Chandy’s Sanctuary – Komoda ‘SkyClear’ 4FT

[chandy168]

Hello Everyone! I hail from Sydney, Australia and unfortunately, our discus scene just isn't as lively. My addiction for this hobby just keeps getting more and more intense and thought I'd go online to learn more and share my experiences. This is going to be my first discus tank, so here goes:

Tank
Komoda 120cm x 45cm x 60 cm
Low Iron Glass, Approx. 324L, 12mm Glass, Etched/Sandblasted Logo
ADA Garden Mat 120cm x 45cm with Custom Bamboo Frame

Tank Stand
Custom Marble Top
Custom Bamboo Cupboard

Substrate
1 x Cal Aqua Labs Black Earth Premium Normal 9L + 1L
1 x ADA La Plata Sand 8kg

Hardscape
8 x Pisces Seiryu Stones
1 x Sculpey III Black Oven-Bake Clay 454g

Filtration
2 x Eheim Professional 3e 700 2078 (1 x Back-Up)
1 x Cal Aqua Labs Efflux G3 (17mm)
1 x Cal Aqua Labs Influx X3 (17mm)
1 x Aquaone Tubing (17mm) 3m
1 x VIV Springwasher M

Lighting
1 x 5m RGB LED Strip for visual effects – remote controlled (TBC)
---TBA

Heating
1 x Hydor Eth Inline 300W External Heater
1 x ADA Thermometer J-12WH

Plants
Alternanthera Renickii Mini
Anubias Nana Petite
---TBC

Fertilisers
---TBA

UV/Algae Demolition
1 x Twinstar Nano Plus

Plant Tools
1 x VIV Pro-Scissors Wave
1 x Pro-Pinsettes XL

Live Stock:
Show Fish:
Discus (open to what strains people think would go well with this setup)
Glass Catfish
---TBC
Clean Up Crew:
Otocinclus (maybe zebras)
Red Cherry Shrimp
---TBC

It has taken over a month to obtain all the initial equipment, with my filters to arrive in two weeks.
The plants are a very rough guide. They will be ordered/requested when I’m ready to cycle the tank.
Please find attached a little photo log, please don't mind the reflections :p.

1. The Tank Stand (Courtesy of Unique Carpentry & Shopfitting) – Don’t mind Mr. Elephant for feng shui.
http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/1.%20Custom%20Tank%20Stand_zpsrruumluu.jpg

2. The Tank - Komoda 'SkyClear' 4FT
http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/2.%20Tank_zpsesqhe3bk.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/2.1%20Etched%20Logo_zpst0pwlxxm.jpg

3. The Tank Base (Courtesy of Unique Carpentry & Shopfitting) - Bamboo & ADA Garden Mat
http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/3.%20Custom%20Base_zpstrof3ikp.jpg

4. Filling in the Substrate / Clay Partition - CAL Black Earth Premium Normal & ADA La Plata Sand
http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/4.%20Substrate%20Progress_zpsfoiut51k.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/4.1%20Substrate%20Filled_zpsxtsq6zpn.jpg

5. Hardscape - Pisces Seiryu Stones
http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.%20Hardscape_zpsxom9v4hg.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.1%20Hardscape_zpsaudgoxac.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.2%20Hardscape_zpsd200ha7r.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.3%20Hardscape_zpsiouinhqa.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.4%20Hardscape_zps8ay8tbra.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.5%20Hardscape_zpsxay7hyx4.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.6%20Hardscape_zpsfwy2udnr.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/5.7%20Hardscape_zpswfwzzuse.jpg

I find that with this hobby, it is honestly best to not rush things. I’m taking this project one step at a time, slowly putting everything altogether and making sure I’m doing it right the first time round. I’ll be crushing one of the stones I didn’t use to make some rubble around the rocks. I’m going to be going overseas for a week, and will start cycling and planting when I get back.

Thanks Everyone! Would love to hear your input! :D

[Phillydubs]

Very cool! Can't wait to see more... Coming along nicely !

[rickztahone]

That stand is absolutely spectacular. Along with the rest of the build so far, that is. Subscribed ;)

[kiwdahc]

Have you had experience with the brown substrate before? I have used lots of ADA or dirt soil which is what it looks like you have. While this soil is probably the best possible for planted tanks it has some faults when used in bigger fish tanks with higher flow when you try to keep it in one area. The substrate is VERY light almost dust like and is kicked around by any decent size 3"+ fish swimming through. This itself is not a problem at all but when used with the two substrate layout that you have, you may have that dirt substrate getting kicked into the sand constantly by any fish movement near the substrate. The stuff literally goes flying if you were to swoosh your finger by it. I only bring this up because I have made this mistake with a half and half Ada Amazonia/sand substrate tank with discus in it, which I ended up having to drain the tank and changing the dirt/plant substrate because I was picking it out of the sand for at least an hour a day. With foresite of what I know now I would have went with an eco complete like substrate for the plants which is much heavier and won't get pushed around and ruin the scape.

Don't take this the wrong way if you have already done these kind of set ups with high flow rates and know how to manage this type of thing. I just thought I would share some food for thought that could possibly save you a lot of hassle, and wasted cycling time that it caused me.

[chandy168]

Have you had experience with the brown substrate before? I have used lots of ADA or dirt soil which is what it looks like you have. While this soil is probably the best possible for planted tanks it has some faults when used in bigger fish tanks with higher flow when you try to keep it in one area. The substrate is VERY light almost dust like and is kicked around by any decent size 3"+ fish swimming through. This itself is not a problem at all but when used with the two substrate layout that you have, you may have that dirt substrate getting kicked into the sand constantly by any fish movement near the substrate. The stuff literally goes flying if you were to swoosh your finger by it. I only bring this up because I have made this mistake with a half and half Ada Amazonia/sand substrate tank with discus in it, which I ended up having to drain the tank and changing the dirt/plant substrate because I was picking it out of the sand for at least an hour a day. With foresite of what I know now I would have went with an eco complete like substrate for the plants which is much heavier and won't get pushed around and ruin the scape.

Don't take this the wrong way if you have already done these kind of set ups with high flow rates and know how to manage this type of thing. I just thought I would share some food for thought that could possibly save you a lot of hassle, and wasted cycling time that it caused me.

Hey, thank you so much for your input. It's very much appreciated. This is my first time that I am completely such a feat, where i'm using the two tone. Initially I was thinking that I would be pedantic and frustrated should my substrate move to my sand. As of today, I've filled up the tank and just as you said, any little movement had it flying.

As much as I am in some ways a perfectionist, I'm actually not too fussed with having the substrate on the sand, it's giving it that 'natural' look. That's just me though, I'm sure it'd drive other people nuts, maybe even me in a few months time hahaha. Again, thanks for the input!

[chandy168]

Update:

Went to get my filters and lighting system today.

Without further ado, the photos of today's venture.

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00671_zpsf8whbvvc.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00672_zpsdr9mh3sr.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00675_zpss8xvg6er.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00676_zpsnpdrsacd.jpg

I got a couple of plants today as well, will plant tonight and update :)

[niqhil]

Thanks for the update ! This looks awesome .
You will need a lid on the tank :) Discus do tend to jump if startled.

[rickztahone]

I love it but for one thing. The stands for the kessils are distracting. Could you not have only used goosenecks?

[chandy168]

I love it but for one thing. The stands for the kessils are distracting. Could you not have only used goosenecks?

Yes, there was the choice of just using goosenecks, however I don't like how the two won't be uniform. I spent the extra money to get these fixed fixtures instead.

To be honest, if it weren't for these fixed fixtures, I would not have gone kessil on the basis that they use goosenecks. Each to their own though.

[Kyla]

a solid background or even a frosted one would hide the bars. then again u might be going for the see-thru look. those clear fixtures are awesome.

[chandy168]

a solid background or even a frosted one would hide the bars. then again u might be going for the see-thru look. those clear fixtures are awesome.

Initially, I was going to go for a solid black background so that the colours of the discus will really pop. After some more inspiration and reading tank journals, I really like the LED backdrop some people use. Needless to say, I ditched the vinyl and went see-through.

I'll be attaching the LED strip to the marble with a wooden strip at 45 degrees to angle the lights upward. That's the reason I also got the extension mounts for the lights, so that I wouldn't have cabling all over the place.

[Akili]

Coming along very nicely !

[Kyla]

Initially, I was going to go for a solid black background so that the colours of the discus will really pop. After some more inspiration and reading tank journals, I really like the LED backdrop some people use. Needless to say, I ditched the vinyl and went see-through.

I'll be attaching the LED strip to the marble with a wooden strip at 45 degrees to angle the lights upward. That's the reason I also got the extension mounts for the lights, so that I wouldn't have cabling all over the place.

i dont think ive heard of this LED light background. is it like this one:
http://youtu.be/CsbB7FWJEoE ?
someday i'd like to try this in my tank

[chandy168]

i dont think ive heard of this LED light background. is it like this one:
http://youtu.be/CsbB7FWJEoE ?
someday i'd like to try this in my tank

The effect of the LED light strip is essentially the same as the tube lighting linked in the youtube video.

The difference is the broader spectrum of LED lights and how long they can last. I bought a strip of RGB LED's, giving me access to pretty much every shade of colour. The video linked has only an orange and red tube limiting the background colour emitted.

I bought the led strip on ebay, just search 'rgb led strip' and you'll be able to find it. The underside of the strips are lined with adhesive tape and you can pretty much stick them anywhere you like. Also, if the strip is too long, simply cut it from where you don't need it. If you need it again, buy a connector and join the two separate strips again :)

[Kyla]

The effect of the LED light strip is essentially the same as the tube lighting linked in the youtube video.

The difference is the broader spectrum of LED lights and how long they can last. I bought a strip of RGB LED's, giving me access to pretty much every shade of colour. The video linked has only an orange and red tube limiting the background colour emitted.

I bought the led strip on ebay, just search 'rgb led strip' and you'll be able to find it. The underside of the strips are lined with adhesive tape and you can pretty much stick them anywhere you like. Also, if the strip is too long, simply cut it from where you don't need it. If you need it again, buy a connector and join the two separate strips again :)

wow yep found a zillion of them and they are super cheap! thanks for that, if i do try that background ill def go with the LED too

[walt]

Tank looks great will you be putting a clear top on it

[chandy168]

Tank looks great will you be putting a clear top on it

At this point in time, no. I was considering the ADA hooks and glassware, but in Australia they're a bit hard to get a hold of, plus I quite like the open top :)

I might put one on during the winter though.

[chandy168]

Update:

I planted the tank last night! :)

The current plant list:

Foreground: Utricularia Graminifolia
Midground:Alternanthera Reineckii Mini
Centre: Echinodorus Parviflorus Tropica

I don't have a lot of UG at the moment as I'm testing its growth without co2, hopefully it grows, but i've heard that it is really slow. Any input or advice on growing these plants is welcome, I'm pretty much a beginner when it comes to plant growth. Thanks for reading!

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/IMG_4990_zpshonb8hnn.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/IMG_4989_zpsdbnpvwje.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00680_zpsmqt1sdej.jpg

[Dhavalsp]

looks great!!

[chandy168]

Update:

Further planted the tank: Got more AR Mini, added S Repens, Rotala Macrandra and Rotala Macranda Green.

The current plant list:

Foreground: Utricularia Graminifolia (melted away, waiting for the other plants to establish before I try it again)
Midground:Alternanthera Reineckii Mini
Centre:
1. Echinodorus Parviflorus Tropica
2. Staurogyne Tropica Repens
Background:
1. Rotala Macrandra
2. Rotala Macrandra Green

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00700_zpswdz3oubn.jpg

On another note, it's only been 9 days since the tank was filled and it's still cycling. Ammonia is just under 0.25ppm at the moment.

My pH is currently at 7.4 or so, but because its going to be a discus, I've used acid regulator to bring it down (had it lying around and thought i'd give it a try) and soften the water. I want to know what people think of it, because i'm scared that the pH could potentially crash later on if I continue using it.

Also want to know what people think of stability to kickstart bacteria. I've also got a bottle of that lying around, but in my previous tanks, I haven't really seen much difference.

Water is also quite yellow at the moment, will be putting purigen into the canister filter once the tank has cycled to polish the water off, so please excuse the yellow hue of the photo at the moment.

Thanks for reading!

[CrazyAngels]

My recommendation is that you do not play with PH regulator. Just use the basic water parameter and maintain it consistent and all will be ok. That is the PH in my water and I've never had any issues. BTW your tank setup including the stand are out of this world. Earlier someone mentioned you will need some sort of top for it as discus can and sooner or later will jump out if you don't cover it. You don't want a discus flopping on your floor..

[Kyla]

if u have a benefecial bacterial supplement i'd add it in. i used to badmouth them, but my step-daughter just did a science fair project with them and they do seem to speed up the cycling of tanks (at least "cycle" did - i assume they are all fairly similar)

[Bala de Plata]

It's been sitting around it may not be good anymore, those BB kick starters have a shelf life once opened. I have had been happy with the Seachem stuff. Avoid the ph buffer additives.

On a side note for the plants/lights, limit the light period and intensity (dim them). Those are some serious lights for such a small plant load. I would keep the light output and periods short and on the dim side and go for easy life low/medium light plants. You may have tough time keeping the high light plants happy and not have algae issues. But dont let that discourage you from trying. It is a beautifully simplistic setup that is for sure.

[chandy168]

Update:

Thank you everyone for your input, really good to hear some feedback.

My tank finished the cycling process two days ago! :) In total, it took 13 days. I did it with the fish in cycle method, just a couple of glowlight tetras, feeding once a day.

Since then, I've put a bag of Purigen in the canister filter in hopes that the yellow water will disappear. I am waiting for my pump that I bought on eBay to start doing water changes. There's no way to lift a 60L water drum to the height of the tank at the moment.

I also finally got a Kessil Spectral Controller to put my lights on timer and stimulate sunrises/sunsets.

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00702_zpsk8td4vch.jpg

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00703_zpseu1nirb6.jpg

Also got a VIV Polka Glass Plant Pot and stuffed it with Flame Moss.

http://i1305.photobucket.com/albums/s557/Chandy168/DSC00707_zpso1nhouji.jpg

Lastly, got myself 6 Red Cherry Shrimps (3 male and 3 female) to get my RCS colony started. Unfortunately my camera doesn't take nice photos of them. However, that was a huge mistake, my glowlights got two of them within 5 minutes. Going out to get maybe 20 or so today.

Also worked out that the Echinodorus Parviflorus is shooting out a flower, which is why there's the random single stalk from the centre! I guess they're happy :)

Staurogyne Tropica Repens is has shot out new baby leaves, Alternanthera Reineckii Mini is rooting very well and the Rotala's aren't dead, which is a good sign considering some have said that they need CO2 to survive.

Tank was getting approximately 8 hours of light a day at 75-80% intensity. This will change since I have the controller now.

Will be getting a CO2 system next Saturday, stay tuned for more. Thanks for reading :)