Thanks everyone for the warm comments. I have yet to figure out how to respond to individual comments....I think I probably press the 'quote' button...which pulls someone else's response so that one can respond to it?? I'll have to try it later today. I couldn't sleep last night thinking about what to do with this thing - I've created a monster, and have to give my wife credit for putting up with me through this. She keeps telling me this used to be "just a hobby". Anyway, onto answering some of the questions.
The tank itself is a 180G - 72X24X24. Acrylic that I ordered from Tenecor, corner overflows, and two holes for returns on back panel 6 in either side from midline, and 4 in from the top.
The stocking question is why I wasn't able to sleep. My initial aspiration 6 months ago was to have a "low tech" planted discus tank. I went ahead and tried my hand at discus (got 9 juvies in early Feb) have had them in BB 55G. I have 2 BB 29 G with young apistos, school of sterbai, school of black neons. I have Driftwood soaking. Everything had been set, until last week, I realized I don't think I could expend this much time for another 6 months!!! The WC, extra trips home for feedings,etc etc. I'm sure there will be a steep learning curve with the plants as well. I've always had angels, central + S.American ciclids as a kid and in college, never have kept african ciclids....and the idea of a minimalist approach - substrate, rock, fish - less hours spent at maintenence - seems like a very good idea to me now. I know this is a complete 180 degree change, but feel like long term this would be easier for me to do, and would allow for more time with my new baby and family. There, I've said it. Someone please tell me I'm doing the right thing! Thanks for your responses!!!
- Prashanth
