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

vancouver_98683 2011-12-21, 16:56

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!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] (No longer have KKP)
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Video of the 3 tanks I'm relocating or parting. I need to move this out of target location.
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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 2011-12-21, 17:02

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 2011-12-21, 17:06

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 2011-12-21, 17:51

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

vancouver_98683 2011-12-21, 17:59

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 2011-12-21, 19:37

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:
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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** 2011-12-21, 19:49

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. Smile

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. Very Happy

vancouver_98683 2011-12-21, 20:05

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** 2011-12-21, 20:10

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. Smile

vancouver_98683 2011-12-21, 20:17

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** 2011-12-21, 20:36

No, not in my eye. Smile

They are found in Peru, Equador, so not really sure. There are still a lot of guys that think they are still Amphilophus too. Smile

DMD123 2011-12-21, 20:50

vancouver_98683 wrote: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 2011-12-21, 20:54

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

sandnuka 2011-12-21, 21:19

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 2011-12-21, 21:25

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 2011-12-22, 01:31

The tank looks like it has a lot going on in the video. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

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

Addicted2CAs 2011-12-23, 15:26

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 2011-12-24, 00:29

DMD123 wrote:The tank looks like it has a lot going on in the video. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

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 Very Happy

'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 2011-12-24, 01:29

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 2011-12-24, 01:59

DMD123 wrote: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.

vancouver_98683 2011-12-28, 00:56

Since, I stated of including a tank shot video. Here is one I just took from my phone. I'm currently in the process of building a tall DIY (40"- 42") stand for the 195g CA species transfer. I figured it would make for better viewing. so I got to be sure to reinforce the structural integrity, duh! I'm taking all them out into the addition. 155g will be a Datnoids, Aro, and Loaches only tank.

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vancouver_98683 2011-12-28, 18:37

Tried to host a pic using the servimg tool, but a no go an now box won't go away for me to see my typing.

But added 3 more clowns today for the 155g (4",5",5.25"), so I got to hurry the heck up on my DIY stand for the new tank.

Addicted2CAs 2011-12-28, 19:56

Possibly a rookie question: What is a Datnoid?!

DMD123 2011-12-28, 20:03

Addicted2CAs wrote:Possibly a rookie question: What is a Datnoid?!

Dont you need an ointment for that? Sometimes they even require surgery.... LMFAO

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**Madness** 2011-12-28, 20:57

DMD123 wrote:
Addicted2CAs wrote:Possibly a rookie question: What is a Datnoid?!

Dont you need an ointment for that? Sometimes they even require surgery.... [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

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Addicted2CAs 2011-12-28, 23:04

DMD123 wrote:
Addicted2CAs wrote:Possibly a rookie question: What is a Datnoid?!

Dont you need an ointment for that? Sometimes they even require surgery....

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That was good! Cool fish though. Sure looks like an angry beast.

keauakae 2011-12-29, 02:47

An it's crime tolerates your executive. Does the upstairs knight boggle? When will a contract yawn without a bought pointer? The landscape pretends russian order bride around the unchanged pool. The hand purges underneath the quarter smoker.

**Madness** 2011-12-29, 02:56

keauakae wrote:An it's crime tolerates your executive. Does the upstairs knight boggle? When will a contract yawn without a bought pointer? The landscape pretends russian order bride around the unchanged pool. The hand purges underneath the quarter smoker.

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vancouver_98683 2012-01-11, 16:26

::: Update :::

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Finally signed up on photobucket for pics to be seen by others in this forum. Here is the update of my 195. I've never worked with 2x4 or 2x6 before. Built this 42" tall , 27.5" wide for better stance against top weight, and 73 1/4" (wall space is 73.5", yay.... it fits! cheers

) So, it makes it 68" total height for great viewing. Materials were three 2x6 10' for corners, 10 10' 2x4, 16 gussets, and 200 screws. If it weren't for the cost of 0.89 per metal gussets, then the build would of been under $50. Not bad...!!!

Fish is coming in today from Gage at Cichlid Connection. Other than the CA's that are in my signature. This is also what is on the order and placing in new set up. Yay again!

Paratheraps Breidohri 1.25-1.5 " (2x)
Chuco Godmanni 'fire cichlid' 2.25" (1x)
Herichthys Pearsei 'red fin' 6" (1x)
Vieja Zonatus 'mojarra prieta' 4" (1x)
hartwegi 'red freckle cichlid' 5" (1x)
fenestratus 'blue/red head' 4" (1x)
bocourti 'golden mojarra' 3" (1x)

DMD123 2012-01-11, 16:57

Here it is:
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DMD123 2012-01-11, 16:59

Looks good and beefy! Spot On

Cant wait to see pics with the fish in it! Looks like a nice selection of fish you have coming from Gage.

vancouver_98683 2012-01-11, 17:05

Thank you very much DMD.

Can you post pic #3 from the photobucket link with the fridge open? I like that one as it shows height of set up. Need to get me a magic wand like the rest in here to place pics. Very Happy

DMD123 2012-01-11, 17:15

Here we go, the other three pictures:
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**Mikey** 2012-01-11, 21:48

I really like how you built the stand; looks sturdy!

Jess S 2012-01-11, 22:06

Great videos! Thanks for sharing.

**Betty** 2012-01-11, 23:26

vancouver_98683 wrote:Thank you very much DMD.

Can you post pic #3 from the photobucket link with the fridge open? I like that one as it shows height of set up. Need to get me a magic wand like the rest in here to place pics.

vancouver_98683 -- all you needed to make the pictures appear in the post was to add image tags around your link. Photobucket does it for you. Just click on the IMG Code (bottom of the list) instead of the direct link or email link. Or you can manually type in the tags.

If you scroll down toward the bottom of the page at this link, there's an explanation on how to post multiple pictures. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Nice looking stand, by the way. Smile

vancouver_98683 2012-01-12, 15:20

I initially picked up a 75g to place in the stand as a sump. Was so focused on this, but a light bulb came on. What if I convert that to be another tank? Why not? It spares me the space for another tank to play with. The stand is high enough for me to work with. I can implement two canisters for filtration, or add a smaller sump next to it and plumb the sump with the 75 together to avoid flooding from top off. I'll also add a couple large HOB for the 75g. I'm thinking about converting to a Geophagus set up. Skin it and cabinets to work around this and make a viewing window. What do you guys think?

DMD123 2012-01-12, 15:33

A 75g as a sump seems like such a waste.... I like your idea better! Spot On

**Madness** 2012-01-12, 16:04

DMD123 wrote:A 75g as a sump seems like such a waste.... I like your idea better!

Seriously. Smile

I am going to install a sump on my 300, and that sump is only 30-40 gal. 75, ya that would be a waste of a good fry tank. Smile

vancouver_98683 2012-01-12, 16:21

madness wrote:
DMD123 wrote:A 75g as a sump seems like such a waste.... I like your idea better!

Seriously. I am going to install a sump on my 300, and that sump is only 30-40 gal. 75, ya that would be a waste of a good fry tank.

True. Originally was going to sump with room for smaller sized fishes. Water turnover ratio with volume was initial plan, but way more fun as another fishie tank without finding more room in the house, lol

aclockworkorange 2012-01-26, 05:11

madness wrote:
DMD123 wrote:A 75g as a sump seems like such a waste.... I like your idea better!

Seriously. I am going to install a sump on my 300, and that sump is only 30-40 gal. 75, ya that would be a waste of a good fry tank.

I have a 100 gallon acrylic sump on my 225 gallon. Wink

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