Ok....finally got a photobucket acct

[Niblet]

We just set the 120 up a little over a week ago. Got the tank and stand from Glasscages. I enjoy tinkering as much as John, so I finished the stand and he did all the plumbing. Not the best quality shots, but fish are hard. I know the electric blue ballon rams aren't everyone's cup of tea....but I adore my 2. Hope to add better shots of the discus soon.....and will prob replace the big mopani with another piece of manzanita from manzanita driftwood...it's actually ordered.


http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/Elecbluerambal.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/Tank2.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/Tank1.jpg

[Eddie]

Nice fish Fran!

[Trier20]

Love the set up!


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?k3z0fv
-Brandon

[nabilbb]

nice

[shoveltrash]

your tank is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!
love the ironwork on the front too. and that blue ram is just the cutest thing :D

btw your fish photos are MUCH better than mine LOLOL

(I love the yellow Discus, what strain is it?)

[Teshi]

Your tank is gorgeous! One day I'll get something bigger.

[fullmonti]

Love the Ram. Can't wait to see closer photos of your Discus & some of the setup.

[Niblet]

Thanks for the comments, couldn't have gotten this far without SD! I have been frustrated with my shots....and, we got the fish before I discovered SD, so can honestly say these might not have been the fish we would have chosen if I had studied a bit more. We have no interest in breeding, but I am a long term successful breeder in other venues, so now my choices are bugging me a bit. I drove down to Hans's....he is less than an hour from me. Thoroughly enjoyed the visit and especially him. I can only imagine what he was thinking when I chose the little FlachenxSS because she had such a BIG lovely eye.....sigh...it's the truth. Anyway, Hans chose the last of the group - the PSS (I think that's what it's called - the big red/wh one). I guess it's pretty obvious who did the best pickin'! I have to admit the mixed colors are bothering me a bit. Still uncertain if I will make any changes. They have been incredibly healthy.....we made LOTS of newbie mistakes and they have weathered them all....that alone is amazing. There has also been pretty regular spawning activity. Eggs are laid and eaten, which siuts me just fine. I was actually thinking about having a tank of all boys or vice versa, but not sure if that would make a difference. Anyway, here are a few more pics. If anyone is interested in the plumbing I could add a few more pics. Thanks for all the support!

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/PigeonSS2.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/RT.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/battle.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/Littleone2.jpg

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/Electricblueramballoon3.jpg

[Teshi]

Very Vivid nice pics! what kind of camera are you using?

[Chicago Discus]

Fran I love that Ballon Ram very cool fish ............ Josie

[fullmonti]

Great shots, especially like the blue diamond with yellow eyes. I haven't noticed that before, do all have yellow eyes or just some or yours I wonder?

[Niblet]

Thanks again. I love the balloon rams too, Josie, but have read on other sites where folks think they are ....hmmmm.... "mistakes" ....sound familiar Jim? Margaret, the camera is a Canon 7D with a 100mm 2.8 lens. It is a macro lens, but is really very versatile. This particular lens fell into deep water (with me) last winter and was soaked. I sent it to Canon to be repaired and they returned it to me saying it was unsalvageable. I put it in my oven on warm overnight and it has worked ever since. Still shaking my head over that one! And, Jim....not sure what the standard is, but I, too, am wondering if BD's are supposed to have a red eye?

[Teshi]

Holy CRIPES! no wonder those pics are beautiful.

[fullmonti]

Good equipment helps. But you still have to know how to use it to get good results. Or be really lucky, but the benefit of the doubt is always nice. That macro lens is really nice though. If you use a tripod and or flash it's amazing how sharp they can be.

[Teshi]

lol I'll get a good camera after I get all the discus I want :D

[Niblet]

I am passionate about photography and have been shooting infrared for a little over a year. I just set up a small web-site. If anyone has the time or interest, here's the link: http://www.fhaskinsphotography.com/#/910888/Home

And here's a sample pic.....
http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae261/franceshaskins/CapeHenlopen.jpg

[Second Hand Pat]

Fran, fantastic photo. Well done. So much life, motion and energy on the sea and sky.

[Northwoods Discus]

Great photos, love the beach photo. The ram is cool looking. Like the vivid blue color. I raised quite a few rams and had some balloon rams also. The balloon rams did not have as long a life span.

[fullmonti]

I didn't even know you could shoot infrared with digital. I did some in the old days with film extreme PITA. Had to google digital infrared to see how you were even doing it.

You obviously have a great knowledge of the medium & what can be done with it, Good eye too. VERY IMPRESSIVE.
This also explains your avatar I'v been meaning to ask you about.

[Orange Crush]

I love the ballon ram. Where did you get it from?

[timmac69]

The tank and fish look fantastic. I live in Newark and we are enjoying our Hans selections in our 90 gallon planted tank....they are awesome and so healthy (and it is nice getting to see his fishhouse and pick out our own fish). If you decide to change out your selections, let me know and maybe I can find room in our tank to help you make room for some new additions! Happy to see another local in the hobby...keep up the great work!
Tim

[Niblet]

Thanks everyone! Jim, maybe next time we make a run down the parkway we can meet up - bring your gear! The rams (I have 2) came from a LFS last year. I have a bad habit of wandering around the local shops. This guy actually has my number (in more ways than one!) and called me when they came in. I was in love with rams before we decided to try discus. And Tim, that sounds like a good plan. I actually am at UD....clinical psychology. I will PM you when I decide!

[moon_knight1971]

Fran I love that Ballon Ram very cool fish ............ Josie

Ditto! I'm still searching for a regular non ballon version myself...

Joey!

[CrazyAngels]

Fran, first of all you do have a very nice collection of discus and I also love the ram, he is just a great looking fish. Also would like to comment on your photographic skills, OMG you are doing a great job.. It's always nice having a few different things we can do in life, beyond work and sleep. Thanks for sharing.

[fullmonti]

Thanks everyone! Jim, maybe next time we make a run down the parkway we can meet up - bring your gear! The rams (I have 2) came from a LFS last year. I have a bad habit of wandering around the local shops. This guy actually has my number (in more ways than one!) and called me when they came in. I was in love with rams before we decided to try discus. And Tim, that sounds like a good plan. I actually am at UD....clinical psychology. I will PM you when I decide!

Let me know if/when your coming this way again. Would be great to met some where. If you get close enough to come by the house we'll take you for a horseback trail ride & tour of the wood shop, photo studio, & the tank is in the living room so hard to miss it.

[shoveltrash]

that beach photograph is SPECTACTULAR!!!!!!!!

[Niblet]

Thanks Jim and Trish!

[krislewis3]

Are the electric blue in with your discus? Can they handle 85 degree temp?