My Aquatic Vivariums

[Atitagain]

I have been trying to come up with a name for my fish room, didn’t want to force it figured it would come naturally. Names like Brian’s fish room, aquatic adventures, Indiana house of fish, ect… didn’t seem right. As soon as I seen this term, phrase, word(s)? I will research it more. And the fact that I have to do that makes it fit even better. Because my fish room is not just for show tanks, breeding, or hoarding but first and foremost it’s for learning. 
@Guppysnailstarted a thread today 

Interesting article about how the word aquarium was established. No spoilers but…The name of my fishroom will be “My Aquatic Vivariums”. In this thread I will be describing each of my tanks in as much detail as I’m capable of, along with my feelings and concept I was/ am trying to achieve. Mostly just wanting to document my tanks as they sit today (day of posting for that tank) then update every 3 months 6 months not sure yet. Will be back with 1st official post in a couple days.

[Guppysnail]

I love this. Everything happens for a reason. I read so much but for some reason I just felt that I should post this article.  Now I know why 😍 I am very much looking forward to reading about each of your tanks and their journeys as I know you enjoy trying new things as well 😁

[Torrey]

ODR 

I love this!!!

[Odd Duck]

ORD also, but I love this and I especially love seeing how interactions happen between forum members that magically solve problems we didn’t even know existed.

 @dasaltemelosguy solved my problem with my 75 gallon Jack Dempsey tank without even knowing who I was, anything about me, or the issue I’d been turning around in my mind for MONTHS!  He solved it simply by posting a picture of his fish tank for an entirely different reason.  The light bulb went off in my head.  Now I have a beautiful tank full of live plants, my fish have to be healthier and are notably happier, and I’m FINALLY rid of those ugly plastic plants!

[Atitagain]

• 
   
• Name- Shrimp Kingdom 
• Tank size - 60G
• Substrate - mix Fluval stratum, black gravel
• Filtration - (2)ACO large sponge 
• Lights-Marineland LED 48” + Finnex Stingray LED 48”
• Heater- VIVOSUN 300W
• Extras : air stones, circulation, timers -8”airstone, light timer set on siesta time
• Hardscape / deco - 25-30lbs dragonstone, , large wood small wood (mopani), catappa leaves,
• Water parameters 
• Plants- jungle vallisneria, Java moss, Bacopa Caroliniana, Monte Carlo, Ludwigia / Broadleaf, dwarf aquarium Lilly, Anubis nana petite (3), Amazon sword
• Stock- 150+ cherry shrimp, 17 Rummynose tetra, 20 Cardinal tetra, 4 Otocinclus, pond snails
• History/ Concept = When I first set this up idea was a heavily planted, competing tetra tank. Cardinals in this 60G rummynose across the room in another 60G. Had both shoals built up to about right over 20 a piece. Then plan was breed both and get up to 40ish each. Plans changed and ended up merging the two tanks. I’m really liking the pair up. Plans to breed are still a go but numbers won’t be as high.
  Hardscape concept is rocky jungle, with the dragonstone being a huge focal point. The large log in the center was placed to draw you in and see what’s between/ behind the two rock structures. The dwarf aquarium Lilly back center right I placed so Lilly stems would help draw the eye up to keep eyes moving. Not real sure I like the sword front center left, will it be a blocker or an enhancer to look around the corner?  If I ever get enough I would love to do all open substrate in Monte Carlo or maybe a different carpeting plant.
• Future= not much of change planned. Possible move/ remove sword plant to back. Ludwigia / Broadleaf In moveable planter will go lower as plant grows till in the substrate, Bacopa Caroliniana under planter will be moved to back corner. Will breed rummys and cardinals.
• The rummynose are my favorite small fish, maybe even competing for my overall favorite. My Venustus edges them out tho. And the cardinals are beautiful and school fairly well also. Then the shrimp in and out of the dragonstone, floating down from a long leaf of Val. Ouuhh weee!! When the stocking is complete and the plants are grown in the way I want I’m sure I’ll be satisfied. It’s my first real attempt at aquascaping, to think about flow and how the fish, plants, hardscape, ect… all have to work as 1. Not professional level I know but I’m very excited to see the outcome in my 6 month update.
• this pic says a lot to the overall feel I want for this aquatic vivarium.

[Guppysnail]

I love your dragon stone 😍

[Odd Duck]

I really like the dragon stone, but I absolutely ADORE that swoopy, curvy wood piece with the A. nana ‘Petite’ nestled into it!  I like where you’re going with your plans and your thought process.

[Atitagain]

On 9/28/2021 at 9:59 PM, Odd Duck said:

I really like the dragon stone, but I absolutely ADORE that swoopy, curvy wood piece with the A. nana ‘Petite’ nestled into it!  I like where you’re going with your plans and your thought process.

Lol when I set that nana petite in there… it’s kinda hard to describe how that felt it was so perfect. Thank you for noticing and your encouragement.

[Odd Duck]

On 9/28/2021 at 9:48 PM, Atitagain said:

Lol when I set that nana petite in there… it’s kinda hard to describe how that felt it was so perfect. Thank you for noticing and your encouragement.

I get it!  That feeling when a plant just nestles perfectly into place, . . . . .

It doesn’t happen every time, even when it fits well, it doesn’t always give you that feeling. But once in a while it just is . . . perfect.  You nailed it with that one!

[Atitagain]

• Name- Cave
• Tank size- 75G
• Substrate- 1/2 Eco-Complete African Cichlid Substrate 1/2 Bio-ACountive Live Cichlid Gravel
• Filtration - Marineland® C360 Canister Filter and Large ACO Sponge
• Lights- stock LED
• Heater- aquatop 200W
• Extras : air stones, circulation, timers- never clog air stone / lights on a siesta timer
• Hardscape / deco- 3 med logs/ 4”flexible tube (cave)
• Water parameters 
• Plants- floating Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus
• Stock- Tiger Oscar, Pictus Catfish, 2 Bristlenose Pleco, and 5 nerite snails

Yes he’s fanning another batch of fry. Didn’t know anything about it till I was shooting video and pics for this 😀!!!

• 
• History/ Concept - This tank was bought for African cichlids then was converted into this. Want to keep it fairly simple for now. The 3 logs are stacked on top of a flex pipe that is also buried in substrate. This provides a very good hide for the catfish. The bristlenose have small caves and also can tuck in between the logs. They have spawned twice giving me around 90 fry ( 63 from 1st batch 2nd is much smaller and not counted yet) The background is the main feature for this tank (except the Oscar that is) it’s a vinyl stick on, not the best install but I did it after the tank was up and running. I think I would be a big fan of these backgrounds if I installed before set up, this was my 1st time using one. The substrate is split for reason, I kept the right 2/3ish in the sandy type because oscars are big sifters and wanted him to have plenty of open space to do that and swim. For the left 1/3 I used the more packable substrate to hold its shape around the logs and cave. I installed about an inch at a time packing each layer around the hardscape. It turned out real good, nice and firm and so far the spreading has been minimal.
• Future- I would love to incorporate plants in here. I know oscars aren’t the most plant friendly fish but I’m gonna try. I’m starting with floating plants, guppy grass he snacked on that till it was gone same thing with water sprite. I removed a bunch of Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus from another tank and floated it and he seemed to leave it alone. After a week I cut everything down to about an inch off the root to start fresh and let it grow out as a floater and see if it looks the same. Also it was filled with algae the other tank got a big redo so I didn’t bother fixing the algae problem beforehand. I’m gonna try some Java fern and Anubias  tied to the logs (in the plant grow out now). Gonna do some portable pots as well, will start with Pogostemon Stellatus Octopus because he’s already leaving it alone and if that don’t work I will try some vallisneria. The portable pots are such a great idea (in theory) because if I keep another growing out in another tank I can replace if he damages it to much. But don’t wanna swap plants every other month tho.
• Oscars are what hooked me into this hobby, I’ve been keeping tanks for 30 years off and on. Every time I always have an Oscar such a wonderful fish. And now of course I’m Atitagain with another Oscar in this Aquatic Vivarium

Edited October 6, 2021 by Atitagain

[Guppysnail]

Congrats on more pleco fry. I love the red racers! Am I seeing those whiskers on the catfish correctly? They are so long 😍

[Atitagain]

On 10/6/2021 at 12:07 AM, Guppysnail said:

Congrats on more pleco fry. I love the red racers! Am I seeing those whiskers on the catfish correctly? They are so long 😍

Yes I think his whiskers are longer than he is 😆. And them bristlenose seem to be breeding on a schedule.

thank you

[Guppysnail]

On 10/6/2021 at 6:04 AM, Atitagain said:

Yes I think his whiskers are longer than he is 😆. And them bristlenose seem to be breeding on a schedule.

thank you

Mine are every 3-4 weeks like clockwork (x 15 year lifespan x 100+ eggs 😳 I do hope fish go through menopause )🤣

[Atitagain]

My Aquatic Vivariums 3

 

• Name- Dark Roots
• Tank size- 125G
• Substrate - pea gravel
• Filtration- Marineland® C360 Canister Filter and Large ACO Sponge
• Lights- Finnex Stingray LED 48” + NICREW ClassicLED Plus Planted 48” + AQUANEAT LED 24”
• Heater- VIVOSUN 300W
• Extras : air stones, circulation, timers- lights on a siesta timer, 4” air stone, and 2 small circulators 
• Hardscape / deco - hanging roots, fallen log, 2 rotted stumps, rock garden
• Water parameters -temperature 77.6*
• Plants-val Italian to be keep trimed low, val americiana to be keep trimed mid, jungle val long and flowing, Java moss, Anubias (2), Bucephalandra green wavy, red melon sword
• Stock-rummynose tetra (21), cardinal tetra (18), 200+ cherry shrimp, 1 endler, Glowlight tetra (7), Salt and pepper Cory (8), bristlenose (2), peppered Cory (6), HIll stream loach, pea puffers (3)
• 
• History/ Concept - I plan on this being a darkwater tank, it already has some tannins but a long way to go. The roots on the right are to mimic a tree on edge of a creek that the rocks have collapsed underneath. The background is black except under the roots, I cut out a rock structure from another background to continue the pile. Then moving left the log would be a fallen branch from the tree above. Then 2 rotted tree stumps to finish the hardscape. I really like the concept of the vallisneria, I will be keeping it trimed to rise from right to left with the left coming to the top and flowing back right. Hopefully it will propagate well and fill in super thick all the way across. 
• Future- I will be adding Amazon swords to the center back. Maybe some more buce green wavy, I like the look of this in there and if it works good I’ll go with it. Maybe some more Anubias, moss, and try to figure out a plant that will do well in the rock garden under the roots. Will be adding more to the root structures too, ive seen some driftwood accent roots they are 24”long 1/2”ish in diameter. They come on a 50 pack for $25 but are not in stock. Also will definitely be breeding more rummys and cardinals wanna get them up to around 60 each or probably 70R/ 50C.
• I’m trying a new way of preparing gravel for my tanks. 1st off I have some plastic canvas, place gravel I cup at a time then spray with hose.  
   
• I have 50lbs bags and it took about 20 minutes per bag.
•  
• This was a pea gravel bought at a big box hardware store, so it was very dirty.
•  
• After installing in tank and filling I had very minimal cloudiness. So at less than $5 per bag (50 lbs), I think i saved time on cleaning compared to what I’ve done before with aquarium gravel, plants seem to go in much easier and hold better, and root tabs actually stay under substrate a lot easier. This was the 1st bag I saw and the color is exactly what I was looking for, I’m not sure if this even comes in different colors so that might be an issue for some or even next time I’m looking for substrate. Will have to give it 3-6 months actual use to say for sure but I’m a big fan so far.
•  
• The root structure was fun to build. I started with an aluminum bar to carry the weight between side and middle rail. Screwed through that into a piece of plywood pinched screws just tight enough for glass to lay between.
   
• The first piece of spider wood was to look like a big knot ball then all other branches in theory were flowing off of it.

this was such an exciting build for me. It’s gonna cost to maintain with plants and keeping up to make darkwater but instead of all this being in 5-6 tanks it will all be in one Aquatic Vivarium.

[Guppysnail]

Great job with the pea gravel. Tank looks wonderful.  I would give my eye teeth to grow Val like that!  (Had to take a moment and admire your last video for like the fourth time🤣. I can’t get enough of the pictus whiskers 😍)

[Atitagain]

On 10/17/2021 at 12:55 PM, Guppysnail said:

I can’t get enough of the pictus whiskers 😍)

Sadly he’s the only one I’m having trouble moving (he’s in QT right now) I have 1 more 55G to set up that I’m undecided what to do with. So maybe I set up something starting with him and work my way from there.

The val grows easy for me as long as I keep root tabs in the substrate. I love it!

thank you 

[Atitagain]

Quick year end updates and future plans for all My Aquatic Vivariums. 

60G project in motion. Going to be dock themed with native fish. Most likely rainbow shiners.

Wet plants/ bowl. All in a seasoning mode. Going well a little melt back in the bowl but everything has already started new growth. Will be adding fish to the bowl and possibly the central container.

10G blackworm grow out. Going well thinking of expanding project to try and get a useable amount to feed some daily.

3G blackworm grow out.

20G blackwater. Pea puffers are thriving. Been feeding them some blackworms hoping for breeding. No plans to change anything. I do have some water lettuce growing out in here to be used on another project. Might leave some in here if I like it.

60G Oscar tank. All is good hasn’t started tearing up the fake plants yet. I’ve added some pothos, lucky bamboo, and trying some duckweed. (He hasn’t ate it yet) 1 of the 3 lucky bamboo I think is done for but I haven’t gave up quite yet. No plans to change anything. Over next 6-ish months will have to get him to a bigger tank tho.

75G African cichlid tank. Had some issues in here over last month. Mostly due to aggression. Couple hurt fish, skittish behavior, and color is not there on any of them. Will need to give this tank some extra TLC for a bit. No plans for any changes.

20G koi. One of these jumped out and was on the floor for undetermined amount of time. Lost most of their scales on both sides. Has done extremely well and is recovering like a champ. No signs of infection and is eating and active.😁 spring time will return them to my neighbors then reset the tank.

20G Hulks Escape. Good growth on the moss shrimp are getting established well. Plan to finish of plants soon. May keep as shrimp only but I’m thinking of adding some rasboras too? 🤷🏻‍♂️

55G platy/ angel tank. Battling algae in here for a few weeks. Getting it under control and have a lot of new growth. Only plans for this tank is to stay out and let it season.

10G QT has a hurt cichlid now. Will remain as a QT.

55G plant grow out. Everything going good in here did a trimming last night. Shrimp are multiplying well in here lots of babies. Wish the pond/ pest snails would take off in here my population is getting low. No plans for changes (but it is a 55G so we’ll see)

29G plant grow out. Have a bit of an algae issue here too.  Nothing bad but needs dealt with. No plans for change.

125G darkwater. Super happy with this especially after changing out the lighting. Re did the root system tonight and added a few Anubias. Only plans for this tank is to breed rummynose tetras. 

[OnlyGenusCaps]

I really like the rockwork in your 55 platy/angle tank!  It's similar to something I have in mind currently.  I hope mine comes out as well. 

Love the updates!

[Torrey]

On 12/29/2021 at 9:37 PM, Atitagain said:

55G plant grow out. Everything going good in here did a trimming last night. Shrimp are multiplying well in here lots of babies. Wish the pond/ pest snails would take off in here my population is getting low. No plans for changes (but it is a 55G so we’ll see)

@Atitagain maybe a nano tank for some snails?

My experience has been snails and amphopods can share a 'breeding' tank, but shrimp water requirements will keep snail reproduction pretty low.

Having a snail/amphopod/plant grow out tank is ideal, because the snails and amphopods will keep the plants algae free even while tolerating double ferts for faster shipping recovery of plants.

I get more snails than my turtle can eat this way, and I use carrots and other nutrient dense veggies to gut feed both snails and amphopods. Since neither the "pest" snails nor the amphopods are as sensitive to water parameters as shrimp, I can *really* overfeed to grow the colonies.

 

[Atitagain]

On 12/31/2021 at 2:12 AM, Torrey said:

@Atitagain maybe a nano tank for some snails?

My experience has been snails and amphopods can share a 'breeding' tank, but shrimp water requirements will keep snail reproduction pretty low.

Having a snail/amphopod/plant grow out tank is ideal, because the snails and amphopods will keep the plants algae free even while tolerating double ferts for faster shipping recovery of plants.

I get more snails than my turtle can eat this way, and I use carrots and other nutrient dense veggies to gut feed both snails and amphopods. Since neither the "pest" snails nor the amphopods are as sensitive to water parameters as shrimp, I can *really* overfeed to grow the colonies.

 

This is something I didn’t consider. The shrimp are booming and it’s as tho the snails won’t breed at all. I will set up in a smaller tank.👍

[Atitagain]

@Torrey I had to look up amphopods. but which amphopods are you breeding and what are you feeding them to?  I’m trying to learn about more micro or live fry foods. Any help would be much appreciated. 

[Atitagain]

On 1/2/2022 at 11:16 AM, alidonkaka said:

HI

I adore the dragon stone, but the swoopy, curves wood piece with the A. nana 'Petite' snuggled inside it is my personal favorite! I admire where you're heading with your ideas and how you're approaching them.

When I put that nana petite in there, it was hilarious... It's difficult to put into words how amazing that felt. Thank you for taking the time to notice and support me.

Thank you very much. That’s a piece of mopani wood. It’s gotta be my favorite piece I’ve got. 
welcome to the forum!

[Torrey]

On 1/2/2022 at 12:07 PM, Atitagain said:

@Torrey I had to look up amphopods. but which amphopods are you breeding and what are you feeding them to?  I’m trying to learn about more micro or live fry foods. Any help would be much appreciated. 

Also called scuds, I have 5 distinctly different types. The largest ones get to the size of 5 week old endler fry, the smallest never get bigger than fleas. I thought the difference in colors was due to food sources, my BiL says different types and don't let any down the drains because at least 2 are not indigenous to the states and he's not sure if the other 3 are indigenous to NM.

I am fairly confident that I have gotten all of them from local plant purchases, Carolina Biological Supplies (I think that's right?) is supposed to be a good supplier for anyone who wants to order intentionally. 

They mostly prefer decaying plant matter, although I do have one type who are more carnivorous and keep snail populations under control. 

The white, tiny ones don't get longer than 4 - 5 mm no matter how much food they have access to, and are a favorite snack of almost all my fish. I frequently use them in new set-ups to seed the soil with plenty of food that does double duty as clean up crew. They are too small for my camera to focus on them and the babies thrive on the Fritz bacteria and bio film. The adults will consume dry leaves, leaving only the lace structure of the veins behind.

The largest, darker ones will harrass snails so I keep them in a 5 gallon by themselves. They are easier to take pictures of and will eat algae the snails don't eat.

The other 3 types are barely distinguishable, I can't see any significant differences. My BiL used to work for the NC Museum of Natural History as an entomologist, I took him some 'water bugs' to identify, thinking that they were all the same creatures at different developmental stages only to find out my plant recieving tank actually had many different kinds of "water bugs"... and I have spent a good portion of the pandemic learning about the differences.😅

The tiniest are why I thought seed shrimp and amphopods are the same, because the size is similar, and appearance read similar. Photographs show definitive differences. 

Which makes me want a better camera 

[Atitagain]

@Torrey very interesting, such great information. Thank you 

Do you think most plants come with scuds? Would most planted tanks have scuds in them IYO? Scuds are also called water fleas I’ve read somewhere, am I right? I’ve done a little research on them. They will definitely be something I’ll be researching and hopefully feeding to some fry.😁

[Guppysnail]

Your 125 is looking amazing. When I need microfauna for food I set up a tank and squeeze every sponge filter and prefilter sponge into it with a cycled sponge filter for filtration and a handful if dirty gravel scooped up with a cup to get the critters. I feed fry food first bites north fin fry or sera micron in 1/5 of a moistened toothpick dipped in food daily with a small piece of lettuce left to rot replaced when gone and just let it get UGLY. You won’t get scuds this way but tons of rhabdocoela and microfauna after a week and  start to get really active after about two weeks.  Not sure if that helps you but it makes a dynamite fry tank.