Beardedbillygoat’s Fish & Shrimp Tank Journal

[nabokovfan87]

Very sorry for all of the struggles and losses you've been going through.  Losing the corydoras and so many other priceless fish that you had just makes me want to figure out how to "fix it", but there's just no way to do so.  Ultimately, I am thankful for the good experiences you've had with the fish and hopefully that is something you're able to cherish and dwell on.

I wish you and the wife the best of luck on the shrimp journey, as it's something I just got into, and it's been really rewarding to dive into.  I am excited to see the setups and the way things develop!

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

I took a big step back the last 6 weeks. I needed it. The interim….

1. Found out my municipality messes with the water at least 4 x a year with an ammonia based concoction that cleans the pipes. They don’t like telling you this and some local club members found out recently and notified us all. There’s a good chance with many of my calamities occurs after maintenance this was partially responsible for many of the casualties. I may have been using medication to treat disease when it was essentially poisoning. Even aging the water doesn’t seem to help. Whatever this is I’d need to have a whole house system setup which is where I’m headed. 

2. My wife really resents the hobby. It may take years before that changes. My behavior and actions will determine if I can consider a fishroom again. It’s sad but yet a relief to know im not crazy and my wife really loathes the hobby. I kept asking her and she kept spinning it different ways but I finally pushed her and she admitted it. 

3. Just because you think something is right, positive or however you want to see things it isn’t often and the illusion can spin you and then one day you’re forced to account. I feel like that’s where im at. It felt fun and enjoyable but at what cost - wife, kids a wholistic life ? 

We took a family trip to New Zealand as my wife’s family are Kiwis. Always love visiting with her people and experiencing something new and different. I had to come back to the states after 10 days but they’ve stayed on for another 12. 

Since getting back I’ve setup my 27 g and 50 g ponds which my wife seems to resent less and appreciate more so this part of the hobby is where im putting more of my energy. My in-laws have a 300 g sarasa comet pond and it mesmerized us all. 
 

 

I came back to Find our dog sitter had overfed the fish despite me using pill Organizers to portion out the food for the tanks (they looked hungry ugh they’re not dogs!!). Unfortunately, this led to horrible nitrogen spikes and my angels, festivums and tetras were lost. Left are plecos, Cory’s and cherry barbs in the 45. My plan is to add some Rhadinocentrus and a few more male cherry barbs and call it good for now. Water changes are remineralized ro water and it’s been a good reset so far despite the horrible feeling of losing @Ken Burkeangels. Here’s the tank before I left for NZ.

The bowl survives whatever mojo I have left as an aquarist feels tied to this tank. It’s been better without co2 and im really happy with it. 

I’m still getting the 60 g reset. It can sustain life again got some snails and scuds living the life in there. But before going to the club meeting tonight 1 night after ro water change and clean up It has nitrites again and you know what that’s ok. Whatever it takes to mature the tank and get it ready for shrimpapalooza is a-ok with me. 

 Have fun everyone. Learn, love and live. It’s changing for me but change is inevitable. 

 

 

[nabokovfan87]

On 5/10/2023 at 1:47 AM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

Since getting back I’ve setup my 27 g and 50 g ponds which my wife seems to resent less and appreciate more so this part of the hobby is where im putting more of my energy. My in-laws have a 300 g sarasa comet pond and it mesmerized us all. 

What was the reason the 300g pong was mesmerizing?  Was it specifically the way the fish interacted with the surroundings?  The surroundings themselves? (being able to sit around the pond and to see things easier, or just being outside potentially?

I'm not trying to say what you should do with all your stuff by any means, but just speaking from my own experiences here.  The water issue is a pain.  It's going to be a major topic for all hobbyists moving forward.  I also would argue that so is the quality of the water going into the house!  I went from 5-7 tanks strewn around the house down to 1.  Probably the single best decision I've made in the hobby.  It also means that the placement of that tank keeps the "fish stuff" more contained and those that may not want to be around it don't have to be.  Whether it's a rack with a water butt type of setup or however things go forward for you, I hope you're able to have enjoyment and find ways to reduce the angst against the tanks in some capacity. 

The goal is enjoyment and positivity and happiness in life.... so hopefully you are there or able to get there and I wish you (and her) the best of luck doing so. 

[Guppysnail]

I find life is better and everything is more enjoyable when things are in balance. Kudos to you and your wife for spotting and working on finding new balance. 
That new balance has been such a fluid thing in my life. My hobby has ebbed and flowed many times over my life to keep that balance. At points I paused my hobby for other hobbies I could pull gear out and play for a day then put the gear away for a week or more until I had time to participate again. 
 

Your bowls are still a beautiful sight to behold. 

[Ken Burke]

I’m so sorry u lost your angels. They were looking so good too.

[Odd Duck]

Gah!  What in the world crosses their mind to think they know better than you about what your fish needs? Perfectly measured food and they have to dabble in things they know nothing about.  So sorry for your losses.

It does sound like maybe you can reach a better balance so keep communicating with your wife until you can reach a place that works for you both.  Sounds like a limit on indoor tanks might be in order at least for a while.

I’m glad the bowl has turned into such a positive thing for you.  That has to feel good to turn the bowl into your happy place.

[Mmiller2001]

Wowzers. I can send you a 6 pack of beer, sounds like you might need it! 

I can honestly say reducing my fish tanks down to 2 has helped enormously. Take things easy man, draw in a big breath and enjoy the lighter work load.

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

On 5/10/2023 at 1:13 PM, nabokovfan87 said:

What was the reason the 300g pong was mesmerizing?  Was it specifically the way the fish interacted with the surroundings?  The surroundings themselves? (being able to sit around the pond and to see things easier, or just being outside potentially?

I'm not trying to say what you should do with all your stuff by any means, but just speaking from my own experiences here.  The water issue is a pain.  It's going to be a major topic for all hobbyists moving forward.  I also would argue that so is the quality of the water going into the house!  I went from 5-7 tanks strewn around the house down to 1.  Probably the single best decision I've made in the hobby.  It also means that the placement of that tank keeps the "fish stuff" more contained and those that may not want to be around it don't have to be.  Whether it's a rack with a water butt type of setup or however things go forward for you, I hope you're able to have enjoyment and find ways to reduce the angst against the tanks in some capacity. 

The goal is enjoyment and positivity and happiness in life.... so hopefully you are there or able to get there and I wish you (and her) the best of luck doing so. 

I think the pond was so well placed and in such a lovely setting - in a courtyard, down in a small planter area amongst ferns and flowering bushes and just so well curated - it felt like it was in symbiosis with all that touched it. Not to mention these comets were just vividly colored and stood out against the monstrous elodea plant.

I think that until I retire or have an opportunity to go down in hours a couple indoor tanks and a tub pond or 2 will be my limit.

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

On 5/10/2023 at 2:05 PM, Guppysnail said:

I find life is better and everything is more enjoyable when things are in balance. Kudos to you and your wife for spotting and working on finding new balance. 
That new balance has been such a fluid thing in my life. My hobby has ebbed and flowed many times over my life to keep that balance. At points I paused my hobby for other hobbies I could pull gear out and play for a day then put the gear away for a week or more until I had time to participate again. 
 

Your bowls are still a beautiful sight to behold. 

Agreed, it’s nice not walking on egg shells all the time about the tanks. I still have 3 more to shut down in the garage/basement this summer.  It was nice to have a calm conversation about our 60 gallon and she was able to say I would love yellow neocaridina and she’s been really complimentary about the plants and how the tanks are coming along. 
 

Yeah bowls have a special place in my heart. We lost our pea puffers with the whole over feeding thing and my wife was saddened by that she really loved watching them eat their bloodworms a couple times a week. I think I’ll try to get that back for her. 

On 5/12/2023 at 2:45 PM, Odd Duck said:

Gah!  What in the world crosses their mind to think they know better than you about what your fish needs? Perfectly measured food and they have to dabble in things they know nothing about.  So sorry for your losses.

It does sound like maybe you can reach a better balance so keep communicating with your wife until you can reach a place that works for you both.  Sounds like a limit on indoor tanks might be in order at least for a while.

I’m glad the bowl has turned into such a positive thing for you.  That has to feel good to turn the bowl into your happy place.

Thanks so much @Odd Duck. Yep I’m not buying more tanks. I have plenty and probably need to take about 4-6 to the GSAS auction in June. Im enjoying my 2 ponds and my wife is really working with me on a pond and water garden plan to help our rainwater and erosion situation on our property which is terribly exciting for us both. It’s nice to be in a good place. 
Bowls have a bad rep and we need to all work to rehabilitate their image!

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

On 5/12/2023 at 3:54 PM, Mmiller2001 said:

Wowzers. I can send you a 6 pack of beer, sounds like you might need it! 

I can honestly say reducing my fish tanks down to 2 has helped enormously. Take things easy man, draw in a big breath and enjoy the lighter work load.

Yes it’s time to stop the madness. Collectoritis whether it’s fish or tanks or plants or all 3 is a trap. I wasn’t getting better as an aquarist and I certainly wasn’t doing the fish, my wife or the kids any favors. Anyway I’ve made piece with it. 

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

Well I’m done posting bad news. Here’s some good news. 
 

I’m really happy about this. It brings me some

confidence and so much joy. Maybe a little too

excited for my spouses liking. 

a couple months ago I couldn’t keep a snail alive and now I've got a growing colony of ramshorns and now amanos and nerites. 
 

The Bowl - I’ve really struggled with this over the years but the soft water here was great for the aquatic life until the over feeding nightmare. I think my plan is to add back in a couple more otos to the 3 in there along with some ramshorns and then add back in a group of 3 pea puffers. My fish wife misses her puffers -she was posting them on tik tok!! Crazy. 
this is after all the fish had passed and what I found in terms of algae and overgrowth due to the higher ammonia and nitrates which luckily the plants took up and save 3 of my 5 otos. 

after a trim, a lot of TLC. This is a setup that didn’t do well with added CO2. I think the light is 3500-5000k so when I stopped the CO2 with the deaths and added a sponge filter the water clarity has been amazing and the plants are thriving. 
I love seeing their full little belly’s. Spoiled getting cucumber, wafer and all the plant biofilm and algae’s they want. 
 

My sons tanks took some hits as well from the overfeeding nightmare but they are now up and back to a better place. 

Lagenandra brown is a gorgeous plant I’d recommend to anyone who’s ready for something different. 

My now 3 year old betta DJ Turbo is thriving despite his old age. Great color and just confuse to come when you tap the glass and attack his food and anything living in. His tank with vigor don’t worry we’ve not tried another inhabitant even the boys giggle and say “what would happen if so and so was in DJ Ts tank?” Then laugh their heads off. 
 

The youngest sons tank took the biggest hit. He’s my buddy who’s alway up for a trip to the Coop and so I felt bad that he lost all the Pygmy corys and his oto cat. So we went looking for a couple bottom dwellers and an algae eater who’d not overgrow his 10 g cube. 

they’re adorable and my son’s reaction was equally awesome. 
 

It’s really enjoyable with just these tanks. I’ll have a couple weeks in June to finally decommission the last of the garage tanks. It’s closing one chapter as I continue to write others 

Have fun everyone and enjoy this lovely hobby of ours. Here’s a pic for @Patrick_Gof one of his amazing ADFs right before water change. Fun and fellowship to you all! 

[nabokovfan87]

On 5/20/2023 at 9:19 PM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

and now amanos

Aren't they just the best!  I enjoy watching them do their things so much.  Interesting little creatures, especially when you spend a night with a flashlight realizing those specs you see floating are the zoes

On 5/20/2023 at 9:19 PM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

The Bowl - I’ve really struggled with this over the years but the soft water here was great for the aquatic life until the over feeding nightmare. I think my plan is to add back in a couple more otos to the 3 in there along with some ramshorns and then add back in a group of 3 pea puffers. My fish wife misses her puffers -she was posting them on tik tok!! Crazy. 

The rock on that tank is unique, beautiful, and very hard to see!  Maybe it's time for a big trim and some aquascaping of sorts to make her want to spend time with the puffers in the bowl.   Is that something she would enjoy doing, help to layout the tank?

I'm excited for your excitement.  One breath of fresh air and a positive mood and you're 95% of the way towards making progress. 

 

On 5/20/2023 at 9:19 PM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

My sons tanks took some hits as well from the overfeeding nightmare but they are now up and back to a better place.

 

On 5/20/2023 at 9:19 PM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

they’re adorable and my son’s reaction was equally awesome. 

That's awesome!  If he doesn't already use one, let him know that a toothbrush works wonders on the heater and hardscape for that type of algae.  It will clean it up like new in no time.  I learned that one from Pecktec 🙂

The loach is wonderful.  I'm sure it has a name by now.

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

Did some maintenance and water changes last night and snapped some pics of the 2 main displays. 
 

So far feel like the hard scape and planting is doing a good job of filling up the 45 gs viewing panel and really giving nice variety of textures and colors. 

 

Rhadinocentrus adults and there’s a dozen juvies in with these 3 remaining adults. 

Love these orange Venezuelan corys. They took a hit but they are still ticking think there’s 10-12. 
 

Cherry barbs are cheap And vibrant and tough as nails. 
 

My 60 g soon to be an invert paradise. Current residents are 5 amanos, 3 bamboo shrimp, 3 nerites and countless ramshorns, bladder snails and seed shrimp along with some daphnia and scuds. 

Fun to see all the plantings and tank come alive. 

[Guppysnail]

Those tanks are looking stunning. 
I think those cherry barbs just stole my heart. 

[SunBearQ]

I love the combination of the Anglerfish gyotaku above the 45 gallon. Do you have other pieces?
 

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

On 5/23/2023 at 3:07 PM, Guppysnail said:

Those tanks are looking stunning. 
I think those cherry barbs just stole my heart. 

Super underrated for what you get and the mere penny’s they cost compared to some of the expensive and rare tetras I’ve bought they’re amazing. Almost bought some albinos recently but feel like they’d detract from the their regular brethren! 

On 5/23/2023 at 7:59 PM, SunBearQ said:

I love the combination of the Anglerfish gyotaku above the 45 gallon. Do you have other pieces?
 

We don’t. There were at least 4 others they had - they were done by a local Oregon coast artist and were sold by the Aquarium to raise funds. Thank you for noticing the piece, it’s a personal favorite as not often do I get to put up aquatic inspired art. 

[TheSwissAquarist]

On 5/21/2023 at 6:19 AM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

I love seeing their full little belly’s. Spoiled getting cucumber, wafer and all the plant biofilm and algae’s they want.

Could be eggs if you're lucky... something to go with that gorgeous betta!

Nice Journal btw 😁

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

On 5/24/2023 at 12:16 AM, TheSwissAquarist said:

Could be eggs if you're lucky... something to go with that gorgeous betta!

Nice Journal btw 😁

That’s my hope but the pea puffers my love likes so much may inhibit those plans as we just picked up 3 baby puffers. I’ll post pics when I can. 

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

This is something we’ve wanted to capture for awhile.

we’ve wanted to capture this for awhile and finally did. We have 3 male BN plecos in this tank as we lost the 2-3 females we had with the nitrate spike from the overzealous house sitter. We’ve grabbed a female from a local breeder who’s part of the club. 

Hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend here in the US and all over this great big beautiful world! 

[Odd Duck]

On 5/27/2023 at 2:41 PM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

This is something we’ve wanted to capture for awhile.

And what, exactly, is going on there?

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

On 5/27/2023 at 8:09 PM, Odd Duck said:

And what, exactly, is going on there?

A very hungry pleco making a pepper look like a beating heart! 

New female is settling in nicely! 
 

One of the survivors of all the badness from the last couple months is our golden dojo loach Mr Squiggles. I had my shelldweller tank still setup in the basement and so there was a higher salinity and minerality in that tank. His fins healed and mentally he’s back to our wet pet greeting us and getting excited when a food item he likes is fed.

I’m looking forward to a nice day in the garden tomorrow and some pond updates. Have fun everyone!!

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

We have moments of frustration in this hobby. They can lead to actions that are questionable, sometimes rationale and all the areas in between. 

This is our 60 g Hi-Tech planted tank. It was built initially as a rainbow and south Asian tank think 🧐 I’d thought of it as a riverine system. Unfortunately disease and some questionable decisions in terms of quarantine and boom 💥 that tank is no more.

What to do next? I thought I was going to have to tear it down. Then my wife indicated at least for now no fish. She just wants inverts. All the snails died during this debacle so my first quest was to get snails to live. I used 1/3 of a cup of h202 followed an old Marks Shrimp Tanks video and it worked, within a week I had thrown in a handful of rams horns and they lived! I added a couple gallons of crushed coral and started remineralizing with gH/kH+ and Well it has risen again and is now our invertebrate peaceful planted tank. 

The wood is a mix of mopani and driftwood, rocks are agate from The Polka Dot Mine and Oregon Lava Rock. 
While waiting for the tank to reset I focused on the plants. Most are from online and club auctions. I used my garage tanks as growouts and eventually moved most of the plant stock into here. It has a lot of growing in to do still but it’s growing and balancing itself out. 

Big ups to @Minanorafor these gorgeous neos. Originally my wife had indicated wanting yellow neos and I messaged @JettsPapabut then a member from my club said no no get them from me and flaked. In the interim a trip to the coop and my dear love ❤️ fell hard for the orange Sakura and I then reached out to @Minanora. Well packed and they were so vigorous from The jump. The calm and somewhat goofy swimming of the shrimp was just what this tank needed. 

There is such satisfaction in rescuing this setup, being patient and forgiving myself for all my transgressions with this tank. 

Mr Squiggles is now my #1 wet pet. Without the Red Eye Puffers I just needed something to bring me back to the hobby and he’s it! I’ll be in trouble if he doesn’t do well. He greets me and dances when I’ve fed the tank. Beautiful!

Have fun everyone! Next up is setting up the 150 g Rubbermaid in the garden!

 

[Torrey]

On 6/2/2023 at 1:02 AM, Beardedbillygoat1975 said:

Beautiful

ORD🥰

Yes, this hobby is full of learning experiences, and some hurt more than others. I'm glad you are getting back in the water, can't wait to see what your tub evolves into!

[Minanora]

I'm glad the shrimps are happy and doing well for you! In a few months I'll have yellow goldenback neos as well. 🙂 

Your tanks are really coming back together and I love the invert tank looks fantastic!

[Beardedbillygoat1975]

You’ve got great stock @Minanora those oranges are deeper by the day!