100gal Tropheus

[Discus-n00b]

And so begins my Tropheus journey. Got 42 F1 Ilangi Yellow Nkamba Bay today. They came in great shape, already showing some good color.


Heres a few quick snaps of them.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15229141518_7541b14c95_b.jpg
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Their home
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/14936384987_fafddf8f25_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/15119955271_bf18cc7af5_b.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/15099953866_2b2c81870e_b.jpg

[sdrexler078]

Looks great. Are you happy with the transition from discus so far?

[Discus-n00b]

Looks great. Are you happy with the transition from discus so far?

Thanks. Very much. Although I only got them this morning. But already their activity level is on another level. Plus I have 42 of them LOL

[rickztahone]

42?!? Well, you can't do THAT with Discus!

[Discus-n00b]

Very true. Yes 42, working up to a breeding colony. Will probably have to take a few out once sex is revealed but its just to start with.

[rickztahone]

Great. Can't wait to see this tank matured. subbed ;)

[Discus-n00b]

Here are a few more from today. Showing off colors a bit. These things are much tougher to shoot than discus thats for sure.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15236775377_d31f6b15ca_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15236729698_ec1f66b35c_b.jpg
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https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15423324315_e0f7410b07_b.jpg

[nwehrman]

but those are great pic's Matt! they are much harder to capture in pictures....

[rickztahone]

Love the pic with the splayed fins! It posed for you. Very nice shots. I can only imagine how much more difficult this must be to shoot. Were you using 2 strobes?

[discuspaul]

Great photography as usual, Matt. Gorgeous fish!

[Kirbs]

Nice looking group Matt!

[joanstone]

Beautiful group! I'm looking forward to updates.

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks all! They move so fast!


Love the pic with the splayed fins! It posed for you. Very nice shots. I can only imagine how much more difficult this must be to shoot. Were you using 2 strobes?

Just 1 strobe, but I have the stands now to put 2 above at once so I want to try that next. The single was right above them or offset to the front left just a bit if anything.

[rickztahone]

Thanks all! They move so fast!



Just 1 strobe, but I have the stands now to put 2 above at once so I want to try that next. The single was right above them or offset to the front left just a bit if anything.

That's pretty cool. I've never seen a stand that can mount 2 strobes along a boom arm. Where did you get it? I've seen some that have multi coldshoes put placed vertical from each other.

I like that even though the shot was taken from above, the subjects still seem to have a hint of a catchlight. Have you ever tried a snooted strobe as your key and supplement fill for rim lighting? I've never tried it, but I have always pictured how that would look.

[Discus-n00b]

Its 2 stands. Using simple umbrella stands with a tilt head up top to bend the flash over the tank. I do have a boom stand I just would need a mount for it. Never used a snooted strobe.

[rickztahone]

Its 2 stands. Using simple umbrella stands with a tilt head up top to bend the flash over the tank. I do have a boom stand I just would need a mount for it. Never used a snooted strobe.

lol, well that makes more sense (stands that is), duh on my part. I made a snooted strobe for pennies, lol.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/rickztahone/Flashproject_7.jpg (http://s21.photobucket.com/user/rickztahone/media/Flashproject_7.jpg.html)
It basically creates a concentrated light source. This would serve as a beam pointed to their head and a rim light to give them that glow from behind. Now, the problem would be catching these little ones in a certain spot...

[YSS]

Looking really good, Matt! Congrats!

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks! Loving the activity of these guys already. Its like they are always busy, never sitting still either chasing others or looking for food/grazing.

[dghby]

Nice group Matt, love the setup

[Discus-n00b]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdr1ucENXoo

Watch in HD! Some of the colors seem a bit washed out but I was so frustrated trying to get the video to just process that I didn't really correct anything. Here they are enjoying Spirulina Discs!

[Second Hand Pat]

Loved the video Matt and some of the larger ones are developing color. When you say process are you referring to YouTube? I am seeing the update and processing times are getting very long.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdr1ucENXoo

[Discus-n00b]

Pat crazy question, how did you embed the video.

Thanks. It was mainly my Premiere Pro that was locking up at the end of exporting. Updated that version and it works flawlessly now. But yes YouTube upload times have gotten longer, a lot has to do with being able to upload in HD and 4k now. I want to get a camera that can shoot true 4k.

[Second Hand Pat]

Matt, use the filmstrip icon, far right second one in next to the quote :D If you mouse over it will say Insert Video.

Premiere Pro is your editing software?

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks!

Yes I use Premiere Pro. Still teaching myself things so i'm just sorta proficient at it. Eventually I'll cave and buy an apple laptop and will probably switch to Final Cut Pro, but until then...

[Second Hand Pat]

Matt, my dad is a longtime apple fan and he loves the picture and video editing software which comes as part of the OS.

[Discus-n00b]

Some photos from today, these things are sucking down the food and really seem to be putting on some weight, maybe its just me. Their color is really coming out though thats for sure. Have a few in there that really show it....males?

Here are some photos from today.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/14975956563_6b98ab803e_b.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15572425386_fb4359fe74_b.jpg
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https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/14975957823_e0de2ee0ec_b.jpg

[musicmarn1]

Jeez Matt, those pictures are sublime !! very nice my friend :o

[joanstone]

Wow, I don't think you could have color coordinated your fish and your rocks any better. Beautiful photos and fish.

[Christian74]

Beautiful fish and tank. I love you pics do you use anything to edit your pics?

[rickztahone]

Very nice Matt. I really like that first pic.

[cupido]

Great pics and vid.

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks all. Local creek rocks! I use Photoshop CC to edit.

[scottthomas]

Fantastic pictures, you really have talent as a photographer. I like discus but I love the personality and activity of trophs. I find that I will sit and watch them more than my discus and like you I have mostly switched over. I look forward to seeing your group as they mature. I have a group of Maswa that are maturing very slowly.

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks Scott, I'm really enjoying them. Such a group dynamic going on that you don't really see as much with discus, angels, etc. And just watching them move as a group grazing is great. Their color is really coming out now and they seem to be fattening up nice. I'm looking forward to them losing the stripes and getting that adult color.

[Discus-n00b]

New photos! Lots of flaring going on in the tank now.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15577424050_47a6648188_b.jpg
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https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15762224385_54ac1cdd5f_b.jpg

[YSS]

I got a get tank of tropheus going again. Looking good, Matt.

[ExReefer]

Those look photos are excellent! Do you still have all 42 of them?

[Discus-n00b]

Those look photos are excellent! Do you still have all 42 of them?

I assume so! Had no deaths, no bodies, and haven't found any crispy bodies on the floor so I assume so! I bought 42 thinking I'd have casualties and such but this group has been incredibly hardy.

[brewmaster15]

Beautiful Matt. These guys have really been doing well for you! They are quite the colorful fish....Look like theyd be fun to watch!...and as usual...stellar pics!

[DianasDiscus]

The Tropheus are beautiful! I used to have a tank years ago!
Can I ask you how you were able to post those photos?

[rickztahone]

Great shots Matt. Very sharp. Great looking fishies

[blueluv]

Great photos and beautiful fish. Their color is developing nicely. How long did it take them to settle in to their new surroundings ?

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks all! These things are lightning fast and always on the move unlike discus, really tough to get good photos. Once they put on some size it will be easier.


The Tropheus are beautiful! I used to have a tank years ago!
Can I ask you how you were able to post those photos?

I host them somewhere off this site, either photobucket or Flickr then get the image URL from those sites and wrap them between URL HERE in my post and they should show up!


Great photos and beautiful fish. Their color is developing nicely. How long did it take them to settle in to their new surroundings ?

It only took a few days to be honest. Like discus, or any good tropicals, get healthy fish from a good source and it makes the transition very easy. They were ready to eat out of the bag really. They still seem a bit jumpy as a group when I walk past, but they instantly rush back up to the glass waiting on food so I assume thats their nature.

[winn0923]

love the algae on the rock man.... I'm surprised you get away with so little rocks, but then again you do have 42 of them, that def helps. When I had trophs my tank was stuffed to the top with rocks

[Discus-n00b]

By far some of the toughest fish I've photographed. So fast and such high energy that its really hard to get a good photo of them. Here are a few from today.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/16511524730_4ca277bb02_b.jpg
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8677/16491637887_4b50e64bc6_b.jpg
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https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16698920085_7006f603f4_b.jpg

[blueluv]

I only see one pic. There color is coming in nicely. How are enjoying these fish ? They look more red to me

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks, all pics should show they do for me....anyone else having issues?

The Ilangi will show a good amount of red on them.

[Second Hand Pat]

I see several pictures Matt. Love the first one and the colors are really popping on these guys. :D
Pat

[rickztahone]

How would you rate these as far as difficulty is concerned compared to discus?

[Discus-n00b]

As far as keeping or photography? They are TOUGH photography wise, but I find them easier to keep....more forgiving it seems. So far at least. I do a WC once a week and feed pellets daily or every other day just to make sure they don't get bloat.

[rickztahone]

I did mean raising them :)

[blueluv]

Hey Matt. I see all three pictures now. I guess my internet connection was a little slow last night. You say they're difficult to photograph but you still took some amazing photos.

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks!

[khooyang]

Wow...amazingly beautiful fish. You have great photography skills. Both photos and video come out nicely. Love the sharp photos of the fish. When time progress, can see the colour up of your fish. Congratulations for such nice tank....

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks. I need to get an update. They've grown and done some coloring up that I need to capture in photos/video. Seems like only a few still have their heavy stripes.

[Discus-n00b]

VERY happy to report that while going to the tank to feed the fish tonight I have one holding!! First breeding of the group! Over the moon right now. This comes pretty much exactly 8 months since they came to me and since I switched from discus. She is staying off to the side of the tank, not swallowing the eggs going for food so I guess that's a good sign.

Since I really wasn't expecting this I'm going to just let things play out this time and see what happens. Need to order some tumblers i guess now that I know its happening!!

I also need to clean the tank, I've been letting some algae grow for them to graze on. They seem to enjoy it. I need to get updated pics and video for you! So excited!

[rickztahone]

That is awesome news Matt. Please share with us when you can.

[Discus-n00b]

Here is a really ROUGH cut video from yesterday. Didn't process quite right, out of practice I guess, so its not as crisp/clear/colorful as I intended but you can get the general idea. Threw on some stock Youtube music to be quick about it. Watch in HD but still doesn't seem quite HD.

Feeding them kelp pellets at the end, they go nuts for that stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UuJ_nRrtZ4

[rickztahone]

One question, how do you pull a pair from such a HORDE?

[Discus-n00b]

Lol They don't really form pairs. Kind of an all for one deal. Whichever male gets lucky gets to pass his genes along, spawns with multiple females. My original plan was to weed the males down to 2-3, but I haven't had any real issues yet so I'm just going to leave it for now.

The eat with fury, you can see that at the very end of the video. It's like watching Shark Week on Discovery where they show the shark coming up from the deep to hit the seal on the surface.

[rickztahone]

That is pretty cool then. No need to transfer a pair like with discus.

[scottthomas]

Your tropheus are doing great. Thanks for sharing. My next group might have to be Ilangi. I am hoping my Maswa will start breeding soon too. Do you feed NLS ? Any Veggie flake?

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks. Update, I think she swallowed the eggs, but it's a start I'm sure I'll see more coming up.

I feed Omega One Sinking Kelp Pellets, Ken's Tropheus Lovers Flake, and Little Africa Aquatics Spirulina discs. They eat pretty much anything I put in the tank and there is not a fish in there that is picky. Nice change from discus in that regard lol, they don't get hooked on Al's worms and eat nothing else.

[gunnerschh2]

Have a pair of tropheus [black with yellow middle] in a 450 & have gotten a bunch of babies,hard to save.They are getting old & now i think the male cain't perform & the feamale beat the s$%t out of him but he is hanging on.What i think is great i have 4 syno multapuntis & have been able to save 9 babies. A different female is mouth breeding the eggs.Al in the 450. Harry

[Discus-n00b]

FTS one with tank lights and one with speedlites firing above to see what effect I could get. Then a fish photo and a headshot. I'm done editing for tonight, I may put more up tomorrow.

I think my ball head was unlevel here...LOL oh well.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/19624690194_29d14c0c98_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/447/20059320248_ec7d92b170_b.jpg

I kept the crop fairly large so you could appreciate it more, hope I don't blow up people's computers. Those viewing on a smart phone don't stand a chance.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/487/20221069166_fdb6eb4dc7_b.jpg
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/273/20253154111_d2a833d449_o.jpg

[rickztahone]

Great sharpness on that last one Matt. Love the FTS.

[Discus-n00b]

Thanks, I added an unsharp mask to it but when comparing the original to the mask it really didn't do much of anything so I was happy there! Just took out the glass scratches in post and that's about it! What you see is what you get. :)

[marinum]

Fantastic fish if I decide to change are among the Top rated

beautiful pictures

[Discus-n00b]

Sorry I missed this post! Thanks! They are growing like weeds and really starting the whole breeding stuff. I'm thinking about weeding the stock down as I just seem to have to many males in there disturbing any breeding that may go on. No killings and hardly any ripped fins or injuries though so I've just left it alone.

[Debow]

I have to say I love the simplistic layout and simple scape lets you admire the fish.

[zchauvin]

Matt, these fish are looking nice but... It's just not the same. I think you should get ready for next collection season and get these guys to aquabid!

[Discus-n00b]

The wheels and cogs have been turning for a while now, I need some discus back in my life.

[zchauvin]

The wheels and cogs have been turning for a while now, I need some discus back in my life.

Exactly!

[rubinsteinnyc]

maybe a new video? :)

[Phillydubs]

You think you can move them in time for nada? Or are you going wilds and waiting ?

[Discus-n00b]

Not looking likely Phil, no one biting even at a good price. Put them up in the local club group for $1000 for the entire group, which is roughly $26 per fish. For a 3-4" F1 Ilangi I'd say it's a killer deal. I've already gotten them through the juvi stage for whoever gets them. Going to post them up to more national boards and see but would rather someone fairly local gets them so I don't have to ship close to 40 almost 4" fish. Looking for a new place to live currently and I'd love a change on the job front lol so the tank may get a break between the two fish types. Discus are coming though, just not exactly sure when. I plan to be just a spectator at NADA, don't need any passengers on the way home!

[rickztahone]

Not looking likely Phil, no one biting even at a good price. Put them up in the local club group for $1000 for the entire group, which is roughly $26 per fish. For a 3-4" F1 Ilangi I'd say it's a killer deal. I've already gotten them through the juvi stage for whoever gets them. Going to post them up to more national boards and see but would rather someone fairly local gets them so I don't have to ship close to 40 almost 4" fish. Looking for a new place to live currently and I'd love a change on the job front lol so the tank may get a break between the two fish types. Discus are coming though, just not exactly sure when. I plan to be just a spectator at NADA, don't need any passengers on the way home!

Are you only selling as a larger group or individually as well?

[Discus-n00b]

I'd sell a couple individually but would rather sell as one or two larger groups.

[rickztahone]

I'd sell a couple individually but would rather sell as one or two larger groups.

gotcha. That may be a limiting factor. You'd have to consider that this would almost require for purchaser to set up a tank specifically for these fish. In reality, many just want to add some to their community tank and would probably pay better money individually than as a big group or two. However, you deal with depleting your stock little by little and may change the dynamic of your tank? Not sure if it affects the fish as it would in a discus tank?

[Discus-n00b]

With Tropheus you actually should set up the tank just for these fish, and you rarely find the serious keepers needing only a few. Mixing a bloodline would be the only real reason to I suppose and then usually people want them sexed in those cases. I would say any type of Tropheus community with multiple varieties would be uncommon though I guess they could be added to some general Tang tanks depending on other tank mates. Still I find it to be the minority of cases.

You are right, it could throw off a balance. And I don't want to be stuck with a handful that no one wants lol That's why I'd rather just try and do it by the group.

[rickztahone]

With Tropheus you actually should set up the tank just for these fish, and you rarely find the serious keepers needing only a few. Mixing a bloodline would be the only real reason to I suppose and then usually people want them sexed in those cases. I would say any type of Tropheus community with multiple varieties would be uncommon though I guess they could be added to some general Tang tanks depending on other tank mates. Still I find it to be the minority of cases.

You are right, it could throw off a balance. And I don't want to be stuck with a handful that no one wants lol That's why I'd rather just try and do it by the group.

That makes more sense then. If these do not do well in community tanks then whomever is looking to purchase some is probably aware of the fact. anyone considering dropping $1k on these would know what they want out of the group as well. I personally think it is a killer deal for this but you just need to find that right person.

[Discus-n00b]

So after kind of neglecting this tank I saw my first live fry/juvi in there today. Looks to be around the .5" mark. Only seen 1 so far around the rocks, he's got plenty of algae to eat I know that. Just crazy that I've neglected the tank and let the algae grow as it may and I find fry. Fish are all healthy, I've just kind of let the tank go. They graze on the algae anyway I figure. Knew the fish were trying to breed but never saw them get past holding stage. Pretty cool, I've now bred Tropheus I guess. Still probably going to try and sell this colony and venture back to discus, now I just know they are breeding 100%. Hope the little guy makes it, seems to look pretty good size already and healthy. Could be more tucked in the rock work. No plans to fish him out though, just gonna grow him as is. Though I guess I will have to make note that there is at least 1 F2 fish in the colony now. Maybe can pull it after it gets larger. Just thought I'd share my small sorta unintentional success. Little bright spot of the day.

Makes me want to go clean the tank. Will try to get that in after work one day this weekend.

And here is a throwback photo just for good measure, haven't posted pics in a while.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/27109500380_4a29303621_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HizgYY)Trophforsale5 (https://flic.kr/p/HizgYY) by Matt (https://www.flickr.com/photos/scmatt/), on Flickr

[alron2]

Update please. Did you sell the group? Thanks Ron in Alabama

[rickztahone]

I think Matt may have gotten rid of these a while back if I remember correctly from speaking to him a long time ago.