Tfreema’s 125g Build

[tfreema]

See if you can follow this link:

 

[Lchi87]

Soak in all that knowledge tfreema! Speakers like that are so insightful and the fact that he’s willing to help and share tips is enormous! A lot of talented people keep things to close to their chest for fear of competition but this guy has the right idea. There aren’t any famous female aquascapers that I know of... maybe you can be the first?!

 

[tfreema]

Soak in all that knowledge tfreema! Speakers like that are so insightful and the fact that he’s willing to help and share tips is enormous! A lot of talented people keep things to close to their chest for fear of competition but this guy has the right idea. There aren’t any famous female aquascapers that I know of... maybe you can be the first?!

Haha! I do not have the time or patience for such meticulous work. You have to be trimming those plants daily.

He said he loves talking tanks with folks and sharing what he has learned. It is very exciting. I will definitely try my best to glean some knowledge, that is for sure.

At first I thought he was just showing a picture he downloaded online when he posted it to his thread for the rocks. Then I found out it was HIS scape he did with some of the rocks he was selling.

He gave me some plant clippings when I got the fx4 from him Saturday, and they were a buuuuuuunch of little clippings, lol. Very healthy though. Rotala and pogostemon erectus. I have them sitting in a container of tank water until I figure out how to get them started growing.

I have figured out that I need a plant nursery lately with all the plants I have been gathering up for this build and have more coming. I think I am going to add sand to my 10 gallon QT and start planting in it until the plants get going then move to a main tank. My fish/tank addiction has shifted to plants.

 

[tfreema]

Ok folks, does this look more natural and not so much like the rocks were placed? I tried to build caves that don’t look like caves, lol.

Picture spider wood across the rocks on the right so that gap will have a nice thick piece laying over it. Then on the left the medium size wood full of java fern will span that gap and rest on the back of the big rock it has a perfect cutout for it.

What I think I really need is about a 2.5-3ft branch to span the distance between the two based on the concept drawing the competitive aquascaper gave me.


Some manzanita would be awesome.

 

[Lchi87]

I wouldn’t change a thing! I love seeing this scape finally taking shape. Do you have all the wood you need already?

 

[tfreema]

Wood like this:

 

[Lchi87]

Wood like this:

That’s a nice one! Love the delicate looking branches.

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

Plants are most definitely addicting. Plus you can’t overstock on them...
The tank is starting to take shape! I have a hard time visualizing things in pieces, and even when I do make a plan it always ends up going a different direction when I actually get to work. I have about 15 river rocks I was going to use in my 40 and 38, but I don’t have room for them (did I mention plants are addicting?)!
If you need a long piece, have you checked manzanita-driftwood.com? I have been very pleased with all the pieces I’ve gotten from her. And her prices are right. She sells by the piece and gives dimensions with photos, so you know exactly what you’re buying.

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

Wood like this:

That one does look nice! (I see you have checked that site...)

 

[tfreema]

The two pieces in my 75 are from there. They have buy two get one free so I have 3 in my cart, lol.

 

[tfreema]

Daaaaaaaaang! I went to get my three pieces of wood for $60 and the shipping was as much as the wood!! I gotta think about that for a minute.

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

Daaaaaaaaang! I went to get my three pieces of wood for $60 and the shipping was as much as the wood!! I gotta think about that for a minute.

Yeah when the pieces are large, requires a big box. But think of it this way, that’s $40 each (imagine paying the LFS price for those!), then if you don’t use them all you could resell them. It was totally worth it IMO. I also shopped on eBay and prices were crazy for wysiwyg. I do have one piece of spider wood I spent like $60 on. It was my first piece. I also tried to find wild wood, but had no luck.

 

[JLeeM]

I think the newer rock configuration looks a LOT better. Can't wait to see what else you do with it. I'd love to learn something along the way with this thread just in case I get my own 125 someday. Lol.

 

[Lchi87]

Shipping sucks! But I totally agree, its worth it! There’s no real risk either; unlike plants or livestock, wood can’t die on you so you’ll always have this lol.

 

[tfreema]

Yeah when the pieces are large, requires a big box. But think of it this way, that’s $40 each (imagine paying the LFS price for those!), then if you don’t use them all you could resell them. It was totally worth it IMO. I also shopped on eBay and prices were crazy for wysiwyg. I do have one piece of spider wood I spent like $60 on. It was my first piece. I also tried to find wild wood, but had no luck.

That helps to put it in perspective. I am blowing the budget with this tank, lol.

I think the newer rock configuration looks a LOT better. Can't wait to see what else you do with it. I'd love to learn something along the way with this thread just in case I get my own 125 someday. Lol.

Thank you! Jeff, the competitive aquascaper, gave me advice when looking at my picture to try to arrange them so they look like they naturally belong. I was working to get some caves so it was looking “built” instead of natural. I hope the wood naturalizes it even more.

Shipping sucks! But I totally agree, its worth it! There’s no real risk either; unlike plants or livestock, wood can’t die on you so you’ll always have this lol.

You know, I do have the 120 that needs a new scape and switch over to live plants this year......

 

[jmaldo]

@tfreema
More pics of a rock tank? Just kidding. LOL "Looking Good"
It took me quite awhile to find the branch wood piece I wanted. Checked online, LFS, forums. Agree the prices were crazy high and then the ship costs. "NUTS". It seems some members have found what they were looking for. But I did not trust the pics especially after reading the reviews of disappointed purchases. I wanted to actually see and hold the piece.
After a couple of months, finally found a piece at my LFS purely by happenstance (I stopped in to discuss the selling of my Bolivian Rams). Take your time and Good Luck. Just remember this is supposed to be fun.

 

[tfreema]

So, you are all enablers!! LOL! I submitted my manzanita order for 3 large pieces. I figure if any of them do work out, I can sell it at the club auction or I can break it into smaller pieces for my smaller tanks. I am not sure which one will be for the 125, but my original selection was the first one.


36x11x12

24x12x14

23x9x13

 

[bizaliz3]

Those pieces look really nice!! Can't wait to see them in your tank(s)!!

They must have to be shipped in humungous boxes!!

 

[tfreema]

Those pieces look really nice!! Can't wait to see them in your tank(s)!!

They must have to be shipped in humungous boxes!!

Evidently, I am paying as much for shipping as I am for the wood, lol. Oh well. I really wanted to get it scaped and planted so I can fill it up and start adding the fish. I will keep the water level low and just use a wavemaker for flow and oxygen while I plant it over the next week so it is easier. Even though it is the shorter tank at 21" tall, it is still hard for me to get to the bottom of the back half.

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

Those are all great pieces. They’ll be worth it!

 

[DioAquatics]

I contemplated ordering from them before! Never jumped the gun though. Those are some really nice pieces of wood, the tank is going to look amazing with everything in place

 

[tfreema]

Got the tank partially filled up so I could put the java fern log in and get started on planting and getting the fx4 filter stuff all attached. The hose brackets will not come off once I get them in place. They are tight. They can slide in the section but not past the center braces. There are two so I have 3 sections to choose from.

Where would you place your intake basket and outflow nozzle (designed to be near the top)?

I will have two of these eventually

 

[tfreema]

Got the tank partially filled up so I could put the java fern log in and get started on planting and getting the fx4 filter stuff all attached. The hose brackets will not come off once I get them in place. They are tight. They can slide in the section but not past the center braces. There are two so I have 3 sections to choose from.

Where would you place your intake basket and outflow nozzle (designed to be near the top)?

I will have two of these eventually. As a visual, here is what they look like.




And I really like the rocks and frosted backing with the water.

 

[tfreema]

Let’s try this again. The pictures are not showing.






I have a wavemaker and air stone to keep the water moving while I get it all set up.

 

[JLeeM]

Let’s try this again. The pictures are not showing.

View attachment 445217
View attachment 445218

View attachment 445219View attachment 445220

I have a wavemaker and air stone to keep the water moving while I get it all set up.

Oh boy, we got stuff going in the tank! This is going to be awesome. Looking good so far.

 

[DarkOne]

I found the intake towards the center works better for my tanks.


Is the wavemaker a SunSun? With both FX4 and 406, I found I didn't need a wavemaker so mine sits in a box of unused stuff.

 

[tfreema]

Thanks JLeeM! I just got really nervous when I realized how those brackets pop into place in a way that they will be extremely difficult to remove. I can slide them but only within that third of the tank because of the brackets.

I am sitting here looking at it trying to decide, lol. Right now I am thinking in the left section with the intake basket scooted towards the middle section and the outflow nozzle close to the corner.

One of you guys that have fx4’s, how did you position yours? I cannot remember, someone has two in their tank as well.

 

[tfreema]

I found the intake towards the center works better for my tanks.
View attachment 445233

Is the wavemaker a SunSun? With both FX4 and 406, I found I didn't need a wavemaker so mine sits in a box of unused stuff.

Yes, it is the SunSun. I will have to see how the flow is with it and a power head.

Hmmm, I know it should be towards the middle, just trying to figure out which side of the brace it needs to be on. Especially since I will eventually have two. Kinda think they need to be spaced to cover that half of the tank.

 

[jenmur]

I found this thread! . I like how you have it set up with the rocks.

 

[tfreema]

I found this thread! . I like how you have it set up with the rocks.

Awww! Thank you!

Glad you found it and to have you along for the journey.

 

[jenmur]

Awww! Thank you!

Glad you found it and to have you along for the journey.

Woo hoo!

 

[tfreema]

Well, it seems like the weekend flies and my progress is slow. I added more sand to get a good slope from about an inch to about 2-2.5 inches in the back. Got a few of the plants planted that I had in the plant nursery. I have not pulled any from other tanks yet.

I got the filter intake basket and outflow in place. I could not figure out how to incorporate the power head without it sticking out like a sore thump so I think I will just use the wavemaker to make sure no dead spots.

The bubble stone and wavemaker are just there to keep air flow for the plants while the water level is low. I think an amazon sword will look good in that corner. I have a few to find spots for. The fern gets lowered all the way into water. I just raised it for the picture.

Here it is so far.

 

[jenmur]

Ohh. Very nice . Are you talking the sword for the opposite side as the fern?

 

[tfreema]

Actually will put a sword at each end and a one or two more spots. I got lots of different plants still to plant and a few more pieces of wood.

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

It’s really starting to come together!

 

[jenmur]

tfreema. Awesome! I can’t wait to see everything in there!

 

[tfreema]

I have not had much time to do planting this week, grrrrrrr!

But the wood came in today. Of course the piece I first picked out works perfectly I think.

I know it’s hard to really tell without water filled up.



Here is one of the shorter ones. I think the length is needed. I could not resist the buy two get one free, especially since I know I will be rescaping the 120 this year.


I hope to have it all planted and filters going this weekend. I was going to just count on seeded filter media to do an instant cycle, but changed my mind. I will use stability and ammonia to make sure the cycle is complete. Hopefully, I will be able to move fish over in about a week.

 

[jenmur]

Looks good! Do you think there is any way to use both pieces in there? Or use the shorter piece in another tank? I dunno how many you have.
Good thinking. Make sure it is cycled

 

[tfreema]

Yeah, I can use at least one of the shorter pieces in my 120 when I rescape it later this year.

I have other spider wood to add so I will see if another one would work once all that gets added in.

I am anxious to get it all set up and running. It’s really hard being patient.

 

[jenmur]

Yeah, I can use at least one of the shorter pieces in my 120 when I rescape it later this year.

I have other spider wood to add so I will see if another one would work once all that gets added in.

I am anxious to get it all set up and running. It’s really hard being patient.

Yay! ohh so you can spend this time playing around with hardscape with the driftwood. Hehe. It’s fun coming up with different ideas.
Oh I hear ya! I am forced into patience

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

Depending on the other wood you have ya add, my first thought is to shift that first piece to the left about 4” or so.

Both pieces are great (and so worth the cost don’t you think?). Did you post a photo of the third piece?

 

[tfreema]

Depending on the other wood you have ya add, my first thought is to shift that first piece to the left about 4” or so.

Both pieces are great (and so worth the cost don’t you think?). Did you post a photo of the third piece?

I will definitely play around with placement a bit, especially once water is in there. I have to decide the size and types of plants to put on it. Any thoughts on that?

I did not get a photo of the 3rd piece. It is very similar in size and shape to the 2nd one.

And yeah, I am very happy with the pieces and feel like they are worth it. Especially since I will be scaping at least two big tanks with them.

 

[bizaliz3]

I find it interesting that centered décor or symmetrical decor, are not considered desirable for scaping.
Before I learned about the rule of thirds, I never considered doing anything else but a balanced look. Lol
But after learning about the rule of thirds, admittedly, I had the same thought when I saw your photo! "OH, you better move that piece of wood to the left or right a bit. Cant have it be centered!" haha

But at the same time, the centered look is kinda cool looking. I think it would also look good centered in this tank right where it is.

Or Maybe add one of the 2nd pieces to it, intertwined in a way that makes them look like one big piece. And then it will no longer look centered as a result.

 

[tfreema]

I find it interesting that centered décor or symmetrical decor, are not considered desirable for scaping.
Before I learned about the rule of thirds, I never considered doing anything else but a balanced look. Lol
But after learning about the rule of thirds, admittedly, I had the same thought when I saw your photo! "OH, you better move that piece of wood to the left or right a bit. Cant have it be centered!" haha

But at the same time, the centered look is kinda cool looking. I think it would also look good centered in this tank right where it is.

Or Maybe add one of the 2nd pieces to it, intertwined in a way that makes them look like one big piece. And then it will no longer look centered as a result.

I think when I add the spider wood on the right hand side, it will help me to determine placement or if I should incorporate one of the smaller pieces. The main thing is that I want it high, kinda like an arch between the two rock formations.

What plants or size plants would you put on the branch?

 

[bizaliz3]

What plants or size plants would you put on the branch?

I am not really sure...I kind of like the plain look....and then have it surrounded by plants or something??
I am not a very good scaper. I need to see the rest of the hardscape in there before I decide if I think it should be left plain or not.

I do like the look of anubias nana on wood pieces like that. But do you want it to look like a live tree? or a dead branch? I guess I depends on the look you want.

 

[Lchi87]

What plants or size plants would you put on the branch?

Are you trying to play with scale? If so, smaller leaved plants (anubias nana petite, smaller buces etc) and mosses will set it off nicely and make it look like a bonsaI tree lol. If not, H. Pinnatifida would be fun but slightly more difficult. Larger anubias and less commonjava ferns ( trident, needle leaf etc) would look cool also!

Edit: OR for something unusual, brazilian pennywort wrapped around the branches? Looks pretty awesome once it is grown in!

 

[tfreema]

Yeah, I was thinking anubas nana as well. I am ordering some microworms and almond leaves from someone in preparation of EBA fry and can add some plants for the same shipping. The smallest he has is large barterI though..... He does have some anubias heterophylla, which are very large that I may go for though to place in the background. I have some in tanks that I could split maybe, otherwise, I have to order them since that is not something petco or petland carries.

I do have several small buce plants in the plant nursery. Maybe I will use those and whatever anubias nana or nana petite I can harvest from other tanks without pulling them off the wood. Oh, I also have java fern, but I think that may get too big to look right on that piece.

 

[AngelTheGypsy]

I haven’t had much luck attaching plants to manzanita like I have to spiderwood. I have tried moss, riccia, Anubias nana, and pennywort. The moss always dies, Anubias just doesn’t look right to me. The pennywort worked pretty well but eventually just kinda shrunk to nothing. Don’t know why.
I have Anubias and java fern growing on my spiderwood, and an Anubias growing on a small piece in a betta tank, but all my manzanita are bare. Like dead wood.

I also like the idea of using multiple pieces tangled together to look like one larger piece. I have that done in my 75 with the spider and ‘zita.

 

[jmaldo]

Agree with Lchi87 on the Pennywort
Just so many possibilities. Have Fun.

 

[tfreema]

Are you trying to play with scale? If so, smaller leaved plants (anubias nana petite, smaller buces etc) and mosses will set it off nicely and make it look like a bonsaI tree lol. If not, H. Pinnatifida would be fun but slightly more difficult. Larger anubias and less commonjava ferns ( trident, needle leaf etc) would look cool also!

Edit: OR for something unusual, brazilian pennywort wrapped around the branches? Looks pretty awesome once it is grown in!

Thanks!

Too bad my angelfish decided that the Brazilian pennywort was a salad bar, lol.