community tank work in progress [Archive] - Tropical Aquariums South Africa

sarf

04-05-2009, 00:55

hey guys.i have finally set up a community tank after years...been dabbling with wild caught rift lake cichlid..i forgot how fun a community tank can be. busy with this set up at the moment...still work in progress

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/light2.jpg here is the tank...85cm long, 45 cm wide and 60cm high
filtration system
drip tray
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/filtter-1.jpg
hydor powerhead to supply water to drip filter
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/powerhead.jpg

i chose this gravel for the tank..think it should look nice once i wash it out and put it in..got four bags..probably gona need more
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/gravel1.jpg
i already have a group of stunning emperor tetras in quarantine...keeping them in a 90cm tank while my tank cycles
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/quarantineemperors.jpg
another shot of the tank
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tank2.jpg
must still build the slides for the top and add the plants...already have java moss, java fern and some sword plants

also got four ancistrus triradiatus...they very nice but cant get a pic of them

Altum

04-05-2009, 01:53

hey guys.i have finally set up a community tank after years...been dabbling with wild caught rift lake cichlid..i forgot how fun a community tank can be.

also got four ancistrus triradiatus...they very nice but cant get a pic of them

:p
You're lying to us .
How do we know they're nice?

solex69

04-05-2009, 17:10

pics..........or it doesn't exist :D

D

Zafgak

04-05-2009, 22:19

You gonna have to get a pic ... or I can see a riot coming on !!!

sarf

04-05-2009, 23:35

i will post pics of the ancistrus tommorow...but trust me..they are nice...like the rest of waterzoo's fish.put wood, gravel and plants in...waiting for it to clear up, then will take pics and post.unforunately had a heater malfunction today in the quarantine tank..= 16 DEAD EMPEROR TETRAS

Philfarm

04-05-2009, 23:43

Ouch its a good thing we not allowed to swear on this forum..

Altum

04-05-2009, 23:56

just pick them up with filter, wood or pipe, hide-out.

Then DUMP them into 2L ice-cream tub if you want to photodocument them for later GENDER differences ,shape, size, etc.
It helps, if you drop a short plastic ruler into the icecream tub too!

i will post pics of the ancistrus tommorow...but trust me..they are nice...like the rest of waterzoo's fish.put wood, gravel and plants in...waiting for it to clear up, then will take pics and post.unforunately had a heater malfunction today in the quarantine tank..= 16 DEAD EMPEROR TETRAS

thanks man...

but crappy about your "Emperors new clothes" trick malfunctioning heater pulled on you:cry:

veegal

05-05-2009, 13:51

GENDER differences ,shape, size, etc.
It helps, if you drop a short plastic ruler into the icecream tub too!

Is there any way to sex them when they are younger????

sarf

05-05-2009, 15:12

It's very easy to sex emperor tetra when they are bigger..males get blue eyes,females get green eyes..male gets longer fins too

Big G

05-05-2009, 15:40

Er, I think Vee was askin about the Ancistrus?? Just a guess, but I think its right?

Cheers!
Big G!

veegal

05-05-2009, 15:59

Yip, I was actually referring to the catfish.....sorry, I should have made myself a little clearer :)

sarf

17-05-2009, 23:26

okay...been bit sick last two weeks but managed to do some work on the tank...it still far from looking how i want it to..
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tank.jpg
added these fish so far..
8 royal tetras
4cardinals...waiting for more next week
6 glo light tetras...cant get decent pics...these guys are fast
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/fishies.jpg

3 ramerezzis...doing very well ;D
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/nice1.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/ram2.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/ram25.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/ram13.jpg

four ancitrus triradiatus...got these from the waterzoo..before adding to tank
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/5.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/2.jpg
in the tank..
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tri13.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tri11.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tri7.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tri6.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tri4.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/tri15.jpg

let me know what you guys think...plan on adding a few more fish...maybe some dwarf neon rainbowfish, or celebes rainbowfish..definately ten more cardinals

solex69

18-05-2009, 07:36

Lookin good meneer

Perhaps add some Anubias & Windelov to the wood as well.
Maybe replace the PVC piping with some clay/ceramic pots and attach some moss on top of them.
Once you add CO2 to the tank, you'll create a little cave effect that is completely covered in moss and it will look o-so-natural :) That's what I've done in a tank of mine and the moss has attached itself very nicely to the pot.

Also add some background plants

Chiao
D

sarf

18-05-2009, 09:06

Thanks for the advice dale..any idea where i can get nice clay pots?i added the pvc pipes for a short term hiding place for ancistrus..i actually have to build some slate caves according to plans i saw on plecofanatics.com.i want to add more plants..and co2,but not sure if it'l be worth it due to fact that the pleco need high oxygen levels.i am planning on adding anubias tho..jst on the lookout for nice specimens

solex69

18-05-2009, 09:12

You can get the pots from any Nursery or Builders Warehouse, Stodels, Super Plants, etc etc

Whatever cave structure you build, get moss on top of it to give you that effect. You could even try riccia to grow on it...I think that will look much better actually
If you not keen on going CO2, then get some strong light into the tank for optimal plant growth. Use Prof Dirk's ferts too

sarf

21-05-2009, 18:24

Ok,so got my hands on ten dwarf neon rainbowfish today..looks like 5males n 5females..got to wait for them to colour up den will post pics..they seem to be happy..already swimming around and displaying

sarf

25-05-2009, 21:27

guys..and girls.tried to get some decent pics of the dwarf neon rainbowfish...but those guys are too active...this was the best i could do..

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/rainbow1.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/r2.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/r3.jpg

a pic of royal tetra..
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/blue.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/DSC00365.jpg

and can someone tell me what plant this is...i need to brush up on my plant knowledge..
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/200%20litre%20tank/plant5.jpg

Big G

26-05-2009, 12:32

Hey sarf, I'm not sure those are actual emporer tetras (Nematobrycon palmeri), I think they are Inpaichthys kerri, otherwise known as the Blue Emporer tetra, which as far as I know doesn't get the blue or green eyes, and the dangly bits on the fins?

Still nice fishies tho!

Cheers
Big G!

sarf

26-05-2009, 13:17

Thanks big g.i know they are not emperor tetras..i think i mentioned somewhere in this post that i had 16 emperor tetras but lost all 16 due to heater malfunction..so got the royal blue tetras instead

Big G

26-05-2009, 15:31

Hey sarf, where did you get the dwarf neon rainbows from?? I've only seen small ammounts around places, I had four, but recently lost 2 due to a strange illness that wiped out all the expensive (R30 +) fish out in my tank! All fish below R20 survived! Work that one out!

Cheers
BIg G!

2time

26-05-2009, 17:05

big G tropicum in N1 hsa some and Pet Centre in Gatesville always have

veegal

26-05-2009, 18:46

Went to Fish 'n Things this evening - they have as well, nice ones.

sarf

06-06-2009, 22:53

okay...so i have decided to make this a planted tank...plecs will be getting their own breeding tanks in my fishroom..recently added some new plants..working on diy co2...but it doesnt seem to be working...some atricles on the net say it will not work at cold temperatures...and weather has been cold in cape town this week...so i guess i am going to be waiting a while before i can add the co2

tank with new plants...added five different sword plants..3 anubias barteri..and going to hopefully add some more plants over the next few weeks.

also decided to sell the dwarf rainbowfish...they bit too active in this tank...so if anyone interested..pm me..i want to add more cardinals..but tank too full..so something has to go

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/plants/DSC00423.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/plants/DSC00426.jpg

still FAAAARRR from how i want it to look

Risen

07-06-2009, 06:26

SARF that red sword really adds a nice contrast to all the greens. Your tank is looking great.
Remember to pop in sometime to get some plants from me. Just PM me or sms to set up a time. 16th is public holiday....?

Gert Combrink

07-06-2009, 11:49

A good idea is to use pieces of black irrigation pipe, instead of white plumbing pipe.
One can actually smear some marine silicone on the entire outside of the pipe, and then roll it in some dry sand that are the same as your substrate. This will make it "dissapear" in the scape (and heavier!) and moss will also be easier to attach to the pipes. The inside of the pipes are black/dark and more natural for the ancistrus.
Just some free advice... without consultation fees!
Gert.

veegal

07-06-2009, 12:14

sarf

07-06-2009, 13:26

lol...thank god theres no consultation fees.thanks for the advice gert...i actually removed the white pvc pipe a long time ago..the ancistrus prefer the wood...i have set up two 3foot tanks which are busy cycling..one is a breeding tank for the ancistrus...the other is for my newest aqcuisition...8 paracyprichromis nigripinnis..they awesome

solex69

07-06-2009, 17:06

Consultancy fees? Why would anyone charge consultancy fees bru? Imagine the day when ppl actually charge for fish advice

Gert Combrink

07-06-2009, 17:32

Solex69, The problem come, when unknowingly, members pay for "consultancy fees" as part of the price of a product, and was never asked if they are prepared to pay for said "consultancy" fees!
What will become of this hobby, if we all start to ask "consultancy fees" ???
What is the use of a FORUM, when we can not built this hobby and enrich each others knowledge of fish, plants and products?
Are we not all in it for the friendships/ braai's / laughs and building of a strong hobby?
Or am I the only schmuck around, not asking said "consultancy fees"
Dit is obscene en belaglik!!!!
Gert.

veegal

07-06-2009, 19:09

Truce everyone????? Thank you! :)

Zebra Pleco

07-06-2009, 19:10

I think that's enough now guys and gals, let's get back on topic please.

sarf

03-07-2009, 00:16

ok...so i took down the previous tank...decided that it wasnt sufficient for what i had in mind...so set up a 4foot tank...will post some more details later...let me know what you guys think..
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00548.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00531.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00532.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00534.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00536.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00533.jpg

sarf

07-07-2009, 00:12

went away the weekend...noticed some decent growth after 3days..plants settling down nicely

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/1.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/2.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/10.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/6.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/7.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/3.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/9.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/8.jpg

Fish Fantasy

07-07-2009, 09:06

solex69

08-07-2009, 06:33

Nicely scaped meneer....very nicely scaped indeed! :congrats:

Now to see it grow invasively

Chiao
D

sarf

08-07-2009, 22:25

ok..so i decided to add some 'testers' to the tank...put in 2 harlequin rasboras this evening...they looking happy so far...so im going to give them another 3days then i will add the remaining harlequins and dwarf neon rainbowfish...hopefully my lfs getting in pencilfish this weekend...then i can go get some.

plants still growing like crazy...have a LITTLE algae growing on my front glass..but nothing that 2 or 3 ottos cant sort out

LiftCrazy*

09-07-2009, 08:58

Looks great Sarf, did you come right with your DIY CO2?

sarf

09-07-2009, 09:59

I'm running two diy c02's..the yeast reactors..was planning on building up a proper c02 system,but i'm bit sceptical about that.my other option is a 2nd hand system..can possibly get a sera unit..but with sodastream canister n no solenoid..for R1250..should i take it?

sarf

11-07-2009, 20:57

so...was fortunate enough to have city bowl donate some whip tail catfish for my tank..they are settling in well...must say..city bowl has THE COOLEST HI TECH fish room...with awesome fish too..those zebra plecs were awesome..thanks again cith bowl

on another note...my aponogeton crispus has sent out a white flower to the top of my tank...looking very nice..will post some pics soon

Lloyd

11-07-2009, 22:21

Hi there

anyone like to help me

veegal

11-07-2009, 22:51

Hi there

anyone like to help me

Help you with what Lloyd????

sarf

12-07-2009, 15:42

Ok..added another two fish to my tank..got two honey gouramies from lfs.also saw two young croaking gouramies..might go back for those.will be posting pics once i clean my front glass

Henk Hugo

12-07-2009, 15:46

the croakings are extremely agro....

sarf

12-07-2009, 16:32

Ok,thanks for the info..guess i'l be giving the croaking gouramies a miss.gona be on look out for something interesting and different

Fish Fantasy

13-07-2009, 08:36

Hi Lloyd! What is the problem you need help with? Be happy to help if I can! :)

sarf

26-07-2009, 20:43

ok guys..and girls...time for a quick update.added fish...actually realised that i have WAAAYYY too many fish in tank compared to the amounts i normally stock..have the following..
7 dwarf neon rainbowfish
6 rummy nose tetra
10 harlequin rasbora
9 green neons
2 honey gouramies
1 moonlight gouramie
7 whiptail cats (Thanks city bowl)
i will do some changes to the list of fish..cant keep too many so some will have to go eventually once i get my other fish..i really wana add some threadfin rainbowfish, corydoras sterbei or brochis splendens...AND i MUST add 1 otto..IF i can get one...have A LITTLE BIT of algae..nothing an otto cant handle. ::)
as for plants..i dont know all..so see what you guys can spot..
P.S please excuse picture quality..took these with my cellphone tonight
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/tank2610.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/tank2611.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/tank262.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/whiptail.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/tank267.jpg

sarf

26-07-2009, 20:55

PS PEOPLE...CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME OUT WITH SOME ROTALA WALLICHI AND MYRIOPHILLUM AQUATICUM..will be much appreciated

speedz

26-07-2009, 20:59

what wood is that at the back? tank looks great hey!!

sarf

26-07-2009, 21:10

It's normal mopani wood..but with the dark underside facing to front of tank..i preferred it that way

Henk Hugo

27-07-2009, 07:27

MYRIOPHILLUM AQUATICUM - on ALL of the black lists, old and new. HIGHLY invasive stuff

sarf

27-07-2009, 07:34

O ok..i didnt know..jst saw it at panarama and thawt it looks nice,they apparantly got it in with that order of exotic plants

Henk Hugo

27-07-2009, 07:37

no that wasnt aquaticum that was matogrossense red

sarf

27-07-2009, 08:55

O ok..so now i know wat i must look for.

Henk Hugo

27-07-2009, 08:58

yea - just ask Panorama to order more for you

sarf

31-07-2009, 19:36

Ok,so hopefully gona be gettin some rotala wallichi soon (thanks in advance eskimot)..and have 4pairs of sunburst apisto's on way from jhb..and added 3ottos to my tank..and my lfs got in some threadfin rainbowfish which i'l collect tomorro..my set up nearly complete..yeah..will post pics soon..

2time

02-08-2009, 17:22

Sarf where did you get the threadfin rainbowfish from.

sarf

02-08-2009, 19:38

Got it from pet centre in gatesville.took all that they had..still looking for more tho..They had some nice fish in this week..hatchet fish,ottos,lots of tetra's etc

2time

03-08-2009, 11:58

I was there on Saturday and didnt see any, do you know when they will get more. I did get some otto's and hatchets.

sarf

03-08-2009, 12:03

Probably coz i was there on sat jst after they opened to collect the fish..speak to christopher..the tall guy that works in fishroom..he will order if it's available

sarf

08-09-2009, 21:23

ok..so i havent been spending much time on the tank like i should...so it is not where i want it to be in the looks department...took out the echinodorus quadricostus as they were overgrowing the rest of the plants in the foreground...probably going to remove the glosso too...anyone have any tennelus to swop for glosso or echinodorus quadricostus?

tank currently has the following fish

apistos
sturisoma whiptails
rummy noses
green neons
threadfin rainbowfish
otto
golden pencilfish
black emperor tetras( added them this week)..pics to follow...on a positive note..found a female apisto guarding eggs tonight..not going to try to raise any fry..dont have any tank space for dwarf cichlid fry

Gilbertr14

08-09-2009, 22:18

Hey Sarf where did you get the Green Neons?

sarf

08-09-2009, 22:35

gilbert..got the green neons at my local lfs..the pet centre..got all my fish from there except the apistos and whiptails

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00629.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00630.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00627.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00631.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00607.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00626.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00614.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00622.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00635.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00645.jpghttp://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/twincamboy/DSC00634.jpg