Wild Blue/Brown/Red Discus Biotope

[Swedgin]

Just got delivered, so I can finally get started on my wilds project #1 for the blue discus.
Pic of the tank, it will fit perfectly in the intended space, the wall behind it.
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[Zeiner]

Lucky. What are you going to run for filtration?

[Swedgin]

I'll be running 2 Eheim 2180, 1 FX6, 1 JBL 1901 powering the fluidized sand filter and one JBL 1501 to run the purigen reactor. I like my canisters. They will be connected to 2 manifold inlets and 1 outlet.

[Swedgin]

Background plastidipped black
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[RogueDiscus]

I'm jealous! My big guys are starting to look crowded in my 75. I need to talk the wife into a bigger display tank :)

[jmf3460]

how did the plasti dip go? ive used that before on my wheels and love it but didn't consider it on a tank.

[Swedgin]

how did the plasti dip go? ive used that before on my wheels and love it but didn't consider it on a tank.

So far so good, from the back with the tank lights on I have some bubbles with light coming through, but from the front it looks great as far as I can tell without water in it. I've applied 7 coats now, will do another one now and then let it dry overnight. I did small sections yesterday to test different colors, just peeled them off this morning. They were easy to peel, but adhesion was very good, and with the thickness I have on it now it should be solid.
I was afraid to use regular spray paint in case I want to change the background color some time later, so it seemed logical to try, especially because like you say, it's used for wheels etc and endures high temps and weather of all kinds, so a bit of water spillage, if it happens, shouldn't be an issue.

The floor is a mess though as you can see, and I've been distributing dip all over the house all day. Luckily the cabinet and hood are black, they caught a lot of shrapnel, too.

[Swedgin]

I'm jealous! My big guys are starting to look crowded in my 75. I need to talk the wife into a bigger display tank :)

Mine was grinding her teeth when she said yes, but she did :)

[Swedgin]

Made some progress, plumbing halfway done. The FX6 will be connected to 2 TMC Vecton 600 UV units

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Also I decided to ditch the Purigen for now, as I Haven't decided if I will be using tannins in this tank or not.

[Swedgin]

Getting there


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[Swedgin]

Ready to go.

The light looks harsher on the photo than in person. Have dimmers on the way to adjust it though.

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[Jenene]

You are making us all drool...In my dreams my husband is begging for me to get a bigger tank.:cheesy:

Can't wait to see fish in there!

[Swedgin]

Fish are in, but stressed. Will keep the lights off for a while as the dimmers haven't arrived yet. They look good in there though :)

[Swedgin]

Well hello there.

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[William Palumbo]

VERY NICE!....Sweet fish and set up. Enjoy!

[Swedgin]

VERY NICE!....Sweet fish and set up. Enjoy!

Thank you, much appreciated

[Jack L]

looks great!

[Swedgin]

Tonight's view, could be worse


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[jaival]

Beautiful tank and fishes you got there...

[Jenene]

Well Hello indeed! Drop dead gorgeous! They look really happy in their new home. Looks like the stress has passed.

Is that the lighting, tannins or Rooibos tea that is giving them the water they love so much?

At first glance I thought you bought them a welcome balloon. "Wow! Tobi is really giving them an celebratory welcome!" Then I looked closer. Is that turtle shell lamp? :p

[Swedgin]

Thank you. It's Roiboos, yes. The roots unfortunately don't give off tannins, so I have to help.

And yes, it's a turtle shell. My wife works at a Veterinary research institute, they get loads of this kind of things from various protection and rehab foundations, so a lot of the time it's either use it or incinerate it, museums etc can only take so much. In this case we chose to use it

[Jenene]

Thank you. It's Roiboos, yes. The roots unfortunately don't give off tannins, so I have to help.

And yes, it's a turtle shell. My wife works at a Veterinary research institute, they get loads of this kind of things from various protection and rehab foundations, so a lot of the time it's either use it or incinerate it, museums etc can only take so much. In this case we chose to use it

Very cool. I would be sad to waste a shell as well. Great use of it.

The discus look very well settled and it seems you have given then the exact habitat they need. Good for you! Beautiful and perfectly researched for the new inhabitants.

It must be very satisfying to see it all working as planned. Thanks for sharing. It is so beautiful. Just inspiring....

[jmf3460]

stunning OP, very simplistic approach but very beautiful.

[Swedgin]

.

It must be very satisfying to see it all working as planned. Thanks for sharing. It is so beautiful. Just inspiring....

It really is, I catch myself sitting in front of it for hours at times just watching the going ons.

It's just the beginning though, just spoke to the aquarium builder, they've started working on the 325gal for the greens. So more work ahead soon.


stunning OP, very simplistic approach but very beautiful.

Thank you

[Swedgin]

Took the water lettuce out, made a right mess of the water, and where it was floating the water didn't move. It looked better with it in there though, I'll look for some Eichhornia or Philodendron and see how it works in there

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[emil]

Beautiful tank and discus. :thumbsup:

[Swedgin]

Altums added, they look amazing in there. In my opinion.

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[BmoreBraap]

Wow...one hell of a set up. Great job.

[DatDiscusDude]

Just striking! Have you made any video yet?

[jmf3460]

oh wow yes the angels look awesome in there. gosh this tank looks like a screen shot right out of the amazon, amazing job OP!!

[pavlos]

Fantastic setup with beauty discus, really close to biotope! Keep us updated!

[Swedgin]

Wow...one hell of a set up. Great job.

Thanks


Just striking! Have you made any video yet?

Just made a quick phone one a minute ago


http://youtu.be/EA1ZTUBa6P8


oh wow yes the angels look awesome in there. gosh this tank looks like a screen shot right out of the amazon, amazing job OP!!

Thanks, glad I put them in there

[DatDiscusDude]

Really nice! TFS!

So much going on in the tank! So active and lively! How are the angels and discus getting along?

[Swedgin]

Fantastic setup with beauty discus, really close to biotope! Keep us updated!

Thanks bro. Honestly I liked it better with the floaters, but they didn't like the low light and closed top. Looking for some Ceratophyllum right now, failing that I might use Philodendron, also to help with water quality.

[Swedgin]

Really nice! TFS!

So much going on in the tank! So active and lively! How are the angels and discus getting along?

Yes, a lot more action since the Altums moved in. They are behaving themselves so far, feeding time everyone gets some, that was my biggest worry, they are greedy little buggers

[Yamyort]

WOW what a beautiful set up!!!!Thanks for sharing

[jimg]

VERY NICE! good luck with them

[FischAutoTechGarten]

very nice. thanks for sharing.

[Swedgin]

Just a quick one without tannins. Not liking the look of the tank, but the Discus colors really pop that way


http://youtu.be/qfqsfO8joBM

[jmf3460]

I agree I like tannins better. what lighting are you using?

[Swedgin]

LED which came with the set. 88w with dimmer. Will give them tea again tonight. They don't seem to mind either way. And the Altums are really growing well in the meantime

[two utes]

Just a quick one without tannins. Not liking the look of the tank, but the Discus colors really pop that way


https://youtu.be/qfqsfO8joBM

Nice work with your set up Tobi. i bet you enjoy every minute of it.
I agree with you and others about the tannins looking better, has a mush softer and soothing feeling. Enjoy!

[Swedgin]

Latest foto. Added pennywort. Again, not sure about it. Seems too much. Should do wonders for water quality though
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[Phillydubs]

Wow! That is a stunning display !

[Swedgin]

Back from the dead huh. Nice, good to see you

[Phillydubs]

And on the _____ day he rose again...

Or wait, was that someone else ?? ;)!!!

[woopaul5]

Just now coming across these threads. Tank looks amazing and hopefully you have better luck when the new 325 arrives.

[Swedgin]

Thanks Paul, new 325 is ordered, eta 2 weeks. We'll see. Checked my parameters on this tank today, the plants are doing their job, 0-0-5. Happy with that

[KevsDiscus]

Wow Wow Wow

[Swedgin]

Some quick phone pics

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[Phillydubs]

Really nice, that first red dude with the nice fill in is a stunner! Very pretty indeed!

[Swedgin]

Really nice, that first red dude with the nice fill in is a stunner! Very pretty indeed!

Yeah he's one of my favs, too. Looks a bit squished, it's not a full side shot

[Swedgin]

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I see my fish are good fertilizers

[Swedgin]

Just to keep this alive, fish are doing well, few quick pics during water change

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[jmf3460]

Beautiful Tobi. Really nice fish.

[Swedgin]

Just did a water change, been over a month since the last one, been on vacation.
Checked params pre change, still spot on. Looks weird without tannins, but their colors are off the hook in this light and water, hard to see in the pictures. Poor people phone pics as usual...
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[jmf3460]

holy moly you went a month between water changes? you are brave. I would never risk such expensive and beautiful fish to that. I kind of want to scold you, and kind of want to applaud you at the same time.

[Phillydubs]

Do you have an auto drip or something on this? Or just big enough filtration and light feeding to do so??

Im going a way for a week and stressed already about the fish, you give me hope! lol

[Swedgin]

Do you have an auto drip or something on this? Or just big enough filtration and light feeding to do so??

Im going a way for a week and stressed already about the fish, you give me hope! lol
No autodrip, just filled it up before I left. Pretty heavy filtratin, 50w UV, 5 big canisters and a fluidized sand filter. Main reason for the water quality in my opinion are the floaters an/or plant roots I have growing into the tank, on all 3 tanks in fact. I usually only do water changes when the water level grts too low for my liking (aesthetically). Usually every 2-4 weeks, depending on which tank/cover it is. The blues lose the most water as the cover is quite perforated from the factory. The other 2 are custom made and don't allow for a lot of evaporation.

[Swedgin]

holy moly you went a month between water changes? you are brave. I would never risk such expensive and beautiful fish to that. I kind of want to scold you, and kind of want to applaud you at the same time.

Haha, I do test my water regularly. All 3 tanks have a constant 0-0-5 on the tests. If I had invested in sone anion kation nitrate resin reactors I'd probably just top up and not do wc's at all. If the water is perfect I don't see a reason to do any changes, I don't see a point in discarding perfectly good water and adding new trying to make it perfect again.

But usually during the top up I change about 25% give or take while the hose is in there anyway

[Phillydubs]

No autodrip, just filled it up before I left. Pretty heavy filtratin, 50w UV, 5 big canisters and a fluidized sand filter. Main reason for the water quality in my opinion are the floaters an/or plant roots I have growing into the tank, on all 3 tanks in fact. I usually only do water changes when the water level grts too low for my liking (aesthetically). Usually every 2-4 weeks, depending on which tank/cover it is. The blues lose the most water as the cover is quite perforated from the factory. The other 2 are custom made and don't allow for a lot of evaporation.

What plants do you have in the tank now? Types? What do you do to prep them for the tank? I am thinking about trying this... Like I said I am going away. I am tempted to add some this week but worried if something were to go wrong and I am not arround. May just look into it and do it down the line...

[Swedgin]

I've got pothos and Pennywort in this one, water lettuce with the greens an philodendron +pothos with the heckels.
No special prep, rinse well and chuck in

[Phillydubs]

Thanks for the info! Do you find you like or prefer one plant over the other, or that ones do a better job? Or are they all equal in that regard and its just personal preference and look

[GVB]

nice, love the setup. good luck

[Swedgin]

Thanks for the info! Do you find you like or prefer one plant over the other, or that ones do a better job? Or are they all equal in that regard and its just personal preference and look

I don't have any hard data, but the water quality seems to be the same with either. Pistia can be messy, as they restrict surface movement and they collect a bit of gunk between them.

Looks wise they really work though, and the fish seem to appreciate the cover.

Pothos is just a means to an end, I don't like the way their leaves look, makes me think of Chinese restaurant decor. So I only have the roots growing in and I hide the leaves as best I can.

[Swedgin]

At this point this thread and the My Hobby my story contest thread have been merged, so this one and the next few posts might look a bit odd and out of context.

Hi everyone, welcome to my contest thread. It’s going to be about my new tank, a 655 gallon (2480 liter for the old world folks) wild discus biotope. It will replace my current 220 gallon blue discus tank, link can be found in my signature.

Stocking plans are so far:

11 Uatuma/Beruri Semi Royal Discus
(importer and/or exporter seem to have mixed up the locations, so no telling who is who. Doesn’t matter though, they’re all beautiful ;)
Here’s a picture of them in their current setup:
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2 Nhamunda Red
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2 Paraconi Red
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1 Iripixi Red
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1 Iripixi “Ica bar”
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4 Iripixi Semi Royal
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[Swedgin]

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3 Iripixi Royal
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1 L095
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I have to use google pics for the plecos and cories, as they are either not yet in my possession or I don’t have any pictures of the ones I already do own.

1 L091
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3 L239
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2 LDA31
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2 L114
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1 L128
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2 LDA16 red/brown morph

11 Corydoras amapaensis

4 Corydoras serratus

12 Corydoras CW028

1 Corydoras CW049 (sole survivor of a previous group)

2 Ivanacara adoketa

Please see post #8 for the rest of the species pictures.

[LizStreithorst]

We can't hardly find wilds of that quality here in the States. You're fish are drop dead gorgeous and they will have 655 gallons to play in. I'm looking forward to seeing the tank build and seeing the fish in their new home.

What will the dimensions of the 655 gallon be? I can't imagine doing wipe downs on a tank that huge. I wish you great success.

[Second Hand Pat]

What a bang up way to start a thread Tobi with pics of all the wilds and some very nice ones too boot. Any pics of the 650? Like Liz, curious about the dimensions also!
Pat

[Swedgin]

Dimensions will be 310cm x 80cm x 100cm (height) on a 90cm high cabinet. The original plan was a 40 cm longer one, and it would have fit, but would probably have looked awkwardly squeezed into the space.

No pictures yet, they cut the glass yesterday and will start glueing in situ on Monday or Wednesday. Till then I will have moved the 220 somewhere else as that’s the spot for the new one.

The cabinet should be delivered by the 24th latest. Things are a bit slow in the Middle East right now due to Ramadan, othewise it would be going a bit quicker.

I’m glad they are doing the glass work soon, as I need the exact inside dimensions to get a custom background done, which takes about 3 weeks from order to delivery from Serbia. Will post pictures of the background templates that I’m looking at in the coming days.

Tomorrow I’ll order the lights and some other bits, full list etc to follow.

I’m so excited about the whole thing and keep visualizing what it’s going to look like. We’ll all soon find out I suppose.

[Second Hand Pat]

So 310cm x 80cm x 100cm is about 10ft x 2.5ft x 40 inches tall. My 230 is 6ft x 2ft x 32 inch tall. My 230 is tall enough. I hope you have tools Tobi as you will need them. It will be a super tank. :D
Pat

[Swedgin]

It’ll be fine, I’m quite tall myself and the total height including cabinet will be exactly the same as the 325, which I have no trouble cleaning at all. Syphoning with the water change hose is easy enough, there won’t be a whole lot of obstructions in the tank, few rocks and some wood for the plecs to munch on, thats it. For the glass I use a magnet, I know it’s frowned upon by some, but I’ve had zero issues/scratches since the tanks have been running.

[Swedgin]

2 LDA16 red/brown morph
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11 Corydoras amapaensis
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4 Corydoras serratus
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12 Corydoras CW028
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1 Corydoras CW049 (sole survivor of a previous group, DO NOT USE SEACHEM PARAGUARD ON THESE)
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2 Ivanacara adoketa
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Too many fotos for one post, so continued here

[Gabriel13]

Wow! Can't wait to watch this thread grow. Your wilds are hide awesome!

[Pices]

It’s hard to pick a favorite among all those wilds. I just went through this thread oohing over one, then another. Your current set up is stunning. Can’t wait to see the new build.
Patty

[Swedgin]

Almost forgot:

5 P. scalare “Amapá” in QT since yesterday (will do some research on wether they are proper Amapá or not)

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[brewmaster15]

Tobi,
Theres something cool about big tanks of discus.. Yours is sweet! I know you keep multiple ones so be sure to start a different thread for each tank , max 3 threads. Looking forward to reading!

Good luck!

al

[DiscusBR]

I have no words. Beautiful pictures. All fish look amazing, but those royal wilds are to die for.

[Swedgin]

Tobi,
Theres something cool about big tanks of discus.. Yours is sweet! I know you keep multiple ones so be sure to start a different thread for each tank , max 3 threads. Looking forward to reading!

Good luck!

al
Al,
I’ll probably stick to just one thread for now, all other tanks get decent coverage in my homestead. I mainly do this one to be able to go back in some time and look at how it all developed. And for the cash, haha. There’s a lot of street/shelter dogs in Bali that could really use it.

[Swedgin]

I have no words. Beautiful pictures. All fish look amazing, but those royal wilds are to die for.

I’m having a hard time making out any favourites, but the Ica bar and the Nhamunda reds I really like. But all others, too. Looking forward to seeing them in my QT by the end of the month. A few days in there will give me a better idea of their actual looks in person. Of course, pictures will be posted

Except for the 11 Uatuma/Beruri all others are still with the exporter in Germany and are expected here in Dubai on 6/30. So all pics of those are from him, and I based my selection on those fotos (as a non native English speaker, when is it a foto, when is it a picture, find myself using both)

[Swedgin]

It’s hard to pick a favorite among all those wilds. I just went through this thread oohing over one, then another. Your current set up is stunning. Can’t wait to see the new build.
Patty

Same here Patty. I was never much into solid reds, but after seeing those I obviously changed my mind. The Nhamunda are a particular favorite amongst the solid reds for me, I really like their shape.

[Swedgin]

Also, went shopping yesterday, and by that I mean I sat at our Vet Clinic’s reception and ordered through their wholesale supplier. It’s quite amazing to see the markup on some of these items, but average about 50%.

Ordered my lights, 4x 150cm Juwel Helialux 54w LED with matching lid flaps (One of the best aquaristics company in Germany). There are quite a few lights in the US that caught my eye, but voltage is an issue (110v vs 220/240)
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And the matching control units, they are great and have them on 2 of my 3 tanks, countless options, can set a different profile for each day etc, and easy to use
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Then I found some interesting filter media by Maxspect (Bio Sphere). Apparently each sphere has a surface area of 580 sqft. So got 10 kilos of those to stick in my Eheim 2260.
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Also a UV sterilizer from TMC in the UK, 110 watts actually made for ponds.
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I’ll either couple this to the Eheim or an FX6. BTW I chickened out of getting a sump, I just don’t trust them. My fear is that something does go wrong, it goes wrong badly. So I figured I stick to what has worked for me in the past. Rest assured it will be over filtered, as the combined volume of all canisters comes close to that of an actual sump.
But I’ll make a separate post on filtration a bit later

[Swedgin]

Got some bad news from the exporter in Germany, one of my ordered blue moon heckels died today. Shame, it was a stunning fish.
However, silver lining is that I will be replacing it with these 2:

Iripixi Heckel Cross
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And Cuipeua
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[Gabriel13]

Sorry to hear that. The replacement discus are very nice too.

[Swedgin]

Moved the 220 out of the room to it’s temporary location to make room for the aquarium builders, who now tell me they are delayed by a week. Anyway, everyone survived the move, few scratches here and there and a bit skittish, but everyone ate and looks healthy.
I always go heavy on the humin and fulvic after a move just to soothe their slime coat and low light.

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[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Tobi, when you mention humin and fulvic what exactly are these?
Pat

[Swedgin]

Hi Pat,

sorry I meant humic and fulvic acids. The blackwater rivers in the Amazon and elsewhere contain a lot of both. It seems controversial wether it has an actual effect, people are arguing if humic acid is more effective and necessary than fulvic acid and vice versa. There are commercial products made for aquarium use, mainly in Europe as far as I can tell. However I make my own from powders I ordered from the US, fully organic.

Now this is anecdotal evidence, but since I’ve started using it I’ve noticed more activity and better colors, especially the halos on the blues and the general appearance of the heckels. The heckels also are more active and eat better. Even my wife commented on how they changed positively.

I have yet to find unbiased research on tank kept fish or discus, but in my (so far limited) experience it has a positive overall health effect. The same can be achieved with IAL and alder cones, but due to the fact that the humic/fulvic dosage I add is very low, it has less of an effect on actual water chemistry than AIL and alder cones. I do use those in moderation as well though.

[Swedgin]

And the dosage for this tank was 20ml of 5% humic acid concentrate, so extremely low dose. It does fade after a while, especially when using UV.

[Swedgin]

That’s a view I could get used to. If it wasn’t for the chaos the whole tank moving business always brings with it.

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[sanjay21]

Tobi, I've followed your previous threads as well and your tanks are simply Stunning ! Best looking wilds, wish they sell such quality ones here in the US. Sorry to hear about the Heckel, replacement fish are super nice too.

Can't wait to see your project in action !

[Swedgin]

Tobi, I've followed your previous threads as well and your tanks are simply Stunning ! Best looking wilds, wish they sell such quality ones here in the US. Sorry to hear about the Heckel, replacement fish are super nice too.

Can't wait to see your project in action !

Thanks Sanjay, I’m really looking forward to seeing it when it’s done, too.

[Swedgin]

As for the background, I have narrowed it down to these 2, as the guys from aquadecor told me these models are made specifically for larger aquariums.

Any input which of these you would choose and why will be very welcome.

E8
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E15
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[Swedgin]

These guys will be moving into a new tank soon, and get some more company.
You can follow the progress here:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?132928-Tobi%92s-contest-thread-gt-650-gallon-build

Easier than copy pasting from this thread to here.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Tobi, I personally like the first one. The curves in the root structure is more pleasing to the eye. :)
Pat

[prittbotha]

E8 it reminds me of a mud bank with roots. Gives it a very natural feel.

[Swedgin]

Design wise I agree with both of you, I’m not 100% sure if the color would work.

[sanjay21]

I liked the E8 as well. I liked the color too ..

[Swedgin]

Construction of the stand/cabinet

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[Swedgin]

I just realized how to decide on the background.

E8 will be for the new tank
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And E15 will go in the current one which will then house the heckels.
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Also considering there is a small chance that I might be allowed to place both tanks in the same room, it would match nicely. So I’ll order the E15 tonight, that will then give me the opportunity to see the quality first Hand before I order the larger one (which will cost double).
I just need to decide if and how many of those standing logs to add. They complete the picture nicely I think

[Pardal]

Tobi
Your fish and tank are amazing, can't wait to see them with the backgrounds.

Julian

[Swedgin]

Tobi
Your fish and tank are amazing, can't wait to see them with the backgrounds.

Julian

Thank you Julian



Just received the UV unit, sweet baby Jesus. Pug for size reference. This thing will nuke just about anything

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[Swedgin]

Almost forgot:

5 P. scalare “Amapá” in QT since yesterday (will do some research on wether they are proper Amapá or not)

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Liz, in case you see this. What’s your opinion on these? Are these proper red backs? How far removed from f0 do you think these look? The faint middle bar on 2 of them concerns me a bit. From what I’ve seen on google etc they are usually quite prominent, even when younger. How old do you think they are?
Thank you

[Swedgin]

Added a few more to the quarantine today.

Excuse the picture quality, but the lighting is not helping.

3 Hypancistrus inspector
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and a group of 7 Corydoras arcuatus
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[Swedgin]

Also brought out the 120gal out of storage to clean and set up for the ze German arrivals in a couple weeks
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Still have to wash some sand, looking forward to that ��

[Swedgin]

And lastly, quick pic at feeding time of one of the pretties waiting for the new tank. Wonder what location this one is from, looks very unusual and different from the others.
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[Swedgin]

I’ve just confirmed my order with aquadecor for the 220 background. Ended up with the E3 Model as it’s one of the slimmest and I don’t want to loose too much depth as the tank is only 2ft deep.
Also added 3 extra logs which will reach into the center of the tank like roots. Then add a bit of real wood for the plecs and done.


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[Jack L]

E8
less fake looking

but if it protrudes a lot, makes sense going with the slimmer model

[Swedgin]

E8
less fake looking

but if it protrudes a lot, makes sense going with the slimmer model

Thanks for your feedback.

They are scheduled to show up tomorrow to glue the tank in the room. Assuming they finish I’ll have the exact inside measurements by then to place the order. Settled on the E8, also in part thanks to everyone’s feedback. Thanks guys.

Pics of glass work tomorrow then

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Tobi, they are building the tank in place?
Pat

[Swedgin]

Hi Tobi, they are building the tank in place?
Pat

Hi Pat,

they have to. When we designed the house we didn’t account for large aquaria to be squeezed through the front door.

The cabinet is due a few days later, so once leak testing is done I can start plumbing. In the meantime I have about 500lbs of pool filter sand to wash. Yay...

[Second Hand Pat]

WOW, what an endeavor...now washing 500 pounds on PFS...have fun with that. I think I would wash 100 pounds and see how far that goes.
Pat

[Swedgin]

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It has begun.
Sorry for the bad angle. That room is now more fishtank than office. Had to crop a lot to make the upload fit, but you get the idea

[sanjay21]

Damn! that looks awesome. Can't wait to see this one stocked.

[Swedgin]

Damn! that looks awesome. Can't wait to see this one stocked.

Well don’t hold your breath, both front and back panel were delivered with chipped corners. Bringing new glass tomorrow

[sanjay21]

Well don’t hold your breath, both front and back panel were delivered with chipped corners. Bringing new glass tomorrow

Ahh crap! sorry about that.

[Swedgin]

At least there is progress with the rest of the thing

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[Swedgin]

Just done a 20% wc for the soon to be moved lot, all scratches from netting are healed and they’re back to their former glory and nosyness.

118241

[Pices]

Love the colors in that top middle one.

[Swedgin]

Glass delivery delayed till Saturday. Welcome to the Middle East

[Swedgin]

ETA 9 days for the newbies, time to get the qt going. I’m adding a small canister for this week with uncycled media just to keep the water in motion and will just before they arrive add one of the 2180 from the blues. Might seem odd to some, but that’s usually how I do it. Every fish that enters the house will eventually have to live in the same environment as the existing stock. I should probably call this “holding” rather than quarantine. I know the source of the fish and know what they have been treated with since their arrival in Germany from Brazil, so infectious diseases are highly unlikely. Since it looks like it will be another month at least until the big move, they might as well get comfortable in here for the time being.
IAL and alder cones just added, will do the usual humic/fulvic addition closer to their arrival.

118242

[Swedgin]

Love the colors in that top middle one.

Yes, one of my favs as well. Here’s a better picture

118243

[goldfish]

Yes so bautiful

[Swedgin]

The exporter in Germany just sent me this video. He has separated all my fish into their own tank. Some nice ones in there


http://youtu.be/oIFWeuxT7FU

[Pices]

Be still my heart! :heart2: so beautiful! I bet you can hardly wait to get them and your tank. Shipping delays happen all too frequently here too.
Patty

[Swedgin]

Be still my heart! :heart2: so beautiful! I bet you can hardly wait to get them and your tank. Shipping delays happen all too frequently here too.
Patty

Hardly wait, or sleep. I must have watched that 23 second video 50 times now, no end in sight.

The fish shipment is still on schedule, all paperwork is at the stage it should be at this point.

If one of the mods could maybe embed the video into the post properly I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you

[Swedgin]

Yes so bautiful

Thanks, yes, I got lucky with this one. The more I look at my blues/reds the more I think they really really messed up the collection locations. In my opinion there are at least 4 different ones, yet claimed to be 2. This one and the other few reds look like from the Alenquer region, and the rest is anyone’s guess.

[Swedgin]

Gluing almost done, they’re doing the top bracing right now. At least I have the final measurements to order the background. As long as the background isn’t here there’s hardly anything I can do with the tank, as the background will determine where my plumbing goes exactly.

Because of the extensive top bracing we’ve added another 10 cm to the height, so that we end up with a viewing window of almost 1 meter. This technically brings up the tank volume to 720 gal.

How the hell we’re supposed to get this on the 1 meter high cabinet, I got no idea. There’s only room for so many people in that office.


118244

[LizStreithorst]

Liz, in case you see this. What’s your opinion on these? Are these proper red backs? How far removed from f0 do you think these look? The faint middle bar on 2 of them concerns me a bit. From what I’ve seen on google etc they are usually quite prominent, even when younger. How old do you think they are?
Thank you

I'm afraid I know nothing about wild Angels. To me they look beautiful.

[LizStreithorst]

Liz, in case you see this. What’s your opinion on these? Are these proper red backs? How far removed from f0 do you think these look? The faint middle bar on 2 of them concerns me a bit. From what I’ve seen on google etc they are usually quite prominent, even when younger. How old do you think they are?
Thank you

I'm afraid I know nothing about wild Angels. To me they look beautiful.

[LizStreithorst]

Glass delivery delayed till Saturday. Welcome to the Middle East

You shouldn't complain about delays. You are very lucky to be able to have all this work done for you by others.

[LizStreithorst]

Your project is amazing. I hope that you are never forced to move and have to leave that huge tank behind.

[Swedgin]

I hope that you are never forced to move and have to leave that huge tank behind.

Haha, exactly what I’m thinking. Before I placed the order I actually asked the boss if he’s planning to sack me anytime soon or if the company is moving to a different location (house is on site).

[Swedgin]

You shouldn't complain about delays. You are very lucky to be able to have all this work done for you by others.

But then I wouldn’t have anything to complain about. I’m German, it’s what we do...

[Swedgin]

This is what it looks like now with the bracing. Will leak test in 4-5 days.

I’ve calculated the weight, 600kg (560 without bracing). So 10 reasonably physically able people should get it onto the cabinet.


118245

[LizStreithorst]

But then I wouldn’t have anything to complain about. I’m German, it’s what we do...

I get it. It's genetic. We can't help it. My paternal grand parents were German and my mother was Irish. That's why I'm the Mama Bear. ;) BTW, If I had a tank like that I'd have fresh water Rays. I fell in love with them the first time I saw them but their space requirements make them impossible for me.

[Swedgin]

Rays are tempting, but for a fully grown one I don’t think the footprint will be enough, it’s quite narrow. I’m more of a pleco guy anyway, and once the 2 L114 are grown out there won’t be much room for a lot of bottom dwellers. But yes, if there was a species that stayed around a 4-5 inch diameter I’d have some in a heartbeat.

[Discluv]

The discus are, of course, stunning.
But, Im a pleco girl myself and that Orange Cheek ( l095) has been on my wish list for awhile. Love its gracefulness in the water, that almost prehistoric look, and the color.

[Swedgin]

The discus are, of course, stunning.
But, Im a pleco girl myself and that Orange Cheek ( l095) has been on my wish list for awhile. Love its gracefulness in the water, that almost prehistoric look, and the color.

Absolutely. The L095 is one of the 3 off my pleco bucket list. They’ crazy cool when they go up to the surface and skim floating food.

Up:
118246

Down:
118247

Shame I couldn’t get the blue eyed panaque into this shipment, that would have been number 2. Third is the L025, absolutely stunning animals. I’ll get there, and so will you with the L095

[Pices]

Oh my gosh those fish are to die for and that pleco. Now I know what you and discluv are talking about. Wow to everything. If you need someone to feed and take care of that tank, sign me up. I’ll also be the office drooler cleaner upper for no extra charge. That will probably be a full time job in itself. Wow
Patty

[goldfish]

Impressive display

[Swedgin]

Oh my gosh those fish are to die for and that pleco. Now I know what you and discluv are talking about. Wow to everything. If you need someone to feed and take care of that tank, sign me up. I’ll also be the office drooler cleaner upper for no extra charge. That will probably be a full time job in itself. Wow
Patty

Haha, I'll keep you in mind, thanks.

Funnily enough, whenever my wife and I go on a vacation for longer than 3 or 4 days we have to get a house sitter to take care of all the finned, winged and 4 legged kids. Usually my Mom or brother, they don't complain about a free holiday in Dubai in the Autumn when the weather is nice and you can actually go outside and not be burned from the heat or soaked from the humidity.


Impressive display

Thanks very much




Just placed the order for the background from AquaDecor, went with the E8 as previously discussed, and added 5 of their standing logs as well. Have a look on their social media, there is one tank which only has the logs and virtually nothing else and it still looks awesome. I guess by the time it gets here for installation will be the end of July. My ultimate aim here time wise is to be able to show a proper, settled picture of the whole setup to finish off this thread. fingers crossed

[Swedgin]

Quite the contrast. Blue tank vs blue discus

118248

[Swedgin]

Let’s talk plants for a minute. I’ve never been a fan of planted tanks, just a personal preference. However I always use some sort of floater or emerged plants with their roots in the water for water quality.

So this tank will be no different, there will be a ton of pothos all the way in the back, left to right. I’ve been trying for ages to get some Ceratophyllum as floaters for the blues, but no luck here.

I’m also contemplating adding one or 2 big submerged plants, suspects here are Lotus and Echinodorus. I’m a bit worried though that it will change the look of the tank too much, drawing too much attention to the huge bright green, or in the case of lotus reddish, brute of a plant. The idea of a lotus growing all the way above the water column though intrigues me.

What to do?

[sanjay21]

Quite the contrast. Blue tank vs blue discus

116372

I got no words here... simply stunning ! :D

[Jack L]

if chipped corners weren't structural issue... i'd be tempted to negotiate a discount, you could then use that savings towards stocking.

[Swedgin]

if chipped corners weren't structural issue... i'd be tempted to negotiate a discount, you could then use that savings towards stocking.

They would have been, the way they were chipped. Even if not obviously, in my opinion a tank that size has to be built perfectly. Else I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Last thing I want is to worry wether it’s gonna hold or not. Same for the stand. I had them build it for at least double the tonnage.

[Swedgin]

New lot coming tomorrow night, am really excited. Hope all goes well, but they’ll only be in the boxes for about 24hrs.

Qt is ready, waiting for inhabitants:

118249

[Swedgin]

Ready to go to the airport

118250

[Pices]

That looks like a lot of fish Tobi! How many you got there?
Patty

[Swedgin]

That looks like a lot of fish Tobi! How many you got there?
Patty

Only 3 boxes are mine, the fourth belongs to my co conspirator here. There’s 20 discus and 7 L plecos for me and 5 discus for him.
15 of those 20 are for the new tank, plus 4 heckels and one green for the other setups.

[Discluv]

Im just as excited to see those pleco's as the discus :)

[Swedgin]

Im just as excited to see those pleco's as the discus :)

Me, too. I’ll post some pics once they’ve settled a bit

[Pices]

Fingers crossed for you today Tobi. Hope all your fish have a good flight and make it safe and sound.
Patty

[Swedgin]

Sneak peek, more later
118251

[Swedgin]

One of the Paraconi

118252

[Swedgin]

And one of the Iripixi, some are already looking for food, pecking at the alder cones. Will start them off with some blood worms in the afternoon, then higher quality food once they’re a bit more acclimated.

118253

[Discluv]

gorgeous fish!

[Swedgin]

Prepare for about a hundred random shots in the next couple days. Probably all I’m gonna do in my spare time. I’m over the moon with the way this went and how they are doing. One of the blue moon heckels is beyond gorgeous, but since not relevant to this thread, it’ll show up elsewhere.


118254

[Swedgin]

First round of bloodworms went down a treat

118255
118256
118257

[Swedgin]

I’m sorry, but you’ll have to make me stop
118258

[Swedgin]

Here’s the LDA31, all others are hiding.

118259

[goldfish]

The best looking discus that money can buy! Excellent colorful discus.

[Pices]

I’m sorry, but you’ll have to make me stop
116435

Don’t stop-keep them coming! Beautiful-can’t wait to see more. Glad everything went as planned. What shipping company did you use?
Patty

[Swedgin]

Don’t stop-keep them coming! Beautiful-can’t wait to see more. Glad everything went as planned. What shipping company did you use?
Patty

Don’t worry I won’t stop. Until I get kicked out for taking up too much storage space on Al’s server.

The flight was with Lufthansa, and the other guy I got them in with organized the actual import, so I was just piggybacking.

I’ve got a nice video of them feeding and doing stuff, but I posted one here less than a week ago, so would be against the rules to post it today I guess. If it’s allowed I’ll share my instagram handle, the vid can be found there

[LizStreithorst]

The fish and the tank set-up is stunning.

[Swedgin]

Second day, still everything perfect. I’ve restrained myself from sitting in front of them for too long, but still manages to get some decent shots. The 190 Heckel tank is directly opposite, so unfortunately there is some reflection here and there

Who’s bright idea was it to include plecos in this shipment ??
118260


FTS of the day
118261

The only Cuipeua in the group. Still got a lot of growing to do, one of the smallest in there
118262

Young royal, expecting a lot of color from this one in the future
118263

Another royal, already bigger than the other one, but still young with lots of potential
118264


The third royal, with a nice thick center bar
118265

[Swedgin]

And some of the Semi Royals

This one is always in the thick of it, nosiest one in there
118266

This one has an awesome shape, very round
118267

Nice centre bar (you may have noticed, I’ve got a bit of a centre bar fetish)
118268

When I first saw pictures of this one during the selection I thought he was much smaller than he actually is, pleasantly surprised.
118269

[Pices]

I love them all, but what is the first one? The nosy one? He/she is awesome.
Patty

[Swedgin]

I love them all, but what is the first one? The nosy one? He/she is awesome.
Patty

That’s also one of the Iripixi. It seems they have a wide range of phenotypes. Some look very close to Cuipeuas, some more like “Alenquers”, and then the Ica and Heckel crosses. All over the place. At least I can tell everyone apart that way very easily

[sanjay21]

I will never be bored to watch updates on these guys :D Thank you for taking time and posting all these awesome updates man !

[Swedgin]

I will never be bored to watch updates on these guys :D Thank you for taking time and posting all these awesome updates man !

I’ll keep them coming, don’t you worry ��

The reds are getting redder, this is one of the Nhamunda. Love the shape
118270


This one surprised me right out of the box, real dark horse. Didn’t expect much when I chose him but really getting into this one. Shame he’s showing a bit of bar on the picture, without me doodling around in front of the tank only the 3rd and 4th are pronounced, will catch that eventually.
118271


This shot shows the contrast between the reds and the rest quite nicely. No filters etc, just lucky with the light in that second
118272

[Swedgin]

FTS for the day:

118273

[Swedgin]

Just got this during feeding. The other Nhamunda Red. They’re starting to like the Blackworms, so I can stop feeding those candy apple bloodworms. First feed of the day the Blackworms are enriched with some fish vitamins.

118274

[Pices]

Oooh la la! I keep coming back to see more of these. Are you going to deworm and treat them once they’ve recovered from the trip?

[Swedgin]

Oooh la la! I keep coming back to see more of these. Are you going to deworm and treat them once they’ve recovered from the trip?

Only when I see something wrong with them. They have been treated more than enough in the previous facilities, first in Brazil and then in Germany. Flukes, Flagellates and worms have been taken care of, anything else comes in the future I’ll have to deal with it then

[Pices]

Thanks. I was just wondering if it’s the same here. I’m not sure, maybe it depends on the seller, but I think people in US deworm and treat for those nasties. Great then, we’ll get to see them in the big tank sooner. :)

[Swedgin]

Well on this platform I can admit that I’m looking at their poop very carefully. Try bringing that up in a normal conversation. So far all looks good, color and consistency just the way we like it, and breathing properly with both sides.

Unfortunately I don’t think it would have had an impact time wise. They just finished gluing yesterday. They said they’re coming on Thursday to clean the silicone up and leak test it, then Saturday the cabinet is due. We’ll see.

So by Sunday if everything goes well I should be able to start playing around with the plumbing, but can’t fix anything properly as I have to wait for the background to get here. Earliest that gets here is end of July, which is me being optimistic. They said they should finish production on the 11th, then 2-3 weeks shipping. Apparently it’s too big and heavy to get it couriered, unless I want to spend a fortune on shipping alone. Then I’d rather wait.

My hands are basically tied at the moment, but that at least gives me the chance to look after the new imports even more extensively than I would otherwise. Sitting in front of them for literally hours, but always have to wait till it gets dark outside to take some pictures.

[Swedgin]

Today’s FTS

118275

[Swedgin]

Meet Blondie (bright yellow eyes depending on mood), looking good tonight.

118276

[Pices]

That’s a good name. She’s a beauty! I hope all goes well with the test leak and cabinet. I’m getting excited to see it. I can’t imagine your own excitement (and worry). These fish are a great distraction though.:o
Patty

[Swedgin]

That’s a good name. She’s a beauty! I hope all goes well with the test leak and cabinet. I’m getting excited to see it. I can’t imagine your own excitement (and worry). These fish are a great distraction though.:o
Patty

If the leak test goes well we’re halfway there. Not much that can go wrong after that, unless we drop the tank whilst trying to get it on the cabinet.

My wife flew to Germany for the weekend, and as soon as I knew I bombarded her with online orders to bring back. Liquids are a pain to have shipped due to cost and leakage potential. So I stocked up on some things, mostly minerals, vitamins, bit of food and some other health boosters. I think most of these are pretty much “endemic” to Germany or Europe. Got some Catappa bark tubes as well, using them as pleco caves. They’ve got a great natural look.

All of these, except the minerals of course, are added to the food, so the supply should last a good while.

118277

[Swedgin]

This is what they look like with some daylight in the room. More reflection, but also better colors.

118278

If you look at the bottom right, by the air stone, you can see blondie’s psycho yellow eye.

The tube light in the tank is just a cheap generic one from the hardware store, just wanted light in there, didn’t care about color temperature etc just for a holding tank.

And also, we have reached the hand feeding stage. Thank you, freeze dried Blackworms...

[thomaswal]

I love your tanks and your fish!
If possible, I'd be interested in knowing how you prepare your food with all these ingredients and if there's a specific reason for each of them ;)

:)

[Swedgin]

I love your tanks and your fish!
If possible, I'd be interested in knowing how you prepare your food with all these ingredients and if there's a specific reason for each of them ;)

:)

Thank you Thomas ��

Out of the supplements shown I have so far only been using the Aquakraut and the JBL vitamins. The reason I started using these 2 was that the diet I was feeding at the time basically only consisted of FDBW.
Once they were hooked it was almost impossible to get them to eat pellets, flakes and even frozen foods. So to avoid deficiencies I started adding those.
The Aquakraut is a mixture of a load of natural herbs with different synergistic properties, I’ll pop the German text into a translator in a bit to show what’s in it as I don’t know half the English names for most of the plants.
I use it once a day usually on the second or third feed, letting whatever food I use at the time pickle in it for 10 mins. Subjectively it has helped the fish accepting non blackworm foods, especially granules.
The vitamins go on the first feed daily, just a couple drops on the blackworm cubes, and as soon as it’s soaked up they go in the tank.

The other stuff I bought is also new to me, but all can be used as food additives as well as into the water. Same goes for the vitamins and kraut, but with the water volume in my tanks it wouldn’t make sense economically.

The small orange bottle is Preis V-Power, less of a vitamin supplement but contains omega 3, ginger, propolis, gingko, ginseng and garlic.

Another one new to me is the lacto vital which contains several grain extracts, trace elements and vitamins and is supposed to aid in digestion.

The main reason for putting it on the food rather than in the water though is the fact that wild discus in their natural habitats get virtually all their macro and micro nutrients through their food and very little if any at all through the water, which has basically no or little solids dissolved.

However I am not planning to use every product every day, too much is probably just as bad as too little. they have started taking the granules better now so the lobsided nutrition is coming to an end and since I’m mixing about 10 different types of granules they will be able to get more out of those than just plain blackworms.

[Swedgin]

Another pic, just because

Love his pearl spots

118279

[Swedgin]

Here’s the translation for the Aquakraut, too much to type, used google translate, so some funny grammar in there probably


Aqua Herb

A natural care product for ornamental fish, suitable for freshwater aquariums and ponds

1. ingredients

Aqua-herb consists of specially selected and gently won essences of herbs, leaves and fruits (including almond leaves, yarrow, marigold, ginkgo, garlic, aloe vera, raspberry leaves, basil, lady's mantle, St. John's wort, dandelion, oranges, onions, rose hips, hawthorn, Parsley, stinging nettle leaves, walnut leaves, lemon balm leaves, grapevine, chamomile flowers, plantain, elderberry, borage, lime blossom, peppermint, verbena, rosemary, thyme, hyssop, lovage), which are mixed and filtered in a special process

2nd mode of action

Some components of Aqua herb (e.g., garlic, aloe vera, or almond leaves) have been known for some time for their antibacterial and mucosal protective effects (see publications in the Discus Brief, DWR Publishing, or Discus Annuals).
So we find the garlic now almost in every feed mixture, aloe vera in water conditioners and almond leaves in their purest form and as granules similar to teabags in antifungal agents.
Other ingredients such as sheep, onions or dandelions are new in the aquarium area, but have been used successfully in other species for some time and help the immune system.
So Lovage, yarrow, dandelion, rose hips, oranges, thyme, rosemary soothes digestive problems, inflammation of the digestive tract and stimulate the appetite. The role played by ingredients such as flavonoids and coumarins has long been known in human medicine and is also used successfully there. Just think of the "famous" chamomile tea!
The anti-inflammatory effects of nettle leaves, marigolds or St. John's wort are also known, as are the beneficial effects of tannins in lady's mantle, walnut leaf or peppermint.
All of these properties have been combined in aqua-weed and have a positive effect on the fish organism, the immune system and thus also on the well-being of the fish, irrespective of whether those components are consumed by water or food, with ingestion via the diet in most cases probably the more effective option.

3. Applications

Aqua-cabbage can be fed to the fish both via water and via food. The applications should be preventive weekly. For water application, add 20 ml per week to 100 liters of aquarium water. Are the animals very stressed z.b. by turf fights or brood care you give 30 ml to 100 liters, as well as you should choose this dosage in adolescent juveniles. When feeding through the diet, the impregnation of dry food, especially Tubifex FD and Artemia FD, but also of flake food, with two drops of Aqua herb twice a week has been proven. Fish that already show faeces in the gastrointestinal tract due to their white faeces should be treated daily with a processed feed until the faeces have a normal color and consistency again.
Applications via the water and via the feed can be easily combined.
In the test phase, which lasted over a year, it was shown that, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, there was another positive effect that was not explicitly intended: feed, which had previously been taken rather hesitantly or not at all, was eaten without problems after adding a few drops of aqua herb.

[Swedgin]

If you don’t hear from me tomorrow I’ll be busy wiping up 650 gallons of water.

118280

[Swedgin]

Meanwhile..... 5th feed today

118281

[Pices]

Well that’s a cliff hanger! Sleep well tonight. Ha ha
Patty

[thomaswal]

Thank you Thomas ��

Out of the supplements shown I have so far only been using the Aquakraut and the JBL vitamins. [...Some interesting information...] just plain blackworms.

Thanks for the info!

[Swedgin]

Rock solid. Thank god, no drama as with the last one. A

[Swedgin]

Meh, celebrated too early. Got some moisture enclosed between front and bottom panel. So tomorrow front panel is coming off and gets redone. Same thing happened with my 325, in the end it took 5 months from order to setting it up. Hope this time round it won’t take as long.

On a positive note, it seems there is already a pair forming in the qt, one of the Iripixi and one Nhamunda red are hitting it off, defending a whole third of the tank. Not so fun for the others, but hey, gotta find a silver lining somewhere.

[Swedgin]

I don’t think I have given this one a proper feature yet, Iripixi solid. Very nice shape

118282
118283

And just for fun: I can only imagine the colours photographed with a decent camera
118284

[Swedgin]

The elusive Ica, really hard to get a proper picture of this one, always in the wrong place at the wrong time
118285

And more blue:
118286

[Swedgin]

Sorry about the reflection, but here is one of the Panaquolus albomaculatus (LDA31)
118287

Unfortunately all the other plecos are still in hiding during the day. But they’ll get there eventually

[Swedgin]

Quite the size difference between the Nhamunda on the left and the Cuipeua. Both stunners in their own right
118288

I was supposed to get a workout in today, but instead “wasted” my time looking at fish. Well done Tobi

[Swedgin]

Last one for today, I promise. Part of the cleanup crew, C. arcuatus (Skunk Cory)
118289

[Jack L]

looks great

[Swedgin]

Of course I’m not forgetting about the old crew, but it’s virtually impossible to get a proper picture, they’re always begging
118290

[Swedgin]

So we’ve resealed the front of the tank, letting it cure for a week, means leak testing again coming Sunday. To bridge the time I might get into what I have in mind for filtration in the coming days. Spoiler alert, it’s gonna be canisters again


In the meantime please admire my inability to take decent pictures of one of my favorite fish. Enjoy:
118291

[Pices]

Wow! I think that’s also my favorite, but I admit I’m fickle. Definitely a prize fish.
Patty

[Swedgin]

Wow! I think that’s also my favorite, but I admit I’m fickle. Definitely a prize fish.
Patty

Haha, same here, too many nice ones to choose from.

Anyway, Aquadecor finished the background for this tank, should get shipped soon.

118292

118293

[Swedgin]

Got the bugger after all. Both sides even

118294
118295

[Swedgin]

Another one of my “special” ones from the older stock. Got lucky with this one, too.
118296


Can’t wait to finally mix all the blues and reds together in the new setup.

[Swedgin]

Been a while, unfortunately nothing new to report, we’re Still letting the silicone cure until tomorrow, a whole 2 weeks to be safe. Hopefully we can test again in a few days and start getting serious after that. I estimate the background to arrive some time around the 30th, and then we’ll get onto the home stretch. The longer it takes the more cramped the fish look in holding (they’re not, just my perception), but I hope to be able to move them into the new tank within the next 3 weeks. Will be using all their cycled media in the filters, so no waiting on that front at least. I’ll get some pics to keep this halfway interesting for anyone following.

[Swedgin]

Progress.
Cabined has been delivered. Need some touch ups here and there, but looks solid.

Tank is filled and hopefully nothing nasty comes up in the next few days. It’s virtually impossible to get everything on camera, as the room is too small. I tried to do a size comparison picture with a fully grown, 6’3 240lbs Tobi, but it’s not working, will have to wait until the tank is on the cabinet.

118297
118298
118299

[Disgirl]

Wow, that is a huge tank! How long did it take to fill with 2 hoses? Which room is it going into when all finished? I will keep my eyes on this thread to see how it goes. Thanks for the pics!
Barb

[Second Hand Pat]

WOW...what a beast that tank is Tobi. It will be amazing once setup. How it is lifted off the floor?
Pat

[fljones3]

I have loved the progress! Love the tank. However, as a book lover -- the shelving is amazing. :)

[sanjay21]

What a beast of a tank that is ! I can't wait to see fish swimming in that massive space. Wilds deserve that space :)

[jeep]

I've been trying to catch up on all these contest posts. So far, I really enjoy watching your progression with this build!

[Pices]

Tobi, this is such a huge undertaking, but you are so cool and calm throughout this process. How long have you been keeping discus? Wilds? I have a hundred other questions, but at the risk of being nosy, I’ll just ask those 2 now. This is an amazing and exciting thread to say the least. Where did you acquire your knowledge on this hobby?
Patty

[snxtif]

I tried to do a size comparison picture with a fully grown, 6’3 240lbs Tobi, but it’s not working, will have to wait until the tank is on the cabinet.


AWESOME!, no sign of stunting at all.
Must have been kept in pristine condition I presume!

Joking aside, my dream tank would look exactly like this!

[Swedgin]

Wow, that is a huge tank! How long did it take to fill with 2 hoses? Which room is it going into when all finished? I will keep my eyes on this thread to see how it goes. Thanks for the pics!
Barb

Hi Barb,

it will stay in the room it's currently in, just need to get it on the cabinet. Cabinet is already in the right spot, bit of tweaking a few inches but that's it. We'll move the book cases further up, so the last one doesn't get hidden behind the tank

It filled up fairly quickly. 30 mins maybe. this was just tap water, from 2 independent supply pumps

WOW...what a beast that tank is Tobi. It will be amazing once setup. How it is lifted off the floor?
Pat


I have loved the progress! Love the tank. However, as a book lover -- the shelving is amazing. :)

Yes thanks, we love them, too. If I got this right the fronts are made out of old Indian door frames. When we got here 13 years ago the shops were full of these, but these days you can hardly find any, the furniture style here has changed dramatically, much more modern.


What a beast of a tank that is ! I can't wait to see fish swimming in that massive space. Wilds deserve that space :)

100% with you Sanjay. Proper work will start this week end, hopefully by next weekend it should be ready for the fish.


I've been trying to catch up on all these contest posts. So far, I really enjoy watching your progression with this build!

Thanks Brian, there's quite a few great threads in the contest, I hope people keep them going till the end.


Tobi, this is such a huge undertaking, but you are so cool and calm throughout this process. How long have you been keeping discus? Wilds? I have a hundred other questions, but at the risk of being nosy, I’ll just ask those 2 now. This is an amazing and exciting thread to say the least. Where did you acquire your knowledge on this hobby?
Patty

Fire away Patty, I don't mind any questions at all. After all that's what the forum is about.

Honestly I'm not that cool and calm at all, I just try to contain myself on the forum. My wife's ears are bleeding from my constant fish talk. I literally warn her by now when I'm about to start so she can brace herself and cancel the next few hours in her schedule. She's the luckiest woman alive :) :)

I've been keeping discus on and off for 20 years, so started at 16. At 18 I moved abroad and didn't have a chance to set something up until I moved back to Germany. We had a discus tank then, which we closed down when we moved out here.

Then I tried to start a tank back up (we brought 2 190gal with us from Ger when we moved), but it was impossible to find halfway decent discus. So I stuck to oscars, as I m a huge SA cichlid fan, not just discus.

The wilds came beginning of last year, by sheer luck the local pet shop imported their first direct shipment from Brazil, which contained 12 green and 12 heckels. They arrived in a horrible state and I didn't think many would make it. So after a week of intensive treatments they had 6 greens and 8 heckels left and I bought them all. A few months later they got more in, blues and greens, and all my stock had been made up from those 2 imports until I got my own shipment a few weeks ago.

My knowledge? I've said this before somewhere I think, but whatever I know comes from either trial and error, making things up as I go along, and READING as much as I can. I can hand on heart honestly say that if it had not been for Simply I likely would not have dared take on wilds at all. Also Heiko Blehers books are invaluable in my opinion, wether you like him or not, but the knowledge he has compiled in his books and magazines is amazing. I highly recommend his literature.


AWESOME!, no sign of stunting at all.
Must have been kept in pristine condition I presume!

Joking aside, my dream tank would look exactly like this!

Bit of an iffy start but caught up eventually, once the growout diet was changed from vegetables to pizza.

Thanks though, I just hope it all works out and it will be my actual dream tank as planned

[Swedgin]

WOW...what a beast that tank is Tobi. It will be amazing once setup. How it is lifted off the floor?
Pat

Sorry Pat,

missed to answer this. We’re doing it in an hour. There’s 14 of us. We’ll try to get it off the floor onto 4x4s and then with belts a bit further up. Then we’ll see....

Picture of finished placing, broken backs or broken tank to come soon...

[Swedgin]

We did it. The most difficult part was actually not the lifting, but getting the rubber mat into place. Will post more latr, but the major work has been done, now the fun begins...

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[plecocicho]

My knowledge? I've said this before somewhere I think, but whatever I know comes from either trial and error, making things up as I go along, and READING as much as I can. I can hand on heart honestly say that if it had not been for Simply I likely would not have dared take on wilds at all. Also Heiko Blehers books are invaluable in my opinion, wether you like him or not, but the knowledge he has compiled in his books and magazines is amazing. I highly recommend his literature.





And probably Mayland books and espcially german Diskus Brief, the best magazine on discus in the world. The tank is a bomb. And a nightmare if you get some disease in it. But so far your discu seem quite healthy.

[Pices]

Thanks for answering my questions Tobi. Looking at all your fish I would never have guessed that any of them ever had a bad day. Incredible what you’ve done. I don’t know about your wife,(she sounds like a saint) but I’d definitely say your fish are the luckiest in the world. I’m excited and I’m an ocean away, you must be off the Richter Scale with excitement!
Waiting with “baited” breath,
Patty

[Pices]

And probably Mayland books and espcially german Diskus Brief, the best magazine on discus in the world. The tank is a bomb. And a nightmare if you get some disease in it. But so far your discu seem quite healthy.
Thanks for the info both of you. I’m going to check into these books/ mags. Like any hobby (obsession might be a better word) the more I learn, the more I want to learn. So thanks again.
Patty
Patty

[snxtif]

Picture of finished placing, broken backs or broken tank to come soon...


Excited audiences!



We did it.


Disappointed audiences!

lol, good job though

[Swedgin]

And probably Mayland books and espcially german Diskus Brief, the best magazine on discus in the world. The tank is a bomb. And a nightmare if you get some disease in it. But so far your discu seem quite healthy.

Yes, all good literature.

What’s this “disease” you are talking about? :)


Thanks for answering my questions Tobi. Looking at all your fish I would never have guessed that any of them ever had a bad day. Incredible what you’ve done. I don’t know about your wife,(she sounds like a saint) but I’d definitely say your fish are the luckiest in the world. I’m excited and I’m an ocean away, you must be off the Richter Scale with excitement!
Waiting with “baited” breath,
Patty

She is, Patty. Not just regarding the fish. I’ve been told once or twice I’m not easy to live with. I agree


Excited audiences!



Disappointed audiences!

lol, good job though

Sorry to disappoint. It’s amazing what a few good friends can achieve when baited with burgers and beer.

But man, this is a lot of work, I should be able to finish all the silicone inside the tank today, then have to let it cure for a good 3 days. In the meantime I’m almost there with filtration, pipes are all cut and glued, just need to connect the hoses. Tank needs a good cleaning inside though, my silicone game is NOT on point. Just hope it won’t show in the end.

Will update tonight with some pics

[Swedgin]

Still chipping away at it. The worst part is getting in and out of the tank, and I bet if someone took a video it would go viral....

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[Swedgin]

Should be able to finish the plumbing tomorrow and get back up in there to clean up excess silicone etc. the standing kogs are places, just the thickest one in the middle not yet as I’m unsure where to put it. If it doesn’t fit I’ll leave it out. Any suggestions welcome.
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[Second Hand Pat]

Tobi, first it is going to look awesome. :D On the straight logs, I suggest you place them at a slant so they merge in with the background...just a thought!!
Pat

[Swedgin]

Tobi, first it is going to look awesome. :D On the straight logs, I suggest you place them at a slant so they merge in with the background...just a thought!!
Pat

Thanks Pat. We tried that, but it looked too “forced” or obvious. The 4 thinner ones are already glued down and will stay there, they hide a lot of the piping etc.

The tick log I think I found a solution and it is actually slanted like you said, but have to see what it looks like under water. Which will be tonight, just cleaning up the rest of the silicone.

I hope my pipe work holds up on the pond filter, lots of union joints.

Will update later or go to bed crying....

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[Pices]

This is so exciting! I can hardly wait for updates. I think it’s looking really good so far, even the straight ones to the right look natural. I’m reminded of Jenene’s quote by W.C. Fields, “You can’t trust water, even a straight stick looks bent in it.” I probably misquoted him, but you get the idea anyway. Try not to worry and maybe take your wife out for a nice dinner. You both earned it!
Patty

[Swedgin]

Try not to worry and maybe take your wife out for a nice dinner.
Patty

Nah, she got flowers a couple months ago. She’s good

[Second Hand Pat]

Hope you didn't go to bed crying Tobi :)
Pat

[sanjay21]

Though I'm not replying much here, just want to say this thread is so much fun to follow. Enjoyed every updates on the tank :) Can't wait to see it completed. Love the 3d background !
I always wondered how to circulate the water trapped behind the background, do you use anything for circulating the water ?

[Swedgin]

Sorry, been working stiff. Will answer and update properly in a few hours.
Teaser pic for now:
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[Swedgin]

Sorry guys,

work got in the middle of it. Anyway, the Discus are moving in today, a group of 25 Corydoras trilineatus are already swimming around in there.

So hopefully proper update tonight.

[Swedgin]

Hope you didn't go to bed crying Tobi :)
Pat

I did, almost. But from exhaustion rather than anything else. As fun as it is, it took more out of me than I expected.


Though I'm not replying much here, just want to say this thread is so much fun to follow. Enjoyed every updates on the tank :) Can't wait to see it completed. Love the 3d background !
I always wondered how to circulate the water trapped behind the background, do you use anything for circulating the water ?

Thanks Sanjay, appreciate that.

As for circulation behind the background, 2 of the filters have their outlets turned half into the tank and half into the background. I also have an extra pump I can turn on to move anything behind in the direction of the filter intakes, should any nasty bits accumulate.

Like expected with a newly set up tank, cloudy water and less than happy fish. Tomorrow is a new day and they will be a lot happier

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The angels are already back to their usual bullying, seems the dominant pair can’t help themselves.

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The cories don’t seem to care much, either.

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I’ll update tomorrow with some less cloudy water and less sulky fish.

[Spidy]

A pic with you in front might help give us a sense of scale also.

[Swedgin]

A pic with you in front might help give us a sense of scale also.

I’m too shy. I’ll stick someone else in front of it. Place is still a mess, and I’ve got 2 more tanks to finish

[megatrev62]

Dream tank.

[Swedgin]

Still far from what I’m envisioning, but at least the fish are more active, some still bruised from the catching unfortunately. I way overdid the alder cones and IAL, so the water is a lot darker than I ever wanted. Everything and everyone is brown.

I did however get lucky and my lfs got some interesting fish in, so I’ve reserved a few, mostly Corydoras (davidsandsi, duplicareus, weitzmani, CW010 and really happy about the CW124), also one L264 and 2 L333 “Xingu”.

I’m still debating wether to add tetras, only choice here would be cardinals, and they got a load of large ones in, as well. I think I’ll go for them, they should add a nice contrast.

As mentioned, way darker than it should be and will be:
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[Second Hand Pat]

I think it is perfect Tobi and well worth the effort :D
Pat

[sanjay21]

This is worth the wait !! I love the tank! so much room for the fish :)

[Pices]

Oh my! It is everything I imagined it would be and more! I’ll be watching for more of this unveiling.
Patty

[Filip]

Great biotope tank Tobi. It was well worthed the effort

[Swedgin]

This is worth the wait !! I love the tank! so much room for the fish :)


Oh my! It is everything I imagined it would be and more! I’ll be watching for more of this unveiling.
Patty


Great biotope tank Tobi. It was well worthed the effort


Thanks guys, appreciate the kind words. But as mentioned, nowhere near where it’s supposed to be at some point.
I’m having a hard time finding the right plants, everyone is out of stock.

However, I’ve just come home with some new fish which will go in there after some preemptive treatment and qt:

120 Cardinal Tetras
20 Corydoras davidsandsi
20 Corydoras duplicareus
9 C124
2 L333
1 L264

Also 10 CW010 for the greens tank

[fljones3]

Thanks guys, appreciate the kind words. But as mentioned, nowhere near where it’s supposed to be at some point.
I’m having a hard time finding the right plants, everyone is out of stock.

However, I’ve just come home with some new fish which will go in there after some preemptive treatment and qt:

120 Cardinal Tetras
20 Corydoras davidsandsi
20 Corydoras duplicareus
9 CW124
2 L333
1 L264

Also 10 CW010 for the greens tank

Seeing this brought up a question. With so many new fish, do you QT all in one tank or do you separate by fish type?
BTW, I look forward to your posts. Beautiful tanks and design.

[Swedgin]

Seeing this brought up a question. With so many new fish, do you QT all in one tank or do you separate by fish type?
BTW, I look forward to your posts. Beautiful tanks and design.

Hi Frank,

yes, they are all in the same tank. I removed the heckels from their 190g yesterday, which still has a few cycled filters running. My way of quarantine in this case and most others is that I expose the new fish to my existing environment, but make sure once in they stay separated from all other established stock, i.e. different hoses, nets etc.

When it’s not discus but small dithers like this I like to strike preemptively and treat them with a broad spectrum medication, in this case Esha 2000, to be safe. Once they finished treatment and look fine a week after that, they can go into their destination tank(s).

“Quarantine “ looks like this in my house:

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[fljones3]

I love it. Even the QT looks fantastic. Thanks Swedgin!

[Swedgin]

Some of the fish in the qt right now

L091
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C124
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C. duplicareus on the left, CW010 on the right
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C. davidsandsi on the right
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[JamesW]

Not many tanks make discus look undersized for their environment! Holy cow that is a big tank!!!

[Spidy]

So, are you saying you wouldn't use Esha 2000 with Discus?

[Swedgin]

So, are you saying you wouldn't use Esha 2000 with Discus?

I have never used Esha 2000 on Discus (yet), but simply because when I had issues with the discus it was usually a specific infection/parasite which I would deal with using the specific medication for that.

To be honest if I was thinking of using 2000 with discus I would check as many reviews and forum reports etc to see if there are potential issues.

I have had excellent results with Esha Hexamita in my discus though.

[Swedgin]

Little feeding video. Hope the quality is alright, I’m doing all this with my phone and half the time I have no clue.

http://youtu.be/t53bUMqlg6w

And some pics
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And this :)
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[Second Hand Pat]

Well, that didn't take long lol :D Fish and tank look fantastic!!
Pat