My 20g L *WARNING 56K* pics!

[PufferFan]

I started about a month ago with just the tank...(A 20gallon Long 30")
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/19922490077.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3057511)
then i purchased 2 wisper 5-15 power filters...
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/20120554169.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3068910)
next was to build a stand for both this tank and my 10g
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/20717164818.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3103418)
i wanted black sand for my tank because i liked the look so i whent to my lfs and bought 30lbs of this mistery substrait...(for 15 bucks!)
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/20817301814.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3109077)
next i painted the stand black let it dry over night then moved it too my room. Then i put the 20g on it and preceded to fill. during this i emptyed half of my 10g and me and my dad set it on top next too my MISSING x box... i grabed some rocks i had laying around and put them in the 20.
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/21101091983.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3122006)
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/21101101058.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3122011)
next i bought a heater... added some rocks and my last remaining tiger barb...
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/21819520921.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3166217)
next on my list was a lightstrip and cover. i bought a glass cover which i am growing too like but wasnt found of it the day i bought it...
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22018590692.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3177438)
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22019000073.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3177445)
i have not gotten anything big after that... just some drift wood
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22321181524.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3193776)

Next i will plant and add fish i will update.

Thank you for reading!

[icecubez189]

looking good, plants would definately make the setting look better (not a big fan of black substrate). how long and how much did it take to complete the stand?

[Dixon]

looks good i like the pics in sequence threads it interests me loads
dixon

[WrittenLyric]

Awesome stand..Love it!

[PufferFan]

Thank you for the coments

I will plant soon... heres my plan
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22420092857.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3198079)

It took me a day to cut glue and nail the thing together, and then 2 days to paint 4 coats.

it cost about $23.oo but i already had the 12" shelfing and my dad got a contractor discout so i have no idea how much it would cost you.

[PufferFan]

looks good i like the pics in sequence threads it interests me loads
dixon
lol me too have you seen mikes 90g sw journal
if not it is great... (like reading a book)
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64333

[Needeles]

Nice job so far. I think your well on your way of creating an awsome tank. Keep us posted when you get the rest of the decor and fish in.

[thefirethief]

It took me a day to cut glue and nail the thing together, and then 2 days to paint 4 coats.

it cost about $23.oo but i already had the 12" shelfing and my dad got a contractor discout so i have no idea how much it would cost you.


Do you trust it to take the weight? Not that I am doubting your craftmanship, im doubting my own. I couldnt make my own stand.

[wesleydnunder]

Do you trust it to take the weight? Not that I am doubting your craftmanship, im doubting my own. I couldnt make my own stand.

I was thinking the same thing. I think your top shelf will eventually bow...or did I miss seeing a center support under the top shelf?

Also, I think that mystery substrate is coal slag. If it is, the grains have razor sharp edges and can damage a fish's mouth and gills and can kill them if they swallow it.

I like the layout of the 20L and the artist's conception of the planting.

Mark

[PufferFan]

Do you trust it to take the weight? Not that I am doubting your craftmanship, im doubting my own. I couldnt make my own stand.
I do!

I think that the top might bow a little but, I dought it, if you whant i could take more pics of the suports?

i was standing on the top shelf and i wheih like ~185 and it didnt bow
and the bottom shelf could hold 500 lbs because of the center strut.

if it dose bow it wont bow much
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/7/20717164818.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3103418)
^^^^at the back of the top shelf there is a brace.

[PufferFan]

I like the layout of the 20L and the artist's conception of the planting.

Mark


thank you very much,

On other hand im going to pic up suplys for a diy co2 system today
and will have pics up tonight! (if i remember)

[PufferFan]

whell i got all the stuff... i even got a 3 way gang valve... IT FREAKIN LEAKS LIKE A SIVE !(SP)... so im taking the gang valve back and getting a brass Y fitting... (should be much better)

this is the air stone
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619063283.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3208980)

this is the check valve
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619060185.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3208977)

this is the tube in the cap
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619073783.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3208983)

this is the set up
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619065676.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3208981)

this is the peice of **** gang valve
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619052261.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3208974)

and this is the sealent
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619050113.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3208971)

And last but not least this is the Y that i will be getting(except brass)
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619142187.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3209009)

what do you think?

any thing you would do different

i got a black back ground and put some fake plants from my 10 in
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22619355667.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3209088)

[PufferFan]

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22620132041.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3209291)

an improve ment to the plan this whay i can take the house off and unscrew the cap instead of unscrewing the bottle

what i did is take the a peice of hose and put it on the check valve then i drilled the whole bigger so the plastif tip of the check valve fit snug then i glued around the check valve on the out side and around the hose on the inside. i think it will work great!

[PufferFan]

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22622343487.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3209918)

another pic

and this is how i will hold the airstone under whater

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22620564624.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3209504)http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22620581996.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3209509)

[Mgamer20o0]

pokemon

[SubluxT7]

Looks pretty neat puff..cant wait to see what it looks like with some fish and plants ;)

Sandy

[PufferFan]

pokemon
aaahhhh i seeeee... good idea! :idea:

[new2tanks]

What a nice setup Puffer, Im jealous.

Do post pics when you have plants and fish in there!

[Swiftwind]

I really like your tank set-up, and quite like the black sand. Really nice 'landscaping'! :)

[PufferFan]

thank you for all the great coments keep it up!

i took back the old other gang valve and bought this thing. works great no leaks i would recomend it

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22813390713.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3218220)

so i ran a hose from the bottle up the back
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22813490865.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3218286)

thrugh that gang valve
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22813484438.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3218282)

and into the tank
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22813325897.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3218189)

soom out
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22813431061.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3218252)

again
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22813444435.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3218263)

[PufferFan]

guys i realy would like some replys... am i doing every thing right? is there somthing you would change? :huh:

lmk

[thefirethief]

Do you know how many watts per gallon your lighting is going to provide? Im going to make a guess that if its a single flourescent strip you have it'll be an 18W bulb, which will be kinda low for a 20G. If you can fit another light strip on there you'll be right on track.

Ive got that headache just now, I have co2 and fertlizer systems set up but because of my low WPG due to a fixed fitting on the hood, I'm limited to what I can plant.

Also, you say you added some rocks you had lying around. You didnt say if they are from an old aquarium or not, but if they arent then it might be an idea to boil them. Also, you should be aware that some types of rock will alter your PH, and some will release potentially harmful metals.

You do seem to know what you are doing anyway. You can read and read and read, and listen to every opinion there is, but you'll learn more from your own experience, and mistakes in my case. Im no expert but you seem to know what you are talking about anyway! Cant wait to see the finished pictures!

Any ideas on what fish your gonna fling in?

[Mgamer20o0]

if i could change anything i would change the stand first. make it about 72inch long. then i would change the tank. maybe 120 gal? maybe 100?

[PufferFan]

if i could change anything i would change the stand first. make it about 72inch long. then i would change the tank. maybe 120 gal? maybe 100?
:rolleyes: :troll:

[PufferFan]

Do you know how many watts per gallon your lighting is going to provide? Im going to make a guess that if its a single flourescent strip you have it'll be an 18W bulb, which will be kinda low for a 20G. If you can fit another light strip on there you'll be right on track.

Ive got that headache just now, I have co2 and fertlizer systems set up but because of my low WPG due to a fixed fitting on the hood, I'm limited to what I can plant.

Also, you say you added some rocks you had lying around. You didnt say if they are from an old aquarium or not, but if they arent then it might be an idea to boil them. Also, you should be aware that some types of rock will alter your PH, and some will release potentially harmful metals.

You do seem to know what you are doing anyway. You can read and read and read, and listen to every opinion there is, but you'll learn more from your own experience, and mistakes in my case. Im no expert but you seem to know what you are talking about anyway! Cant wait to see the finished pictures!

Any ideas on what fish your gonna fling in?

Thank you for the input

first of all im not quit sure what the light is but the guy at my lfs (knows what he is talking about) said that it was a good light... i would like to duble cheak is there a way i can tell?

and yes whith the hood i bought i can fit another strip if i have to.... (im going for easy plants java moss ,java fern, water sprite, ect.)

second i found the rocks down at the creek in my back yard... i boild them for 15 minuits... sence i added them i have been keeping a very close eye on my tank (no major changes) it has been about a week and a half so i think it will be fine...

And third,
it will have 5 dwarf puffers 3-4 otos and proble 3-2 ghost shrimp.

[PufferFan]

whell i got some bad news ... for myself ... hmm....


any who

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22918373591.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3225194)

yeah 17w t8

im gunna buy another

:( this will set me back

any ideas that would save me cash were is the best place to buy a light?

[thefirethief]

whell i got some bad news ... for myself ... hmm....


any who

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22918373591.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3225194)

yeah 17w t8

im gunna buy another

:( this will set me back

any ideas that would save me cash were is the best place to buy a light?



As far as Im aware the plants youve mentioned will grow pretty much anywhere apparently, so you might not need to rush out and spend more money just yet. My tank has about 1.2 watts per gallon (2 x 40W in a 30G) and Ive very succesfully grown cabomba carolina, java fern and java moss, as well as something else I cant remember the name of. In saying that, Ive also lost plenty of plants that were obviously not suitable for such low light conditions.


If lighting turns out to be the only problem youve got at the start then you are still doing amazingly well.

[PufferFan]

As far as Im aware the plants youve mentioned will grow pretty much anywhere apparently, so you might not need to rush out and spend more money just yet. My tank has about 1.2 watts per gallon (2 x 40W in a 30G) and Ive very succesfully grown cabomba carolina, java fern and java moss, as well as something else I cant remember the name of. In saying that, Ive also lost plenty of plants that were obviously not suitable for such low light conditions.


If lighting turns out to be the only problem youve got at the start then you are still doing amazingly well.
lol, your right i planed on some grasse too... any good in low light ?

thats true lol

[thefirethief]

Im searching for the exact same thing. Ive heard that Eleocharis parvula (dwarf hairgrass) doesnt require much light, but Im not speaking from experience.



http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_lowlight.php
http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Plants.htm
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/plants/bettsplants/index.html


Theres some pages Ive got in my favourites about low light plants, they all pretty much say the same thing but have the odd interesting bits of extra information.

If you are an eBayer I noticed this guy
http://stores.ebay.com/Aquarium-and-Pond-Plants sells a collection of low light plants for a 20 gallon tank. Might be ideal for you if you are comfortable not to check them over first. Other customers seem satisfied though.

I really wish someone else would hijack this thread and give some real advice.

Hope that helped a bit anyway.

[PufferFan]

any help is good help,

thank you and thanks for the links

any one else whant to add some info i have alot to learn and any info would be nice.

[yourchoice]

the waste from the fish and plants is going to break down into particles smaller then grains of sand.it is going to be tough to clean it out of there with all that gravel.i prefer to stay with 1/4 to 3/8 inches of gravel.any other thoughts on this?

[PufferFan]

the waste from the fish and plants is going to break down into particles smaller then grains of sand.it is going to be tough to clean it out of there with all that gravel.i prefer to stay with 1/4 to 3/8 inches of gravel.any other thoughts on this?
Ture i thought of this and experimented... i can stick a small gravle vack into this substrate and it dose not suck it all the whay up so it will just take a wile but will not be a problem...

new pic with co2 lines in
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/23013584072.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3228696)

[PufferFan]

whell i whent and got more rocks... what do you think?

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/23114572067.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3234754)
http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/23114591074.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3234765)
^^^^^^^^^^HIDING SPOTS^^^^^^^^^^^

[PufferFan]

i have been so busy with school i havent had time to even try the diy co2 i should be experimenting this weekend but im not positive

absolutly nothing new except i thought my nitrites peeked but i whent and got my water tested and it was at like 2ppm now when i say whent and got i mean yes i whent to petco i ran out of test strips and i cant afford any more (geez i need a job)

so sorry that it kinda came to a halt but i have more important things to do right now

[PufferFan]

ok guys i know its been a realy long time but hey school is realy important ...

any who today my take is perfect so i whent and got two fidiler crab and a cae and two grass plants .. (forgot what they are called)

so heres some pics sorry for the quality though...

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04407.jpg


http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04409.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04411.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04420.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04415.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04414.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04417.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04418.jpg

[Native American]

Nice layout! I like the double-decker stand; it's giving me ideas, for sure. My brother used to make "expedient" furniture like that with plywood and shelving along w/ black and white paint...actually looked like stuff from IKEA.

You've got the perfect mindset...keep at school, it's worth it.

v/r, N-A

[Ulan]

I'd really like to have a simple but practical stand like that. Unfortunately, I'm useless with tools.

[justintoxicated]

Lighting for a 20 long is a bit tuffer, I would have gone for a regular 20 if you were going to plant it, Actualy if I had as much space as you do I would have likely gone for a 30-40 or even a 55 gallon tank.

The problem with the long is stem plants get too tall too fast, just like my 10 gallon.

Nice layout, if that is Mondo Grass it is going to die. If it is I would suggest you remove it before it rots and does bad things to your tank. Some pet stores sell it as an aquatic plant but it is not a true aquatic.

Did you cycle your tank? Best $20 you can spend at this point is a LIQUID test kit. Strips are not accurate. I buy most supplies online or you can even print out a coupon online and take it into petsmart and they will price match. Dr Foster and Smith is also a great site for online ordering.

If you can save up a better CO2 Reactor is the Red Seas 500 (only need one),you might even be better off with a bubble ladder. Not sure what Airstones your uisng but usualy you need a VERY fine mist of bubbles. Also HOB filters will offgass most of you CO2 unless you keep the tank filled (or possibly put a sponge under the outlet) to prevent surface agitation.

[PufferFan]

I'd really like to have a simple but practical stand like that. Unfortunately, I'm useless with tools.
yah lol i had quite a bit of help form my dad it also helps if you have ther right tools

[PufferFan]

Lighting for a 20 long is a bit tuffer, I would have gone for a regular 20 if you were going to plant it, Actualy if I had as much space as you do I would have likely gone for a 30-40 or even a 55 gallon tank.

The problem with the long is stem plants get too tall too fast, just like my 10 gallon.

Nice layout, if that is Mondo Grass it is going to die. If it is I would suggest you remove it before it rots and does bad things to your tank. Some pet stores sell it as an aquatic plant but it is not a true aquatic.

Did you cycle your tank? Best $20 you can spend at this point is a LIQUID test kit. Strips are not accurate. I buy most supplies online or you can even print out a coupon online and take it into petsmart and they will price match. Dr Foster and Smith is also a great site for online ordering.

If you can save up a better CO2 Reactor is the Red Seas 500 (only need one),you might even be better off with a bubble ladder. Not sure what Airstones your uisng but usualy you need a VERY fine mist of bubbles. Also HOB filters will offgass most of you CO2 unless you keep the tank filled (or possibly put a sponge under the outlet) to prevent surface agitation.

wow you right alot... lol

ummm first off i got the 20g l because its a small tank but with alot of room i pland on if having dps but that is going to change i think im just going to try plants and see what lives if they dont they they dont if they doo the i gues its enough light... lol
um the grass is called kyoto

yes i cycled my tank and i plan on buy a test kit soon

i think im going to stick with the co2 system i have now

oh and have you heard any thing about using dryice to put co2 into the water

[justintoxicated]

wow you right alot... lol

ummm first off i got the 20g l because its a small tank but with alot of room i pland on if having dps but that is going to change i think im just going to try plants and see what lives if they dont they they dont if they doo the i gues its enough light... lol
um the grass is called kyoto

yes i cycled my tank and i plan on buy a test kit soon

i think im going to stick with the co2 system i have now

oh and have you heard any thing about using dryice to put co2 into the water

Dry Ice might work (outside of the tank) but it won't last long and would be a PITA. Sugar and Yeast DIY should be better. It's just that regular airstones really suck at difusing CO2 so your probably wasting 80% of what your producing.

I have never heard of Kyoto grass.

But alot of Petcos sell this http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=220 and it will die in your aquarium.

[PufferFan]

Dry Ice might work (outside of the tank) but it won't last long and would be a PITA. Sugar and Yeast DIY should be better. It's just that regular airstones really suck at difusing CO2 so your probably wasting 80% of what your producing.

I have never heard of Kyoto grass.

But alot of Petcos sell this http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=220 and it will die in your aquarium.
oh hmmmm

thats interesting those pics look just like it and it is turning yellow but i have been trimming .. dam

what plants should i try?

[PufferFan]

whell i decided to do somthing because the cabs stoped visiting there land part.

so i put some of that plasic background cover on top under the light..

looks bright because flash is on
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04428.jpg

no flash
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04433.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04435.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04436.jpg

[justintoxicated]

I'm not sure, how much light do you have? Crypts, java Fern,are will grow in most conditions.

BTW, with your water below the filters output your creating ALOT of surface agitation. This will disipate your all your CO2. I would now estimate you are losing 95% of the CO2 your reactors are creating. or some ridiculously high number. Maybe even all of it.

[PufferFan]

I'm not sure, how much light do you have? Crypts, java Fern,are will grow in most conditions.

BTW, with your water below the filters output your creating ALOT of surface agitation. This will disipate your all your CO2. I would now estimate you are losing 95% of the CO2 your reactors are creating. or some ridiculously high number. Maybe even all of it.


right ok whell i made some changes its an 18t i think


i whent to petsmart today picked up more plants got a test kit and i got home and raised the water leve as high as it can go with the floating thing for the crabs

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04451-1.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04444.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04443.jpg

oh and im for the first time starting the diy reactor ... first time.. no bubles yet ..

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04447.jpg

[PufferFan]

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04456.jpg

bubles :clap:

[PufferFan]

well the plants are doing great... i got some wisteria today...

i also moved my festivum from a 10g to this i know its still to small but hes happy and i think it will be ok... heres a pic

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/myfestivum.png

well sence my 10g was emty... i decided will i was in petsmart to pic up this new piece... its huge!

im not sure if i like it i know the puffers will but... im not sure... i think that it would look better with just black substrait like the 20g ... so im going to take the substrait out whenn i get realy lazy and get some more of the black stuff then i will plant it...

this is the 10g so far.... yah i know... its packed!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04495.jpg



do you think i could run two hoses off the co2 bottle? becuase i plan on planting the 10g... should i get another diy system going?


what would you do?

[misopeenut]

you know that the plant you have in your tank is not realy an aquatic plant...?

[PufferFan]

yah ive been hearing that ... but its not dieing or anything... so watever it wont kill my fish or anything will it?

[misopeenut]

it probably wont but itll make the tank pretty crazy looking.:)

[PufferFan]

new new new...

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/tank.gif
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04858.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04850.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04852.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04860.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04863.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04851.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04856.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04848.jpg

[Rbishop]

Nice.

[PufferFan]

thank you...

i have some bad news.

the pleco ... lost an eye and unfortunatly is probubly gunna become food for the festivum & keys.

the shrimp is stressed and has settled down in a hiding spot but i feel bad and think i made a bad desicion to try this ...

if both die i will be picking up another cae and probubly another crab. sence both worked out fine...

im hearing in chat that the bamboo will not live fully under water... is this true?

[Rbishop]

Yep.

[PufferFan]

Yep.

is this about the thank you or the bamboo? lol

[jm1212]

your festivum is very good looking.

yea, you are going to need to move the bamboo's leaves out of the water. once it gets big enough you should just be able to set it on the gravel and the leaves should stick out.

[PremiumHeart]

That's a very nice setup. I've been looking for decent bulbs to use in my tank to really make my fish standout, yet something thats not too bright. What type of bulb are you using if you don't mind me asking?

[PufferFan]

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22918373591.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3225194)

17w t8

is what i said befor but now that i think about it that dost make any sence

i was told it was an 18t idk what that means lol...

if you still need more info i will go look .. lmk

[PufferFan]

your festivum is very good looking.

yea, you are going to need to move the bamboo's leaves out of the water. once it gets big enough you should just be able to set it on the gravel and the leaves should stick out.

thank you his name is flag (i think its a he)

i have had him her for like 2 years now


kk i will let them float for now

[PremiumHeart]

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22918373591.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3225194)

17w t8

is what i said befor but now that i think about it that dost make any sence

i was told it was an 18t idk what that means lol...

if you still need more info i will go look .. lmk

What I meant to ask...is there a specific name for the bulb? Like marine glo? sun glo? anything like that?

[PufferFan]

What I meant to ask...is there a specific name for the bulb? Like marine glo? sun glo? anything like that?

umm its all glass aquarium...


i had to go get the box... it was in my closit =D

the light came with the reflecter im sorry all it sais is one 24" aquarium spectrum fluorescent lamp incluede...

if that helps.. sorry

the picture of the bulb is all the information on it ... i think

[Dixon]

thats looking real good now.
dixon

[lilshoe2]

looks sweet, really bright, I like the black rocks/sand or what ever lol.......too
-shoe

[Mgamer20o0]

looks good

[PufferFan]

thanks dix thanks lil thanks mg.

you guys keep me motivated

[DarkSoul]

the bulb is probably a T8 not an 18t. ... and most likely a generic aquarium bulb.

If you cant mount too many lights, have you considered an ODNO setup?
it would be a little more costly, and you would need one, dual bulb ballast per bulb, so you would also need to find a place or way to mount them.

You will increase the output of the light depending on how much you overdrive each bulb, but you will also double the heat output per bulb, and reduce each bulbs lifespan by half.

I forget the exact numbers, but google should turn up many results.
If you use a dual bulb ballast for one bulb, you will increase the bulbs output by 1.25, if you use a quad bulb ballast, then you will achieve a gain of 1.75.

Im pretty sure you will never reach double the output, but basically its just giving the bulb more wattage. Instead of the 18W bulb getting 18W, it would recieve 36W, and hence, burn brighter.

this will ONLY work with an electronic ballast.

[PufferFan]

the bulb is probably a T8 not an 18t. ... and most likely a generic aquarium bulb.

If you cant mount too many lights, have you considered an ODNO setup?
it would be a little more costly, and you would need one, dual bulb ballast per bulb, so you would also need to find a place or way to mount them.

You will increase the output of the light depending on how much you overdrive each bulb, but you will also double the heat output per bulb, and reduce each bulbs lifespan by half.

I forget the exact numbers, but google should turn up many results.
If you use a dual bulb ballast for one bulb, you will increase the bulbs output by 1.25, if you use a quad bulb ballast, then you will achieve a gain of 1.75.

Im pretty sure you will never reach double the output, but basically its just giving the bulb more wattage. Instead of the 18W bulb getting 18W, it would recieve 36W, and hence, burn brighter.

this will ONLY work with an electronic ballast.

thank you very much for the info studing up on lights right now trying to figure out what im gunna do i have only found a few plants that thrive in my tank

im mainly just expirementing for now .... and as much as i would hate to im thinking i might go plastic.. but idk

[PufferFan]

I was thinking the same thing. I think your top shelf will eventually bow...or did I miss seeing a center support under the top shelf?

Mark

whell after adding my 5g tank it is now bowing... not bad and not enough for the need to change anything but you guys where right

[PufferFan]

sigh....

unfortunatly i realize that once school starts back up i will not be able to take care of the tanks and c02 reactors and trimming so i made it alittle easyer on myspef and got fake plants i am alittle sad and i hope that once they get some algea on them they will look better...

all my tankes are .. "fake" now i am a fan of real plants but its just not prackticle in my lifestyle

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04939.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC04943-1.jpg

[Mgamer20o0]

oh no fake plants......

[valleyvampiress]

It is actually not that difficult to have a low-maintenance aquarium that requires no ferts at all (that includes no CO2). All you need is some decent lighting, the right plants, and regular WC's. But if you think you won't have time to properly maintain all your aquariums, it's best to go with the least time-consuming route.

[kw0me]

"It took me a day to cut glue and nail the thing together, and then 2 days to paint 4 coats"

Awesome setup! only suggestion i have is next time you make a stand glue it like you have but use screws. nails will slowly work out as it gets bumped moved ect (i know these things im a carpenter!) and dont use PVA glue use something like sellys liquid nails or other construction adhesive. PVA goes to the shi**a when it gets wet.

[Que]

Don't feel bad. I would love live plants too but my fish do fine without. I also don't have the time to deal with plants right now but plan to as soon as I can get a few more tanks up and running... which will happen when I get more time.

How long does it take for a 2 year old to grow up?

Q

[PufferFan]

lol thanks guys

i think we used nails because we had a nail gun so it was faster than screws... using some screws would have been smart now that i think about it ... and i will next time.

as far as the fake plants go when im out of school for sumer i will be planting and setting up c02 and all that stuff but only for my 20g

thank you and keep up the comments

[Dwarf Puffers]

Btw, i dont think you should have any plants if the following happens:


While at school, your fake plants die :rolleyes:

[PufferFan]

Btw, i dont think you should have any plants if the following happens:


While at school, your fake plants die :rolleyes:

lol... that would never happen! :duh:

[PufferFan]

i lost a keyhole due to bloat... RIP chester

[GirlieGirl8521]

Plants aren't that hard to care for. I go to college full time, work and maintain 4 planted tanks, 3 of which now have pressurized co2 (=faster growing plants, more work). One or 2 days a week I do water changes and trim...its not that time consuming really. ;)

Also, you would be limited to low light plants which grow really slow, even with co2, so you wouldn't have much to do. And really, you don't have to have co2 injection because your lighting is low.

Give live plants a try! Just make sure you choose the right ones that will thrive in your lighting. The Mondo Grass you had was not aquatic, so its a good thing you got rid of it.

Try some Java fern, Anubias, Crypts, and Anacharis...you could have a really nice low light setup there. :) The fake looks fine, but real plants look so much better.

[PufferFan]

sorry no live plants... i cant do it lol move on..

fed flag my festivum a goust shrimp today he slerped it up very cool to watch him hunt i sugest you try feeding live food its awsome

[Malbri]

low light plants which grow really slow, even with co2.
haha have you ever had wisteria..
no co2, wrong lighting, and its still overgroqing in my tank

[12 Volt Man]

Nice tank! Festivums and keyholes are cool

[Star_Rider]

i lost a keyhole due to bloat... RIP chester

I know how that goes..I just lost a keyhole a couple weeks ago..I suspected I had a pair forming up..it bloated and in a short time it took a turn for the worse..I had to put it down..then dissected to investigate the problem..the bloating was..egg bound female...which really sucked...

[Gumby131]

hey, whats tht crab in the pic on page 3 i think

[PufferFan]

haha have you ever had wisteria..
no co2, wrong lighting, and its still overgroqing in my tank

lol i had some it filled my tank untill i took the time to trim them

[PufferFan]

Nice tank! Festivums and keyholes are cool

thank you very much i take great pride in my festi

[PufferFan]

I know how that goes..I just lost a keyhole a couple weeks ago..I suspected I had a pair forming up..it bloated and in a short time it took a turn for the worse..I had to put it down..then dissected to investigate the problem..the bloating was..egg bound female...which really sucked...

wow thats to bad yeah this guy wasn't pregnant he had the parasites

[PufferFan]

hey, whats tht crab in the pic on page 3 i think

its a fidler crab i know in fresh water they dont live as long and i know they need to get out of the water thats why i had that foaty thing the crabs are both gone now (not dead. donated) and the foaty ting is out

[joander123]

any updated pics? I really enjoyed reading this hole post and watching your tank "progress" through its stages. It is a shame about the life plants, but i understand that it can be a hassle, especially when you are in school and dont have that much time and or money to help it along. Anyways i think it looks really good 8)... even with the fake plants still looks very nice, i like the black substrate affect a lot. Keep us updated 8).

-Jay

[Germanman]

wow very nice aquarium!

[Mgamer20o0]

sorry no live plants... i cant do it lol move on..

fed flag my festivum a goust shrimp today he slerped it up very cool to watch him hunt i sugest you try feeding live food its awsome

i cant move on.

[PufferFan]

wow very nice aquarium!

thank you very much.. i love to hear this it keeps me going. :D

[PufferFan]

any updated pics? I really enjoyed reading this hole post and watching your tank "progress" through its stages. It is a shame about the life plants, but i understand that it can be a hassle, especially when you are in school and dont have that much time and or money to help it along. Anyways i think it looks really good 8)... even with the fake plants still looks very nice, i like the black substrate affect a lot. Keep us updated 8).

-Jay

havnt realy changed anything i got some good pics of the bamboo shrimp and i now occationaly feed goust shrimp to the festy

i did lose a key hole do to bolevian bloat or somthing like that... it was a very sad day but every one els is healthy ...

um i changed there diet i now feed

monday: freez dried blood worms
tusday: wardley cichlid slow sinking crumbles
wensday: frozen blood worms
thursday: brine shrimp
friday: fd blood worms
saturday: frozen blood worms
sunday: crumbles

they seem to love there diet and have no problem with the crumbles

[PufferFan]

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05051.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05057.jpg

[PufferFan]

well i am becoming disapointed in the latest design and i have decided that the next break from school i get i will be setting up a better co2 system and i will redecorate the tank bigger drift wood and i will be adding tones of live plants so... mgamer you got your way im going back to live..

but its gonna be awhile.

flag (the festivum) loves frozen blood worms i love feeding time.

also he gets one ghost shrimp about once a week. hes very happy

[Mgamer20o0]

nice pics. thanks for the updates.

[Mocha Jive]

Nice setup you did a really good job :)

[PufferFan]

nice pics. thanks for the updates.

no problem mg :)

[PufferFan]

Nice setup you did a really good job :)

thanx man i love the appreciation! :dance2:

[PufferFan]

i fed flag (the festivum), a live spider it was really neato it ended up trying to escape my crawling down a web from the death tweasers but ended up getting snatched out of the air when flag made an amazing jump i wish i had it on tape and could put it in slow mo...

oh whell

[Firebelly__girl]

As I was reading some posts I read that you were gonna add some of the black substrate to the puffer tank right? I think you should watch out for that as puffers sometimes bury under the substrate and any type of gravel could scratch them all up, and the kind you have looks pretty chunky =) They really like a FINE FINE sand substrate.
Nice tanks.

[chaibill]

"It took me a day to cut glue and nail the thing together, and then 2 days to paint 4 coats"

Awesome setup! only suggestion i have is next time you make a stand glue it like you have but use screws. nails will slowly work out as it gets bumped moved ect (i know these things im a carpenter!) and dont use PVA glue use something like sellys liquid nails or other construction adhesive. PVA goes to the shi**a when it gets wet.

is wood glue good?

[galen]

well, i just spent some time reading your thread and it is very very interesting! i hope you can keep up with the tank during classes- i know what thats like! any updates at all?
by the way, whats your major?

[Mgamer20o0]

what about some pic updates?

[PufferFan]

As I was reading some posts I read that you were gonna add some of the black substrate to the puffer tank right? I think you should watch out for that as puffers sometimes bury under the substrate and any type of gravel could scratch them all up, and the kind you have looks pretty chunky =) They really like a FINE FINE sand substrate.
Nice tanks.

thanks for the warning but everything is great in the puffer tank i just added otos the puffers dont tend to bury themselfs but they do like to hunt thrueout the gravle.

[PufferFan]

is wood glue good?

yes wood glue is perfect i do beleive i used elmers(sp)

[PufferFan]

well, i just spent some time reading your thread and it is very very interesting! i hope you can keep up with the tank during classes- i know what thats like! any updates at all?
by the way, whats your major?

thank you its a fune expeirence for me im keeping up just fine now schools out hahaha im in high school the school i was in was terible i am now in home school so it should work out just fine

update pics.... umm idk guys i dont like the way my tank looks right now plastic plants :(

but like i said schools out so ill get my diy co2 up and running then ill start planting again

[PufferFan]

what about some pic updates?

mabey some of the fish....


brb

[PufferFan]

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05354.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05359.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05363.jpg

[galen]

wow, you're homeschooled! that';s awesome man! i was too!
anyway, you're fish look grand! i have a festivum too, around 5", and i love him! good fish to have.

[bettagurl]

nice fish, Puffer ;)

[PufferFan]

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05506.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05492.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC05456.jpg

[galen]

lol. looks like a meteor landed in your tank dude.
where'd u get that rock anyway?

[PufferFan]

lol. looks like a meteor landed in your tank dude.
where'd u get that rock anyway?

well beileve it or not its fake and i got it from petsmart.... its a 50 $ "sea rock"

and it was listed as 27 so with some aregueing i got it for 30. :)

haha

the fish love it btw ... both the keyholes play tag in that thing its great to watch its kinda like wacka fish whitch hole will he come out next.

flag likes the open area on the right but there is actuly alot of room behinde the rock and he loves to hunt around back there and he can and will fit up front i i gues its just somthing about being to close to the serface

i am going to replant this tank. this tank onley ans see how it goes i still have my diy c02 reactor

now i just need plants


... well first i have to solve this crises thats going on with the cloudy ness... read my other thread

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118647

[galen]

any updates matey?

[PufferFan]

the couldyness is gone and i decided not to replant im still way to busy


well it seems as if one of my little key holes is having problems idk what hes got but hes not looking to good. the CAE is becoming aggressive and im afraid it may take down the little key hole. Flag is doing great! hes so happy and well after i took that big *** rock out hes been doing better.

i ended up cuting it in half and puting it back in :) i think it looks great!
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC06313.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC06312.jpg

[PufferFan]

i might loose anoth key hole hes bloated up bad ... i think its perasites (sp)

[Coral Keeper]

Very nice set up!!

[PufferFan]

ty :D

[elementkid65]

if i could change anything i would change the stand first. make it about 72inch long. then i would change the tank. maybe 120 gal? maybe 100?

:rofl::devil:

[PufferFan]

flag nearly jumped out today after i fed him a ghost shrimp :)

it was a close call i think im gunna mess around with the look again tomorrow i will have update pictures :)

[galen]

lol, cool. sounds like my pike when i feed him platies. the pike goes nuts for em and will do whatever it takes- knocks rock, wood, and other fish out of his way- to get them!

[PufferFan]

WHOOOO

IT looks great!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC06536.jpg

tell me what you think HE LOVES IT!

[PufferFan]

lol, cool. sounds like my pike when i feed him platies. the pike goes nuts for em and will do whatever it takes- knocks rock, wood, and other fish out of his way- to get them!

yah he rips up plants and stuff looking for the shrimp if he misses them :D

[Digital]

Looks great! I love the look of 20L's.

[Digital]

WHOOOO

IT looks great!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC06536.jpg

tell me what you think HE LOVES IT!W O W

That's a 20L? That's totally awesome!

Do live plants!!!! :)

[PufferFan]

W O W

That's a 20L? That's totally awesome!

Do live plants!!!! :)

mmmhmm..

ummmmm not yet :D

[PufferFan]

Well still have the cae and the keyhole.

lazyness is making it hard to give away those two fish.

if i get them gone ... what can i keep with my festivum?


also is open water better or should i have alot of hiding places like i do now.

[galen]

festivum are cool fish, i miss mine alot.

you can a wide variety of fish...personally if you want a community setup id pick some congo tetras and maybe some pearl gouramis.

[PufferFan]

is this do able in my 20?

[jm1212]

the tank looks good.

tetras go well with festivum.

[PufferFan]

thats funny.... i tried a neon tetra... and um... it got ate o.o

[goldfish12]

Im thinking of buying a 20 gallon long now that Ive seen yours.

[PufferFan]

I wouldnt hesitate if i where you its a great tank lots of possibilities i would recomend bigger filters. as i am running into problems keeping these efficient.

like two 20's :) that would work mucho better or one of these

http://www.petco.com/product/6315/Tetra-or-Second-Nature-Whisper-Triad-Power-Filters.aspx
i would buy that in the 60 gallon modle

[PufferFan]

a video of flag and the keyhole eating. http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/th_MOV07049.jpg (http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/?action=view&current=MOV07049.flv)

[Temo]

great!

[PufferFan]

great!

lol thanks :)

[PufferFan]

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC07098.jpg

[fwiffo]

very handsome fish. you should be proud.

[PufferFan]

he looks so great. iredesent blues and greens under his mouth and in front of his gills there is a bright yellow green color i really wish i could capture it somehow pictures dont seem to come out and doesnt show in the videos.

hes almost 3 years old and is about 5 inches (thats tale and all idkhow to messure so )

i would be very sad if i lost him. im willing to do almost anything to make this fish happy.

i really wish i could afford another tank.

i am very proud of my Flag.

EDIT: sometimes like tonight his eyes where glowing red its really amazing wish i could have snaped a picture

[PufferFan]

sorry i have been busy with other stuff taking a college course now.. graphic arts.. and school is getting hard again lol.

heres a few update shots of the tank the fish all seem happy except the cae is getting bigger and more aggressive every week i keep procrastinating and i really need to give it away its just doing such a great job and idk what to replace it with.

heres an update picture
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/dervishboy05/DSC07628.jpg

[Mgamer20o0]

still looking good

[PufferFan]

Thanks MG :D

[bethkira2000]

Very NIce

[PufferFan]

thanks for the support it keeps me going :)

[PufferFan]

oh dear...

My fish are happy in all my tanks. no deaths except for some hatchet fish in my 10g, dang things jump out...

well updates include the light is crap and is getting dimmer and dimmer. Idk what to replace it with.. any ideas???

I really want to put the ottos and dp in the 10 gallon and start the 6.6 over as a shrimp tank.

flag (my festivum) the keyhole and the cae are doing good. they fight every now and then just chasing no nipping. sometimes i feel iresponcible for keeping my festivum in a 20g long but its all i can afford and i would hate to see this beautiful fish go.

i have been feeding bloodworms and brineshrimp to the puffer frogs and cichlids flag and the keyhole randomly get ghost shrimp when i get bored and go buy some.

Im thinking i will pull everthing out of the tanks and do a good cleaning and mess around with them maybe take some pictures and show you guys...

in other news. im single now and my car takes 80% of my attention.
I want to start a new project so i will get back into my tanks.. i almost feel bad that the only attention i give them is to clean them make sure everyone stays healthy i rarely just sit and watch like i use too.

:( maybe im growing out of it??? idk

well thanks for the suport guys.

-Jered

[PufferFan]

update: in the midle of a water change.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll278/Volvosporter/DSC08520.jpg

[PufferFan]

eh i want to do more work on this tank. but idk what to do.