New 125g Community - "Stump" Driftwood Planted Build

[Jamieson22]

Yoyo loaches?

Those are nice! Think a group of 6-8 with perhaps a clown pleco and my existing 13 cory would fill out the bottom?

 

[Anders247]

Those are nice! Think a group of 6-8 with perhaps a clown pleco and my existing 13 cory would fill out the bottom?

Yes.

 

[Thurgood11]

What temp is your tank currently running?

 

[Jamieson22]

What temp is your tank currently running?

80F.

I was close to buying a school of bloodfin tetras today at LFS. Had to tell myself :"Stick to the **** plan!"

 

[TexasDomer]

That's too high for your platy, but that'll work for your other fish! I would rehome the platies rather than lowering the temp. The GBR and BoesemanI should be at the higher temp.

 

[Jamieson22]

That's too high for your platy, but that'll work for your other fish! I would rehome the platies rather than lowering the temp. The GBR and BoesemanI should be at the higher temp.

I know, but SeriouslyFish has 79F at top end and I am at 80F. Have been torn if a rehome to LFS where they risk unknown future vs. keeping them at just out of range max temp. They've been with us for quite some time.

 

[Jamieson22]

Sorry for the blog, just figure may help another big tank newbie when they make the plunge.

Water change day - probably took out a bit more than 30%. Water looks good!

0 Ammonia
0 Nitrite
5 Nitrate

 

[TexasDomer]

I know, but SeriouslyFish has 79F at top end and I am at 80F. Have been torn if a rehome to LFS where they risk unknown future vs. keeping them at just out of range max temp. They've been with us for quite some time.

It'd be better for the fish to rehome. Keeping fish at their extreme ends of their range or out of their range will shorten their lifespan.

 

[Jamieson22]

HELP!!!

So my Dwarf Neon Rainbows are dropping like flies. Started with 14 on 12/29/16. Since then:

1/2 - RIP 1
1/3 RIP 1
1/4 RIP 1
1/6 RIP 1
1/9 RIP 1
1/10 RIP 1

I am clueless as to what is going on. They all seem perfectly healthy. Then will notice one struggling upside-down on bottom. Come check on it a few minutes later and it is gone and swimming again. Then next day we'll find a dead one. The other day my wife literally said she saw one go from swimming to falling to bottom of tank then dead. One had been struggling earlier so was thinking it must be that one.

Water parms are fine. 30+% PWCs weekly even though I am at 0/0/5-10 on tests before them. Tank is steady 80F. All other fish seem fine (have not lost any). Tank is way under-stocked right now. PH is high but has not caused problems in past.

Do I return what's left assuming the losses will continue? Hate to see them dropping like this

 

[Thurgood11]

Possibly time to cut your loses. Maybe they just can't handle the PH.

Will your LFS give you store credit?

 

[jakefoster]

that's a shame man. from my experience whenever I have added rainbows I seem to lose atlease 1.. maybe a few, but then the ones who survive live on for years... its like they are very fragile at the start.

 

[TexasDomer]

Or they could have come from the store sick or in poor condition. I can't think of anything you've done wrong or should've done differently.

 

[Jamieson22]

that's a shame man. from my experience whenever I have added rainbows I seem to lose atlease 1.. maybe a few, but then the ones who survive live on for years... its like they are very fragile at the start.

Yeah what really has me worried is I am planning on adding a school of bosemanI as well. Hate to go through this again, as now I am a tad gunshy.

13 cory, 2 angels, 2 platy and 4 pearl gourami all seem to have no issue at all with tank so makes me think it is maybe the neons, not the tank...

 

[Anders247]

I don't think the pH had anything to do with it. Sometimes you get bad stock.

 

[Jamieson22]

Or they could have come from the store sick or in poor condition. I can't think of anything you've done wrong or should've done differently.

I don't think the pH had anything to do with it. Sometimes you get bad stock.

Thanks for the confidence support

I had mentioned the first few loses to LFS and he said he was surprised as those had been in his tank for a bit and he hadn't lost any. They all looked great. Owner is always very honest when it comes to stock he has concerns over and I should avoid before he'll sell. But guess not every issue is visible.

Either way I'll take back what I have left when I get a chance and ask for credit on those that survive for him. Hate to have them slowly all die off on me if it can be prevented. Chalk it up to a fluke and move on to next stocking plan.

 

[Jamieson22]

Came home and another Dwarf Neon Rainbow had gone down. Captured them all and brought back to LFS. Catching 7 Dwarf Neon Rainbows in a 125g tank with 2 top dividers, a giant stump of driftwood and a bunch of plants is not remotely fun, BTW. That sucks

 

[Thurgood11]

Sorry to hear that

 

[Jamieson22]

Never been too good at identifying different algae. Have light brown on glass in spots, on driftwood as well as some plants.

Algae or diatoms? Best plan to deal?

 

[Anders247]

That's just annoying diatoms.

 

[Jamieson22]

Are those MagnaFloat glass cleaners worth it to save wet arms when dealing with diatom outbreaks? If so best size for 125g?

 

[Anders247]

Yes, but I don't know what size would work. I only have a small one from Walmart for my 55 and smaller tanks.

 

[flchamp89]

Are those MagnaFloat glass cleaners worth it to save wet arms when dealing with diatom outbreaks? If so best size for 125g?

I like them. I believe there's an XL. Theres a ton of others around now too. Amazon

 

[TexasDomer]

Just be careful when using them, they can scratch your glass if you get sand or the like between the glass and the scrubber.

 

[Thurgood11]

Looks like I have some too

 

[Jamieson22]

I grabbed this glass cleaner for $12. Seems to be this same thing sold under a bunch of names, but was way cheaper than MagnaFloat and reviews seemed accurate per FakeSpot.com. Have previously just used a $3 scrubby on a stick from Meijer to clean glass so curious to see if this is any better:


Also grabbed a KH/GH test. I am on a water softener so just want to get an idea where the rest of my water parms are at.

Never seems to be a shortage of things to buy!

 

[Jamieson22]

Did what was just over 50% water change today. Had wiped off a ton of diatom from glass and driftwood and water was a little cloudy.

In case anyone is wondering took 30 minutes to drain that much using the Python and 20 minutes to fill back up. Luckily have a nice spot to rest the siphon as it takes longer to drain than I have the patience for vacuuming!

Also looks like my parms are 0/0/5 so still looking good! Of course am WAY under stocked right now.

Also did a KH and GH test which are the two on the right. KH was 24 drops and GH was 7. Should I switch to cichlids?





UGH!!!!!

Noticed one of the Pearl Gourami hovering towards surface acting a bit strange a bit before I did water change. Just watched him suddenly do several corkscrew dives to bottom and die. Added the four of them just shy of 4 weeks ago and all have seemed well until today

Also yanked the Hygro Pinnatifida stems. They had lost some leaves after transplant so were tall and lanky and some have broken mid-stem. Noticed the few remaining still have no roots after adding on 12/17.

 

[Anders247]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[21Savage]

This happened to me, I'm sorry dude. It's most likely not your fault

 

[Brian Rodgers]

So sorry. I suppose it was sorta good that you saw the last seconds.

 

[Thurgood11]

Dang sorry to hear that!

I'm kinda debating if I should go either gourami or angel in my stocking plan.

I'm afraid of the angels pairing and beating up the other fish. I don't think I would be able to set up another tank just for them...

 

[TexasDomer]

I don't think you need to switch to cichlids because of your high KH. Your other fish should be able to adapt!

In a 125 gal, there should be room for a pair of angels with other fish. Can you remind me of your planned stocking?

 

[Jamieson22]

I don't think you need to switch to cichlids because of your high KH. Your other fish should be able to adapt!

In a 125 gal, there should be room for a pair of angels with other fish. Can you remind me of your planned stocking?

I am planning on 4 angels (currently have 2) in my stock plan. My final stock plan:

• 4 angels (have 2 now)
• 14 cory (albino/bronze mix)
• 2 platy (will be rehoming)
• 4 Pearl Gourami (just lost one, now have 3 - will add 4th back)

All above I have, the ones below I will be adding still so subject to change:

• 10-12 YoYo Loaches -OR- 12 SterbaI Cory
• 25 Small Fish School (Single variety - Rasbora/Tetra or similar)
• 10-15 Medium Fish School (Single Variety - BosemanI Rainbow, Congo/Diamond Tetra or similar)
• 4 GBR or similar
• 1-2 Clown Pleco (maybe)

I had 14 Dwarf Neon Rainbow but lost so many I decided to return to LFS.

Thurgood11 was questioning his stock plan of Angels in post above for his 125g. Confusing as we have similar stock plans, tanks and threads that we bounce between. LOL

 

[Thurgood11]

Do you have an updated picture? I was looking to see your plant growth.

 

[Jamieson22]

Do you have an updated picture? I was looking to see your plant growth.

Page before but it is half-full from water change. Will try to grab and upload one this eve when I get home.

 

[Jamieson22]

Here ya go Thurgood11. As you can see I am suffering badly from diatoms. It is looking like a murky swamp. Looks like I'll be rubbing plants this weekend.

May try to add some Seachem PhosGuard to filter as I read it helps clear this up.

Also had a dead bronze Cory floating at top of tank when I got home from work. Everything seems fine parameter wise so just not sure what is going on. LFS said all the Dwarf Neon Rainbows I brought back survived and look great. One was near death when I brought it in.

 

[Thurgood11]

I think your ludgiwia(however you spell it) has bigger leaves than mine. I have mine all clumped together. I kinda want another grouping but not sure where I will place it.

 

[Jamieson22]

I think your ludgiwia(however you spell it) has bigger leaves than mine. I have mine all clumped together. I kinda want another grouping but not sure where I will place it.

I plan to cut my Ludwigia and replant next to existing stems to thicken it up some. I originally separated all of the stems when I planted that.

I am not crazy about my anubias. Might take those out.

 

[TexasDomer]

I am not crazy about my anubias. Might take those out.

If you need a home for them, let me know

 

[Jamieson22]

TexasDomer if I decide to get rid of them, will send your way! Likely even include FREE DIATOMS!

LFS had a Red Lizard Whiptail (L010a) today and was wondering if that would be compatible with my community. Everything I could find on it seems that it is temp compatible and peaceful. Could someone verify before I commit?

Grabbed 2 nerite snails (all LFS has left) today for cleanup crew duty. Also another bunch of red ludwigia plus one of giant hygro and two bunches of something I am not sure of.

Am also planning to order Seachem Phosguard to help remove this diatom as it is getting quite bad.

 

[Jamieson22]

Added a pair of small angels today from my LFS and the guy pictured below. Saw him yesterday and appears to be an L010a, however my LFS was sold him from wholesaler as a Royal Whiptail (but agrees with the L010a assessment). Thoughts?

Of course it perches on the one section of glass I missed during algae cleaning today.



Also did a major diatom cleaning today. Lots of arms in tank wiping plant surfaces then did a PWC. Looked great for a few hours before the general "haze" came back.
Oh well, it will pass with time...

Also, any aquascaping comments/ideas for improvements?

 

[Jamieson22]

Can someone tell me what plant this is?



Also, go figure as soon as I post prev pic, the new guy swims out into the open and poses. Is this a Red Lizard Pleco - L010a? Pic kind of washes the color out, in person is very red/clay colored.

 

[TexasDomer]

He looks like a red lizard cat to me! Temp compatible with angelfish

 

[Thurgood11]

possibly Bacopa for the plant

Where is a picture of the new angels?

 

[Jamieson22]

He looks like a red lizard cat to me! Temp compatible with angelfish

Look at that, I looked into compatibility all by myself and made a good decision Looks like all your advice pays off TexasDomer and Anders247! All your help teaches us n00bs to make good decisions!
This pleco is super cool, really liking it a lot and glad it works in my tank!

possibly Bacopa for the plant

Where is a picture of the new angels?

My blue veil has taken it upon himself to protect the tank from these two new angels. I have NEVER seen his stripes so dark as they are today! Will get pics posted once things settle down. Currently the two new angels are hiding behind the driftwood. But one is a platinum/gold veil and the other a smokey/striped. Not super fancy, but believe from same local breeder my existing two are from.

 

[Jamieson22]

So while cleaning my FX6 today, I figured it may help to put up some pics.

First step, while still in cabinet, is to turn off flow from in/out and unplug. Then connect the hose to this bottom drain and put end in bucket. Open valve and remove out hose and it will drain 2 gallons or so, making it easier to carry.



I then carry to kitchen sink where I finish draining into same bucket. About 3.5-4 gallons comes out. This is the tank water I use to rinse the bio-media. The outer-ring sponges and basket sponges I rinse in sink water as they are full of plant matter, etc that pressure helps with. If I had a heavy bio-load, I'd likely rinse in tank water as well.

Next unscrew the lid levers and pop then down so lid can come off.



Once off, you lift the three basket assembly out with the red lifter handles.



Filter flow in the FX6 is top to bottom, so basically mechanical goes in the top baskets, bio in second, and chemical in third. The red baskets in the top two baskets come out and below are additional chambers of equal size.

In top basket I have the two coarse "bio sponge" that came with it, and after that added a Fluval blue "medium" polish pad and a sheet of rolled poly-fill (grabbed at Meijer) I cut to size. So one pad in red basket, and three in lower portion.

Middle basket has bio-media in both compartments. I plan on putting all existing into a single layer and adding a batch of Seachem Matrix to red basket next cleaning, I just took out the bio-media from my old 20 gallon w/ Aquaclear 50 that this tank/filter replaced figuring enough time has passed to transfer the BB.

Lower basket comes with a carbon infused sponge pad on the bottom. This is where you would put Purigen, carbon, etc. I left it empty right now as I plan to add Seachem PhosGuard as soon as it comes next week to help with diatoms.







Once clean, you put two gallons of water (I treat with Prime) in filter and hook it all back up. It will self-purge air once plugged in.

I kind of hate my PetSmart 125g Black Friday stand as it only has a center cabinet and the rest is exposed shelving. Leaves little room for equipment.

To deal with the power brick the LED light comes with my daughter and I duct taped a piece of Styrofoam to raise it up off ground level and keep a dry-loop. It is hard to see but there are several pieces of Trolls duct tape to make it beautiful

Also mounted a surge strip to wall so all cords have dry-loops (filter, heater and light). Have timer for LEDs plugged in to control a 5h on/2h off - siesta/5h on/Off for night schedule.

 

[Thurgood11]

So you only have the FX6?

I have yet to clean my canisters... probably will do one this coming weekend

 

[Jamieson22]

So you only have the FX6?

I have yet to clean my canisters... probably will do one this coming weekend

Yeah, just the FX6. I've cleaned twice. Neither really necessary more just getting comfortable with the process, etc.

 

[Thurgood11]

Yeah, just the FX6. I've cleaned twice. Neither really necessary more just getting comfortable with the process, etc.

Hrmm you may want to get a HOB filter to help with water turn over. Not sure how close you are to the back wall though.

 

[Brian Rodgers]

Thanks for the updates. I wondered what the guts of a FX6 looked like.

 

[Jamieson22]

Hrmm you may want to get a HOB filter to help with water turn over. Not sure how close you are to the back wall though.

Everything I've read seems to indicate a single FX6 is plenty sufficient on a 125g.

I did notice last night that 30 minutes after cleaning the water looked MUCH clearer. Am thinking the addition of the Medium and Fine polishing pads pulled out a lot of stuff that was making it through the filter prior. Am curious to see what it looks like when I get home!