144g half circle build thread with cichlid and plants

[john_auberry]

The tank is a 144g Oceanic half circle.
Its set up as a reef but its time for a change. I have always done salt. I will be still be keeping my other reefs but this tank will be cichlids. The coral and fish with donated to members of my reef club and my favorite fish store.
So lets start with pictures
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_1849.jpg

[john_auberry]

So the tank is getting drained slowly have people pic up stuff they are take the water with them. Two guys left today with more stuff. I should have the rest of the rock and coral gone by this weekend.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2341.jpg

[john_auberry]

full room shot I just moved in this house 4 months ago so I know the room looks bare. I have picture to hang on the walls I havent got around to it yet.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_1918.jpg

[Grins]

nooooo! Is this why you are selling rock?

[john_auberry]

yea Im picked up a 120g that will be my office reef.

[john_auberry]

plus keeping up with the red sea max is killing me. Im not used to the nano tank thing.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2350.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2351.jpg

[john_auberry]

Im have alot of plubing uses with the 144g. So it has to be taking down anyway. I cant plumb it for automatic water changes to it in the living room, but I can in the office. So the office is getting the saltwater tank and the 144 tank will be a easy to take care of fresh water. I was thinking about moving the 144 tank to the office but it fits perfect in this spot. So I was going to take the 220g from my Alexis home and move it to the office as the salt. But then I figured that I didnt need that big of a tank in my little office so I bought a 120g.

[john_auberry]

By the way Grins you having been by the house in a while. How is your tanks doing?

[Lupin]

nooooo! Is this why you are selling rock?
It's highly unlikely of you to come and post in Cichlids section, Grins.:D

What cichlids are you planning to keep anyway, John?:)

[zeus8807]

if you dont mind me asking, what did that setup run you(meaning tank, stand, and canopy) ive seen the tanks before but have yet to see one for sale and their so cool looking:grinyes:

[gregm]

You have some beautiful tanks. I can't wait to see what you do with this one :)

[john_auberry]

Thanks for the comments!

[john_auberry]

What cichlids are you planning to keep anyway, John?:)

Im thinking lake maiwi (spelling) I like the blues and peacocks.

[john_auberry]

if you dont mind me asking, what did that setup run you(meaning tank, stand, and canopy) ive seen the tanks before but have yet to see one for sale and their so cool looking:grinyes:
Not at all........this tank stand and canopy will set you back about 2800$ Not to bad for the quality you get.

[zeus8807]

:drool:bit out of my price range for the moment, but they have a luck thats hard to beat. best of look with the next setup:)

[john_auberry]

I got the coral and rock out and purchased new rock. Im going for a modern looking tank so I went with the black and gray rock. I think Im going to go with crushed shale for the floor of the tank.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2368.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2364.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2363.jpg

[john_auberry]

dont mind all the wires and ballest they will be hiddin later.

[CichlidFan04]

that looks really good

:drool:

[Bk718]

looking great, amazing transformation

[john_auberry]

Thanks

[CichlidFan04]

is the tank going to be bare bottomed

[john_auberry]

No I bought two bags a Chiclid Plus from CaribSea today. I will get some pics when It clears up.
is the tank going to be bare bottomed

[tennesseemom]

How much does all that rock weigh? It looks fantastic (and I love your TV!).

[john_auberry]

The roch weighs about 300lb




How much does all that rock weigh? It looks fantastic (and I love your TV!).

[john_auberry]

I love my TV also.

[razon]

what kind of rock is that? and where can i get some? haha

[john_auberry]

Its midnight blue flag stone.......its local here in NC. Landscape supply places should carry somthing like it. It runs about 100$ per ton. But if you want to pick and choose pieces it 15 cent a pound.

[john_auberry]

The water cleared up. now the task of turning my sump into a frest water one.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2374.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2373.jpg

[john_auberry]

Havent posted in a while.....sorry about all the heaters, I came home from the whole sellers to find my heat un plugged. I had to heat the water fast befor adding the fish.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2434.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2433.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2429.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2428.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2400.jpg

[Coler]

very nice !

I am literally green with envy.

[flapper12]

Nice Tank!

[TheFanatic]

Can we get the pics reposted. I want to see this rig....Sounds awesome...

[john_auberry]

Are the pics not showing up?

[tennesseemom]

I see them..

[Coler]

no prob here - looks good as ever; looking forward to more

[jpappy789]

wow, very nice!

[TheFanatic]

I don't see any pics...weird....

[john_auberry]

for those who cant see the pics http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/

[elementkid65]

nice!

[keiferd]

nice ladder

[elementkid65]

nice ladder

hahhahah :rofl: :lol:

[ChunkyMonkey]

Very nice! Love the rock work. I'd love to get a tank like that.

BTW, you offer a package deal on the r/c sailboat and the safe, lol? j/k.
OMGWTFBBQ!!!! Did you steal those speakers from the local theater, lol. You can host the next A/C Bash in your living room, I'll bring the steak!

[john_auberry]

LOL yea back in the PRE wife days I had a nieghbor call the cops on me for a party I had about noise..............I live in the country where there isnt a noise law. So to **** the nieghbors off I put $5000 dollars and 2000 watt system in the man cave. And yes guns and r/c is my other hobbys.



Very nice! Love the rock work. I'd love to get a tank like that.

BTW, you offer a package deal on the r/c sailboat and the safe, lol? j/k.
OMGWTFBBQ!!!! Did you steal those speakers from the local theater, lol. You can host the next A/C Bash in your living room, I'll bring the steak!

[john_auberry]

Yea..........that goes back to my thread where I was plumbing a tank though the attic and the ladder broke and dang near killed me.
nice ladder

[john_auberry]

Pre wife days RULE!!!!! I had I window fall out of the trailor. I put this setup on a Db meter and was hitting 131 decimals of bass. I hit a 146 in my blazer in the wild/nonwall class to take me to USAC finals
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/for%20sale/100_0099.jpg

[ChunkyMonkey]

LOL yea back in the PRE wife days I had a nieghbor call the cops on me for a party I had about noise..............I live in the country where there isnt a noise law. So to **** the nieghbors off I put $5000 dollars and 2000 watt system in the man cave. And yes guns and r/c is my other hobbys.


haha nice! I currently have 12 r/c's, lol. Also have numerous guns, profession related mainly. :headbang2:My sound system is only 1000w. Your setup looks intimidating, lol.

[john_auberry]

what are you into?..........I have a T-max nitro 3.3, airplane(that I have never flown over a 100 feet).......and build a 5 foot long skip jack (sail boat)




haha nice! I currently have 12 r/c's, lol. Also have numerous guns, profession related mainly. :headbang2:My sound system is only 1000w. Your setup looks intimidating, lol.

[john_auberry]

that sound system is long gone........I have a small set up now. I still keep my guns, the wife cant take all the toys. I have a few but my favorite has to be the A15. I like to squirl hut at 500 yards in the dead of night. Without making a sound........not that I have a silencer or anything, becuase those are illegal.:thumbsup:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_0103.jpg

[keiferd]

that is just pure bad-***. I have an ak-47 but it's semi-auto because automatics are illegal in NY ::cough cough::, and that sound system is just pure fk da police. I love it. you're my hero. Anyway how are you liking the african cichlid tank over marine? I was considering having a marine tank but it's too much maintenance for me and cichlids are pretty easy to keep and almost as colorful. they're also very active and eat from my hand, I don't regret getting them at all.

[john_auberry]

I still keep a few salt tanks..............I like salt better, but fresh water is so easy!!!!

[ChunkyMonkey]

I have three Savages, 4 on-roads(HPI, Traxxas, Associated), 2 RC18T's(both with brushless systems), 1 Electric Clod based crawler project, MBX R2 Buggy, and a small electric scale chopper.

I'm thinkin' of going saltwater, maybe just a 55gal for clowns, not sure yet. Sorry if I missed it, but where did you source the slate from?

[keiferd]

yeah dude, I don't blame you. Saltwater reef setups are the most beautiful thing on earth. I'm just wondering why you decided to disassemble the setup you had and decide to go cichlids.

[john_auberry]

The place the tank was located made it hard to do water changes.......with this freshwater I have it set up so that every Monday at 10:00am the system shuts down changes 20g of water and restarts automaticly.

[john_auberry]

new pics
I dont know if I like the fake plants
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2467.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2464.jpg
this guy is cool
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2453.jpg
this guy is pure white
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2452.jpg

[keiferd]

ehh yeah I'd say ditch the fake plants. But real ones are hard to maintain in the high PH. I tried a java fern, but it seems to be withering. Although I did add some aquatic "onion plant" bulbs I bought from my LFS though and in a few days they germinated and have spread out chutes and seem to be thriving in my tank, the fish don't seem to bother it either. They went from nothing to a 3" plant in a little over a week and it's growing in gravel similar to yours. I wish I Knew the scientific name for them.

[nick_flano]

i have an Anubis of sum sort in my cichlid tank ph 8.0 to 8.5 and it has never looked better and it adds alot of color and very easy to keep. nice tank by the way, love the rock setup.

[john_auberry]

Im googleing onion plant, and Anubis now

[john_auberry]

is this the onion plant? http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/RosettePlants/WaterOnion.php

[keiferd]

yes that looks like an Identical version of the small plants I have. I am definately going to try to get more of these bulbs. I have done some research too and I found out it's actually a type of water-lily and if you let it grow to the top and the water level is low enough, it will flower. I'd think I'd rather have a full tank of water though, I don't need any flowers in my bad-*** fish tank. Also the taste is bitter to cichlids, so they won't eat it.

[john_auberry]

Can the onion plant be grown in rock cracks if I put them in small planters

[chucke]

John I Saw one of your pictures said Eastman Kodak is that who you work for?

[Coler]

looking good (the tank and fish) - the cool peacock is an aulonocara jacobfreiberg I think...the white mbuna is interesting; doesn't seem to have albino eye colouration - what is he do you know ?

[john_auberry]

the white mbuna is interesting; doesn't seem to have albino eye colouration - what is he do you know ?no clue......he has dark blue eyes........wierd

[lclinton]

lupin what would u suggest for the water change? i never heard back from you/

[john_auberry]

Im sorry.......did I miss somthing?
lupin what would u suggest for the water change? i never heard back from you/

[john_auberry]

Wich picture did you see that ? I work for Frito-Lay, I make Doritos
John I Saw one of your pictures said Eastman Kodak is that who you work for?

[john_auberry]

:confused:bought some little freeder guppies for my bigger cichlids, they have been in the tank for a few days now...........should I name them? Or will the cichlids eat them someday. The LFS guy said cichlids would tear them up. I thought it would be cool so I bought ten or so.......I got the vegaterians cichlids.......:angryfire:

[ChunkyMonkey]

Wich picture did you see that ? I work for Frito-Lay, I make Doritos


Hey! I said I liked your setup, can I get a bag with extra cheese now:headbang2:

I like the slate layout:drool:. How about some sword plants? I need to put slate in my tank....

[chucke]

In your Photo bucket thing. I know the regional manager that why i was asking

[keiferd]

I don't see why you can't place the onion plant in planters between rocks, a planter is better than the course fake gravel mine are growing in.

[john_auberry]

So I was wanting to play in the tank tonight but it seems I destroyed my knuckles working on an old car. wench slipped and burnt the crap out of both hands on the headers

[john_auberry]

but she was un harmed......thats the important thing
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2490.jpg

[john_auberry]

and yes, she is a real SS
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2485.jpg

[ChunkyMonkey]

That's BS! You can't tease us with just engine shots...show some nudes! The under carriage that is, lol. Couple tail shots, interior...You know, the WORKS!

[ChunkyMonkey]

beautiful car! I'm looking to get another 71 bird with a 455HO

[john_auberry]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2487.jpg

[john_auberry]

lol no carrige shots but its a frame off

[john_auberry]

fire or thunder?
I lofe thunder..........but Im way to fat to fit in my fathers
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_0335.jpg




beautiful car! I'm looking to get another 71 bird with a 455HO

[john_auberry]

knuckle shot , I have the next week off and cant bend my fingers........this sucks
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_2494.jpg

[john_auberry]

the tail shot
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2488-1.jpg

[ChunkyMonkey]

sorry, firebird....

[john_auberry]

Hey chunkymonkey this is what you need, for 12,500$ she can be yours
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2493.jpg

[john_auberry]

she is a 79 stingray
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2491.jpg

[john_auberry]

shes a fast back, the red one is a friends
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_1452.jpg

[john_auberry]

maching numbers........12 thousand miles on the 427 motor, parked in a chichen coupe since 71...........My father let me set in it once and it was the coolest
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_1457.jpg

[john_auberry]

And my favorite but it was my dads, and a guy offered him alot and he took it.....I miss this car
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_0329.jpg

[john_auberry]

and the 73 stingray ( my mothers) looks like the 79, just doesnt have the fast back......this car is all original with 70,000 miles
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_0333.jpg

[john_auberry]

for more of my..........my fathers baby

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_0325.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/cars/100_0321.jpg

[elementkid65]

sweet as cars

[keiferd]

ouch, thats what happens when you work on those flintstone's mobiles. They are in pristine condition for a car that old, and powerful, but carburated engines are a dinosaur, however; A person as rich as you doesn't have to worry about drinking all the gas they waste, lol. There's nothing like tweaking the suspension and psi of a modern turbo import :). I can tune my car with my laptop rather than messing with pulleys and cables. evo all the way!

[Coler]

:confused:bought some little freeder guppies for my bigger cichlids, they have been in the tank for a few days now...........should I name them? Or will the cichlids eat them someday. The LFS guy said cichlids would tear them up. I thought it would be cool so I bought ten or so.......I got the vegaterians cichlids.......:angryfire:

if all your fish are mbuna and aulonocara peacocks they're not going to eat the guppies, although they may well kill them/stress them to death...that said, smaller fish are often well below their radar and may just be ignored.

[Squawkbert]

if all your fish are mbuna and aulonocara peacocks they're not going to eat the guppies, although they may well kill them/stress them to death...that said, smaller fish are often well below their radar and may just be ignored.

They will be happy to shred about 90% of commonly available plant species, however. Check out (if you can find):
Anubias species like Frazeri, lanceolota (a.k.a. A. barteri v. angustifolia), gilletti, and A. gracilis, others
Java fern,
Crinum species (including the onion you've mentioned already),
You could try Java moss & sword plants but the chances of either surviving higher pH and/or cichlid attacks are less than w/ Anubias, Crinum and ferns.

Most anything else will be a salad bar.

[ChunkyMonkey]

she is a 79 stingray
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2491.jpg

Very nice...I like that oxblood-like interior. But, I have to finish my project first. 1985 Mazda Rx-7. Swapping out the 12a for a 13b 4 port bridgeported motor and a 465 Holley Carb. The motor will be prepped for a 9 inch Camden supercharger addition in 6 months. I'm glad my wife is a car nut, lol. The Rx-7 will also be getting the Mariah widebody kit molded on. Can't wait to hit the road course.
http://mazdafreak.com/cc21.jpg

I'll be returning the car back to its original color black though.

[Coler]

They will be happy to shred about 90% of commonly available plant species, however. Check out (if you can find):
Anubias species like Frazeri, lanceolota (a.k.a. A. barteri v. angustifolia), gilletti, and A. gracilis, others
Java fern,
Crinum species (including the onion you've mentioned already),
You could try Java moss & sword plants but the chances of either surviving higher pH and/or cichlid attacks are less than w/ Anubias, Crinum and ferns.

Most anything else will be a salad bar.

ummm...lol.... I think he was talking about guppies...not plants :D

[john_auberry]

well the guppies seem to be living happy......but Im going to pick up some plants this weekend

[john_auberry]

lol.....I tried to get in to the EVO thing I blew up a 300z twin turbo racing a ZO6 Corvette.........I had him through first and a little though second.........but then the guy looked over and relized I was trying to race him and the *** of the Corvette squated 6 inches and that was the last i saw him. My father had a nice supra but he sold it. Im not what you would call rich, I consider myself middle class. Save money and stay out of dept and you will have alot more in life, thats my motto. But my parents do pretty well for themselve. I depend on dads money to play with cars......I get my father into it and I dont have to spend a dime.....LOL I myself am a eco friendly person, I drive a scoin xb that get 38 miles to the gallon save $$$ and the earth. other the my aquariums every thing I buy is energy efficent



ouch, thats what happens when you work on those flintstone's mobiles. They are in pristine condition for a car that old, and powerful, but carburated engines are a dinosaur, however; A person as rich as you doesn't have to worry about drinking all the gas they waste, lol. There's nothing like tweaking the suspension and psi of a modern turbo import :). I can tune my car with my laptop rather than messing with pulleys and cables. evo all the way!

[john_auberry]

Chunky.....dont know much about the imports but i have heard great things about the rotary motors. That thing will be sweet with a wide kit. ever considered a targa top kit?

[ChunkyMonkey]

They are nice, a friend just ran his Rx-3 with a 13BT(aftermarket turbo) 9.58:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=m5D-XkVdDFI
ignore the first run....
Not bad for a 1.3 liter, lol. He's doing the motorwork on mine. I like the targa 1st gens, but haven't thought much about them for mine. Now, for the obligatory fish content, lol

I love cichlids.

Now back to cars, I can't wait for mine to be done. My 1st gen has been sitting for about 6 months in anticipation. I agree with you outlook on debt. Only thing my wife and I have are a car and rent payment. We make about 70k combined if I don't work side jobs. If you think about it, I only spend about 15k a year total for rent and the car annually payment wise. There's so much to toy with afterwards, even after groceries, gas, etc. I spent all last year paying debt, that feeling sucks. You can live like a "wealthy" person if you budget right. Thank God my wife is great with finances, lol....I'm the spender. Now I just have to get used to cutting a check for the day care, OUCH!

[john_auberry]

chunky.....sweet run. We dont have kids yet but i here it expensive

[john_auberry]

Im thinking about changing the 144g into a 300g thats floats in the middle and in visible from all 4 sides.........it will also hold a 55in plasma TV
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/tank2.jpg

[ChunkyMonkey]

Yeah, that was my friend, he's awesome with that car, did all the work himself. Hopefully I'll be able to compare to his driving someday. As for that tank, man that would be nice But would you want a tv that low to the floor? Seems like an awkward looking down. I would think about having an extra 6 inch lip in front on the aquarium cabinet and set the tv on rails to rise up out of it. This way the tv is hidden and would give your living your a really clean look. Not to mention the wow factor. A friend has a cabinet with their 46'' that pops up. Looks sweet. Just a thought

[ChunkyMonkey]

something like this, excuse my quick paint shop.

[ChunkyMonkey]

what are you going to do with the 144? Drive it to Texas, lol...I'll be here waiting!

[john_auberry]

Im not sure what to come of the 144g........thats a good Idea with the TV. I work on a plan

[john_auberry]

Mabey I could use a 220g that i have in my man cave, instead of a 300g....I mean since I already own it it wont cost nothing. But then I would have to get a new grow out tank

[john_auberry]

The man cave 220g i use it to grow out the baby cichlids
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_1174.jpg

[john_auberry]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_1499.jpg

[john_auberry]

I have to break it down becuase I dont get to go by everyday to feed them.....I fill bad.

[jagr200]

Hey chunkymonkey this is what you need, for 12,500$ she can be yours
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2493.jpg

I'll take it! I really want a 69 but I could settle for a 79.

[ChunkyMonkey]

very nice see through 220! I'd love to have something similar, even if it was just a 100.

[john_auberry]

First video attempt http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/?action=view&current=100_2505.flv

[john_auberry]

added some fake grass
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d110/john_auberry/100_2502.jpg

[ChunkyMonkey]

Very nice John....Why not real plants? I like the bubble effect through the rocks though....

[john_auberry]

I have been looking for onion plant localy but are haveing trouble.........I was told by the LFS that java will dye under 250w MHs. I ordered me a 4 T5 set up. It will have a 10k,65k, atinic blue, and atinic pink. When I get them I will add real plants and phase out the fake. Basicaly, Im off today and I have the fake stuff lying around.

[ChunkyMonkey]

That's cool. Will be a great layout regardless. I'm looking to get slate for my 100. The plants are doing great for being less that 1wpg, lol.

[keiferd]

If you have a petco near you, they should have a pack of "various aquatic bulbs" the onion plant bulb looks like, well.. an onion. all the other bulbs will just grow mold and never sprout . They were 3.99 a pack but if you pick out the right one you should get 2-3 onion plant bulbs. Mine have grown from a bulb to a 3" plant in like 2 weeks.

[john_auberry]

try land scaping places they carry it for about 10 cent a lbs



That's cool. Will be a great layout regardless. I'm looking to get slate for my 100. The plants are doing great for being less that 1wpg, lol.

[john_auberry]

I dont have a petco......all I got as far as box stores is petsmart. Im will be at the wholeseller next week......he will have it for shure


If you have a petco near you, they should have a pack of "various aquatic bulbs" the onion plant bulb looks like, well.. an onion. all the other bulbs will just grow mold and never sprout . They were 3.99 a pack but if you pick out the right one you should get 2-3 onion plant bulbs. Mine have grown from a bulb to a 3" plant in like 2 weeks.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Yeah, I saw a rock dealer on my way home from Kerrville today, will be visiting them next week.

[mphunk]

I love the cichlids..they were my first fishies.

Now I know what to spend my birthday money on.