My 2.5M system

[Henk Hugo]

Hey all,

Some of you might have seen the empty 2.5m tank at my house over the last 10 months, but alas, it has started to take shape. The reason for the delay was the LFS that moved it (and messed me around) chipped one of the panes in the move. After a 10 month fight I replaced the pane out of my own pocket.

The tank is a standard 2.5m x 90cm x 80cm with a 1.5m x 60cm x 60cm sump.

Heating will be provided by 3X 300watt Jager heaters. I’m not sure what lighting to put in the tank. It’s not going to be a planted tank due to the geopaghus that’s going there. They tend to dig a little. :p:blink1:


I will have some plants in pots in the tank, so I will need some kind of lighting. I might be looking at putting 8X 54watt T5s on due ballasts with some sort of system to lift it up or down.

The return will be done with a Lifetech AP580 which pushed 8000l/h at the 2m head height of the tank.

Right back to fiddling with the tank….

Photos to follow :D

[Dolphin]

cant wait for the pics

[Henk Hugo]

I'll post some the moment the water clears a bit. Now i just have to wait for the wood to sink.... wonder how long that will take :D

[LiftCrazy*]

C'mon..... Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!

[Henk Hugo]

hahaha ok ok

[Henk Hugo]

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0201.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0203.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0205.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0206.jpg

[Dolphin]

grand...

[LiftCrazy*]

Ahhhh, now i can carry on. Thanks for the pics... Can i come around for a swim? :p
Maybe i need to go hire some scuba kit and do some underwater gardening for you. :bigsmile:

[Henk Hugo]

yea i need someone under 80kgs to get into the tank and move some stuff around :D

[Henk Hugo]

heres the pots into which i will plant the swords and a few other root feeding plants

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0207.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0208.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0209.jpg

[Dolphin]

heres the pots into which i will plant the swords and a few other root feeding plants


are you not using a "plant substrate"

[2time]

Thats one BIG tank, how many liters

[Henk Hugo]

are you not using a "plant substrate"

no as the cichlids will just dig it up and make a HUGE mess.... so i'm just putting things in pots with pebbles to stop them from digging....


Thats one BIG tank, how many liters

i am running a 500L sump on the system. I might move one of the Eheim Pro3's onto the sump just to help the biomedial along for the 1st month or so.

[LiftCrazy*]

I've seen these fish (Geophagus Brasiliensis) moving the sand... it's amazing, but the plants won't agree. :p

[Henk Hugo]

well the sump is full and the tank is 3/4 full. I need to fiddle with the over flow today after a big family braai here. i really cant wait to get the system running. I need to add more sand to the tank. the 160kgs in there hardly covers the base!

[Dolphin]

no as the cichlids will just dig it up and make a HUGE mess.... so i'm just putting things in pots with pebbles to stop them from digging....


ah yes cichlids :p

[Dolphin]

i am running a 500L sump on the system. I might move one of the Eheim Pro3's onto the sump just to help the biomedial along for the 1st month or so.


what filter media is going into the sump?

do you have a sketch for us of the sump layout?

PS: what biomedia are you using in the eheim?

[Henk Hugo]

the 1st chaimber will have mixed biomedia like bioballs and ceramic rings. the last chambers will just have bioballs.

[Henk Hugo]

righteo - i just flooded my living room :D

I have desided to put koipond filter brushes in teh 1st chaimber and fill the rest up with bio-balls.....

[LiftCrazy*]

Pictures!!! :smile1:

Bit of a bigger scale than my little flood i'll bet...

[Henk Hugo]

laaaaaaater. i 1st need to add another 160kgs of sand.... the 1st 160kgs didnt even cover the whole bottom.

[Henk Hugo]

righteo - i added some Seachem Clarity to the water, some filter matting to the sump as well as a AC500 HOB filter i had here filled with filter floss. works like a charm! busy clearing up nicely. add 3X 300watt jagers as well to heat up the water.

[Jaak]

Nice Henk!!

[Henk Hugo]

So the tank is filled up and the wood is still floating....

Now i have to actually start to make a move on the lighting. I am looking at putting either 2X 85watt CFL flood lights on (400watt output each) or 4X duel 26watt CFL flood lights (52w per fitting). the 26watt tubes are 1680lm at 4000K. Which should work rather well...

any ideas guys?

[Philfarm]

Now i have to actually start to make a move on the lighting. I am looking at putting either 2X 85watt CFL flood lights on (400watt output each) or 4X duel 26watt CFL flood lights (52w per fitting). the 26watt tubes are 1680lm at 4000K. Which should work rather well...



please let me know how this goes, as you know Im keen to get new lighting!
do you know how much heat would be released by the compact florescents compared to conventional T5's? also do they come in the spectrum of 6500k to 10000k?

[Henk Hugo]

well i bought the 85watt unit with its holder - R650 later. and i am REALLY not that impressed..... i will post some photos later.

[Henk Hugo]

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0211.jpg

there we go

[Henk Hugo]

Well the G. Brasilineses went into to 2.5m tank today.... all seems good so far. now if i can just get the rest of the wood to sink!

[2time]

and some pics pls Henk

[Henk Hugo]

having bit of a problem.... the tank has go so milky its not even funny.... i need to get a 1 micron filter pad onto it ASAP

[Henk Hugo]

I did a nice 30% water change on the system yesterday afternoon, the water looks great now, but it did cuase one problem....

the M. insignis spawned! There seems to be atleast 2 or 3 G. Brasilienses nests as well.... problems....

i'll most some photos...

[Henk Hugo]

Heres some photos of the tank - only the righthand side has been scaped - due to the wood not sinking :p

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0321.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0328.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0329.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0326.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0333.jpg

[solex69]

Next, the Leporinus will spawn :D

Congrats boetman

Cheers
Dale

[Henk Hugo]

no no no - no more spawning please! 3 sets of G. Braziliensis fry this morning.... its mayhem

[solex69]

lol, don't complain meneer....jy wil mos :)

D

[Henk Hugo]

righteo - the rest of the lighting has been ordered - R1800 later! so that will go up this weekend.... yayness!

[Henk Hugo]

well i just found a pair of brasilienis busy digging out a sword that Solex and i potted up.... they removed stones and all.... busy making a nest!

[solex69]

huh? they removed the stones? We then packed those stones tightly into the sand inside the pots. Sjoe....

[Henk Hugo]

they actually kicked them out..... want a floating sword?

[Henk Hugo]

righteo - the lights are all up! looks amazing! 4X85watt CF globes - thats like 1800watt normal globes worth :D

[Henk Hugo]

It is EXTREMELY cloudy and milky. I will do a nice BIG water change tomorrow to try and clear it up.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0341.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0346.jpg

[city bowl]

Hmmm... "Geophagus can be literally translated as eartheater" :idea:

[Henk Hugo]

yes yes CB... come look tomorrow

[Kanga]

Mhh good job on the lights there Henkie :D:D

[Henk Hugo]

yea - the poor sod that did all the work :P

[adriaand]

Eish she's very pretty Henk.

[Henk Hugo]

glad you like :D

[Dolphin]

got some of my favourite fish in there... the flag cichlids! Nice...

[Henk Hugo]

I added 15 Hemiodus Gracilis :) i'll take some photos later.... but here is one from the web....

http://izt.ciens.ucv.ve/mbucv/Imagenes/fotos/Hemiodus%20gracilis.jpg



I also add a Hopliancistrus tricornis (L017) :D

[Henk Hugo]

Heres some photos:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0349.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0351.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0353.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0354.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0358.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0361.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0362.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0365.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0367.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0368.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0372.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0374.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0377.jpg

[Rowland]

So when can I come see this tank???

[Henk Hugo]

any time man... you still got my number?

[LiftCrazy*]

Nice new additions... those Hemiodus Gracilis look built for speed.

[Henk Hugo]

thanks :D

[JaguarCichlid]

So the tank is filled up and the wood is still floating....

Now i have to actually start to make a move on the lighting. I am looking at putting either 2X 85watt CFL flood lights on (400watt output each) or 4X duel 26watt CFL flood lights (52w per fitting). the 26watt tubes are 1680lm at 4000K. Which should work rather well...

any ideas guys?

Osram has a new lamp, 'SKY White" ask at your local electrical wholesaler, it is a L58/880, selling price should be about R35.00. They are about 97% of the colore spectrum of daylight.

[Henk Hugo]

I went with the Eurolux 450watt output CF globes

[Campbell13]

That is freekin huge!!!

[Henk Hugo]

That is freekin huge!!!

mmmmm.... yes... heard that a few times

a new photo

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_0381.jpg

[LiftCrazy*]

Hey it's looking great Henk... how did you clear up the water?
Is this taken at night?

[Henk Hugo]

nope - durning the day... yesterday :D

[LiftCrazy*]

Looks fantastic man!

[Henk Hugo]

thanks man :D

[solex69]

Ok, get some moss going man :D

[Philfarm]

I have buckets of spiky, java and erect moss if you want..:bigsmile:

[Henk Hugo]

oh oh oh - yes please :D

[Henk Hugo]

So disaster struck this morning.... i jsut noticed the big tank is sitting at 20deg. the maid unplugged the multiplug that has the heaters on it....

[2time]

i know how you feel Henk, by me again the maid is always doing something wrong around the tank like yesterday i saw her spraying Mr.Min right by the tank

[Henk Hugo]

yea well.... lets see how long it takes the 3x 300watt jagers to heat the tank

[Foxy Smurf]

Hi Henk

Those orange / red pot you put in the tank. What they made of?

I asked my mum about some pots I want to stick in my tank and she said those orange clay pots will crumble after a time from being so much in the water.

Has she got it wrong?

[Henk Hugo]

Its normal teracota pots... no issues with them melting :D

[JaguarCichlid]

Is she still alive......
My maid/wife/kids are banned from touching my tanks!!!!!! :evil:

[Henk Hugo]

we had a little chat this morning when she came in... everything in the tank is 100% except for all the spawns the cold water triggered....

[Henk Hugo]

I am happy to report both the Pimelodus Pictus that went missing two weeks ago is back... no idea where they went... but they are back :D

[veegal]

I am happy to report both the Pimelodus Pictus that went missing two weeks ago is back... no idea where they went... but they are back :D

An extended holiday perhaps??? :blink1::bigsmile:

[Henk Hugo]

i have no idea - they just vanished one day.... and now they are back...

[G55C]

Any more progress on this monster tank? :bigsmile:

[Henk Hugo]

Been in europe till tonight.... everything seems alive

[veegal]

Been in europe till tonight.... everything seems alive


Good to hear Henk and welcome back to SA. How's your plants doing, I hope all the rain was sufficient water for them???

[Zafgak]

Welcome back Henk

[Warr7207]

Pics please :push:

[Henk Hugo]

Hey Warrrrrrrr - i'll post some later... its 7am - i'm guessing you aint up yet :D

Thanks guys :)

[SauRoN]

Very cool project, I'm watching this one closely.

[carl p]

this thread is useless without pics!!!! post updated pics pls

[Henk Hugo]

Theres LOADS of photos on the thread... I'll take some the moment i have cleaned the tank a bit... next week i think :D

[Henk Hugo]

Here we go - two photos i just took of the big male G. Brazilenses

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_1260_resized.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_1272_resized.jpg

[Risen]

Those are stunning pics. he is a real beaut.

[veegal]

Stuuunnning - but then I tell you that all the time :)

[LiftCrazy*]

Henk, please take another full tank shot again soon...

[Fish Fantasy]

Holy moley!!!! That's huge, the guys weren't lying when they said scuba gear would be needed. I'sn't that going to be alot of work?

[Henk Hugo]

Henk, please take another full tank shot again soon...

will do so after the next water change ( its a lovely tea colouut at the moment)

[Henk Hugo]

as requested....

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_1361.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_1363.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_1365.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_1367.jpg

[speedz]

i must say, this is a really well balanced looking tank.

What lighting are you using? also is this a species only tank?

[Henk Hugo]

Its got 2 species of Geophagus in it, 3 species of cat fish, etc etc....

I use the 85watt CF globes

[LiftCrazy*]

Wow! That looks great... super clear water.

[Henk Hugo]

Wow! That looks great... super clear water.

Dont you just love a 1000L water change :D

[theosmit]

Are you able to prepare the water (chlorine etc.) before putting that amount of water in the tank? Must be some advanced bucket system...

[Henk Hugo]

nope - hose pipe :D

[corylyle1]

wow amazing tank!!! i love the wood feature on the left!!!

[Henk Hugo]

thanks man - its actually wood that doesnt want to sink :D

[Rowland]

You really need to see this tank in person to appreciate its size! The fish are stunning too

[veegal]

Ditto Rowland. It is HUGE, the pictures are deceiving.

[sweetnsour]

absolutely stunning there man , i can only imagine its real size and beauty.

keep the great pics comming

[Henk Hugo]

ai tog - just spotted another cloud of g. brazilinses fry.... sigh. might be time to drop a shovel nose in there

[veegal]

ai tog - just spotted another cloud of g. brazilinses fry.... sigh. might be time to drop a shovel nose in there

Such a pity......catch some and I'll keep them safe from that shovelnose for you :bigsmile::D

[Henk Hugo]

shovel nose just went in.... the fry looks like they have been freeswimming for a day or so....

[veegal]

Bye bye babies :(

Hello happy shovelnose :)

[Henk Hugo]

yup yup - it went into the wood never to been seen again... untill it gets to 25cm

[speedz]

+1 this tank is a real inspiration, although i fancy a full krib or firemouth tank.

[Slojo]

Hey all,


The tank is a standard 2.5m x 90cm x 80cm with a 1.5m x 60cm x 60cm sump.





What is the thickness of the glass,sides and bottom?

[Henk Hugo]

tank is 12 mm

[SauRoN]

Awesome Henk!

Is the wood actually floating? Or mounted to the canopy?

[Henk Hugo]

its floating

[SauRoN]

Awesome!

[JaguarCichlid]

ai tog - just spotted another cloud of g. brazilinses fry.... sigh. might be time to drop a shovel nose in there

You got some of those babies that you want to sell??
they get frequent flyer miles......

[Henk Hugo]

if you come catch them you can have them

[Zafgak]

I will take you up on that Henk - I have a very small speedo ------ :)

[Henk Hugo]

*shudder* thats ok... the shovelnose can eat them....

i'm glad to see you survived the day btw

[LiftCrazy*]

Zafgak - Watch out for that shovelnose when you are in there with your "small speedo"...

[Fish Fantasy]

I will take you up on that Henk - I have a very small speedo ------ :)

OOOHHHH LA LA! Zafgak so you're willing to jump into Henks tank with your grape smuggler out fit on!

Henk you better keep your front door locked! lol!!!!! :bigsmile:

[LiftCrazy*]

... with your grape smuggler out fit on!



LMAO... never heard that before :p

[Kribs]

Dude you are in a league of your own....Its a indoor swimming pool :amazed:

[Fish Fantasy]

LMAO... never heard that before :p


Ye that's what they call a guy who wears a speedo (a grape smuggler) lol!!!!:bigsmile:

[JaguarCichlid]

ZAF - I'll supply a bigger speedo, and a robe to satisfy the critics, then pay you to grab as many as you can..... and the Courier.....
PE is a bit far...

[veegal]

Henk you better keep your front door locked! lol!!!!! :bigsmile:

That is not an option for Henk.......he still has some lights he needs to get done :bigsmile:

[Henk Hugo]

yea i believe said lights are coming tonight :D

[SalmonAfrica]

:top: Nice! Those Geos look amazing man, and well done on the setup too!

[Henk Hugo]

thanks man

[Henk Hugo]

So the tiger shovelnose went in the redeyes seems to be getting fewer and fewer - just found the shovelnose with a belly the size of a redeye....

[veegal]

That's gonna be one well fed shovelnose :)

[johan008]

I would love a tank that size and I must say HENK that looks great tell me what type off fish the big ones are "bloody nice"

[Henk Hugo]

which ones? the ones with the blue?

[speedz]

hey henk, seriously how do you manage to catch fish in this large tank?

[Henk Hugo]

you dont - you add fish that will eat what ever you want to catch :D

[Gareth]

So that is how its done..... :eating::D

[speedz]

hey Henk any updates on the 2.5m aquarium?

[Henk Hugo]

not much to update. i have taken out +- 80kg of sand (which the cats promtly shat in) and i plan on taking more out

[Zoom]

Why'd you take sand OUT?

[Henk Hugo]

it was WAY to thick and everytime the fish would sift it the tank would get all murky from the crap that gets trapped in the sand

[Whipme]

So what depth are you aiming for? An inch? Two inches?

[Henk Hugo]

3cm odd

[stormbringer101]

any updates on this thread ??
i would love to see your sump setup .have you had any concerns with your glass thickness 12mm ? im going with a similar size tank and need some experienced back up that 12 mm will be ok on that water hieght..

[guido.coza]

Hi Henk
Normally I don't like chichlid setups but have to say your tank is something special! Congrats:congrats:

[Henk Hugo]

hey guys,

not much to see in the tank as i am busy slowly but surely un-aquascaping it getting ready to convert it to a planted tank with CO2 etc.

[guido.coza]

hey guys,

not much to see in the tank as i am busy slowly but surely un-aquascaping it getting ready to convert it to a planted tank with CO2 etc.
Having seen what you can do with a chichlid tank it WILL be awesome. loking forward to pics and progress report

[Henk Hugo]

coolios - just waiting for some of our new product to arrive - a lovely new planting media from the US :D

[butcherman]

sounds intersting explain more please henk.

[Henk Hugo]

its a product thats coming in as part of the new pond range

http://www.microbelift.com/catalogs/PlantingMedia_SS.pdf

take a look at the info in the PDF. i plan on using 5 or 6 bags in the 2.5 and then cap it with pool sand

[butcherman]

lol a pond product in your tank.... i supose your tank could be classified as an indoor pond :p

Looks like a good product will be looking forward to seeing how this stuff works for you.

[Henk Hugo]

yea it holds more water than most guys little goldfish ponds :D

Once i start the whole process i'll post photos etc as we go along :D

[butcherman]

lol great .... so do you always do a 25% waterchange like most ppl :p

[Henk Hugo]

yup - take a while :D

i some times do a 50% water change

[butcherman]

lol i hope its semi automated otherwise you seem to have alot of spare time

[Henk Hugo]

nope - all manual

[stormbringer101]

when you post pics again please post of your sump .
looking forward to see a monster planted tank from you.

[Henk Hugo]

wilco :D

[Catfreak]

Hi there,just read through the entire post,AMAZING TANK. I've got a std 6 ft,and was wondering about a bigger tank o even a pond, some info on the cost of the tank would be much appreciated. Also sorry for silly Q, is the height 80cm or 90cm?? Thanks, once again, awesome tank

[Henk Hugo]

the tank and stand cost +- R10 000 with the sump another R1500, the pump that drives it all cost R720. the 4 lights cost R400 each.

oh and tis 90 wide and 80 high

[Lambshank]

fantastic looking tank

[Henk Hugo]

righteo - so we removed all the Geo's today and we will be removing the shovelnose, its food and the royal pleco in the next day or so.

Then we start on pumping out all the water, linking up the inline co2 defusers, redoing some of the plumbing, sortinf out the MH lamps etc etc etc

[Slojo]

Rather you than me!

[Henk Hugo]

took all of 20 mins to catch all the geos

[darryn]

I know it's been said before, but awesome tank Henk.

[Henk Hugo]

not any more - its only got sand, one piece of wood, a tiger shovel nose, 1x leporinus, a laaaaaaaarge royal pleco and 8 koi (shovel nose food)

[Madam]

If I may ask... did that piece of wood EVER sink?? ;)

[Henk Hugo]

nope :D

[Madam]

Ha ha! I must say, it was quite a feature, it looked like you made it like that.

Well, good luck with the CO2 setup. I've been thinking about getting CO2, but not sure where to begin.. I'll watch this thread.

[Henk Hugo]

rigging up the CO2 is the easy part!

[Kat]

Amazing tank-looking forward to seeing it planted :)

[Henk Hugo]

Started to drain the display tank now - going to be catching the remaning fish and then taking the pool filter sand out, replacing it with palmfiber peat and Microbelift CAPM. then the pool filter sand will go back on top :D

[Donny]

Good luck hope everything goes smoothly, use to drain water onto grass :)

[Zoom]

Keep taking pics Henk... we need to see pics.

[Henk Hugo]

not much to see - just an empty glass box

[Whipme]

Empty glass boxes are a lot more interesting than you give them credit for :)
I'd actually like to see how your plumbing is laid out between the tank and the sump because I'm saving up for a big tank and might even go as big as 8ft if the budget allows.

[Henk Hugo]

some shots of the planting in progress..... i am awaiting my 2x 250watt single ended MH units that i ordered. Also awaiting my CO2 inline defusers to arive :p

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2205.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2208.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2213.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2214.jpg

[Slojo]

Also awaiting my CO2 inline defusers to arive :p



What make and what price?
Will you be running 2 separate CO2 systems,One on each side of the tank?

[Henk Hugo]

ordered from them http://myworld.ebay.com/advance_aquarium_store/

about to go out will post a full reply when i get back

[speedz]

looking great as usual!

tell me, what is that plant that reaches the surface?

[Henk Hugo]

Right - CO2 system:

It will go via a SAGA requlator into the two inlines which will be in the return pipe from the pump in the sump. I am not sure yet but i might put a small powerhead in the tank with one of the defusers on it.... still pondering that.

Speedz is an Aponogenton - not sure which one....

[superscenic]

That is strating to look like real amazon Henk. Good work there. I am convinced this will look very close to nature. At least nature with pretty species only.

[Henk Hugo]

Yea its getting there.

Added 30 more glolden barbs and 20 more glass cats today and well as 30 hill stream loaches and 30 red fin rasboras

[Zoom]

I would say wooooooaaa Henk. Hold up. You overstocking that tank... BUT that being said... that thing is a Dam on it's own... so there won't be overstocking for a while!

We experiencing HUGE floods around Vaal, Hartes, and Gauteng... and severe water shortage in the Eastern Cape. I believe if there is no rain by the end of Feb, George, Mossel baai and surrounding area's will be out of water! (Henk is closer to there than Jhb.. maybe the water shortage is from Henk refilling his tank? LOL)

Henk... in your pictures above you have 2 greenish pipes going INTO the substrate.... what's that for?

[Henk Hugo]

that would be the sump return and down pipes

[Donny]

Can we pls get some pics.

[KiazerG]

What did you do with The Tiger Shovel Nose?

[Henk Hugo]

previous page donny

sold the TSN to a client of mine - he took all the big fish

[Henk Hugo]

The 2x 250watt MH units arrived today - the bulbs should be delivered tomorrow. They cost me a bloody fortune to import - R1600 for 2! Made a call to a mate of mine and he can get them for R180 each incl! bummer....

The SAGA Duel Gauge regulator came with the lights today - got CO2 going into the tank using 2 defuses - still awaiting my inline diffusers - not sure when they will arrive. The regulator comes with a built in solenoid which links to the lights power to make sure your CO2 doesn't run over night.... really awesome stuff.

[Henk Hugo]

These two have taken off rather nicely under the T5s - cant wait to see what they do under the MHs

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2222.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2223.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2225.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2228.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2229.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2232.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2235.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2237.jpg

[Franna]

how do you reach the bottom?

[Henk Hugo]

by putting my arm in the tank?

[ACE007]

:p:p:p:p Good answer Henk

Tank is looking excellent as always!!!

[Henk Hugo]

well its true :D

I stand on a chair and i use my arms but i also have tongs, clippers etc

[superscenic]

well its true :D
I stand on a chair and i use my arms but i also have tongs, clippers etc
Maybe a snorkel and goggles too?

Oh yes, and have you dosed any supplements in this tank? I may have asked before.

[LiftCrazy*]

Looks great Henk! Always does...

[superscenic]

Henk Could probably swim in that monster tank.

[Henk Hugo]

i dose the Prof's amazing sups... cant wait for the super powered version - now with Techron! :D

[Puppy]

Nice setup :bigsmile:.Very impressive wood pieces.
Are u going to use a PH controller with your Co2 setup?
Henk could u perhaps if possible give me the details of your MH bulb supplier .
I am looking for 250 watt double ended 10K or less.

[Henk Hugo]

i imported my own from OmegaSea....

No PH controller for now but i might look at it later - i have never needed one

[Dolphin]

I am looking for 250 watt double ended 10K or less.


check The Lamphouse or The Lighting Warehouse... both or either must have 10000k MH bulbs

[Henk Hugo]

lamphouse in CPT only has 10K ones.... Voltex might have

[Puppy]

Thx i will make a effort to view what they have to offer.

[LiftCrazy*]

Henk, i have a question... are you still going to use the sump? I read somewhere today that too much water agitation works against the adding of CO2 in a planted setup. What are your thoughts on this...

[Henk Hugo]

yea the sump is still there and in use.... there is almost no water agitation in the sump....

[Henk Hugo]

righteo - cleaning out the sump today... it hasnt been cleaned since i set the tank up.... ooooooooh dear

[Henk Hugo]

updates - still havent touched the electrics or the rest of the wood work

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2281.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2282.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2283.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2284.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2285.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2286.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/IMG_2287.jpg

[LiftCrazy*]

Looking great as usual!

[JesseG]

lovely tank Henk...

[Linxie]

Wow Henk! Lovely tank you have ^^, That sword looks so happy

[ACE007]

sjoe looking NICE!!

[Henk Hugo]

glad you all like it

[Big G]

Henk,

I truly have to say that that is a beauty!! And i look forward to seeing it in the flesh (or should that be Chloroplast?)

Cheers
G!

[Donny]

Awesome

[Linxie]

Henk, how do you get your swords to grow the way they do? They seem to grow up in a nice neat fashion, yet mine grow wildly in all directions. Would really like mine to grow the way yours do as it doesn't take over half the tank :D

[Henk Hugo]

Remember by tank is 2.5x90x80....

It depends on the sp of sword that you have. Also remember i am running CO2, 250 watt MH lamps and high fertz as well as a rich substrate

[Linxie]

hmmm yeah that would make a big difference. Thanks though, atleast I know what to work towards :)

[Henk Hugo]

my substrate is a mix of the palmfiber chemicult the microbelift planting media and florite

[Linxie]

Thanks Henk. I'm going to purchase a block of PFP and chemicult this coming Saturday. Is there a thread somewhere with your substrate mix explained? Would like to know more about this microbelift planting media.

[ACE007]

And with a substrate like that Henk, you probably breaking half the people on the forums bank accounts :p:p

BUT it is definitely worth every penny!!

[Henk Hugo]

Linxie i have some PFP and chemicult here for you - you dont need to buy a full bag....

http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?t=2499 explains all about the PFP mix and www.microbelift.com (http://www.microbelift.com) has all the info on the planting media

[Linxie]

WOW thanks Henk, that's very generous of you. Will send a pm.

Had a read through the PFP mix, so I understand it ok... it's just the microbelift I'm not sure of.

[Henk Hugo]

got your pm :)

[Gert Combrink]

Henk, what a transformation! From Geophagus to Planted. Looks Great!
Good Luck, and how about a plant list of this tank?
Gert.

[darryn]

Looking good Henk.

[Gareth]

Really looks great Henk

[Henk Hugo]

Glad you like...

as for the plant list - i'll start working on it

[wito-zn]

How did you catch the Geophagus?

[Henk Hugo]

with a net?

[Shakes]

1800lt tank! Wow, it will look impressive once set up. Whats the thickness of the glass?

[Henk Hugo]

ummmmm... i think 12 mm :P

[Shakes]

Expensive, I had to replace the back glass on my 1.5m and that was about R670.00 on 10mm. Worth every penny once the tank was set up. Looking forward to seeing your progress on this tank of yours.

[Dasher]

wow your tank is so big,how much litre does it hold? (i'm not good with measuring cm to litre)

[Henk Hugo]

display tank 1800L plus 540L sump

[Sean J]

Hey Henk... Just went back and had a look at the tank... Are those the 400watt MH lights?

If they are, aren't they a little close to the water surface? What is the temp in your tank?

[Henk Hugo]

250watt - 25deg

[Zoom]

Hey Henk... Just went back and had a look at the tank... Are those the 400watt MH lights?

If they are, aren't they a little close to the water surface? What is the temp in your tank?

With that volume of water, I don't think it will make too much of a heating problem on the tank Slagter.

[shaunlventer]

thats gonna look whip when its sorted..nice one Henk

[Sean J]

With that volume of water, I don't think it will make too much of a heating problem on the tank Slagter.

You'd be very surprised... I had 2 x 150watt MH's on my 400L tank and the tamp in there was 30 degrees. WITHOUT any heaters in the tank.

@ Henk - Cool... Just checking. I guess it also helps with it being open top and all.

[Henk Hugo]

i've been playing with MHs for a loooooooong time - i know the do's and dont's

[Richard Dbn]

Hey Henk that project looks really amazing

[carl p]

isnt it time for a serious photographic update of your tank Henk?

You cant just run a setup like this and not post any pics?

Dammit its friday surely theres time for some camera action...

[Henk Hugo]

if you get my drives for the Canon 350D for windows 7 :D

[Linxie]

Here you go ^^, http://software.canon-europe.com/products/0010192.asp
Get yourself a Nikon ;) they don't need drivers :D

[Rory]

Buy a cheapy card reader if your pc doesn't already have one.

[mattie]

Hi Henk,

Your tanks transformation looks great.
What plant is this in the photo?

[Henk Hugo]

so F-fish showed me a way to confoculate the camera - photos will be up in a few mins

[Henk Hugo]

side of the tank facing the lounge - left to right

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/081.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/083.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/085.jpg

side of the tank forming the passage to the bedrooms - left to right

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/086.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/089.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/090.jpg

[stormbringer101]

freaking awsome as always henk.this tank is becoming legend.

[speedz]

that driftwood looks huge, you probably got the only tank on this forum which it'll fit in too

[Henk Hugo]

glad you guys like.... i want to add another 1 maybe 2 of the mh units

[speedz]

I think water lettuce would look good in there. if its not banned that is..

[Henk Hugo]

why would i put a plant in that will block the light?

So i had bit of a play with my macro lense...

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/003_edit.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/010.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/022_edit.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/henkhugo/024.jpg