Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

[vancouver_98683]

Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

Hello Everyone,

Like to get some ideas for a 195 gallon CA tank I'm about to set up, i.e. decos, sand substrate, filtration, and additional livestock. First thing I need to do is revise the stand to be taller than the current 24" to 32-36". Not sure yet. I'm consolidating some tanks and inhabitants at the moment to make room to take place for the same locale, i.e. Kitchen. So, 6x2 footprint is max or fridge won't open. There's lots of knowledgeable keepers in here (vast majority anyways, lol!), so let the adventure begin... Just so everyone is aware, I do not know how to post pics in this forum. But I pasted various short youtube clips. Seems to be easier for me ...

Currently Running a 155g with these species. (30g DIY wet dry sump, 36w UV, Marineland C-360 Canister). Converting this over to a SE Asia tank with the Aro. He slid in there due to a loophole.
SE_ 7x Datnoid_36x Clown Loach_15x GoldenZebra,YoYo,Ladder,Pakistani,Striata,Queen Loaches
CA_Bifaciatius_Maculicauda_Synspilum_Melanurus_Regani _Argentea_Festae
& Silver Aro I've had for almost 9 years. It's been like child support the whole time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gd8j4sjMW4&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL (No longer have KKP)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j58FpFpsSpk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVZYf8ori9M&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaLR607xHWs&feature=mfu_channel&list=UL (Polleni likely to be rehomed)

Video of the 3 tanks I'm relocating or parting. I need to move this out of target location.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOq0kad9POc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Here is my initial my plan: Feedbacks appreciated!
- To take all the Centrals from the 155 and place into the new.
- Manzanita branches (horizontal placement such as my 155g vid?)
- Brown Pool Filter Sand or White? Never had white sand before, so not sure on aesthetics (debris visuals) or maintenance
- First livestock addition will be Bocourti , Pearsi , Zonatus (solos and 5" size is ideal) . Then a few smaller CA species.
- 35g or 55g DIY wet dry sump. Not sure yet
- 36w UV Sterilizer & w/ inline canister filter to aid slower flow

 

[DMD123]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

No real suggestions but question about your manzanita branches. Do you still have the red bark on it? Doesn't that discolor the water? I have some branches that were sandblasted but they seemed to grow an awful black coating on them. Just asking you input on your manzanita.

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

Bark still on. No signs of any leaching thus far. They have been seasoned, therefore, not fresh as you would say it even though still red. Just placed the 6' branch last week. I have couple more 6' stocks which I plan on using for my CA tank. It hasn't been waterlogged yet and still floats.

 

[DMD123]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

Did you collect it yourself? I bought mine from a place out of Cali.

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

You're referring to manzman on separate forum right? Those are some nice sandblasted pieces. The 3 stocks i have are from a guy in vancouver who has property in northern Cali. Brings up to resells them on cl. They're seasoned and raw. It's a great resource for us northwesters to get some in our tanks. Let me know if you want his contact info.

 

[DMD123]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

No not from manzman, a different company. I have two very large branches that I have taken out of my tank till my issues clear up.

Here was a shot of my tank when it had the wood in it:


My wife likes how it looks now which to me is totally fake with all these plastic plants and a plastic piece of driftwood. I want to put at least one branch back in but am waiting until this bacterial issue is resolved.

 

[Madness]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

WOW, that 155 is a busy tank. My own opinion, upgrading to the larger tank would be perfect for the current stock, no additions. You have some large fish in that tank. The Bocourti, Pearsi, & Zo are all very large fish, 16"+. Id say a 240 would work better.

As for filtration. I would go with a sump, or 3 x Fx5. (tons of bio-load).

And the substrate, I personally am not liking the white all that much. I really like the natural look better.

Anymore ?'s, feel free to ask.

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

Madness_ The 155 gallon is staying put. It's going to be my SE Asia tank. The 195g CA is an addition, therefore, stock is splitting.


DMD123 _ Like the look of the manz! I'm surprise it is leaching a red tint. They are so dense. I don't see any signs of mine tinting. If this is the case, I believe the red bark acts as a barrier. Even though the wood will absorb and sink. Only time will tell.

 

[Madness]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

IC. But the only thing that would stay in the 155 is the Aro and Datnoids. Oh I guess all the loaches are staying also. OK, I get it. I still say a sump but 2 Fx5 or even 2 x Rena Xp4 will work also.

Oh and the Festae are SA.

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

Kool to know about the festae are SA. Is there controversy on the net for origin? The searches viewed on the net say CA. Plus, there are many pure CA buffs with festae. That's y I ask. Dangflabbit!

 

[Madness]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

No, not in my eye. They are found in Peru, Equador, so not really sure. There are still a lot of guys that think they are still Amphilophus too.

 

[DMD123]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

DMD123 _ Like the look of the manz! I'm surprise it is leaching a red tint. They are so dense. I don't see any signs of mine tinting. If this is the case, I believe the red bark acts as a barrier. Even though the wood will absorb and sink. Only time will tell.

Not really red just normal tannins. I have it sitting in a 55g barrel soaking and it is still leaching tannins after about 4 months. What I heard was the red red bark leached into the water so when I saw yours I wondered if you had any issues. I like the look of it with the bark.

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

It's a smooth skin like layer in its natural state. More brownish appearance when dry and red when submerged.

 

[sandnuka]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

busy tank! looks so fun to watch.... i would just sit in front of it for hours..... even though i am more of an old world cichlid guy, still cool to watch the giants.

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

It's not too bad. It looks busier than it really is from the vids, because all those are close up shots on a target fish. Trying to rehome each one. I'll update with full tank vid shortly

 

[DMD123]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

The tank looks like it has a lot going on in the video.

Sometimes you just have to see it in person. So I will be right over....

 

[Addicted2CAs]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

I too debated between a more natural sand and a more white. Ended up going with Quickrete Play sand at Lowes. Looks really natural and dark enough to make colors pop when the fish float over it. Only downfall is it takes FOREVER to wash clean!

Would have to agree with sandnuka on watching for hours! Not like I dont do that already!

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

The tank looks like it has a lot going on in the video.

Sometimes you just have to see it in person. So I will be right over....

My intentions were to grow out the CA in the 155g knowing beforehand that I was going to add a larger tank. Loaches don't count on the headcount right? LOL 'So, it did happen. Got a 195g and have to focus on getting a new stand or revise the one I have. The two 75g and 55g sold a couple days ago. Boy, was there lots of left over fish, 1 night in a couple rubbermaid tubs and now they're mostly gone. I can get started now. Geez.... CA species grow so darn quick!

 

[DMD123]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

I know I go through the phase of growing out a bunch of different things and then whittle it down to the keepers. So the tank has the awkwardly full stage for it bit. Sounds like you got a good game plan with the bigger tank ready to go.

 

[vancouver_98683]

Re: Videos Of My 155g Bowfront, Inhabitants _ Also, 195g CA Tank Plans _ SE Asia, CA

I know I go through the phase of growing out a bunch of different things and then whittle it down to the keepers. So the tank has the awkwardly full stage for it bit. Sounds like you got a good game plan with the bigger tank ready to go.

I'm dealing with it now and almost done. All my Congo Tetras, Roseline barb, KKP, Paratilapia Polleni are now gone. I just put up a FT on another forum for my Geophagus sp. Orange Head Tapajos and Paratilapia Bleekeri species. I also have something worked out with an LFS for my breeding Hero sp. Rotkeil. Sheesh......... 10x. I wouldn't be in this predicament if I didn't sell my extra 2x 75g & 55g at the same time. All in all its totally worth it. Excited on getting next step going.