46G Water Stream Bowfront Tank: Build Log with Pics. - Page 3

beckdg · #21 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:29 PM

this is mainly true for the common ones

beckdg · #22 (**permalink**) 10-20-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by froggsong

A pleco (what is commonly reffered to as an algae eater, even though they need other food to be healthy), would not be a good addition, because they get pretty big.

this is mainly true for the common ones, but not at all completely true. i have a freshwater planted non-aggressive and so have done much research. there are many plecos and non-plecos that get not more than a couple inches. common plecs can get anywhere from a foot to over 30" and this is where research comes in. but there are probably hundreds that don't get over 6" or 7" or even less. perfect examples are any ottos, farlowella (twig cat), snowball pleco, gold nugget plec, and the wifes fav leopard frog plec, all of which will be very happy in a tank that size with constrictions due to land and even helpful as all either eat some sort of algae, waiste, or even excess food you may have if you happen to get something more aggressive than another and wind up over feeding in an attempt to keep one from starving. once again research is the key as with plecs they all come from different areas and require much different water conditions and sometimes diet... best to set up tank monitor water and research according to what your levels are (hardness, temp, etc). also considering this will be a paludarium i would look for something that consistantly comes up as a beginner plec considering the xtra waiste from above unless you want to spend big $,$$$,$$$ or get very creative on a filter... i am currently running 160 gals worth of filtering plus a uv sterilizer fit for a pond on my 60 gal planted tank... with a cleanup crew fit for a king.

one last note being that your water will work toward the back you probably don't want something too shy like upside down cats or even shrimp (except amanos) (they will hide ALL the time!!!)!!!

beckdg · #23 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 12:12 AM

froggsong:
i just wanted to say that i mean you no disrespect.
i have learned much on this site. in other words, i have noticed that your advice has come in handy for so many others. in doing so you have helped me learn alot about vives in a very short time. i would also like to take this time to say thank you and keep up the good work.

beckdg · #24 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 12:18 AM

it is not mine but it was my inspiration!

Construction of a large vivariumat www.poison-frogs.com

froggsong · #25 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckdg

this is mainly true for the common ones, but not at all completely true. i have a freshwater planted non-aggressive and so have done much research. there are many plecos and non-plecos that get not more than a couple inches. common plecs can get anywhere from a foot to over 30" and this is where research comes in. but there are probably hundreds that don't get over 6" or 7" or even less. perfect examples are any ottos, farlowella (twig cat), snowball pleco, gold nugget plec, and the wifes fav leopard frog plec, all of which will be very happy in a tank that size with constrictions due to land and even helpful as all either eat some sort of algae, waiste, or even excess food you may have if you happen to get something more aggressive than another and wind up over feeding in an attempt to keep one from starving. once again research is the key as with plecs they all come from different areas and require much different water conditions and sometimes diet... best to set up tank monitor water and research according to what your levels are (hardness, temp, etc). also considering this will be a paludarium i would look for something that consistantly comes up as a beginner plec considering the xtra waiste from above unless you want to spend big $,$$$,$$$ or get very creative on a filter... i am currently running 160 gals worth of filtering plus a uv sterilizer fit for a pond on my 60 gal planted tank... with a cleanup crew fit for a king.

one last note being that your water will work toward the back you probably don't want something too shy like upside down cats or even shrimp (except amanos) (they will hide ALL the time!!!)!!!

I was referring to the common ones that are generally found in pet stores.

beckdg · #26 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 05:09 PM

mustache:
i am growing ever so anxious. can't wait to see how it turns out. excited to see what lil guys you will finally decide to try for stock and how they get along/survive. the build seems to be a little more simple than some others i have seen so far which is great. simplicity is always great! i too am planning to do something where the water will be an attraction as well as the land. so, as you can see your project will be a good learning tool for me also. anyway point is if you need any info about fish in general i will be happy to help.

i would also like to add that guppies are a great option. they come in many shapes and colors, are prolific breeders, bare live young (no incubation, metamorphosising to be hassled with), have been successfully added to this kind of enclosure, and due to prolonged breeding will adapt quite well to almost any water conditions granted it is not too dirty or ph too low.

note:
if intention is to breed it is good to keep minimum 2 females to every male, vary bloodline at least every 3 generations, and keep a good floating plant for babies to hide from parents as they will find them a very tasty treat plus they seem to enjoy the chase. the best plant is probably hornwort (anacharis will do but needs more fertile water + doesn't grow as fast/easy).

hornwort and guppies can both be sold back to some pet stores usually for credit which can then be used to lower the cost of supplies!

froggsong · #27 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 08:43 PM

beck, you seem to have alot of very good info about fish! I'm glad to have you as a part of the forum.

MustacheMatt · #28 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:32 PM

The water features are working as planned, theres a good amount of water circulation, as well as the water looking crystal clear. The next step I need to over come, thus far, is lighting. Its not clear to me on whether or not I need uvb, as well as what light bulbs to use. I've been looking at fixtures, and am considering purchasing two rather small, maybe around 12in, fixtures to place over the land masses. Would that be a better option than one strip that crosses the entire tank. I'm worried about the plastic strip across the middle of the tank. Also another thing I need to consider is if I should get fixtures with 2 spots for bulbs, or if one spot would be enough. Any help is much appreciated! more photos to come soon! (as soon as I get paid, hah)

MustacheMatt · #29 (**permalink**) 10-25-2008, 08:03 PM

here is a pic with water, the versa top, a compact light (more coming soon), and some new plants.

MustacheMatt · #30 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 10:50 AM

Last night I had my water tested at the pet store. They said it was "hard" but could be softened with aquarium salt. I went ahead and got salt, 3 guppies, and some bacteria adder. I woke up this morning with 3 dead fish. With out having the money to go out and get a test kit for myself at this point, all i can do is speculate. I speculate that the repti-sand I used for my background and land forms caused the water to become extremely hard. I am wondering if this is the case, if the sand is causing the problem, can it be counter balanced with chemicals? or will I have to go through a long and tedious process of removing the sand from the GS, and covering it with something else?

If that is the cause, I am curious why this wasn't brought to my attention. Regardless, and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!