179.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006181.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006182.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006186.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006189.jpg

8. The sump

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006183.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006203.jpg

9. Full tank shots & final result

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006193.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006195.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/The%20Rebuild%2013%20June%202009/S5006198.jpg

corylyle1
15-06-2009, 21:24
Hey, if i may ask, where do you get your plants from?? Im always looking for decent plants!! Thanks

by the way! awesome setup!! Great layout!!

solex69
15-06-2009, 21:26
Mostly from networking with a lot of fellow hobbyists, but I've managed to grab a couple of decent plants at very low cost at a few LFS (due to their own lack of knowledge)

If you want some cuttings, PM me and then you can collect next Saturday morning.

Chiao
D

Zafgak
15-06-2009, 21:40
Now that looks good Dale - No leaks "I was expecting a frantic phone call" :)
Can't wait to see it in real life

Good Job - No, Great Job

LiftCrazy*
15-06-2009, 22:16
Whoa! those are some huge rocks... Very cool!

theosmit
15-06-2009, 23:06
Nicely balanced apearance! Should look stunning when the plants have settled. You sure you want to spoil it with fish? :wink:

solex69
15-06-2009, 23:29
Shot oakes...can't wait for the plants to fill this up



You sure you want to spoil it with fish? :wink:

I've been contemplating that for about an hour or two already mate :) But ok, I've got angels that are 'sleeping out' that is due to come back

Zafgak
15-06-2009, 23:38
Sorry Dale - spoke to the angels this evening, they said they want to stay here - apparently the board and lodging is to their liking, but a couple of my guppies are happy to move :)

solex69
16-06-2009, 08:08
You know what Gav.....I kinda slept on it and I think they might be able to stay with you permanently. Let's first discuss what you can give me in return for them at a later stage and then we can confirm the deal :)

Zafgak
16-06-2009, 08:37
Ive got lots of guppie grass and vallis - he he he :)

solex69
16-06-2009, 08:38
yeah right, what a great deal..........for you :D LOL

Zafgak
16-06-2009, 08:43
I am sure we can work out something - always already to trade

solex69
16-06-2009, 08:45
We always do work out a deal mate, so no worries :)

veegal
17-06-2009, 09:53
The tank looks great Dale. Can't wait to see the progress once the plants start going bos! And yeah, I think large fish such as angels will ruin the effect......perhaps a school of smaller fish....... hehehehe. :D :D

LiftCrazy*
17-06-2009, 13:27
Dale, is your blue backing a loose plastic or some type of self adhesive sign vinyl?

carl p
17-06-2009, 14:08
how big is that sump? can u make a sump out of lets say a 60L tank? What about canister filters do they matchup with the filtration on a sump?

solex69
17-06-2009, 18:21
@vee - look at that hint-hint :p I'm still deciding on the fish I want in this tank...we'll discuss over the weekend sometime

@lee - oh yah, that blue background came with the tank...I completely forgot about that :p It's a blue sticker-type-thingy.

@carl - sump is a 3foot tank. You can def make a sump out of a 2footer, just have to make sure you put your deviders in correctly to get the flow direction you want. I've never been a cannister filter dudie, so I can't comment on what all goes in there and how that matches up to a sump, but from what I've been reading about sumps, they are the way to go re filtration for a tank. Then you get ppl who run a sump + cannister filter...Henk can chip in here :blink1:

Zafgak
17-06-2009, 18:49
Carl - I have given a concise description of a sump in another thread - cant remember which - just do a search
If you want more info just pm me a number

Rory
17-06-2009, 18:52
You can make a sump as big or small as you like however if you're using an overflow in the tank and the power trips the sump has to be big enough to accomodate the extra water without overflowing onto your floors.

Rowland
17-06-2009, 19:03
Looking great mate! Need to see this in person some time. Let me know if the cardinals boarding at Zafgak need a home too....

@ Rory, or just have a small hole in your return just above the water level.

solex69
17-06-2009, 19:48
Shot Rowland, can only be in 2 weeks time....I'm already booked fully for this coming weekend. The cardinals are already spoken for...they are now Phil's cardinals :)

Rowland
17-06-2009, 21:00
Will make a plan bud

LiftCrazy*
17-06-2009, 22:08
@lee - oh yah, that blue background came with the tank...I completely forgot about that :p It's a blue sticker-type-thingy.



I used to get air bubbles under the covering media when i started building my slope planes... that's why i asked about it being adhesive. :idea:

For the air bubbles trapped between the glass and your backing, take a needle, pop the bubble and squeegee the air out with your finger. A quick blast with a hairdryer should also shrink any excess wrinkles in the backing should there be some afterwards. Oh ya, and don't drop the hair dryer in the water... :p

solex69
18-06-2009, 07:40
Mine actually does have some bubbles. Thanks for the tip mate

Knowing me and what a 'genius' I am, I probably will land up dropping the hairdryer in the tank :D. One morning as I was going around my place to switch on tank lights (I mean I'm doing after just getting up and my eyes are like half closed still), I had to wiggle one light in order for it to go on, but I forgot that I topped the tank up with water and didn't know that I added too much water to this tank. Needless to say that I got quite a shocking wake-up call. I had a bit of a swollen arm muscle for a few days. Dude, I can be up there for a few Darwin awards already :) lol

LiftCrazy*
18-06-2009, 08:18
:bigsmile: I saw the bubbles in the pics you posted... thats why i brought it up.

solex69
19-06-2009, 07:35
Ok ppl, first signs of problems. Some of my crypts melted :(
The windelov & the Lotus are also showing signs of dying, but I'm not worried about the windelove though....that's kinda normal.

Going to check this weekend what the issue could be...will let you know

Chiao
D

LiftCrazy*
19-06-2009, 08:28
That sucks bud, holding thumbs...

veegal
19-06-2009, 09:17
Oh no! Here's to hoping it's nothing too serious!

solex69
19-06-2009, 13:17
Doesn't look like it....my other more sensitive plants are doing just fine. Will focus on this over the weekend and let you know

solex69
19-06-2009, 22:35
Update - CO2 is now added to the tank. melted leafs & stems being removed tomorrow only (i'm just too moeg now). Will re-anchor some of the plants that came loose too

Chiao
D

solex69
20-06-2009, 08:37
Noticed something new just now....there seems to be some sort of fungal growth on the 2 wood pieces. Could be sap from the wood that's pushing through or something. Here are some pics

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006269.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006274.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006275.jpg

Crypts that are dead

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006277.jpg

Lotus showing signs of dying

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006279.jpg

I'm going to tackle this problem now...just waiting to wake up properly still :blink1:

Will send update through later

Chiao
D

Henk Hugo
20-06-2009, 08:39
that is a fungus, plecos and snails eat it off....

solex69
20-06-2009, 08:42
Lord knows how it got in there, but I've got to deal with it....going to take the wood out and manually remove it.

Henk Hugo
20-06-2009, 08:46
its part of NTSD.... will go away eventually....

solex69
20-06-2009, 08:51
at the expense of melting my plants? I think not....wood's been removed....the gunk/slime is all over the tank now, busy removing it manually. Also a bit of a foul smell from the wood & water

Henk Hugo
20-06-2009, 08:53
ai tog.... the fungus on the wood has got nothing to do with the plants...

solex69
20-06-2009, 08:56
Process of elimination is being applied here meneer.

Henk Hugo
20-06-2009, 09:01
well phone a friend - ek sê mos nou vir jou... i have seen this 10000000000s of times... its when wood goes into water again/1st time it makes this white fungus like stuff on it.... it goes away after 10 to 14 days

solex69
20-06-2009, 09:20
1st time this has happened to me in all the tanks I've setup but ok, I'll bite.

Tank cleaned, wood left. Saved what's left of the crypts and replanted. Won't fiddle for 2 weeks and see what's the outcome

Foxy Smurf
20-06-2009, 09:25
aaaaaaaahhhhhhh ... lol ..... my wood got that white slime / and bad smell to.

I have also taken mine out .... Going to boil them today! Daddy made me a eeehh "bev@kte" thing. Old metal drum with a element in side! All the wood will fit in one go. Beats having to explain to my mother why I was eying her soup pots.

If any one want to use it to ... They are welcome "Just pm me"

solex69
20-06-2009, 09:29
Clever thinking there Foxy

I've just rubbed all the slime off the wood and put it back....now I'll wait and see what happens

Chiao
D

solex69
21-06-2009, 19:29
Ok...I've given some thought as to what fish is going in here and the fish that made it into the 'finals' are:

1. Blue King Tetras (x30)
2. Emperor Tetras (x15)
3. Green Neons (x40)
4. Bleeding Hart Tetras (x15)
5. Black Phantoms (x15)
6. Red Sciccortails (x20)

I'm only putting in one type of fish in this tank, so I'd like to hear what you guys think should go in here from the above list.

Lemme know

Ta
D

veegal
21-06-2009, 19:31
My personal favourites would be the Blue King Tetras, Green Neons or Emperor Tetras with the Blue Tetras and Green Neons be slightly higher in my vote :D

solex69
21-06-2009, 19:34
huh, lost you there. ok....pick one pls :D lol

veegal
21-06-2009, 19:38
If you are absolutely FORCING me to choose then I'd go for the Green Neons...no wait the Blue King Tetras....nah definately the Green Neons! Yes I'd go with the Green Neons :D :D

solex69
21-06-2009, 19:44
Now I see why shopping takes longer for women than men :burnout:lol

Thx for your opinion Vee

veegal
21-06-2009, 19:45
Now I see why shopping takes longer for women than men

Nah - that's why woman can't go into a shop and just buy ONE thing. Variety is after all the spice of life :p:rolleyes:

solex69
21-06-2009, 19:53
That's where the biggest difference between men & women come in...we know what we want before we go; you gals go to buy something but get everything except the one thing you actually went to the shops for :)
Good thing there is such a cool balance between the sexes, else life on earth would be a bit dull

solex69
03-07-2009, 20:54
Ok, update time

Water going a bit yellowish; think that's coming from the rocks in there. The riccia is growing like crazy....it's grown through the nylon already. One patch of riccia though is creating hair algae growth, but I'm not phased but that at the moment.

The Rotala Rotundifolia, Cabomba, Myaca is growing very nicely. The mosses isn't showing any real sign of growth yet but I'll give it another 2 weeks. The crypts & difformis are now finally starting to grow.
The ferns are still status quo.
My beloved Barclaya Longifolia is growing nicely as well (YAY!!!!)

I've added the following to the tank:

Glosso (this is the same one piece I had in my other project tank) - no growth yet but I think it'll start growing in a few more days time.

Echinodorus Rubin (bulb only cos I ripped off all the leaves when I got it *thx vee + gav*) has no sign of growth, so I pulled it from the substrate and only stuck a small part of the long roots into the substrate so that the bulb would get all the light & nutrients so that it can at least show some form of growth. Once it does, it's going into the substrate.

As for fish, well I've finally decided what I'm keeping in there and it's not actually what I had in mind initially.

1 X Discus (had to move this small bugger as he was getting picked on)
4 X Firemouth Cichlids (juveniles)

No more fish will be added to this tank.

First water change is scheduled for tomorrow if I have enough time left.

Will post pics at later stage.

Cheers
Dale

Sean J
06-07-2009, 16:04
Firemouths in a planted tank? Good luck dude...

I used to have Firemouths and the ripped up alot of the plants that I had. They are heavy diggers, in my experience.

veegal
06-07-2009, 16:37
Firemouths in a planted tank? Good luck dude...

I used to have Firemouths and the ripped up alot of the plants that I had. They are heavy diggers, in my experience.

I have a funny feeling that Dale is going to be looking for a new home for his firemouths :D Firemouths are most definately diggers....

Mongwopman
06-07-2009, 18:13
Looking good there Dale!

2 thumbs up!

One day i'll have a house big enbough for a nice big tank with a sump! Not too much room in R4.5k pm shoebox!

solex69
06-07-2009, 19:57
Substrate is a bit heavier than std silica sand, so Firemouths can't really uproot (or at least at this stage of their life). You guys know what'll happen the moment they touch my plants :D

veegal
06-07-2009, 20:19
Substrate is a bit heavier than std silica sand, so Firemouths can't really uproot (or at least at this stage of their life). You guys know what'll happen the moment they touch my plants :D

Yip they'll be outta there faster than they could say DIG! :bigsmile::p

solex69
06-07-2009, 20:45
Well the Glosso & H.C is still anchored fine in the substrate. They've behaved so far, but I'll keep my eyes on them

BTW, I actually saw the whitespot tetra at Tropicum on Sunday....very nice looking tetra. From what I've read, they are not easy to come by. Has a lifespan about 5 yrs surprisingly.

solex69
08-07-2009, 07:25
Some updated pics.
Tank definitely needs a water change....will probably only do the water change on Saturday evening

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006336.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006337.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006335.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006341.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006338.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006339.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006359.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006369.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006368.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Tank%20with%20Sump/S5006362.jpg

veegal
08-07-2009, 09:48
Eish maar dit is nou baie nice! :) What plant have you got anchored to the rocks, I can't see them properly as my connection here is so slow it's not opening the larger picture...

solex69
08-07-2009, 13:03
Plant on the rocks is riccia...it's covered the nylon/cotton already. I need to take some offcuts of that and place it on the side of the rocks now for quicker coverage.

Will take more pics after the water change

veegal
08-07-2009, 13:09
How much CO2 would you reckon we would need for the 2m?

solex69
08-07-2009, 13:12
2 cannisters like mine. R 150 for diffuser + 1 cannister. Refills thereafter costs about R 50 each. One cannister should last between 45 to 60 days.

JaguarCichlid
09-07-2009, 10:40
Substrate is a bit heavier than std silica sand, so Firemouths can't really uproot (or at least at this stage of their life). You guys know what'll happen the moment they touch my plants :D

Firemouth 'n chips for supper!!!!!!!:bigsmile:

solex69
09-07-2009, 10:42
I've got wasabi, ginger, soya sauce & chopsticks in my kitchen.... ;)

Gert Combrink
11-07-2009, 20:28
Dale, if they start to uproot your plants, then let's breed them!
You know what I mean...
Tank and plants = looking Great!

JaguarCichlid
15-07-2009, 09:04
2 cannisters like mine. R 150 for diffuser + 1 cannister. Refills thereafter costs about R 50 each. One cannister should last between 45 to 60 days.

Are these refill canisters like the soda stream type bottles??
where do you get them refilled??

deang
23-07-2009, 08:05
looks awesome - those discus need to grow!

solex69
13-12-2009, 15:37
UPDATE TIME

This tank is still standing here...patiently waiting for Gert to collect :driver:

I had a half metre C.Cornuta growing in here and I took it out yesterday.

Added more firemouths (now total of 6)
Got 9 koi angels from Jason (now total of 6)
Added some plants
Added clay pots just incase they're doing some family planning

This tank is actually just a 'dumping ground' for my other tanks' plants, fish, or whatever....I don't really care what this tank looks like.

Firemouths are about 10cm + in size (except for 1 / 2)
Angels grew at a rapid pace and are quite big already

I treat them to about 30 or so white clouds once per month

Pics

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006739.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006744.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006746.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006779.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006780.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006781.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006782.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006783.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006786.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn127/solex69/Main%20Fish%20Tank/S5006784.jpg

Donny
13-12-2009, 15:45
Tank looks great, stunning angels.

Big G
14-12-2009, 07:12
Hey dale! Where do u get that CO2 system from? I always thought it was mega expensive to get a system!?! Cheers! Big G!

solex69
14-12-2009, 19:40
Thanks Donny, I don't really like angels that much....they are just here because I'm keeping them for Gert.

Hey Gareth, no CO2 in this tank....CO2 is in the other 1.2m tank that I have. I use a very basic and simple CO2 kit....the Tetra Complete CO2 kit. It's cheap and it works fine.

D