Jacques's Beast. DIY Background and Community Setup.

UPDATE!!!!

I build myself a Polystyrene cutter by using the heating element wire of a hairdryer and a 12V 2A transformer.(Will post pics and a step by step how-to later.)
I cut the polystyrene so that it resemble a rocky face.You can do any texture.
I the used a lot of marine silicone to glue the polystyrene to the rear glass panel of my tank.

I left it to dry for 10 days.
Thereafter I Mixed my "Rock Paint"

Rock Paint Coating.
Use three parts building sand (Not plaster sand)
Use 1 part cement.
Use Oxide (Color to your liking) I used three different colors,brown,yellow and green.
The mix should be watery but not too thin.
Paint on with a paintbrush.
Let dry for two days between coatings.
Paint on at least three coatings.

Let the last coat dry for a week.
Clean all excessive plaster from tank bottom and sides.
Fill with water.

ENJOY!!!

 

Very cool!!

 

Now for the plants.

Please, any plants would be appreciated.
Pretoria area preferably.

Will refill the CO2 Tomorrow.

 

Before you add any plants I would suggest a few cycles and many WC's
What substrate are you going to use.

Later Ferdie

 

Checked the Hardness and it is stable at 7.6
Did three tests 12 hours apart.No discoloration of water occurred at all.()That was my main fear)
Running a Dophin 1600 as well as two 1200 LPH internal filters.
I used SPF from my previous attempt, mixed with API soil.
Got the CO2 set up but not running yet connected to a timer.
Installed 5 x 36 Watt T5 globes on a separate timer.
2 x Grow-light and 3 High Output Day-glow.
Electronic Auto-feeder has been installed but not in operation yet.
2 x 100W Jebo Heaters installed.
Next up will be to select two pieces of wood from my collection.

 

OK decided eventually on a Malawi setup.

So CO2 Setup will not be needed.Will dismantle it and store away for another tank someday or maybe sell or swop for malawis.

Added 8 Malawi and rocks from my Office tank.Inmates seems happy.
Very surprised to see that they actually bred in the office tank.
Got about 6 fry in the tank.