Jleem's 40 Gallon Breeder

I got the notification that the fish and new ferts shipped today. Expected arrival is Wednesday.

Past that, decided to feed freshly thawed bloodworms tonight. Got a few pics. Think this is some of the best I've gotten of all three bolivian rams in the same frame. Got a couple nice close ups too.

 

That last pic... that fish has that "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?" look.

 

Nice update, thanks for sharing!

 

I shared pictures in another thread that's dedicated for that purpose, but I have not updated my build thread. So...

Two days ago I received my long fin chocolate marble bristlenose pleco, and NilocG Thrive C ferts. The seller also included a few algae wafers, a business card, a business sticker, an Osmocote Plus tab, AND a surprise super red standard fin bristlenose all for free. The long fin has a bit of fin damage, but I suspect that's due to shipping. Hoping clean water heals it right up.

So picture time. Here they are in acclimation.



Together on the spiderwood in quarantine. You can see more from their reflections.



The super red. It seems easier to get pictures of.



Couple of the long fin marble.

 

Oh nice. He/she hooked you up. Didn’t realize the super red was free.

 

Oh nice. He/she hooked you up. Didn’t realize the super red was free.

I didn't even know. I was just expecting the marble. I pulled the bag out, and saw two fish. At first, I thought it was a lemon blue eye because it was a little pale from shipping, but the invoice slip in the box says super red.

 

I've been using the Thrive ferts for a little over a week now, and think I can definitely see a difference. Especially in the vesuvius swords. What do you guys think?




I'm wondering when I can separate that really big plantlet on the left one. It's almost as big as the "mother" but has teeny tiny root stubs. Also, how exactly do you separate them when it's time?

 

I've been using the Thrive ferts for a little over a week now, and think I can definitely see a difference. Especially in the vesuvius swords. What do you guys think?

View attachment 471087

I'm wondering when I can separate that really big plantlet on the left one. It's almost as big as the "mother" but has teeny tiny root stubs. Also, how exactly do you separate them when it's time?

First you’ll need my address to ship them to so I can go oooh! Aaaah! Look at my beautiful new plant. Then it’ll die and you can regret ever sending it my way.

 

Couple updates.

First, thinking about moving my long fin chocolate marble bristlenose and standard fin super red bristlenose plecos over to the 40 tomorrow. Curious to see how they react.

Second, I know they're still young but I am starting to think my 3 bolivian rams have a surprise in store. I, and several others were thinking 3 females. I'm starting to think I may have ONE female and TWO males. Lol.

 

Couple updates.

First, thinking about moving my long fin chocolate marble bristlenose and standard fin super red bristlenose plecos over to the 40 tomorrow. Curious to see how they react.

Second, I know they're still young but I am starting to think my 3 bolivian rams have a surprise in store. I, and several others were thinking 3 females. I'm starting to think I may have ONE female and TWO males. Lol.

Not even fair. Should be the other way around! Those plecos are going to freak with joy! You have to take release pics!

 

Not even fair. Should be the other way around! Those plecos are going to freak with joy! You have to take release pics!

I will certainly try. Lol. Oh and trust me, if it is two male bolivians, I wish it were the other way. The two I'm thinking may be males are starting to lip lock especially at feeding time.

 

I will certainly try. Lol. Oh and trust me, if it is two male bolivians, I wish it were the other way. The two I'm thinking may be males are starting to lip lock especially at feeding time.

Boys.

 

HI everybody. Haven't been very active on here lately. We've had a lot going on for about a month and a half now. Not related to fish at all, but my girlfriend's little sister visited from Texas for a week. Towards the end of the visit, I lost my paternal grandmother so there were hospital visits and a funeral. My girlfriend's grandmother also visited for a few days. During ALL of this, my girlfriend has been having some health problems. At long last, we finally have her a surgery date scheduled to have her gallbladder removed, and hoping it helps. So, needless to say, my tanks have been a little neglected. Trying to get back on top of that starting tonight. Luckily I haven't lost any fish. Hoping that continues. Sorry, needed a tiny rant.

SO!!! Had a few changes recently.

First, here a while back, I shared a picture of the growth of my vesuvius swords. Well, that growth explosion has continued as can be seen here....



I REALLY need to see what all is going on in there and get it back under control. Also believe that the red tiger lotus there is developing a new bulb under the substrate. Yay! As far as other plants, the amazons and rosettes aren't doing as well but gaining some density at the crowns. Also getting what looks like some diatom growth on them though. Which leads me into the next tid bit.

Second, I never did get my plecos moved last week. Part of me wonders how they even survived quarantine with everything going on, but they have. This is probably a no brainer to experienced pleco owners, but I did learn they prefer raw zucchinI to blanched. So, I got them a veggie clip to make it a lot easier to do that for them. I really enjoyed seeing them utilize that for a few days. Obligatory pictures here....

Couple of them chowing down together.




I got this shot of the little red and it's full belly at one point.



Now the fun part! I did finally get them moved over to their 40 breeder home tonight (or this morning)! More pictures...

Acclimating. This shot really makes me think the red is growing much faster than the long fin marble.



Gypsy13 I did manage to get one good release shot of each, as you requested....

The super red just drifted down and chilled by the lotus for a while.



The marble darted directly to a hiding spot in the huge artificial driftwood, but quickly popped out the other side for a photo op.



While typing this, the red has moved on to exploring the heater, and the marble is already getting a taste of the film and algae on the left side wall.

I moved their piece of real spiderwood from QT with them, and added another small soaked piece I had on hand. So they do have something to rasp on. May have to fiddle with them to get the scape right.

Up close of the pieces. I prefer the one on the right. Can still see the super red chilling (also in the FTS to come).



FTS



So, this obviously opened up my 10 gallon quarantine. That's for other threads though. Let's just say, I had a betta needing some TLC, which he's now getting and I'm still tossing around ideas for other tanks, this one, upgrade for one, and possibly a.....new one.

Think we're caught up now! Thanks for reading.

 

Awesome update. Rant included.
I’m sorry your grandmother passed away.

Thank you for the release shots! They sound happy. And beautiful.
Thank you.

 

I've been checking in on the plecos a lot today since I'm off work. They've traded personalities it seems. In quarantine and even last night, the super red was adventurous while the marble hid. Today, it's flip flopped. I enjoy watching the long fin wiggle it's way across the substrate to get around.

 

I have some free time today to try and get these plants back under control. Trimming dead and melted leaves. Sorting out which plantlets to keep. Wipe off diatoms. Stuff like that. However, I have a problem. If I try to look through the front glass to do this, I can't reach them. If I try to look through the top, the water distorts my view of what I'm doing. So, is it safe at all to pull them out, tidy them up, and replant?

Lchi87 Gypsy13 Dave125g KinsKicks stella1979 AngelTheGypsy Mcasella any advice?

 

I’d say mostly okay. Some plants hate being uprooted more than most, especially the ones super well established but most times as long as you are gentle and don’t give the root system too much of a beating, you’ll be okay!

 

I’d say mostly okay. Some plants hate being uprooted more than most, especially the ones super well established but most times as long as you are gentle and don’t give the root system too much of a beating, you’ll be okay!

Thank you! I'm mostly dealing with various swords, which are pretty adaptable from my understanding right?

 

I think pulling them out of the tank is a good idea. When I have lots of gardening to do, that's how I do it. I bring the plants into a well lit part of the house, so I can clearly see which leaves need clipping or removing. It's a lot of work, but so worth it. After a few weeks your plants look great. There are a few species of plants that can get shocked when uprooted. Crypts are 1 species I can think of that doesn't appreciate being uprooted. Most will survive it though.

 

Thank you! I'm mostly dealing with various swords, which are pretty adaptable from my understanding right?

Swords IME are fine, mine have been moved a fair bit early on.

 

How long do roots need to be on a sword plantlet before I cut it off and plant it?

 

Swords IME are fine, mine have been moved a fair bit early on.

Agree my swords get moved around all the time and they don't mind it at all. They have some of the largest root systems I have ever seen too.

 

How long do roots need to be on a sword plantlet before I cut it off and plant it?

As long as it has 3-4 leaves and mabee an inch of roots your good to clip it plant it.

 

I have some free time today to try and get these plants back under control. Trimming dead and melted leaves. Sorting out which plantlets to keep. Wipe off diatoms. Stuff like that. However, I have a problem. If I try to look through the front glass to do this, I can't reach them. If I try to look through the top, the water distorts my view of what I'm doing. So, is it safe at all to pull them out, tidy them up, and replant?

Lchi87 Gypsy13 Dave125g KinsKicks stella1979 AngelTheGypsy Mcasella any advice?

Get a mirror and place it in front of the tank so you can see with your hands in the tank? On a serious note, you shouldn't have an issue uprooting as long as you keep most of the roots intact, crypts will have quite a bit of die back as they are touchy.

 

Definitely nice to know about the crypts. Was thinking about getting some for another tank some day.

 

All I can say is my swords get uprooted at least twice a month. I think they’ve come to expect it. I’ve got the others in containers. Mason jars actually.
Btw. What top do you have. Since I’ve got to use the breeder but have no top. Ugh.
I wish I could see the plecos. I would love one. A pale colored longfin something. But. Not to be.
I’m going to make hubby describe all your breeder pics to me. Again.

 

All I can say is my swords get uprooted at least twice a month. I think they’ve come to expect it. I’ve got the others in containers. Mason jars actually.
Btw. What top do you have. Since I’ve got to use the breeder but have no top. Ugh.
I wish I could see the plecos. I would love one. A pale colored longfin something. But. Not to be.
I’m going to make hubby describe all your breeder pics to me. Again.

I'm using the Aqueon Versa top. Be sure to get the right size though if you go with it. A lot of people get the wrong one it seems.

 

Sorry guys, but I have more pictures that I really want to share.

First up, the new residents.

This little one stayed right on this intake tube ALL day.



The marble has managed to be in a different spot every time I look in the tank. Pretty sure it's explored every decoration, wall, and square inch of flat surfaces. Lol. It's even just been chilling right up front and center a few times like here (I love how the cory just looks like, what in the world is THAT?!?!).



Secondly, it's been a while since I shared recent pictures of my bolivian rams. I grow to love them more every day. They've recently gained another burst of color. Yes, each of the following pictures is a different fish. It just so happens they were all facing the same way. These are some of the best I have of them, and I think it's weird how all of their black spots on the side are different.





Next up, I don't know why, but I really like this picture of my biggest black skirt tetra. She's huge.



Lastly, can't forget the panda cory gang (or at least part of it) hanging out under the red tiger lotus.

 

Awesome! I wish my neighbor would’ve had pandas. But. I do love my three albinos.
The red lotus sounds beautiful. I would love to have one. We’ll see.

Thank you for the pics! The newbies are setting right in. Too cute.

 

So, I've still been searching trying to find the perfect centerpiece fish for this tank. I still really like the sound of an EBA.... I think. Still a little unsure though.

I recently stumbled upon another idea. I'm pretty sure it's a TERRIBLE one though. Let that be known before I ask for opinions. So how bad of an idea would a single convict cichlid be?

 

So, I've still been searching trying to find the perfect centerpiece fish for this tank. I still really like the sound of an EBA.... I think. Still a little unsure though.

I recently stumbled upon another idea. I'm pretty sure it's a TERRIBLE one though. Let that be known before I ask for opinions. So how bad of an idea would a single convict cichlid be?

There quite aggressive. I had a breeding pair. Less then 4 inches. They kept a 10 inch Oscar in the corner of the tank and wouldn't let him eat. Oscar had to be rehomed.

 

There quite aggressive. I had a breeding pair. Less then 4 inches. They kept a 10 inch Oscar in the corner or the tank and wouldn't let him eat. Oscar had to be rehomed.

A single would probably still be way too aggressive then. However,.......if I upgrade my 20 long (what we were talking about in the other thread) then I could put a pair in the empty 20. Lol.

 

JLeeM
Nice Pics, it's about time that RTL started growing. Great to see it out of the pot. Agree on the Bolivian Rams, I have raised dozens and each one has a different type of spot and location. My favorite fish. In fact had a spawn a few weeks ago and have a brood of about 30-50 just swimming all over the 20L. I have been thinking about a pair of EBA.

 

JLeeM
Nice Pics, it's about time that RTL started growing. Great to see it out of the pot. Agree on the Bolivian Rams, I have raised dozens and each one has a different type of spot and location. My favorite fish. In fact had a spawn a few weeks ago and have a brood of about 30-50 just swimming all over the 20L. I have been thinking about a pair of EBA.

I think that lotus may have a new little plantlet popping out of the substrate. Congrats on your new spawn. I still can't figure out the gender of mine. Lol.

 

EBA get big..
I don't consider them a 'community fish '.
That are not all out aggressive ,but like to chase smaller fish and have an appetite that does not stop..Ever seen a fat EBA?

 

The RTL will sprout babies.. I started with just 2 bulbs, sold upwards of 5 plants so far and still have them in 3 tanks. My favorite plant.
LOL, With all the rams I have raised, you would think I was an expert, but still having trouble sexing. When I sell, it's always with the disclaimer " I'll do my best - No guarantees" but I do send extras. Good Luck.

 

LOL, With all the rams I have raised, you would think I was an expert, but still having trouble sexing. When I sell, it's always with the disclaimer " I'll do my best - No guarantees" but I do send extras. Good Luck.

That's funny because I can sex GBR 99.9% and have no clue with Bolivians either !
I will say it looks like breeding tubes are out in picture 2 &3 and I call female on both.

 

EBA get big..
I don't consider them a 'community fish '.
That are not all out aggressive ,but like to chase smaller fish and have an appetite that does not stop..Ever seen a fat EBA?

Yeah.....that's kind of what's holding me back. I just don't know what other centerpiece to go with.

 

Male Congo tetra ? Male Pearl Gourami ?

 

Male Congo tetra ? Male Pearl Gourami ?

Both are very attractive, especially the pearl gourami. I love them. Unfortunately, I keep this tank at 74 and I don't know how well a pearl gourami would work out. I already have one school in here, and was trying to avoid another school so the congos would be hard. See what I mean? Everything I can think of has something holding me back.