ChemBob
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Posts posted by ChemBob
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I recently decided that I both wanted to redo my existing no CO2 tank with a planted tank substrate and to add a tank for Saulosi Mbuna cichlids. So what do I decide? Buy a new 40, set it up as the CO2 tank, then redo the existing sand substrate tank as the cichlid tank. The plants, hardscape, and fish from the current tank will be transferred from the current tank to the new tank.
Here is the current tank. The 5 gallon and the terrarium are being relocated. See my terrarium stand build in the Off Topic section.
I was a little worried when I saw my CO2 Art regulator shipped from Germany, but am very impressed that I came in less than a week and that the plug is adaptable to multiple plugs. Can't wait to try it out.
I also got the 2nd 40 breeder from Petco's 50% off sale today.
Substrate and light have shipped, so updates on them to come!
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Last of the polycrylic coat is applied. 3 coats total. This helps protect the wood from water, and is one of the sealants used to seal inside wood terrariums based on my research. Should be plenty to protect the shelves from overspray or spills from my lizards. 🦎 🦎
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Painted and first coast of polycrylic applied. Been slow going, not a huge rush to get it in, so I've been sneaking painting sessions in between the many other things we've had going on.
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I saw Jason's video when it came out and have been using tap water since then. I have had no issues and have relatively heavily stocked tanks. I run a sponge filter and a Fulval 207 in both tanks. However, I do not rinse the sponge and canister media at the same time. I also have a prefilter sponge on the canister intake that is rinsed on a different day as well. I think separating the media makes sense. I also think if you use hot water that will kill of significantly more bb, so use only cold water. I think it likely depends a bit on your tap composition as well, so be careful and make your own decisions.
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How can I compete with that! Gorgeous!
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Hate to see both your Rams get sick! They are awesome looking fish.
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On 9/14/2021 at 11:58 PM, Vanish said:
I need to find a new method for attaching the java ferns, as the thread method doesn't seem to work for me.
I imagine you want to stay away from super glue as you are removing to sell. The Small Scape just did a YouTube video where she used a specific type of hair the top attach ferns and anubias to wood. I recommend checking it out.
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On 9/16/2021 at 6:12 PM, Jimfish98 said:
The first one has been running a mesh and the second a fleece roller
I haven't heard of rollers before in sumps. How do they work? To be fair, I haven't looked into sums too much, but they do intrigue me.
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On 9/16/2021 at 9:00 AM, Fish Folk said:
Cleared out lots of top water plants, topped off, added stones…and trying to imagine something other than “green” Darters, but cannot get them out of my head
Those look amazing!
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On 9/14/2021 at 9:52 PM, Atitagain said:
Need to research plants that do well in hard water. I already have to much vallisneria. Java fern always is failing as well, Amazon swords seem to do well but seem very slow growing. And that’s about it need to start focusing research time on plants.
I have relatively hard water, but not crazily so. Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus and water wisteria both grow well for me. Anubias and crypts do well, but are slow growers.
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On 9/13/2021 at 6:53 PM, RickHunter said:
Hoping to do something that's dark and mud like but wont affect the water since the platform is not water tight
I am by no means an expert on this, and have never tried it, so take it for what it is. My assumption is anything on the platform will end up in the water in some amount. Therefore, I'd stay away from things eat would add ammonia. One thing that comes to mind is the Brightwell Aquatics aquasoils. The things I've read and watched say they don't leach ammonia. The only other substrate besides soil would maybe be coconut fiber or coconut coir. However I feel like this would make a huge mess in the water. If you can deal with some soil getting into the tank, what about organic top soil? Mix in some pool filter sand and it will help. There are some websites that talk about using this mixture for lilies in ponds which have the ratio's.
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How much smoke does the mac and cheese pick up? I may have to try that, it looks fantastic!
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I like the look of the added plants. Great job!
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Do research on pressure treated wiod first. My memory is you don't want this indoors as it can off gas chemicals.
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On 9/11/2021 at 9:37 PM, Griznatch said:
Got the plant table finished. Haven't filled it up yet but my wife is working on it 🙂
It looks great! Fantastic idea. I don't think she'll notice a culture, especially of you slip it into your new culture corner next to the aquarium. Out of site out of mind.
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Its always interesting to see the different takes on BBQ! Is it smoking, grilling, BBQ, or something else? I think it is very fun to see the different regional takes on BBQ, and when I visit, to eat some!
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I use a fine sponge over my water change hose to keep fish and snails from coming out. It works great.
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Sanded and promed today. Progress.
On 9/6/2021 at 1:51 PM, ARMYVET said:Is there going to be some support for the front of the bottom shelf. It looks like you are only supporting the plywood on the back and 2 sides?
No additional support is planned for the front. It is not going to be holding any terrariums. It will be for storage of random items, likely some kids toys. If it was holding anything of significant weight, I'd have concerns. I can always add a 2x4 or 2x2 or similar later for better support. It would be screwed rather than wood to wood support without significant modification, but I don't forsee any heavy objects going there. I wouldn't put a terrarium there, and definitely not am aquarium, without additional support.
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I prefer natural color to the black sands. I initially had pool filter sand in my 40. I added 2 bags of Caribsea Super Naturals Peace River on top because I wanted more depth. I think it looks much better. The pool filter sand I got was very light in color. Not quite white, but not nearly dark enough for my taste in this tank.
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I have the red eco complete in my 20 gallon. I didn't have any issues with pH increase on that tank. I don't find it significantly more difficult to plant in than the sand in my 40 breeder.
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On 9/6/2021 at 1:16 PM, Melinda P said:
Thank you for the tips! I think I will wait until its closer to avoid the risk. Unfortunately, I will be flying home and all my furniture/belongings (including my 10g and 20g) will be shipped. It will take up to three weeks between me leaving and flying home to the arrival of my things with a moving truck, hence why I want a tank there already set up for any fish I choose to bring back.
Follow up question: is the weight of the 125g something I should be concerned about? In that, I should place it in a certain place or level of the house or reinforce it? Or is it not big enough to really worry that the “regular” floor could take it?
I'd try the methods above for shipping some things. You can also check liquids. I've never tried with filters, but I have checked beverages with no olive effect. Maybe try your filter in a large, well eaten water bottle. Make sure you double bag in ziplocks and make sure to push as much air out of the ziplock as possible.
Zenzo recently did a video where Dean flew home with some fish. Not sure the process, but I'm sure if you check with the airline they can help.
Also, as cheap as 10 gallons are, I'd get one to put the fish in while you get the 125 ready. I have seen them at $12 or 13 at the big box stores when they weren't doing the crazy sales. Alternatively, have a large tub you can utilize. Potentially cheaper than the 10 gallon, and maybe it won't add the MTS. Or maybe thats the eventual goal?
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On 9/6/2021 at 12:18 PM, Melinda P said:
Thats part of it. The biggest moving part that I’m most concerned about if its possible/smart to cycle it multiple months in advance with nothing in it except filter media and plants.
Possible, but is it worth it? You said you won't have anyone taking care of it, so in that case I'd say you have a large risk. Plants will need fertilizer. What happens if you get a pH crash. What about algae control? While possible, you'll probably be much better off if you wait. You can set it up dry so it's ready to fill and cycle when you get back.
If you are driving back, get a 5 gallon bucket from Lowes or the like and a USB or battery air pump. You can then bring your some filter and some fish with you in the car. Bring the bucket in with you if you stop at a hotel. You'll then have starter material when you show up at home. If you set up a 10 or 20 underneath it waiting, you'll have a temporary home and future quarantine tank you can drop the filter and whatever fish you travel with.
Cheers and good luck!
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Long or high?
For a long, maybe a shell dweller species tank. Multis, gold Occelatus, or one of their cousins.
For a tall, @Colu has a good suggestion. id maybe add a small school of a smaller corydoras species or kuhli loaches.
In either tank, a neocaridina shrimp tank would be neat as well. Just pick your favorite color.
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You can add plants right away, they will eat the ammonia. Most fertilizers use ammonia as the nitrogen source (root tab types, not the water column ferts though, Easy Root Tabs are the exception using a nitrate based source). Many of the YouTube videos, including Aquarium Coop, recommended planting immediately to help with the cycle.
As far as eager changes, I'd let it ride. You want the ammonia present to feed the new bacteria. It is required to establish the cycle. If the bacteria have no food, they won't grow. I agree with @laritheloud, if you have another tank, add a bit of filter mulm. Another source of bacteria is rock wool in potted plants. So if your lfs has potted plants, put the full pot in for a couple of weeks before you transfer the plant to its final location. If they are emmersed grown, this also gives them a chance to transition to submerged form.
Hope this helps!
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Side by Side 40's Journal
in Photos, Videos & Journals
Posted
Substrate arrived today! I'm going to use @Bentley Pascoe's simple mix, likely lasagna method for this tank. I have Brightwell Aquatics Rio Cafe and Eco Complete red (now Eco Planted?). I am also going to a base layer of laterite powder under the planted substrate.
I also moved tanks around today and got the new tank set into its spot.
Already level! I leveled the whole stand when I initially set up the first 40.
I forgot to order the blackout cling to do the background, so now I wait. It's supposed to arrive Sunday. Which is fine, I wouldn't get anything done tomorrow due to a few things the family has going on. And the Coop order with the light is en route as well.