180 Gallon Build

[AngelTheGypsy]

Lots of choices. One of my favorites that grows quickly is water wisteria/hygrophila difformis. Really, almost any hygrophila is good. There are also different species of Anubias and swords for variety. Ludwigia, cryptocoryne, vals. That seller he mentioned has lots of plants to choose from. I placed an order with them as well. Plants look good, but we’re grown emersed so they take some time to adapt to tank life. Quick google searches can help weed out the more demanding plants.

 

[Rythmyc]

Thanks again AngelTheGypsy, I'll look into those once my lights come in

 

[Rythmyc]

Just a quick update. As I'm sure most, if not all of you know. The extreme cold that swept across the US has prevented any shipping of fish. So I'm waiting on warmer weather for my EBA's. Once I get them in the QT I'll post pictures. Godzilla (Redfin Prochildous) has adjusted to the tank really well. He's still pretty skittish when there's sudden movement around the tank.

Otherwise, everyone seems to be doing very well. I think I'm going to pick up my Rainbow Shark soon as well. Going to try to get him small, so it'll allow everyone to get big enough that he leaves them alone.

 

[Rythmyc]

Looks like I should be getting the EBA's today. No idea why they shipped last night, as it seems way too cold. Thankfully they have a arrive alive guarantee. So any losses will be recovered. I'll post pictures when they arrive

 

[Rythmyc]

Sorry for the lack of update on the EBA's. I've been dealing with everyone nipping at my Ghost Knife, now that the tank is becoming more stocked. I may have to put him in my 35 as a grow out, until he gets big enough that they won't nip him. It's primarily frustrating, because he hasn't been shy, and I don't want them to force him into hiding all the time. I've enjoyed watching him.

I also took the added risk of putting the EBA's in the main tank, because I had one that was really unresponsive. The 35 was going through a minI cycle still, and I wanted him in water I knew was going to be safe. I blocked off part of my tank for him, and he recovered quickly. Since I was already risking exposure with the 1, I figured I might as well add them all. Plus I got them from the same vendor I got most of my stock from. So I was relatively confident in their health.

Thankfully my stocking is complete. So I can put my Ghost Knife in the 35, which is stable now, if needed for long term.

Oh, speaking of. I picked up my Rainbow Shark as well. I got one of the Glo Sharks, which is essentially an Albino Rainbow that has the Glo coloring. I couldn't help but want to make sure at least one went to a proper home, plus he was the size I wanted. It's small enough that the others in my tank should be more than big enough. Right now, he's the one hiding. He's definitely intimidated by the larger fish in the tank, but he has plenty of hiding spaces. So he should be fine until he gets a bit bigger.

I'll post pictures of the EBA's, which are absolutely beautiful btw, this afternoon when the lights come on.

 

[Rythmyc]

Top left corner, you'll see the BGK playing in the current


This was originally supposed to be just the Acara's, but everyone wanted to show off this afternoon apparently, lol. Figured I would take the opportunity.

 

[Rythmyc]

Oh, Angel. Since you're active this morning! You may have seen the leaflet's from the Amazon Sword. I've had a couple fall off, but the current in my tank took them into my filters. When they fall off, can I glue them to some Driftwood and they'll grow out from that point? Is there a point before falling off I could remove them and glue them? This way I don't have to worry about my filters eating more leaflet's? Lol

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

You mean the Java fern by the fish's tail in the first photo? Yes if they fall off you can attach them somewhere and they should grow. Usually if a leaf produces plant lets, said leaf may be dying. Just a heads up.
The fish are looking great. The big fish you have in the first pic is very interesting!

 

[Rythmyc]

You mean the Java fern by the fish's tail in the first photo? Yes if they fall off you can attach them somewhere and they should grow. Usually if a leaf produces plant lets, said leaf may be dying. Just a heads up.
The fish are looking great. The big fish you have in the first pic is very interesting!

Yes, that one. Lol. Sorry, still not really versed on the plant side of aquariums. Yeah. I knew those leaves were dying. I was told to leave them on so they would produce the plantlets.

That's the Redfin Prochildous, he's a beast of an Algae Eater, and produces beast size waste . He's amazing to look at, and the way he feeds is just mesmerizing. I like that he comes right up to the glass to eat the algae growing on it. He's still pretty skittish, and just started eating flakes today. I'm sure once he settles in, he'll be more calm. He definitely recognizes me, and isn't skittish. It's anyone else in the house.

 

[Rythmyc]

Another update on how everyone is doing, what equipment I've added/changed, and future plans.

So, I got the Maxspect 260 Gyre, and I absolutely love it. I ordered another one for the other side, and have full confidence these will keep the waste build up I've been experiencing floating for the filters to do their job.

The Acara's, Rainbows and Clown Loaches shoal really well together. The only aggression issue I've had is with the Ghost Knife. Everyone seems to think he's food when he's out and about. So I've put him in QT to grow out some. I'm hoping they didn't scare him into hiding. He's doing really well in QT, and is still really social. I just hope he stays that way when I move him back. If not, I'll look into another aquarium for him and go from there. That's a story for another day. Plants seem to be thriving and have even taken root in the sand. I learned this the hard way moving one of my Driftwood that my Ghost Knife was hiding under while I was trying to catch him to move him. I pulled some roots out of the sand.

The future for this tank is working more on the hardscaping and planting. Getting the second Maxspect set back getting another light fixture for now, but I'll for sure get one next.

My stocking is complete, happy with plumbing currently, happy with current in the tank but will be happier with a second Gyre. So finishing the planting and completing the hardscaping is all that's left on my list. Then it's fine time to watch these beauty's grow out.

 

[Rythmyc]

Ordered some Water Wisteria, and Ludwigia today. Tracking information says it should arrive next week, which is about when I'll receive my second light fixture. Looking forward to getting these in the tank and get some color in there.

EDIT: The Water Wisteria will be arriving today, so I'm hoping the single fixture will keep them going long enough for the 2nd one to get here. I do have green algae growing on a rock just barely out of the substrate, so I'll hoping for the best!

The algae was another reason I wanted to get more plants introduced, to out compete it. I only have my lights on for 6 hours a day. Well, 6 hours and 15 minutes since I feed in the morning. I turn the lights on, and let everyone eat. Then drop some food in for the Ghost Knife with the lights off. My parameters seem to be good, so I'm doubting it's excess nitrates. 0/0/10.

 

[Rythmyc]

So... I had a mysterious Acara death this morning. No idea what caused it. He showed no signs of being picked on, and was swimming around happy and eating yesterday. He was the smallest of the bunch. Water Parameters are 0/0/20 (I do water changes on Mondays). His body was stuck to one of my power heads, but everyone in my tank is more than healthy enough to swim against the current it produces, much less the intake current. So my guess is that's just where his body settled after he passed. Nobody in the tank is showing any type of illness, spots, or lethargy. So I'm stumped! Could this have just been a bad stock death?

 

[DarkOne]

Sorry for your loss .

How are the other 2 doing?

 

[Rythmyc]

Sorry for your loss .

How are the other 2 doing?

I have 4 others, ended up ordering 5, expecting at least one loss. They are perfectly happy, and have even become comfortable enough to eat from my hand already. That's what concerns me. Everyone else seems perfectly happy and healthy.

 

[KaderTheAnt]

So... I had a mysterious Acara death this morning. No idea what caused it. He showed no signs of being picked on, and was swimming around happy and eating yesterday. He was the smallest of the bunch. Water Parameters are 0/0/20 (I do water changes on Mondays). His body was stuck to one of my power heads, but everyone in my tank is more than healthy enough to swim against the current it produces, much less the intake current. So my guess is that's just where his body settled after he passed. Nobody in the tank is showing any type of illness, spots, or lethargy. So I'm stumped! Could this have just been a bad stock death?

Sorry for your loss . if he’s the smallest one and you got them all at the same time from the same person, he could’ve just been the runt. I find with breeding bettas that most runts turn out to be genetically weaker than the others from the clutch. Maybe the same things happened here with this guy?

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

I’m going to say weak stock, but keep an eye on everyone else of course. They were your most recent additions right? He may just not have been strong enough to handle the stress of shipping and acclimation.

 

[Rythmyc]

I’m going to say weak stock, but keep an eye on everyone else of course. They were your most recent additions right? He may just not have been strong enough to handle the stress of shipping and acclimation.

I got them a week ago though. The others already eat out of my hand. Just worries me.

 

[DarkOne]

I got them a week ago though. The others already eat out of my hand. Just worries me.

It can happen with any fish. One of my kuhli's looked sick and lethargic while the other one I got at the same time was energetic and happy. After about a week or so, he started acting active and happy like the other one. Then I bought 10 neon tetras and 5 died within 24 hrs. Another just died yesterday, 3 weeks later with no signs of sickness. I'm worried the other 4 might drop dead too but I'm not getting any more neon tetras.

Hopefully the other 4 are healthy and happy.

 

[Rythmyc]

So far, no other signs of sickness. So I'm going to chalk it up to genetics.

I have another problem though. I found my major aggressors. The Clown Loaches, are constantly nipping at everything but the Rainbows in the tank. I've been told they are generally peaceful, but these guys are terrors! Any suggestions?

 

[Rythmyc]

And... Another problem. Ich has shown its ugly head. I noticed it yesterday morning after a water change. The Clown Loaches seem to be the most effected, and the Acara's are showing signs of flashing. I got an natural ich remedy until tomorrow, then I'll start treating with Salt as well.

I've been debating getting another UV light for the other over flow, this only enhances my want to get one.

I'm going to chalk the exposure to my Acara's, or the plants I recently introduced. I've been keeping a close eye on my parameters, and they have been 0/0/>40. So I don't think it's my water quality. Right now I'm just hoping I get this under control before it gets out of hand and starts claiming lives. Everyone still has a healthy appetite, and between flow in the tank, and my filter outputs keeping the surface agitated. I think I'll be good in oxygen in the tank.

 

[DarkOne]

You don't want to use salt in such a big tank and especially with loaches. Heat might be hard in a big tank. I'd try Kordon Rid-Ich. The UV light will definitely help when the ich spores are in the water column. Also a fine 100 micron filter attached to a power head will help filter out the water column. Daily or every other day water changes are very helpful too.

 

[Rythmyc]

You don't want to use salt in such a big tank and especially with loaches. Heat might be hard in a big tank. I'd try Kordon Rid-Ich. The UV light will definitely help when the ich spores are in the water column. Also a fine 100 micron filter attached to a power head will help filter out the water column. Daily or every other day water changes are very helpful too.

I've read that a lighter amount of salt is okay to use with Loaches. Heating shouldn't be a problem. I can definitely as fine filters on the power heads. I'd assume to change these daily to remove the spores? I've already raised the heat up to 83, planned on moving up to 86 today.

I'm using Microbe-Lift right now.

 

[DarkOne]

If you're gonna use heat, don't use salt or medicine. Ich stops attacking fish at 85°F, they stop reproducing at 86°F and they die at 89.5°F (for 5 days?). Make sure you have an accurate thermometer. Most commercial thermometers are +/- 2°F. You can raise the temps 1-2°F every hour. I would go up to 87-88°F.

The fine filters will help a lot. I've read that you can reuse the filters if you dip them in boiling water for a few mins. UV will also kill the spores.

I thought the tank was cycled?

 

[Rythmyc]

If you're gonna use heat, don't use salt or medicine. Ich stops attacking fish at 85°F, they stop reproducing at 86°F and they die at 89.5°F (for 5 days?). Make sure you have an accurate thermometer. Most commercial thermometers are +/- 2°F. You can raise the temps 1-2°F every hour. I would go up to 87-88°F.

The fine filters will help a lot. I've read that you can reuse the filters if you dip them in boiling water for a few mins. UV will also kill the spores.

I thought the tank was cycled?

The tank is cycled, what makes you think it wasn't? The Ich presence? Trust me, I'm as confused as you are. My water quality has been great for quite awhile now.

Are you sure heat alone is enough to treat it? Almost everything I've read says to do both, as the salt will not allow reproduction, and the heat increases the life cycle.

 

[DarkOne]

You said you were using Microbe-Lift. I thought that was just for cycling like TSS+.

Salt can do more harm than good and the only way to get rid of salt is massive water changes. 86°F will stop reproduction but if your thermometer is off by 2° and it's actually 84°F in your tank, you just speed up the lifecycle and nothing else. That's why 87-88°F is usually recommend by knowledgeable people (not parrots on the internet). The temps I posted are specific and from scientific studies of ich. There are a few heat resistant strains of ich but are rare.

 

[Rythmyc]

You said you were using Microbe-Lift. I thought that was just for cycling like TSS+.

Salt can do more harm than good and the only way to get rid of salt is massive water changes. 86°F will stop reproduction but if your thermometer is off by 2° and it's actually 84°F in your tank, you just speed up the lifecycle and nothing else. That's why 87-88°F is usually recommend by knowledgeable people (not parrots on the internet). The temps I posted are specific and from scientific studies of ich. There are a few heat resistant strains of ich but are rare.

This is Microbe-Lift. I'll pick up a more precise thermometer. I'm not 100% on the accuracy of this one, and as you stated, the heat method is likely not as effective in a larger tank, as I'm sure there will be cooler spots. Not 2 degrees, but possibly enough to provide shelter... Although unlikely, since I have the 2 power heads constantly moving the water. I'll try it out, and see if their condition improves. I don't mind the water changes, if it clears this potentially fatal bacteria.

 

[DarkOne]

Ah... I thought you were talking about Special Blend


If you're using meds already, follow thru with that before doing the heat treatment. You really shouldn't do both at the same time.

Accurate thermometers are very expensive. I used my DMM with temp probe to calibrate a infrared thermometer that I use for water changes and spot check my tanks.

 

[Rythmyc]

I'll keep it at 83 then, so it at the very least speeds up the life cycle. The 10 day recommendation should be more than enough at that temp

 

[Rythmyc]

Just got my Ludwigia today, and my 2nd fixture is shipped. The Water Wisteria didn't make it unfortunately. I'm sure the Ludwigia will be okay, as I should get the lights in a couple days. The Ich problem hasn't gotten better, but it also hasn't gotten worse. So I'm betting the medicine is doing its job. I just have to wait for the Ich to die from starvation at this point.

 

[Rythmyc]

So, the bad news gets worse. Ich has claimed the first victim. One of my Loaches, which have been hit the hardest by it, passed last night. So I picked up some Kordon Rid Ich Plus. Hoping for better results with this.

 

[Rythmyc]

3 days into treatment, and 2 more losses, and FINALLY starting to see relief. I started doing doses in 12 hour intervals, and plan on continuing until all signs of Ich are gone. I'll drop down to 24 hours for awhile after. I fully plan on keeping treatment up for at least 5 days after.

This seems to be a resilient strain, and I'm not interested in fighting it like this again. I lost a total of 2 Clown Loaches, and my BGK. It seems anything hiding in the same place as the Loaches got it pretty badly.

I already have another BGK in QT, and plan on getting another 2 Loaches in there soon.

On the plus side, the plants seem to be really thriving with the second light. Starting to see some really good growth now. I'll post pictures of the plants and replacements tomorrow.

 

[Rythmyc]

Picture time!
You can see the Ich on the poor Loach. Red buds on the tops of the Ludwigia, all started shortly after I added the second fixture

 

[aussieJJDude]

Congrats on the new additions, shame to hear about the outbreak. Your tank looks lovely though!

Subbing!

 

[Rythmyc]

Thanks! It's been a rough journey with this tank so far, but once I get through this outbreak, I'm sure things will settle down and I'll be able to watch these beauty's grow up. My next project will be a 300+ Gallon Stingray tank. Now THAT should be fun! That will be after the remodel and moving my current tanks upstairs though.

 

[aussieJJDude]

Thanks! It's been a rough journey with this tank so far, but once I get through this outbreak, I'm sure things will settle down and I'll be able to watch these beauty's grow up. My next project will be a 300+ Gallon Stingray tank. Now THAT should be fun! That will be after the remodel and moving my current tanks upstairs though.

If you don't have a thread for that already, tag me please! I love Freshwater stingrays with a passion!

 

[Rythmyc]

I don't yet, it'll be at least next year before I start it. The only thing I might get started is the stand and building a sump. I have a 55 Gallon Sump built already, but I don't think it'll be enough for the "big one".

 

[vikingkirken]

Not even finished with this big tank and you're already thinking about the next one! I look forward to watching your fish grow up in here, too!

 

[Rythmyc]

I've wanted a Freshwater Stingray for the longest time, and hoped this one was going to be big enough. Then I did the extensive research, and started making plans then. Lol.

 

[vikingkirken]

This one isn't big enough for stingrays?

 

[Rythmyc]

Not wide enough. Even the dwarf stingray get to be about 18" round. With mine being a Bowfront, the narrower parts are less than 18" wide. Especially with the overflows.

 

[vikingkirken]

Ah ok. Learn something new every day!

 

[Rythmyc]

Ah ok. Learn something new every day!

Lol, I was surprised myself! Beautiful creatures though, can't wait to get it going.

 

[Rythmyc]

Okay, so anyone who has experienced a more severe case of Ich, I'll hoping will be able to help me out. All signs of Ich are gone from everything but the Clown Loaches, they are almost Ich free. The concern I have now, is that the spots that moved back to the first stage (fall off the fish and regrow on the substrate), look like they exploded on the Loaches. They have white splotches, instead of dots everywhere Ich was. Any ideas on if this is something I'll have to treat separate, or if it will heal on its own? I can switch the effected Loaches into the QT once I'm sure the Ich is gone if needed. I've been eyeing a 150 too... That's a possible story for another day . ( Dimensions are 24"L x 48"W x 30"H so you can see why it's catching my eye). Back to the possible issue at hand. Suggestions needed please!

 

[TexasDomer]

Can you take a pic of the splotches? That's not normal with ich, makes me think something else.

 

[Rythmyc]

Tried to get it the best I could. Whatever it is, the Kordons Rid Ich Plus seems to be treating it, as it has gotten much better overall.

 

[Rythmyc]

Lag, double posted

 

[Rythmyc]

Tried to get it the best I could. Whatever it is, the Kordons Rid Ich Plus seems to be treating it, as it has gotten much better overall.

 

[Rythmyc]

Tried to get it the best I could. Whatever it is, the Kordons Rid Ich Plus seems to be treating it, as it has gotten much better overall.

 

[TexasDomer]

I see ich, but I don't see big white splotches.

 

[Rythmyc]

Those "dots" in the bottom picture, are more splotches, than dots. The best explanation I can give is that it looks like the dot exploded and left behind a white residue