Basement Fishroom Bargains

I have recently acquired my first group of Julidochromis (dickfeldi), and all they do is hide. I haven't seen them out from under their preferred rock once, even when I feed. Parameters are perfectly fine. Do they require some kind of dither to be more active or are they just still getting comfortable?

These guppies arrived today for my room and I thought I would show them off. They look great. Also got an order from the Co-op today which contained the specimen container I used for the photos. 🙂

Just an update, picked up a 90 the other day that was previously used for a turtle. Bit beat up, but holds water. Trying to figure out a stand, as well as placement for it. Right now stock is tbd, but thinking of making this like a mascot tank for the room. I've thought about things like a school of Roseline Sharks, maybe some Archer fish, a ghost knife, a tire track eel or similar type things. It's not going to be set up right away, but that's where my mind is atm.

Maybe a school of cherry barbs? They're both non-aggressive and shouldn't outcompete the Danios for food, or be spooked by the danios activity. Also, maybe a species of peaceful cichlid like Kribs or Apistos for the bottom?

Get measurements of the tank and make sure it will fit in whatever vehicle you are using. If it comes with a stand, make sure they both will fit in one trip, or prepare for two. You can determine the capacity of the tank as well if you know the dimensions. I can't post a link but googling standard aquarium dimensions will provide several sites with charts for tanks sizes based on dimensions.

I've watched Cory's videos which were where I got the idea in the first place. 🙂 Wood isn't too expensive where I live so 2x4s are an option. I don't have blocks currently, I was looking at sizes online. When I was referring to the 8x8x8s I was looking at standard, hollowed out 8x8x8 blocks

a 90 fully set up weighs over 1000 pounds. My concern is, will a 2x4 cinder block stand support its weight? And with the traditional cinder block being 2 inches too short, will using 3 8x8x8 cinder blocks to cover those extra two inches make the stand weaker?

Welcome to the forum. I'm from quasi-rural Indiana as well so I'm familiar with the hard water. Sounds like you have lots of cool fish.

I appreciate the suggestions so far from everyone. I picked up the tank this afternoon. Only $65 on marketplace which is pretty good. Not setting it up yet, got to figure out the stand issue. I currently don't need to built the stand for anything else (unless other bargains come up) so for now it can wait. Open to more fish suggestions, and importantly, feedback on a stand build.

Gorgeous fish. Too bad you say they're protected. They'd be great for a native themed tank.

I am concerned about the weight, hence my questions about the stand. I may do five legs instead of the three Cory does for his if I go for cinder block and 2x4s. Those shiners are gorgeous. They are now on my must have list! I don't know that they will go in the 90, but I absolutely have to get my hands on those at some point. Thank you very much for the suggestions!

I was thinking hydrochloric acid would be a good start. 😉 Any preferred tiny fish?

So, as of tomorrow, I am probably getting a 90 gallon tank for an absolute steal. It will easily be the biggest tank I have ever owned. It does not come with a stand so will cinder blocks and 2x4s work as a stand or will I need to reinforce it more? Also, since its the biggest tank I've ever had, I am open to any and all suggestions for what to put in it. I have a few ideas, but I want to get ideas from other people too. Those of you who have read my fish room journal know someone asked me about a show tank. I think this will be it so fire away. Edit: The tank is two inches wider than the standard cinder block (18in instead of 16.) Could I use 3 8x8x8 cinder blocks instead of one 16x8x8 per level? Would that decrease the strength of the stand?

No photos today (basically because no one wants to see pictures of air pumps), but installed a couple of air pumps to replace broken ones.

Update, acquired and hung a light for the second rack of tanks