mynameisnobody

@Fish Folk Duuuuuuuude, those are ridiculous!!!!! Have you kept them? They look like they’d cost at least a zillion dollars per fish. I am going to search the interwebs for more info, but is there anything you can tell me about them from experience? Those are ridiculous photos, I’m assuming those are their breeding colors. Holy cannoli!

@Fish Folk I screen shot this from Cory’s latest fish room tour.

Hello everyone, Recently, I had a terrible experience at a particular retail store. I’ve been in retail for 10 years, including management. I am not the type of dude that gets an attitude from an employee in any store I frequent and suddenly I want to speak to the manager. I believe everyone has a bad day and although it may affect the shopping experience, they may be going through something that is much worst than the attitude I just received. On the flip side, while I’m working, I also give the benefit of the doubt to any customer that is less than friendly. I don’t take anything personally. However, this particular experience was so awful that I contacted their corporate office. My issue was handed over to their regional and I was contacted within 5 days from the store manager. For the record, I’ve shopped at this business multiple times and all employees have gone above and beyond, they’re very friendly and accommodating. I explained the situation to the manager and he was basically left speechless. He offered his apologies and gave me a substantial discount on a future purchase. Corporate also gave me a gift card which was really nice. Needless to say, everything was rectified and I will be shopping there for a long time. Because of the substantial discount and gift card, I decided to purchase a 300 Rubbermaid structural foam stock tank. Now onto the dilemma: stocking options. I have narrowed it down to either goldfish or a very large school of Rummynose tetras. The Rummynose scenario allows me to use 2 very large sponge filters, a ton of plants, and variety of other misc fish: dojo loach, bristlenose pleco, a school of Gold white clouds, etc. The goldfish scenario allows for the most personality I’ve experienced in a fish (other than my big old Flowerhorn), however limits plants (crinum, Val, and some floaters that can be munched on). I don’t mind not having any other tank mates other than 12-15 Goldfish and 3 dojo loaches. My main concern here is the filtration. Will 2 large sponge filters rated at 220 gallon each and said plants be suffice? I don’t really want to have any canister/trash can type filters, but obviously I wouldn’t want to under filter the tank. Any thoughts or experiences? For the record, temps will be around 75, give or take a degree in either direction. Any and all feedback is welcome and appreciated. Thank you

@Guppysnail Thank you immensely, we’re super excited, but my anxiety is at an all time high.

Hello everyone, I’ve been on a journey to try to find the gravel that @Cory used in his aquariums. It looks like the perfect shade, as well as the perfect size. To this point, I’ve purchased 4 different types/shades of gravel, only to be disappointed. Whether it’s too large, too dark, too light, etc. Does anyone know the exact gravel he uses? Thank you kindly from a frustrated gravel purchaser. 😎

If the kitchen sink cannot be used because the python is being utilized all day. @Atitagain Hahahaha I just bought that for my eventual newborn, she should be arriving into the world any day now.

Be patient, do not impulse buy anything, save your money, eventually you will realize the difference between what you find cool vs what will be the most rewarding.

@Mongo_like_fish Your approach is mature and very exceptional, I applaud the effort. With whatever you do with that 220, keep us posted and definitely post some photos, you’ve sparked my interest. Thank you and good luck dude

I also have a 110 gallon Tuff stuff stock tank. As mentioned above viewing can be difficult if left outside, however there may be a way around this. I keep mine indoors, with no lid of any kind. I do have a dehumidifier running to control any type of mold issues. Also I have mine moderately planted with cheap tan gravel as a bottom substrate and a 1” or so layer of eco complete as a top substrate. The black substrate make viewing very easy. For a goldfish you could purchase moon sand though I do not know how much that would cost you. There is also blasting sand media that is “black sand” but I would stay away as it is known to have sharp pieces in it and can cause mouth issues to a goldfish that is sifting sand. Just some things to think about. I’ve had 90 gallon aquariums before and I didn’t like it because of the depth of the aquarium, it became a pain in the neck to clean. Good luck!

I have some experience with oscars but not a ton, so I’m far from an expert. I can say that if you want more than 1, then I would go with 3. Rule of thumb is either 1, or 3 or more. Secondly I had an Oscar that would beat the hell out of a sponge filter. Not only does this cause the water to get really dirty whenever they feel like “playing” or “killing” the large spongey thing, but it could eventually get destroyed. Almost any other method of filtration will be better than sponges in this specific scenario. Having plants in the aquarium is purely trial and error. Can it work? Maybe. Can it fail miserably? Maybe. Basically depends on the temperament of the fish. As far as water changes, I’ve never dealt with an aquarium as large as a 220, but I can tell you that oscars are messy fish. Their bioload is high, there’s no way around it. When adults, their poop is large and by adding a pleco (another high bioload fish) you’re only increasing the likelihood of having to do water changes. If doing only a 25% water change once a week using sponge filters, then I’d seriously research another fish, possibly something much smaller. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but what happens if they destroy your sponge filters and plants? Also it will be pretty difficult to feed a pleco with oscars that aren’t full. They will constantly eat whatever you feed the pleco, leaving the pleco hungry. Most plecos that get fairly large eat meat, not algae, so the likelihood of their food being stolen is pretty high. You can always get 1 Oscar and 1 pleco to limit all of this, but in my opinion, you could also house an adult Oscar in a 75 and not waste a 220 on a single fish and pleco. Good luck

@KittenFishMom That is literally the coolest thing I’ve read in a while. You have me fascinated, entertained, and cracking up all at the same time. Bravo to you! I’d give you a triple like if I could. Excellent stuff.

Sounds like you have things under control. Post some photos before and after. A few months, maybe years down the road, you can look back and marvel and how much you’ve evolved as a fish keeper. Good luck and enjoy your meal.

@StockEwe49 There is a YouTuber that uses the lid for deli cups. Just drill a hole in the center of the lid, run the airline through, and connect to the sponge filter. Have the lid lay on top of the water. It isn’t perfect by any means, but it will make a drastic difference. Personally, I do not use this method because a bit of baking soda will clean up a lid like brand new. Just be sure it is thoroughly rinsed through. Either way, those are the simplest solutions in my experience. Good luck!

That is an insane beauty, good luck and keep us posted.

I second the baking soda method, I’ve done it to clean glass lids that are completely covered in crusted, old algae and it comes off like a breeze. Good luck!

That sounds tremendous. Glad to hear that you had such a great time. I’m seeing some 1st place wins in your future. Congrats to Mrs Struggle and yourself. Bravo!

I’m definitely not a Rams expert by any means, but I believe the Amano’s would be toast. Maybe not immediately but as they grow they may fancy a shrimpy snack.

@OnlyGenusCaps I was equally surprised that none of the “Fishtubers” got behind this. I’m an avid watcher of anything Mark Rober. I think the man is a genius. The realization that most (not all) “Fishtubers” center around their collection and what they are acquiring, it becomes evident how selfish most of these channels are, rather than backing a selfless cause (although this effects us all). I’m glad someone added this to this forum, seems the most appropriate here of all places. Kudos to you buddy!

@Jennifer V You and I have a bit in common. I grew up in Little Italy in the Bronx. I was raised by immigrant Italians. The movie A Bronx Tale was about the exact street I grew up on. I was basically raised around a ton of gangsters. If you’ve seen A Bronx Tale, the character Eddie Mush (the bad luck guy) wasn’t a character. He was a guy from the neighborhood and he really had terrible luck. He was a degenerate gambler that when anyone found out that he was betting on any given sports team, everyone else bet the opposite, just like the movie. I can go on and on.

@Jennifer V Goodfellas is a classic. I’ve seen the Sopranos and absolutely loved it. I saw the Many Saints the minute it was released and I didn’t like it. In my opinion, it had too many unnecessary aspects to it that had nothing to do with the Sopranos. It’s gotten terrible reviews and since then, David Chase has said that it will have a follow up, but it will be a series. It’s very difficult to follow up on a classic series with a 2 hour movie. It left me wanting more, hence why I thought the unnecessary parts shouldn’t of been released with the film. Just my opinion though. We are planning on watching The Godfather 1&2 again for the 147th time. It’s probably my favorite of all time.

@PineSong I will watch it tonight and let you know my thoughts. I definitely can do odd, shock, and suspense. I seem to be attracted to odd more than the average person, so I will give it a go. Thanks a lot

@Guppysnail To quote an 85 year old man I know, “you’ll always think you know everything, until you realize you’ll always know nothing.” My current motto is don’t make insane decisions so that 40 year old Manny hates the 30 year old Manny, and don’t let 50 year old Manny hate the 40 year old Manny, etc. I am glad I got tattooed when I did because it has become way too mainstream and trendy for my taste. I haven’t been tattooed in 7 years and have zero plans to do so, I am heavily tattooed already though. With a mortgage, a son and a daughter on the way, fish, and my tarantulas, I couldn’t justify spending money on tattoos when it could go to these other facets of my life.

@Atitagain Bingo, you are correct. Goes from the base of my armpit to the base of my hip. This was my first tattoo and if that wasn’t a sign of how excessive I was, then the armpit tattoos might be. I’ll be 42 on 11/17, and it’s crazy how we think we’ve got the world figured out at 18. @PineSong This looks interesting, thoughts?

My wife and I just watched Goodfellas again. @HH Morant love Josey Wales, my favorite Clint film is The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. At 18, I tattooed a giant Clint to my rib cage because of that film.

@Atitagain Yes it is Val. I grew out a ton of it, then took a bunch and placed it in an ez planter for my 75 gallon shellie tank. It was a cool way of creating shade for the little guys. As far as not liking what you’d do next, it’s not for me to say. I merely answered the question. For example, when I used to scan through fishtube, I’d skip right by anyone claiming to create a themed tank. It is absolutely not my thing. Now, the coop and OFR are the only 2 channels I’ll watch. My motto is to each their own, yet I have very strong opinions when asked.