My empty shrine (pics)

[FLGirl1977]

I've had my 120 gallon sitting empty since November (that's another long story) but I've decided to go ahead and start getting everything in order. This thread will be to show the progress of this tank, I thought it might be fun and interesting to share the progress of setting up this tank. I've put in lots of time searching for everything that I wanted. I'll start everything from the very beginning:

I got my tank used, so before it sat empty... we filled it for a few weeks to make sure there weren't any leaks. Here is how the tank sat for about 1 1/2 months, debating if I should set it up sooner or later, depending on our living situation, also the stand was in the garage being repainted:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5528.jpg
Note the driftwood. This was what I thought I wanted at first. These were just rough ideas.

On my other tank I have a black background. I've noticed that the fish aren't at their full potential for color, so I decided I wanted something different on this tank, but didn't like the look of white or blue, I decided I wanted an 'opaque' look that would still allow light to come in, so I decided to try this out:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5529.jpg

It was REALLY easy to install. We just cut the exact measurements and applied it. Poof! Easy as pie. :)

With the background being opaque, that meant you would be able to see through the back, so I had to find something that wouldn't be an eyesore and pop right out at you. I searched high and low for some intakes/outputs that were clear, but couldn't find anything that didn't cost me my first born. Finally I came across these on ebay:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5577.jpg

I had to buy two sets and the price was right! I also picked up some clear tubing to go along as well:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5578.jpg

This will all attach onto two Eheim Pro II 2028 (one of which I just placed and order for and should be here along with (2) 300 w. Hydor In-line heaters too).

I also ordered some really nice driftwood (I talked about in one of my prior posts) and for $35 this is what you will get:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5562.jpg

I took all of the pieces out to inspect them:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5563.jpg

Here are some close ups:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5565.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5566.jpg

Note the beautiful color and variation when wet:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5567.jpg

Here are some of the stones I plan on using in the bottom:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5579.jpg

Here is my tank as of this moment, my empty shrine:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5574.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5575.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5576.jpg

I will keep this thread updated along with the progress. I would love to put water in it right now, but without heaters it would be senseless. My current stocklist will be as follows:

6 Domestic Browns
3 Albino Alenquers
2 Golden Sunrise
25 Rummynose tetras
8 Corys Sterbai

If anyone has any comments or suggestions, feel free to post them! :) Hope this will be as enjoyable for you as it will be for me! :)

[rickztahone]

that looks awesome Renee'. seems like you have spent a shiny penny on this setup. i like the background you chose to go with, it's interesting and i can't wait to see it setup with water in the tank. also, where did you get that great looking driftwood for $35? link? hope you get everything in soon so we can see it up and running? where are you getting your discus stock?

[Porkchop]

If it wasn't for the Windex bottle, the tank looks small empty lol. Everything looks like it's going to turn out VERY nice! Good luck!

Anthony

[dpt8]

Great job Renee.. will be an awesome tank. Are you putting silica pool filter sand in that tank ?? Are you putting a black background on the tank ?? I didn't understand that part.. Black is really bad for discus as you may well know.. Induces fish to stay dark, show strips and peppering.. Light blue is the best..Otherwise should be awesome !!! Rummy nose and sterbai are great choices to go with that biotope..
Presently, I am setting up a 90 gl. with the sand and driftwood for 7 adult wild greens.. Can't wait.. Eventually I'll return my 9 adolphi corys to that tank but that's it.. david T

[FLGirl1977]

that looks awesome Renee'. seems like you have spent a shiny penny on this setup. i like the background you chose to go with, it's interesting and i can't wait to see it setup with water in the tank. also, where did you get that great looking driftwood for $35? link? hope you get everything in soon so we can see it up and running? where are you getting your discus stock?


lol... believe it or not, I didn't pay a dime for the tank! Most of the money spent was buying another filter and the two heaters... and everything was bought over time...

I bought the driftwood from a companyhttp://manzanita.com/ I bought the pack of 12 pieces, and they actually sent me 17 pieces! ;) The wood is outside soaking as we speak... and I'm going to try and piece it together to look like roots..

[FLGirl1977]

Great job Renee.. will be an awesome tank. Are you putting silica pool filter sand in that tank ?? Are you putting a black background on the tank ?? I didn't understand that part.. Black is really bad for discus as you may well know.. Induces fish to stay dark, show strips and peppering.. Light blue is the best..Otherwise should be awesome !!! Rummy nose and sterbai are great choices to go with that biotope..
Presently, I am setting up a 90 gl. with the sand and driftwood for 7 adult wild greens.. Can't wait.. Eventually I'll return my 9 adolphi corys to that tank but that's it.. david T

Hey David, in the second picture posted, the background that I used is an opaque background... its actually an adhesive that you put on your windows for privacy, but still lets light in (Most people use it on their bathroom windows, etc) you can't really see it on my tank very well because of the wall color, but it will blur out some of the cords, etc.

As for sand, I will be using some pool filter silica sand (that's currently what I'm using in my other tank and I love it!).

[dpt8]

Awesome job !! Thanks for the extra info. :9) David

[Eddie]

Wow Renee,

I agree, a shrine in fact! Can't wait to see those beauties in there. Nice looking wood pieces. Might have to place an order.

Eddie

[Darren's Discus]

Renee,
looking good,for the lucky new occupants 6 Domestic Browns,3 Albino Alenquers,2 Golden Sunrise,25 Rummynose tetras,8 Corys Sterbai ,should look great.


cheers

[aquagal]

everything looks great...does the Manzanita wood sink after you've soaked it? I thought it floated?

[Ed13]

Nice!!!
I would do all domestic Browns and more rummys If it was mine:p:D

Love 4' 120g, but they are not available as a regular order here only 150 extra highs (same footprint but 30" tall:()

[FLGirl1977]

everything looks great...does the Manzanita wood sink after you've soaked it? I thought it floated?

Yeah, it floats... it's out soaking right now. Definitely more dense of a wood than grapewood though... even if it doesn't sink right away, the way I'm going to put it in my tank it really won't matter. :)

Also, I did think about only 1 strain, but I fell in love with the albino alenquers and I've always admired the yellow discus--so the golden sunrises were perfect!

BTW, the albinos and the goldens just arrived today and are acclimating really well. They are absolutely stunning... I love the alenqers the most... All I can say is WOW!

[Joshcat]

Wow Renee' beautiful tank and set up. I love the wood and the background. Where did you end up getting the fish from? I want to see pic's when you get the fish settled in.

We just picked up a beautiful 110 tall with a wood stand and have been sanding and staining the stand. We are waiting on filters, heaters, air pump's and all the good stuff to get it going. Although we will probably transfere some of the fish from our other tanks, we are looking to pick up a few more. We haven't decided what we want yet or where to get them from.

Wish you all the best with the tank and fish.

Cathy

[rickztahone]

Yeah, it floats... it's out soaking right now. Definitely more dense of a wood than grapewood though... even if it doesn't sink right away, the way I'm going to put it in my tank it really won't matter. :)

Also, I did think about only 1 strain, but I fell in love with the albino alenquers and I've always admired the yellow discus--so the golden sunrises were perfect!

BTW, the albinos and the goldens just arrived today and are acclimating really well. They are absolutely stunning... I love the alenqers the most... All I can say is WOW!

you have to post pictures when they settle in Renee'

[Mr Wild]

Oh yes please pics we love pics AND how do you clean your silica sand, does it get sucked up when you siphon? I want to go to it but wondered how to clean it properly. Heiko Bleher tells me it is essential to discus so I would like to do it too. Any advice gratefully accepted. Kath.

[FLGirl1977]

I love the silica sand! If you go to a pool supply store, you can buy some silica pool filter sand pretty cheap as well. I found mine there at $9.99 for a 50 lb. bag. Some of it does get sucked up when I siphon though... no biggie... I just add some more (after rinsing of course)... and at that price it doesn't really matter, I have lots left over.

I don't know what everyone else uses, but I used to have an actual siphon (bought from Petsmart) that had the large head on it. I ended up cutting that head off because it didn't have the suction that I wanted and now just use the hose to siphon. I hold the hose about 1'' above the sand and it sucks all of the poop wonderfully. You could just buy a clear hose from your LFS at around $1 a foot and use that... it's much less expensive than buying those 'manufactured' siphons. HTH... if you have any more questions, feel free to ask! :)

Oh... I'll try to get some pics up today..

[poconogal]

Renee, its going to look gorgeous! Glad to see you decided on the Hydor Inlines, so much nicer than looking at heaters in the tank and very reliable, too. Can't wait to see pics with it filled, decorated and with Discus in it!

[FLGirl1977]

Here we go Connie... this is only one shot, but more to come soon!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5598.jpg

Next shots I'm going to try with natural lighting instead. They are eating anything right now that I throw at them! Little oinkies already! lol... BTW, these guys are from Dan (Gulf Coast)... he's a pleasure to speak with on the phone. :)

[Patr1ck]

Im excited to see your pics. I really like the hydor idea. Also does your background apply like window tinting? Im thinking about changing my background but was having a hard time deciding. You may have just decided for me. Everybody should make threads like this one of their tanks so we can see all of the unique ideas out there.:):)

Thanks,
Pat

[FLGirl1977]

Here are a couple more shots I managed to get:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5602.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5607.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5608.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5610.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5611.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5612.jpg

That golden male is one of my favorites... he's a big boy & he's so clean! Looks like one of his dorsal spines was damaged during shipping... hopefully it will heal or go back to normal? Nonetheless he's beautiful. The female has peppering on her anal and tail fin... but has a beautiful yellow color to her... they are both beautiful! :)

[Mr Wild]

Renee, They are beautiful!
Don't worry too much about the peppering it might go when she is used to you light tank!
Thanks for the tip on the silica sand and the siphon, I have one of those things and it is slow and you have to hold it over the poop for ages to get the suction to get it up so I will go the way you have as well.
More pics as they settle and colour up and begin showing their personalities thats always sooooooo interesting.
Good Luck Kath

[Ed13]

Wow I take it back, no need for all browns, those discus are AMAZING!

[Eddie]

WOW Renee! Those discus are so beautiful and they compliment each other so well. Excellent choice! Love their colors.

Best of luck with them,
Eddie

[poconogal]

Renee, I see you got your intake and output on Ebay, can you give a link?

[FLGirl1977]

Connie-- sent you a PM, but for anyone else that was wondering:


Here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Aquarium-Inflow-Outflow-Glass-Lily-Filter-Pipe-17mm_W0QQitemZ160281852927QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116#ht_1860wt_90 9

It's $44-- but that's incredibly cheap considering if you look at:

http://www.adgshop.com/Lily_Pipe_p/102-4161.htm --Just the outflow $110

and....
http://www.adgshop.com/Lily_Pipe_Inflow_V_7_p/102-4072.htm --the inflow for $135!!

So you can get the set on ebay for $44-- BIG Savings... not sure if they are the same brand, but the glass quality is awesome!

HTH....

[poconogal]

Thanks Renee!

[GulfCoastDiscus]

great on the acclimation. Good luck with them Renee. I sent you this two golden sunrise cuz they've paired up and spawned. Did not want to break up the pair.

[FLGirl1977]

great on the acclimation. Good luck with them Renee. I sent you this two golden sunrise cuz they've paired up and spawned. Did not want to break up the pair.

Whoa, thanks Dan! I'll keep you posted! ;)

[Joshcat]

Renee' (wow) the goldens are amazing! I'm so jelious... You did a great job picking out some real beauties. Dan, great fish! Wish you the best lady! Can't wait to see the pic's of when you get them settled in thier new home!

Sincerely, Cathy

[iwantdiscus]

I too am collecting stuff for a 120G, but mine is going to be planted. I thought about sandblasting the background for an opaque appearance, but your idea of opaque window film is a lot better idea, and the glass lily pipes for your filter is a GREAT idea, now I can throw away the slimy green ones that come from Eheim! Can't wait to see this set up, I love Alenquers and any discus that's yellow! Very nice job!.....:D

[Discus-Hans]

Looks like one of his dorsal spines was damaged during shipping... hopefully it will heal or go back to normal?

Those don't damage in shipping and it's one of the hard spines, they won't grow back,

Hans

[captain morgan]

Glad to see your doing a journal on this tank setup Renee, these are always my favorite reads. Looks like you got quite a nice bundle of wood for only $35. And the color of it when wet looks amazing. Now I want to get rid of my bogwood and place the same order as yours. With white sand substrate and those new discus you have this is going to be one sweet tank you"ll have. Can't wait to see the finished aquascape. Hope you"ll be doing some plants as well. Keep the pics and journal going, looking forward to the next chapter.
Cheers
Captain Morgan

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks Captain Morgan, glad you like the thread. :)

Here are a couple of pictures I just took this evening after arranging the driftwood. Not sure if it will stay this way once water is added, my guess is that it will still float for a bit since I soaked it but had to try it out again to put it together the way you see here...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5615.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5619.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5618.jpg

If it stays this way once it sinks properly, I will be very happy with the results. My other canister and two in-line heaters should be here tomorrow, so I'm hoping to have some water in here by tomorrow evening. :) Maybe get some rummynoses by Wednesday and have the cories by Friday.

[cmich]

Love the tank and love the setup. If it were me, I would love to see a big school of cardinal tetras!

[rickztahone]

Thanks Captain Morgan, glad you like the thread. :)

Here are a couple of pictures I just took this evening after arranging the driftwood. Not sure if it will stay this way once water is added, my guess is that it will still float for a bit since I soaked it but had to try it out again to put it together the way you see here...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5615.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5619.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5618.jpg

If it stays this way once it sinks properly, I will be very happy with the results. My other canister and two in-line heaters should be here tomorrow, so I'm hoping to have some water in here by tomorrow evening. :) Maybe get some rummynoses by Wednesday and have the cories by Friday.

hey Renee is that one of the pieces that you got for 35 dollars? if so, i would have paid 35 for that piece alone. i honestly get lost on that website and i do not know which you went with. i might call tomorrow just to verify

[cmich]

I was wondering what the shipping costs were like on those pieces of driftwood.

[FLGirl1977]

I was wondering what the shipping costs were like on those pieces of driftwood.


For the 12 peices it was $15 for a 24'' box, but it might vary depending on your zip code.

Hey Rick-- those are a few of the peices put together with stainless steel screws to make it look like that. Just call tomorrow, he should be able to help you out. If you look on the website under aquarium wood, it's the 12 peice set: http://manzanita.com/aqwood.htm Scroll down and you will see the '12 peices *'

HTH...

[poconogal]

Renee, it looks good. A few of the little branches look pointy though, its hard to tell. If they are I'd try to blunt the tips as much as possible or even remove some of them, to avoid the Discus injuring themselves on sharp points. We wouldn't want to see impaled Discus-a-bobs, now would we? :D

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks for the suggestion Connie, I went and snipped off the tips on the sharp edges and tried to wear them down a bit. :)

[rickztahone]

Thanks for the suggestion Connie, I went and snipped off the tips on the sharp edges and tried to wear them down a bit. :)

thanks for the reply, i see it now. i thought it was one huge piece but now i see you put them together, clever. i will do the same, i might go with the next one up though since i need to fill out a lot in my tank

[poconogal]

Thanks for the suggestion Connie, I went and snipped off the tips on the sharp edges and tried to wear them down a bit. :)

You're welcome, Renee. When do the hydor's come? Is that all you're waiting for?

[FLGirl1977]

They just came today along with the additional canister. Looks like we will try and hook everything up this evening. Hopefully I can get enough water from my RO by then! :p

[FLGirl1977]

We're setting up bits and pieces tonight, not getting as much accomplished as I was originally hoping, but then again... I always think something isn't going to take as long as it normally should. :o

Bad news though, when we received the new eheim today (ordered online), the locking bar of the adaptor was broken into three pieces. It's still usable... but disappointing to say the least. The fact that it will still function makes me not want to return the canister for not wanting to wait two weeks longer.

Also, let me say that those intakes/outputs are a pain to try and work with on this size of a tank. The area where the first suction cup goes (fixed, cannot be adjusted) hits right where the frame of the tank is, so we'll have to work around that. I'll take pictures so you see what I'm talking about. Also, the length of the intakes for inside the tank leave much to be desired (they only make it down half-way). When you purchase the largest one, it says that they're made for tanks over 100 gallons, but apparently not a deeper tank like this one. Let's just put it this way, if I find another intake or output down the road that's clear or can figure a way to make a DIY, these will be gone. They're nice, but I'm thinking still on solutions for some of the problems.

So, the update right now is that the tank is sitting half-full and awaits for us to work on it some more tomorrow... maybe then. ;)

[Eddie]

We're setting up bits and pieces tonight, not getting as much accomplished as I was originally hoping, but then again... I always think something isn't going to take as long as it normally should. :o

Bad news though, when we received the new eheim today (ordered online), the locking bar of the adaptor was broken into three pieces. It's still usable... but disappointing to say the least. The fact that it will still function makes me not want to return the canister for not wanting to wait two weeks longer.

Also, let me say that those intakes/outputs are a pain to try and work with on this size of a tank. The area where the first suction cup goes (fixed, cannot be adjusted) hits right where the frame of the tank is, so we'll have to work around that. I'll take pictures so you see what I'm talking about. Also, the length of the intakes for inside the tank leave much to be desired (they only make it down half-way). When you purchase the largest one, it says that they're made for tanks over 100 gallons, but apparently not a deeper tank like this one. Let's just put it this way, if I find another intake or output down the road that's clear or can figure a way to make a DIY, these will be gone. They're nice, but I'm thinking still on solutions for some of the problems.

So, the update right now is that the tank is sitting half-full and awaits for us to work on it some more tomorrow... maybe then. ;)

Sounds great Renee, the tank looks awesome! Sorry to hear about the filter and tubes. Hope everything works out.

Good luck

[poconogal]

Yes, it always seems to take longer than you think it would to get these things done. You think oh, maybe about 2 hours, and before you know it, the whole day has gone by! Too bad about the filter pieces and the intake/output. I'm going to check my basement because I have some vague recollection of buying an intake tube and an output that were clear plastic but I still haven't set up what I was going to use them for -- its only been about 2 years now... I might have info about where I bought them.

Think it'll all be up and running by Feb. 20? I hope so. :D

[FLGirl1977]

.

Think it'll all be up and running by Feb. 20? I hope so. :D

lol... too funny Connie. I would be a crazy woman if I didn't get it set up by then! Actually, I'm REALLY hoping on having everything together and full of water by this evening. I'll let it warm up fully and then add the cycled canister on and start adding the rummynoses and the sterbai. I'll keep it that way for a bit until the discus are out of quarantine. I'll have a picture of everything together soon. ;)

[rickztahone]

lol... too funny Connie. I would be a crazy woman if I didn't get it set up by then! Actually, I'm REALLY hoping on having everything together and full of water by this evening. I'll let it warm up fully and then add the cycled canister on and start adding the rummynoses and the sterbai. I'll keep it that way for a bit until the discus are out of quarantine. I'll have a picture of everything together soon. ;)

just make sure that the smaller fish you will put in first will be enough to keep the bacteria colony up and running. with such a small load the colony might start dying off. how quickly after you switch the filter over will you put the discus in?

[FLGirl1977]

just make sure that the smaller fish you will put in first will be enough to keep the bacteria colony up and running. with such a small load the colony might start dying off. how quickly after you switch the filter over will you put the discus in?

That's a good question Rick, haven't fully decided. What would YOU recommend a safe timeline? I've got a couple of tanks with discus running, but one tank is still in quarantine...

[rickztahone]

That's a good question Rick, haven't fully decided. What would YOU recommend a safe timeline? I've got a couple of tanks with discus running, but one tank is still in quarantine...

i've only done it one way and that was to transfer over the discus at the same time as the filter. i would imagine the timeline would be a small window where the more you wait the faster the beneficial bacteria might die off. i understand that you have discus in QT though and would not advise to shorten the QT unless you plan on just putting those fish there by themselves and not mixed with previous discus stock you might have.

HTH

[FLGirl1977]

I'm getting ready to get some browns from Kenny and thought that maybe I might go ahead and put them in this tank and keep the others quarantined. Maybe I'll wait to switch the filter over when I get the browns from him.. what do you think?

[rickztahone]

I'm getting ready to get some browns from Kenny and thought that maybe I might go ahead and put them in this tank and keep the others quarantined. Maybe I'll wait to switch the filter over when I get the browns from him.. what do you think?

how many are you going to get from Kenny? it should be fine. whenever you do decide to add the rest of the fish just make sure you do it slowly so that the filter can adjust to the added bio load

[wizzin]

Really Nice and I love your discus! Just an FYI, manzanita turns black after a while. At least mine did. It looks great for a few weeks. Make sure you soak it for a while in a rubbermade tub or something. It will get a white fungus/slime on it that doesn't look pretty in the tank.

[Patr1ck]

Really Nice and I love your discus! Just an FYI, manzanita turns black after a while. At least mine did. It looks great for a few weeks. Make sure you soak it for a while in a rubbermade tub or something. It will get a white fungus/slime on it that doesn't look pretty in the tank.

Or maybe you can boil it to sterilize it. If its too big for the pot just stick one end in and boil it for a while then stick another end in the water and continue boiling. Thats what I did and the tank water stopped turning yellow too. hth:)

Pat

[cmich]

wizzin,

It turns black, or it gets covered in a dark algae or what? Could you be more specific please. I'd like to get some of this wood, but i'd also like to know if anyone else has observed this as well. Thanks.

Blake

[SriAngel]

Ohh the arrangement with the driftwood is just gorgeous! Best of luck

Angel

[FLGirl1977]

Here is a shot before the water was added:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5622.jpg

And here is after (with 23 rummynoses) with flash:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5623.jpg

Without flash:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5625.jpg

Closer up:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_5626.jpg

We ended up not using the clear intakes/outputs. They just weren't right for this particular set up and tank size. They ended up being too unstable the way we would have had to arrange them. The intake that came with the new canister was really nice and the spray bar was extra nice, so I ordered another set last night. Yikes! They weren't cheap either! I'm going to set up the other canister on here tomorrow and pick up some sterbai. The bad news on that is the guy who I'm getting them from sold out of all but 4. :( So, I'm going to be a bit shorter on my stock that anticipated.

Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest, I still plan on possibly putting a few more rocks in there... Didn't want to mess with it too much just yet. I'll take a much better picture soon. :)

Oh... and a two thumbs up for the Hydor in-line heaters!! I absolutely love it and I'm SO happy I went with that choice! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[cmich]

Looks very nice!

[rickztahone]

Oh... and a two thumbs up for the Hydor in-line heaters!! I absolutely love it and I'm SO happy I went with that choice! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

i agree, my inline is great and i never have to worry about it..."set it and forget it", lol

[poconogal]

Looks great Renee! What are you doing with the clear intake/output? Will they fit 5/8 hose? I knew you'd love the inline heaters, I love mine and also love not seeing any heater in the tank. Like Rick said, set it and forget it!

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks cmich, rick and connie...

Hey Connie, bring a cut of your hose with you and you can check it out while you're here. :)

[GulfCoastDiscus]

Hi Renee,
Just a suggestion....Try not to let the branches touch the front of the tank for easier maintenance. :):)

looking good renee.

[poconogal]

Hey Connie, bring a cut of your hose with you and you can check it out while you're here.

I will do that, Renee, but not until AFTER desert! That chocolate cake you described has been in my dreams. I can hardly wait to get down there!

[Joshcat]

Looking great Renee'! I'm so happy you no longer have an empty shrine, and that soon it will be the vibrant aquarium you have been anxiously looking forward to.:)

Cathy

[FLGirl1977]

Connie, you're too funny... lol! http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/pya.gif

Cathy, once I get it up and going you need to drop on by! :)

[poconogal]

Nah, I just take desert seriously, very seriously... :D

[wizzin]

wizzin,

It turns black, or it gets covered in a dark algae or what? Could you be more specific please. I'd like to get some of this wood, but i'd also like to know if anyone else has observed this as well. Thanks.

Blake

I have quite a bit of it in planted and unplanted tanks and it's all turned black. Not from algae, just the outer "skin" of the wood darkens. You can wire brush it and it somewhat comes back, but over time turns dark again. I like it that way. Looks more natural.

Tank looks great Renee!

[rickztahone]

I have quite a bit of it in planted and unplanted tanks and it's all turned black. Not from algae, just the outer "skin" of the wood darkens. You can wire brush it and it somewhat comes back, but over time turns dark again. I like it that way. Looks more natural.

Tank looks great Renee!

do you have a picture by any chance?

[cmich]

I would also like to see pictures if you have any because I do find the different colors on the wood to be the interesting part of them. I would buy the wood for that reason.

Blake

[Joshcat]

Renee' I'd love to drop by and see your tank once you get everyone setteled in. No chocolate cake for me (lol)?:D

[FLGirl1977]

You'll have to drop by soon! I just put some of my guys in there today! :)

[Joshcat]

You did? How are they doing?:fish: Which ones? Are you seeing that light at the end of the tunnel yet?:D

Congrat's, Cathy

[FLGirl1977]

The albinos and goldens are in there now. My other guys will have to wait a while longer... ;)

[Eddie]

Renee,

You have us all excited now, you have to get some pictures when they settle in. I know it is gonna look amazing!

Eddoe

[FLGirl1977]

Here's the thing... that manzanita is releasing tannins already in the water. I'm going to do a water change tomorrow, but it will probably take water changes every 4 days to keep it under control. The pieces that I have were too big to boil, so I guess I will have to be patient. BTW, thanks Eddie.. I will be sure to post pictures soon. :)

[FLGirl1977]

Oh, and they're REALLY settled in... they are much more at ease in this tank than they ever were in the quarantine tank! I've seen some shimmying and shaking already and I just put them in today! :p

[Eddie]

Oh, and they're REALLY settled in... they are much more at ease in this tank than they ever were in the quarantine tank! I've seen some shimmying and shaking already and I just put them in today! :p

Oh, a little pairing action going on huh....:D

Another way to keep the tannins at bay is to filter using activated carbon.

Eddie

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks Eddie, I did think of that. I actually have some lying around that I haven't used. Isn't that only temporary though? Would you recommend taking it out after about 2 weeks?

[Patr1ck]

Thanks Eddie, I did think of that. I actually have some lying around that I haven't used. Isn't that only temporary though? Would you recommend taking it out after about 2 weeks?

I had driftwood that I soaked for days in the bathtub, and for months the water in the tank was yellow, even with charcoal. I took it all out and boiled it in a BIG pot. The water in the pot would turn dark brown. I did this a few times for each piece and on the bigger pieces I boiled one end then flipped it over and boiled the other end. It took care of the yellowing of the water really really quick. It also would kill any nasties in the wood too.

BTW, I recommend using a pot that might be an old one that you dont use very often as I just boiled some potatoes in the same pot and when I taste tested them I could taste the smell of the boiling wood and its been 1 1/2 yrs since I boiled the wood.:vomit:

Pat

[Ibanez540r]

I had driftwood that I soaked for days in the bathtub, and for months the water in the tank was yellow, even with charcoal. I took it all out and boiled it in a BIG pot. The water in the pot would turn dark brown. I did this a few times for each piece and on the bigger pieces I boiled one end then flipped it over and boiled the other end. It took care of the yellowing of the water really really quick. It also would kill any nasties in the wood too.

BTW, I recommend using a pot that might be an old one that you dont use very often as I just boiled some potatoes in the same pot and when I taste tested them I could taste the smell of the boiling wood and its been 1 1/2 yrs since I boiled the wood.:vomit:

Pat

LOL, Pat your a funny guy, I just LOL'd another one of your post on a separate thread about 3 minutes ago. :p

[poconogal]

You'll have to drop by soon! I just put some of my guys in there today! :)
pics.....pics.....pics.....pics.....pics.....pics. ....pics.....pics.....pics.....pics.....pics..... pics.....pics.....pics.....pics.....pics.....pics! !!!!

You don't expect me to wait five whole days, do you????? Wanna see them now!!! :D :bounce:

They must look great in there!

[FLGirl1977]

We're adding on the other eheim parts right now and it's proving to be a pain.. we'll see how it goes today. lol!

[Patr1ck]

I agree with Connie. Lets get the pics comin'.:D I'm interested to see your tank and how the frosted background turned out.:)

Pat

[cmich]

I'd love to see some updated pics soon!

Blake

[seanyuki]

Hi Renee,

Beautiful woods and great looking discus plus a big tank....what else could i say....salute to u.


Cheers
Francis:)

[FLGirl1977]

Pics will be coming real soon.. I promise.. :)

[poconogal]

Okay guys, Renee did make me wait the five whole days to see the tank since she hasn't posted pics YET, but I did finally see it IN PERSON!

Renee and I and our husbands met for dinner on Friday night and after that we visitied with them at their lovely home. We met their Discus and their 2 Greyhounds, who are absolute love bugs.

Renee's tank looks even more impressive in person, I must say. You can really appreciate the depth, front to back, when looking at it. I just loved it, and the wood looked really great too. And oh yeah, the Discus.... :D beautiful looking fishies!

[cmich]

Come on Renee! I'd love to see some update pictures.

Hope the tank is doing well,

Blake

[FLGirl1977]

I just tried to upload some recent photos on photobucket and wouldn't you know... site maintenance! lol.... figures.

Anyway, here is an update. I've decided to go in another direction with this tank. I will be removing all of the tank inhabitants somewhere else and this tank will be a wild tank. I have access here locally with a buddy of mine to some super-healthy and fat wilds.

Tomorrow, everyone will be moved out and I will be picking up some large blue alenquers (4). Later I will be adding some Tefe greens after a bit in quarantine.

The alenquers have already been quarantined in their own tank now for about 4 months and are doing wonderfully. So, I know this is much different than my original plan, but it's something I've been wanting to do for a while and I have access locally for some great quality wilds (that I would not have normally wanted to have shipped, due to their size). I will keep you updated.

[cmich]

Sounds like a fun project. What will happen with the fish you are moving out? I think i'm even more excited now to see those wilds in the new tank.

Blake

[Eddie]

I just tried to upload some recent photos on photobucket and wouldn't you know... site maintenance! lol.... figures.

Anyway, here is an update. I've decided to go in another direction with this tank. I will be removing all of the tank inhabitants somewhere else and this tank will be a wild tank. I have access here locally with a buddy of mine to some super-healthy and fat wilds.

Tomorrow, everyone will be moved out and I will be picking up some large blue alenquers (4). Later I will be adding some Tefe greens after a bit in quarantine.

The alenquers have already been quarantined in their own tank now for about 4 months and are doing wonderfully. So, I know this is much different than my original plan, but it's something I've been wanting to do for a while and I have access locally for some great quality wilds (that I would not have normally wanted to have shipped, due to their size). I will keep you updated.

Sounds great Renee, can't wait for you to set-it up. Inspiring me to get my heckel biotope together. All in good time ;)

[FLGirl1977]

Okay, yesterday I went to pick up the four wilds! They are SO beautiful... AND BIG! I drip acclimated them for 90 minutes before going into the tank yesterday and they are doing WONDERFUL! I haven't put any lights on since I've put them in, but they are eating... picking around... even tail-whipping each other! Keep in mind though a friend has had them in quarantine though for 4.5 months, so they aren't as skiddish as maybe most wilds may be. They are eating everything under the sun; flake, mysis shrimp, brine, frozen bloodworms.

I don't know sizes and didn't want to measure them yesterday (they had enough going on), but they are so big that it took one hand on each side to pick them up and their heads were sticking out past my fingertips! They make my 4.5-5'' blue diamonds look like dwarves! Anyway, here are some pictures of me drip acclimating them (please excuse the horrible picture quality):

Keep in mind these are 5 gallon buckets, so that should give you an idea on how large they are (they're the biggest I've seen in person!):

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0003.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0004.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0005.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0010.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0008-1.jpg

This was yesterday right after they were put in the tank:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0012.jpg

And this was today, much more settled (again, sorry for the poor quality, the lights are still out... so it's just the natural lighting coming in):

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0052.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0054.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0055.jpg

[brewmaster15]

Very very nice Wilds Renee! Congrats on the new Wild Blues/ Browns! They look like they are in Great shape and have really nice shape to them!:)

I would be more than Happy to have them in my tanks!

Enjoy those beauties!

-al

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks Al... I've had my eye on them in his fish room for months now, no one wanted them! :( I can't believe it! Their shape alone had me in awe! I always told him that if he still had them when I got my 120 set up, they would be mine. ;) Well, I found out recently that he still had them! I couldn't resist, especially since he's here locally, since I my nerves would be shot having something this size shipped.

I promise to post better pictures of them after I do a nice waterchange to get some of the tannins out of the water. The manzanita is really nice, but it does leach out tannins if you don't change water ever 3 days (it becomes much more noticable, also when the lights aren't on).

On another note, the rummynoses have fattened up quite nicely and I've added my others to this group. There is a considerable size difference! The batch that I had gotten were SO skinny when I brought them home that I had lost 5 the first night, and 1 more the next day. So I had 18 left out of the original 24 that I had brought home. I added my 9 making a nice school of 27 and they look beautiful! The way they school together in that size of a group looks amazing. It's really nice to see some natural behaviors going on as far as the schooling goes, but also they like to follow behind the Sterbai as they stir up anything on the bottom and eat whatever is floating behind them... it's truly a sight!

I will see what kind of photos I can get tomorrow after the waterchange. :)

[Eddie]

They are gorgeous Renee! Absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks for the pictures
Eddie

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks Eddie! They are really nice... but in IMO, when you see them in person you can REALLY appreciate them. They are like big puppy dogs already, I can only imagine when the actually get used to me!

[Eddie]

Thanks Eddie! They are really nice... but in IMO, when you see them in person you can REALLY appreciate them. They are like big puppy dogs already, I can only imagine when the actually get used to me!

I know what you mean about the pictures. Sometimes you can take an amazing picture but being there to watch them move is much more amazing.

Eddie

[Ed13]

WOW those are nice!

[seanyuki]

Hi Renne,

Great looking wild discus...where did you get them?....just curious do they have wild Red Spotted Green for sale.


Cheers
Francis:)

[FLGirl1977]

Hi Renne,

Great looking wild discus...where did you get them?....just curious do they have wild Red Spotted Green for sale.


Cheers
Francis:)

Hey Francis, sent you a PM...

[cmich]

They look great Renee! I'm very jealous!

Blake

[poconogal]

Great wilds Renee! I had wilds years ago and despite what you'd think since they're wild, they were very very friendly fish, just like you said, big puppy dogs and they became puppy dogs very fast, too! Good luck with them!

[captain morgan]

Wow nice looking fish Renee. You must be as happy as a new lottery winner. Getting to set up a brand new tank, Adding all the new toys (heaters, manzanita wood, rocks etc...) and now those beautiful & huge new wilds! Very sweet indeed. Thanks for sharing your joy and the step by step progression of your new tank with all of us through all the pictures you posted. Very nice to get to watch someones tank evolve from start to finish, as much fun as if it were your own but without any of the work or expense.
Cheers

[FLGirl1977]

Latest tank shots (first few with flash, others without flash & tank lighting):

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0065.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0060.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0073.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0069.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0063.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0072.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0071.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0081.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/IMG_0082.jpg

Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest... it's a bit of a challenge. I tried some pictures, and then my husband tried as well. I like the pictures without the flash best, but if the fish is moving.. it's blurry. These are the 'happy' compromise... ;)

[frenchie100]

Seems they are feeling right at home already! Congratulations, those are the most beautiful specimens ever!:)

[rickztahone]

beautiful addition Renee. ifs great to see how your tank came to be from start to this point. its funny because 27 is the amount of rummynose i plan on keeping in mine as well. my 7 are super fat and red now lol. the manzanita looks great, did you boil it first? i cant really tell from the pics because i am on my phone but i cant really see the background. im thinking maybe that is the point but does it block the view of thinbs behind it? its too bad the clear tube didnt work with this setup but it still looks great none-the-less. congrats and keep the pics coming. do plan on adding plants?

[vera]

Fantastic fish and set up-well done!!!

[FLGirl1977]

beautiful addition Renee. ifs great to see how your tank came to be from start to this point. its funny because 27 is the amount of rummynose i plan on keeping in mine as well. my 7 are super fat and red now lol. the manzanita looks great, did you boil it first? i cant really tell from the pics because i am on my phone but i cant really see the background. im thinking maybe that is the point but does it block the view of thinbs behind it? its too bad the clear tube didnt work with this setup but it still looks great none-the-less. congrats and keep the pics coming. do plan on adding plants?

Thanks Ric... I actually didn't boil the manzanita first, wish I could have... but it was just too big. I soaked it for about a week, some tannins still come off of it, but since I do 50% water changes on this every 3-4 days, it's not too bad. The only thing I will say is it gets that fuzzy white growth on it. I just take an old toothbrush and brush it off inside the tank before a water change... so no big deal. I've had other driftwood that did this as well that was NOT manzanita, so I don't believe it's just a 'manzanita' thing..

The background works out well. It does blur out some of the things, although you can still see the clear tubing since it's SO close to the glass... but it serves as a nice obstruction for other things and it's not as noticeable, especially if you look at the back from an angle, then you can't really see anything behind the tank.

I don't plan on adding any plants. I love plants, but I wanted to keep the look of this tank simple... (not to mention I'm not good with aquatic plants) The best thing about this tank IS it's simplicity... it's easy to clean out and easy maintenance... the only plants that I MAY consider in the future is some kind of floating plant, but for now... I'm enjoying the way it current looks.

Thanks for the nice compliments everyone. :) I honestly can't believe how calm these guys are already. They didn't mind a bit when I had my hands in there cleaning glass and siphoning the bottom. They already come to the glass when ever anyone stands up begging for food already! :o

[Eddie]

Amazing Renee! They look so nice and the tank looks picture perfect! So clean, I love it. I bet I could drink out of that tank...LOL


Eddie

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks Eddie! :) I don't know... your tanks look just as clean! ;)

[Patr1ck]

Nice looking tank and wilds too.

Pat

[cmich]

Stunning. If you ever get bored with that tank, feel free to come set it up at my house!

Blake

[MickYoumans]

I bought the driftwood from a companyhttp://manzanita.com/ I bought the pack of 12 pieces, and they actually sent me 17 pieces! ;) I'm going to try and piece it together to look like roots..
Thanks for posting that link. I want to order some for the 135 I'm setting up.
Your tank is looking great! :) I want to do something similar but add plants too.

[FLGirl1977]

HA HA! One of my blue diamonds have started trying to impress one of the females! I've never seen them do this before, so it's pretty funny! The biggest male puts him back in his place though.... but he still tries to sneak a shake here or there trying to impress one of them... very comical! LOL! :laugh: The funniest thing is that everyone in that take is MUCH bigger than them, but they still try! :D

[Goki27]

AMAZING SET UP!!!!!!!!!!! LOL BEAUTIFUL DISCUS!

[FLGirl1977]

YEA!!! I'm so excited! Two of my wilds are doing the shimmy as we speak! :bounce2:

[rickztahone]

YEA!!! I'm so excited! Two of my wilds are doing the shimmy as we speak! :bounce2:

that was quick :D

[dizkuz]

There's a tank of beauty FLgirl
Just love the work you have done to it and your wilds are stunning.
Brgds Danne

[FLGirl1977]

There's a tank of beauty FLgirl
Just love the work you have done to it and your wilds are stunning.
Brgds Danne

Thanks Danne! I wish I could add your tank in my house too! ;) I still love your reds and that background looks great. :)

[seanyuki]

Hi Renee,

Wow the setup is beautiful.....now I want get some woods too to put in my tanks....thanks for the those photos.


Cheers
Francis:)

[Eddie]

Hi Renee,

Wow the setup is beautiful.....now I want get some woods too to put in my tanks....thanks for the those photos.


Cheers
Francis:)

Yup Francis, seeing Renee's tank had me on the phone at www.manzanita.com. I am not even kidding. Ordered some and it was in the mail the same day! Should have it tomorrow or maybe today but I didn't get to the post office. :(

Eddie

[CHADFISH]

Very nice set up and thread!! Best of luck with your Wilds!!

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks for all of the nice compliments! :)

Just picked up two wild royal blues today. They're in quarantine as we speak. They are terrified. They were just shipped in recently from SA, so while in good shape, I know they have more potential that what they appear right now. No pictures yet... they're a bit smaller than the alenquers, but still good sized. I'll try and post pics, but it might be a while.

[Eddie]

Thanks for all of the nice compliments! :)

Just picked up two wild royal blues today. They're in quarantine as we speak. They are terrified. They were just shipped in recently from SA, so while in good shape, I know they have more potential that what they appear right now. No pictures yet... they're a bit smaller than the alenquers, but still good sized. I'll try and post pics, but it might be a while.

Sounds great Renee, can't wait to see them in your tank!

Eddie

[Diamond Discus]

Your tank looks really great and I love you wilds. Congratulations!! They looked huge in the buckets! And it was a great angle to see how their color patterns camouflage them in the wild. Thanks!

[TankWatcher]

Gorgeous wilds. They look so good in your tank. Love your work in that tank. Can't wait to see the wild royal blues in with them.

[plecocicho]

Those wilds are gorgeous!:D Tank looks nice especiaslly the arrenged manzanita wood, but i would ad some floating plants like water lettuce or such. You could get also some ancistrus to keep the glass and wood clean
and of course..............
MORE PICS, MORE PICS, MORE PICS
and a video would be nice also.:D

[Darren's Discus]

Renee,
simply stunning both tank and fish,thanks for sharing.


cheers

[FLGirl1977]

Those wilds are gorgeous!:D Tank looks nice especiaslly the arrenged manzanita wood, but i would ad some floating plants like water lettuce or such. You could get also some ancistrus to keep the glass and wood clean
and of course..............
MORE PICS, MORE PICS, MORE PICS
and a video would be nice also.:D

I'm working on growing out enough water lettuce at the moment.. I switched out my sultan plecos for some green phantom plecos and they've been keeping the wood spot-less! They are a beautiful pleco and seem to tolerate the temps just fine.

Thanks for all the nice compliments... I really wish I could get more pictures, but looks like it may be a while (have a feeling I'll be getting my husband a new digital camera for his birthday since ours crapped out), so it may be June before getting some more pics up. :(

[TankWatcher]

Oh no, we have to wait till June to see your wild royal blues? :( Oh well, good things come to those that wait :p

[Adam Robinson]

Wow great thread and amazing fish as well as a great setup nothing but love and compliments

[Crstfr]

Connie-- sent you a PM, but for anyone else that was wondering:


Here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Aquarium-Inflow-Outflow-Glass-Lily-Filter-Pipe-17mm_W0QQitemZ160281852927QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116#ht_1860wt_90 9

It's $44-- but that's incredibly cheap considering if you look at:

http://www.adgshop.com/Lily_Pipe_p/102-4161.htm --Just the outflow $110

and....
http://www.adgshop.com/Lily_Pipe_Inflow_V_7_p/102-4072.htm --the inflow for $135!!

So you can get the set on ebay for $44-- BIG Savings... not sure if they are the same brand, but the glass quality is awesome!

HTH....



i see they ship from hongkong... how long did it take for them to arrive?

[FLGirl1977]

i see they ship from hongkong... how long did it take for them to arrive?

It took about 2 weeks after they shipped before it arrived here. HTH..

UPDATE: Two of my Wild Blues are laying eggs as we speak!

[poconogal]

Oh no, we have to wait till June to see your wild royal blues? :( Oh well, good things come to those that wait :p

Oh... Renee.... sigh...

Can't you get him his present EARLY??? LOL!!! When is his birthday anyway?

[FLGirl1977]

Oh... Renee.... sigh...

Can't you get him his present EARLY??? LOL!!! When is his birthday anyway?

Yeah, I thought about it already! lol... His B-day is June 12th... Have to see though what's going on with the house and everything first though... :o

Hey... did you see my above post that my wilds laid eggs today! :shocked2: I'm SO excited!

[rwong2k]

It took about 2 weeks after they shipped before it arrived here. HTH..

UPDATE: Two of my Wild Blues are laying eggs as we speak!

oh nice very nice! can't wait to see some pictures! sounds exciting@

[Eddie]

It took about 2 weeks after they shipped before it arrived here. HTH..

UPDATE: Two of my Wild Blues are laying eggs as we speak!

Wow Renee, thats fantastic! You better borrow a camera! LOL

All the best,
Eddie

[poconogal]

Yeah, I thought about it already! lol... His B-day is June 12th... Have to see though what's going on with the house and everything first though... :o

Hey... did you see my above post that my wilds laid eggs today! :shocked2: I'm SO excited!
Wow, that was quick, eggs already! Fantastic!

I hear you about the house and all... June 12! Kurt's birthday is June 10th! both Geminis! :D

[TankWatcher]

June 12th. That's such a long time to keep us in suspense.

Good luck with the eggs.

[poconogal]

Renee.... camera phone?????

[wgtaylor]

Hey... did you see my above post that my wilds laid eggs today! :shocked2: I'm SO excited!

Renee, eggs, that's fantastic. Shows good things come to one with patience. You have definitely waited and planned for this. Sounds like your wilds like the looks of your tank as well as the rest of us. :):):)

What percentage of ro water did you use in this tank.
Congratulations. Bill

[FLGirl1977]

Renee, eggs, that's fantastic. Shows good things come to one with patience. You have definitely waited and planned for this. Sounds like your wilds like the looks of your tank as well as the rest of us. :):):)

What percentage of ro water did you use in this tank.
Congratulations. Bill

Bill, actually my wilds have been in a seperate tank being treated for flukes lately... weird that they've been more comfortable in a smaller tank to do their breeding than in the larger tank, but then again that might be because of the outbreak of flukes as well. They're much better, in fact... they're pretty much finished with treatment and I'm treating the large tank for any existing flukes there might be in there. I've got two discus in the large tank right now that don't seem to be showing any symptoms of flukes... so I might give it one more week before putting all the big buys back in there.

As far as RO water goes, I use 100% RO water and add a little of Ken's RO Right and keep the TDS around 80 or so and the pH is about 6.5. They seem REALLY happy in these parameters, but alas... nothing came of the eggs. Actually they're all gone now and were probably eaten. I do daily 60% water changes in the tank they're currently in, but nothing. :( I guess we have plenty of time on our hands. All of my discus have always liked to lay eggs, but nothing ever comes of it. Oh well... I'm just happy to have them! :o

[timmy101]

Do you know where can I get some of those tree branches here in Houston, TX

[seanyuki]

I think Renee got hers online....you could try this place.

http://www.manzanita.com/aqwood.htm

Cheers
Francis

PS

Sorry Renne to hijack your thread




Do you know where can I get some of those tree branches here in Houston, TX

[poconogal]

I think Renee got hers online....you could try this place.

http://www.manzanita.com/aqwood.htm

Cheers
Francis

PS

Sorry Renne to hijack your thread
Oh, that Francis, what to do with you! ;) :D:D:D

My friend and I just got some from there. We split their $35 package which is supposed to be 12 pieces. The guys at manzanita.com sent us 22 pieces because they knew 2 people were splitting the order! And beautiful pieces, too, nice shapes and colors.

[FLGirl1977]

Here are a couple of recent pics... please excuse the tank mess... I had to put an airstone in there since I cut down on the filtration flow because of the wrigglers.. :) These are also the first pics I took with this new camera... still getting used to the settings.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/DSC00009.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/DSC00008.jpg

Beggars!
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/DSC00010.jpg

Royal Blue
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/DSC00011.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g147/rplein/DSC00012.jpg

[Eddie]

Beautiful Wilds! Love the different patterns and colors. Great job with them!

Eddie

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks Eddie. :) You can see that the others aren't happy campers right now... my pair has them cornered and they are a bit stressed. :( As soon as the wrigglers get bigger I plan on moving them out.. hopefully that will put things back to normal in this tank.

[poconogal]

They look great, Renee, glad to see some pics, finally! ;)

[seanyuki]

Wow Renne,

Very nice set up and must be a very happy woman.:D
Thanks for posting your beauties.


Cheers
Francis:)

[rickztahone]

great update Renee! the wilds look great and the tank as well. how is that manzanita holding up?

[YSS]

Awesome looking tank and fish. You did a great job. So you got wrigglers? That's very cool.

[FLGirl1977]

great update Renee! the wilds look great and the tank as well. how is that manzanita holding up?

The manzanita has darkened as expected.... oh well. :p I really can't think of any kind of wood that wouldn't after soaking for a while... at first I kept getting a growth on the wood, and the sultan plecos didn't touch it. Geesh.. they were barely ever out. Since then I replaced them with some green phantom plecos and I haven't had to touch the wood once! :)

The wrigglers are getting bigger by the day it seems... haven't really changed much other than lowering the flow on the filters and adding an airstone... :)

[TankWatcher]

That's great that they have been able to defend the wigglers in the community tank. Must be great parents. Really nice wilds. We don't get wild royal blues of that quality in Aus :(

You got a camera earlier than expected, I remember reading it might not be until June :)

[FLGirl1977]

lol... I broke down and went out and bought a camera sooner than later... but paid much less than normally anticipated... about 800 dollars less! lol... it's just a normal point-and-shoot type, but is a 12.1 megapixel... so hopefully I can get some decent pics from it. :)

[Eddie]

lol... I broke down and went out and bought a camera sooner than later... but paid much less than normally anticipated... about 800 dollars less! lol... it's just a normal point-and-shoot type, but is a 12.1 megapixel... so hopefully I can get some decent pics from it. :)

Let us know how it works and what type! :D

Eddie

[TankWatcher]

Glad you got a good deal on the camera. Us discus keepers are never happy, unless we can see pictures & I'm glad we'll now get to see pics of your wigglers as they grow, Yippee :)

[dpt8]

Dare Renee, What gorgeous fish and tank !! Love em' I know where you got your fish from too. That is a huge advertisment for them.. I have 7 wild greens but they have different colorations from each other. Some are darker, some green spots.. Love how your tank looks. David T

[FLGirl1977]

Thanks David! :) I would be more than happy to tell anyone where I got these guys from whoever wanted to know! ;) He did a wonderful job with these guys and I haven't had any health issues other than a bout of flukes that I took care of in quarrantine! :)

[DiscusFreakaZoid]

Super Sik McNasty tank