Fishkeeping Goals and (Photo) Log For 2012

I thought I'd use this blog to achieve my fishkeeping goals of 2012 ha ha and track my progress for my aquarium projects this year of which there will be 3 (rescape my 47, set up my 120...and a 3rd major one to ne revealed later in the year). I don't think it will be that difficult as long as I invest the time and money into it to get it done then relax the rest of the year. Onto my 1st project which should be complete in 2 weeks time.

Project 1: 47G Tall SA Blackwater Aquarium (Re) Scape

I started a blackwater journal for my 47 column aquarium, awhile ago, sometime after I changed my mind and did a regular planted tank instead which turned out OK but now every day I look at it the more I want to make it my first official blackwater scape. So it's time to take the leap, tear it back and get it done the way I always intended this time.

- 20x30x18 Column
- Substrate: Pool Filter Sand
- Marineland c-360 w/Standard Media (no carbon) (might add peat in media bags)
- Coralife 96W Compact Flourescent
- 200W Heater
- Decor: Manzanita Driftwood & Indian Almond Leaves
- Tetra Aquasafe & Tetra Blackwater Extract both after water change
- Plants: Anacharis & Water Sprite both floating
- PLANNED Fish Stock: 3 Gold or GB Rams (1m/2f), 20 or so Cardinal Tetras, 6 Otocinclus

Unfortunately this tank is, well, a column, taller than it is wide so little footprint, but I got it on kind of a whim, so still I'm going to keep it and make something of it. And that is what I want to make of it for the final rescape then maintain it as a BW.

This one will start tomorrow as the fertilized substrate is scooped out and the sand goes in. I shall keep it updated with pics.

 

Sand went in.

It's a Cloudywater Aquarium now! So not quite Blackwater yet. Ordered more wood, got the leaves, will keep an eye on water parameters and do changes as needed until then.

All the fish, and even all the plants have been safely rehomed and are doing just fine.

 

Cleared up over night, then I added wood I already have and some thing kicked up again, but not much.

As said this is wood I already had, one big piece that'll fill out the right side is on it's way from a good man Rich from Manzanita Burlworks!

Added a bit of my indian almond leaf stash, from what I read they take 2-3 days to become waterlogged. I never have used them before. I'll add a bunch once that other piece of wood arrives. Then I'll look at peat in the filter.

 

Looking great!

 

HI Dino. Thank you! I do think though I rearranged the wood I do have in a way where it looks even better.

I can just add the coming branchy piece to fill the left front now. The ordered piece is 20" some inches tall.

^ Most of the left bare triangle half of the footprint should be taken up by the new driftwood piece when it gets here. So that shall look even better. Well once it waterlogs as I assume it will have to first lol.

If you notice any red hair on the wood, I spot dosed the hair algae with Excel yesterday, most of it pulled off.

 

Since not much to update yet, cept I moved some of the tanks old inhabitants back into it (all blackwater) and added some panda cories...I thought I'd post the driftwood piece I am waiting on.

Only $35 and $14 to have it shipped my way!

 

Looking good Gamer!

Beautiful wood!

Ken

 

That's a great looking aquarium!

Nice aquascape. I really like the openness of it. I think that can be attributed to the column!

What a tank!!

 

Thanks guys! Means alot.

It's going to be next week when the new wood piece comes. I have an open space reserved for that. I'm adding more and more leaves, not quite dark yet. But it will be! Just haven't added all cause I don't want the ph to lower too much or anything.

But until the wood arrives and it gets darker I figure I'll tease you with some shots of what it's going to be like when fully done. Without giving away the current full stock and final scape that is.

 

Okay my water is getting darker, this is good. No peat moss, just leaves, blackwater extract and having took the carbon out of the filter has helped leave the brown in.

Other news regarding this tank is, I probably will not go with the cardinals...yet anyway.

 

I really like how the wood defines the height in your aquarium. Those tall tanks can be a bit tricky sometimes

Where did you get your rummynose? They look very healthy!

 

Column tanks are indeed tricky to scape, especially since I need a step ladder to do it lol. I wanted something tall. This is. However the more I look at this tank, the more I want more length. I am pondering an 80 gallon euro which I believe is 30" high and also 4 foot long. However this column is cool, you know if you have space issues in your home like I do.

The rummies I got from a store that specialised in fish and reptiles called Pet Stop. The original 6 came from them. I then got 4 more from Pet Supermarket and 2 of those didn't make it. I am still adding to my school of rummies. I want as many as 15 when I am done so I am going to almost double the amount I have now.

My tank is officially tea stained! Fish seem happy but I shall test the water with my API kit later on today.

 

Very nice.

 

Very nice.

Thank you.

Just a lazy Sunday afternoon guys!

Nothin much to report today.

 

That piece of wood is def arriving tomorrow, if not later on today.

In the meantime I have relocated some of the original stock back to this and added newbies.

I like this and will probably like it much better once the new wood piece gets in BUT I think the heater is an eye sore.

 

And it's finally here and is in! I shall make a video for this finished scape later on.

Well I need to add a touch of floating plant but it's fine for now.

 

Projects had to be put on hold as I been in the process of buying a new home and now when I'm all moved into the new crib and unpacked I shall begin working on my new setups.

The new place is bigger. That means more space which means more room for more tanks!!!!!

I have my 120 I got a great deal on on craigslist. I also have a 40 breeder (needs a stand) and a new 20 long. So add 2 more projects that'll be worked on this year but I CAN and I WILL accomplish my fishkeeping goals!!!!

BTW my 40 will house the inhabitants in my 47 column. Then my column shall house just a few fancy guppy males to keep it set up as an ocassional quarantine tank. The 20 long I hope to keep chocolate gouramis in. The 120 I'll reveal the type of set up when I actually know it lol as I still am back to being undecided on it.

My 55 will house female bettas, bosemanI rainbows and glass cats (which it already does).