6ft low tech , planted

Discussion in 'Members Systems' started by GregM, Aug 25, 2015.

  1. DoubleDutch

    DoubleDutch Corydorasfan(atic)

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    I call kribs terrorist-cichlids (Pelviicachromis Talibani : joking).
    I'll never add kribs to a community cause they'll (and their fry) will take over the tank in no time.
     
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  3. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    For the CO2 I used 2 2lt bottles and daisy chained them with an airline T-piece, these feed into a separate, empty bottle to catch any overflow or residue. The output is connected directly to the inlet on the powerhead, it chops the bubbles up nicely. I was concerned about diffusing the macro bubbles as well as dispersing the gas but it seems to be working ok. Point was that I really didn't want to spend anything on this experiment. Ended up costing about R30.00, if I didn't have the hose and fittings then maybe R50 all in. Not too shabby.

    2 cups of white sugar, fill 80% tepid water.
    1/2 tsp of Baking Soda (stabiliser)
    1/3 tsp of Baking Yeast

    took about an hour or two to start pumping CO2.

    Last night I actually had to disconnect it as there was just too much output. It seems to have stabilised now and im having fun playing the scientist, so there..
     
  4. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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  5. DoubleDutch

    DoubleDutch Corydorasfan(atic)

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    I do have a recepy for long lasting CO2. I'll try to find it foor you Greg. It is in Dutch btw !!
     
  6. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    Thanks, I would appreciate that.

    Dutch shouldn't be a problem thanks to all my Afrikaans brothers and sisters and there's always Google... I spent a lot of time in your lovely country (and next door in Germany)
     
  7. DoubleDutch

    DoubleDutch Corydorasfan(atic)

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    Ahhh great.
     
  8. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    Rescape and other ramblings

    Im not entirely happy with the way I got the plants back in after the move, they look a bit disjointed but im hoping that as they fill in a bit more it'll all take some shape. The interesting end is the far end which I didn't really get into this shot.. all the wood and Aubias are down there, ill take some better pics tonight.
    The leaf fish have taken up residency there and they only sneak out in the evening.

    Warning: if you get these fish and you have shrimp they will hunt them and eat them. Its awesome to watch but they are serious predators and take even the larger shrimp without any issues.

    They are basically just awesome...
     
  9. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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  10. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    update

    So after finally finding my Water Fern I did a little gardening, still not 100% on the layout but its so hard to gauge until they all grow in a bit more...

    I also found an unwanted guest, added by my funny mate...... I though he died in the repair job but it appears not. If anyone can ID tadpoles maybe you could tell me what this is going to turn into? I'm curious so I might just leave it there to see what emerges.

    Few other plants got shifted about. The CO2 is definitely making a difference, it is small but its exactly what I wanted, not a full blown CO2 setup, just a little boost.

    The Leaf Fish/Bush Fish have predated all my shrimp so ill need to find some more this weekend. My African Butterfly Fish are supposed to arrive today, cant wait !

    some updated pics below and In the album.

    SAM_1174small.jpg

    SAM_1173small.jpg

    SAM_1172small.jpg

    SAM_1171small.jpg

    SAM_1169small.jpg

    SAM_1168small.jpg

    SAM_1167small.jpg

    SAM_1165small.jpg

    SAM_1162small.jpg
     
  11. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    Its looking very, very nice @GregM. Those pieces of wood look stunning.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  12. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    thanks very much, getting there slowly..
     
  13. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    Newsflash, looks like I may have another leak... I'm near the end of my patience with this tank. This is what you get for staying away from a hobby for years and trying to comeback on the cheap. Off to drive off a cliff.

    eish,
     
  14. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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  15. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    So despite my moronic purchase of a Hill Stream Loach (butterfly pleco duh) despite practically every one of his current living conditions being the opposite of what he wold want Mr Loach actually seems rather happy.. I hope this continues to be the case.
    One of the Bush Fish has suddenly grown to twice the size of the other two (maybe I have a male?) these guys seem to be loving life (and eating any shrimp brave enough to show face)
    Butterfly fish should arrive this week, just in time for me to rip my tank apart for the second time. Desperately seeking new 1.8/2m tank, fixing this one is not helping me keep sane.
     
  16. cliffy

    cliffy

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    hi GregM
    is it not normal the female that is bigger ?
     
  17. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    @cliffy, I believe they are very difficult to sex. The only obvious difference being spikes near the gills on the mature male and a rough area near the rear of the fish. The difference in growth rate is just a bit startling so a stab in the dark led me to my earlier statement but im not entirely certain...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  18. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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    Update

    Nothing much to add at this point, I managed to find some more African Water Fern - seems its only available, hidden away inside the display tanks in various stores. The guys are willing to give a little away seemingly unsure as to what it is.

    I found some nice Congo Tetras o I bought a little school of 10 to add to the African theme. Its amazing but as soon as I added the "African" plants the African fish almost immediately started to congregate in that area, might just be me but I think it goes to show how important it can be to accurately mimic a fishes natural habitat in order to make them happy..

    This community I real mongrel at this point, I plan to find a new home for most of the South Americans but at this point I am stocking the following:

    3 x Leopard Bush Fish/African Leaf Fish/Climbing Perch
    10 x Congo Tetras
    5 x Wild caught Green Swords
    3 x Pepper Corys
    3 x Bronze Corys
    1 x Hill Stream Loach (seems quite happy despite the setup)
    - Still planning to add some African Butterfly Fish if I could find any in the entire region.

    4 x Pearl Gouramis
    +/- 12 x White Clouds
    1 x Flying Fox
    - These are they guys I'm looking to re-home.

    My little DIY CO2 system seems to be working nicely, its not exponential growth you might see from an exensive pressurised system but its definitely helping and it cost me about R40 so im happy.

    I did invest in a new Sunsun internal filter which is rated at 1200LPH which seems to be helping immensely with the water quality, polished it up nicely and the fish are seemingly enjoying the increased current. this new filter is far more efficient in terms of breaking my macro bubbles up and dispersing them across the tank.

    The tannins are slowly working their way out and for the first time I'm starting to see some clear water for the first time, the small amount of staining actually looks quite natural and I'm happy for it to stay where it is for now..

    Pics below,

    Thanks guys
     
  19. OP
    GregM

    GregM

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  20. cliffy

    cliffy

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    looking very good @GregM and that is a great piece a drift wood you got there
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  21. Ortaega

    Ortaega

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    Beautiful and very natural look!
     

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