135 Gallon FW Preditor tank

[tanks4thememories]

Now that I have your attention...lol I meant 6 million dollar as it is a very important question for me...hehehe

I found a larger tank but it is only 135 gallon. How long do you think it will last with the following fish in it?:

(1) 9 inch Jardini
(1) 8 inch clown knife
(1) 8 inch Pleco
(1) 6 Inch elec catfish
(1) 6 Inch Needle Gar
(1) 8 inch POLYPTERUS ENDLICHERI

The largest tank I could find in my budget range right now is the 135 Gallon
How long do you guys think I can keep the above fish in a tank that size before I need a larger tank?

And no to all the wise guys who I'm sure will ask: you will not get 6 million dollars for answering this question...lol In fact your only reward will be a very fond thank you and the knowledge that you made some fish very happy...lol:hmm3grin2orange:

[cocoa_pleco]

i would say maybe 3-4 months in a 135g. lots of those fish are fast growers and will need huge tanks. that total stock is going to need a 500g+ tank fullgrown

[tanks4thememories]

i would say maybe 3-4 months in a 135g. lots of those fish are fast growers and will need huge tanks. that total stock is going to need a 500g+ tank fullgrown

I was afraid of that. I know a lot of them slow down at a certain size so I was hoping someone knew when that was. As far as the final size I was gonna go with 240 Wide. Would be kinda tight but should work out as long as I get a 240 Wide (72 x 30 x 25).

[cocoa_pleco]

the clown knife and arowana especially will need larger. i would go with at least a wide 400g, 72x36x36. theyre $1000 at big als

[Red]

yeah... you should maybe find a pet store that will take them... or try selling themand you could keep the endli and neednose if you rreally wanted but i know big endli's are in demand right now.. and you can keep the pleco

[tanks4thememories]

the clown knife and arowana especially will need larger. i would go with at least a wide 400g, 72x36x36. theyre $1000 at big als

Look at the added space its really only @ 6 inches up and deep. That can be handled with proper filtration. I really do not see much value in such a minor increase in swimming area.

PS what is the link to Big Al's?

[cocoa_pleco]

big als is www.bigalsonline.com but they only list small tanks there, you have to inquire about larger tanks in store

[tanks4thememories]

So the general concensus is with 135 im buying myself about 4 months?

[cocoa_pleco]

So the general concensus is with 135 im buying myself about 4 months?

yep, about that

[Red]

yep pretty much!!!
check pm's...

[Northernguy]

Price the glass and silicone.Could be a lot cheaper to build your own.There is lots of info. on the net about it.

[tanks4thememories]

yep pretty much!!!
check pm's...

ok........

[tanks4thememories]

Price the glass and silicone.Could be a lot cheaper to build your own.There is lots of info. on the net about it.

im getting the 135 for a steal. Running out of space for tanks so im not sure when I can get another after this 135. But I want to keep the fish and I dont have room to build a new tank. I do think I can get away with 6 months if I put the smaller fish in another tank till I get the final tank.

[tanks4thememories]

Ill have pics by tomorrow night.

[tanks4thememories]

Well here it is all set up getting a nice bleach bath!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2842351840_c6cf2dc7f5.jpg
USED 135 Gal Soaking in 10% Bleach solution
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2841516145_236f5b2ae4.jpg
Used 135 Gal Soaking in 10% Bleach solution
By tomorrow it will have fish....whooohoooo!!!!

[tanks4thememories]

It came with 2 HOB's and a ton of chemicals

I will put 1 on the 55 gal and take the Fluval FX5 off the 55 for the 135 gal. I will put the other HOB on the feeder bucket (i'm not happy with the little one there now)

[tanks4thememories]

Latest tank pics

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2842391915_22a90df308.jpg
135 Gal Filled and ready to go!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2843226408_581929034b.jpg
Here Come The Fish

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2843226992_a12764a108.jpg
Here Come The Fish!!!

[tanks4thememories]

Moved Fluval FX5 off of the 55 Gal

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2844887464_7fafe79d35.jpg
Mr Fluval Handling his business...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2844025425_f1ac13187d.jpg
"Rambo" - Endlcheri Birchir

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2844026143_c2ddbf602f.jpg
"Jaws" - Jardini Being mean as always...lol

[tanks4thememories]

Almost done except for plants!!!!

Here is the setup I will post pics tomorrow.

About Our Tanks - P02
Name: P02
Start Date: Tuesday September 09, 2008
Status: Established - Instant Cycle (Moved FX5 to this tank)

Tank: 135 gal
Deminsions: 72 x 18 x 25 Tall = 135 US gallons
Water Type: Freshwater

Average Water Condition:
Temperature: 82 deg. F
Amonia: 0.0 ppm
Nitrites: 0.0 ppm
Nitrates: 0.0 ppm
PH: 7.2
PH TOD (Time of Day for test): 10:02 PM
Hardness:
Hardness (GH): 5.0
Hardness (KH): 4.0

Softening agents:
Driftwood
Live Plants

Hardening agents:
None

Lighting: Natural indirect sunlight + 2 flourescents in Hoods.

Filtration: (1) Fluval fx5,(all trays stocked with bio-balls & Fluval Bio-Media), (1) CORALIFE Turbo-Twist 3X 9 Watt UV steralizer (requires 100 - 200 GPH flow rate) Powered by Beckett G535AG20 550 GPH @ 1' Lift Large Pond Pump (Submersable) with DIY hose assembly including flow control valve assembly.
(1) Tetratec PF501 (HOB) all 4 slots stocked with Tetratec Pro II dual densityFilter Cartridges Pn# 26045, (1) in filter Heater option module installed.

Heating: N/A

Cooling: Large room fan pointed at the tanks and air conditioning in the room.

Airation: (2) Circular air rings fed by a Wisper SN 600

Substrate: 150 Lbs "Mystic White" Pool Filter Sand

Decoration: Mostly Low light Plants, Rocks found outside and treated to be placed in aquarium, Extra large driftwood shaped like an arch.

Current Stock:
(1) Jardini Arowana (Scleropages jardinii),
(1) Endlicheri Birchir (Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri)
(1) Chocolate Pleco (Pterygoplichthys pardalis),
(1) Common Pleco,
(3) Bala Sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus),
(1) Electric cat (Malapterurus electricus),
(1) Mystery Snail.

Maintanance:
Feedings schedule: Twice a day once in AM and once in the late PM
Water Change Schedule: 25% Once a week.

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2841516145_236f5b2ae4.jpg
Used 135 & all equipment Getting a nice 24 Hr 10% bleach bath...

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2842391759_359c35261b.jpg
All Dechlorinated, Rinsed out, and Cleaned UP almost SHOW TIME!!!

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2843226992_a12764a108.jpg
Put in Gravel, Hooked up FX5 from established 55 gallon tank, Moved in fish!!!

"GoT MoNsTeR FiSh?" ....Darn skippy we do....they..baby monsters though...lol

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2844889248_c7b8800fde.jpg
Waiting for the dust to clear....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2844056409_fd5d4cf91e.jpg
Still waiting...wasnt totally happy with look but still had plants to do anyway.

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2844887464_7fafe79d35.jpg
Mr Fluval Handling his business...:19:

[Red]

thats a great setup!!

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2844050623_0b813e0580.jpg
"Rambo" - Endlcheri Birchir

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2844046583_4104e8708a.jpg
"Jaws" - Jardini Being mean as always...lol

[tanks4thememories]

"Jaws" being his usual excitable self bursts his jaw wide open trying to catch minnows and misses and hits sharp gravel!!!
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=29689

I get Pissed (Arowana's are my fav fish) and decide to switch to sand substrate.

Immediately start researching sand.

Get awesome feed back from both here and Monster.
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=29702

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172567

[tanks4thememories]

Took all gravel out of tank to prep for sand.

Put Jaws in the 10 Gallon Hospital tank
82 Deg temp
Filled up the wisper HOB filter with a bag of ammo chips and a bag of nitrasorb.
Dosed the tank with 14 tsp of table salt (Non-Iodized) - Anti Infection, eases oxygen assimilation from water.
Dosed the tank with a 5 day regimen of (1) pkt of Maracyn-TC per day.- anti Infection
Dosed the tank with a 5 day regimen of (2) drops Liquid B-complex vitimins every 2 days. - Stress relief
25% water change every other day.

Sorry no pics wasn't really thinking bout pics while he was sick...:(

[tanks4thememories]

I originally wanted Black and especially the "Color Quarts" made by 3M, but it was just taking too long to track down a distributor in my area.

Last night I went and got 150 Lbs of "Mystic White" Swimming Pool Sand. I love it!!!!

While I was out I went ahead and got the plumbing and pump needed to hook up the UV sterilizer.

Set it all up over night and here is the outcome:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2868740161_2000b6ff46_b.jpg
Very cloudy but I love the color!!!

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2869505797_b9e67e32e1_b.jpg
Put Plants in & redid rocks, graded sand. Finally a little clear!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2869506011_61f7540d8a_b.jpg
Right Side

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2870334396_778a9d2246_b.jpg
Middle

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2869506221_88c6402f9a_b.jpg
Left Side

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2869506311_2902e87ee0_b.jpg
CORALIFE Turbo-Twist 3X 9 Watt UV steralizer (requires 100 - 200 GPH flow rate)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2869509909_19e6879108_o.jpg
Beckett G535AG20 550 GPH @ 1' Lift Large Pond Pump (Submersable) with DIY hose assembly including flow control valve assembly to Power UV.

[tanks4thememories]

thats a great setup!!

TYVM!!!:hmm3grin2orange:

[Gayle]

Looks great!!! How is Jaws doing?

[tanks4thememories]

Looks great!!! How is Jaws doing?

Thanx, and Thanx for asking. He is better. He still has a open wound on tip of his lower jaw. It seems to be healing well, It is defiantly much better than the original wound. Put him back in the main tank. He ate 6 large Crickets today you can tell it still hurts though cause he chews them carefully and also spits them out more often than usual before getting them lined up to swallow...lol

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/2870842510_637e96a619_b.jpg
View of tank when it was bare bottom. "Moon Lights" on.

[tanks4thememories]

Just a cheapo set of LED Portrait highlights came (3) in a pack came with power adapter and remote switch. - Home Depot. Then Brought some colored Plastic Gift bags from dollar store - .99 cents...lol Cut the plastic into folded squares as thick as desired. The thicker you leave it (More you fold it) the darker the light).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2876416580_1eeb3457d9.jpg
LED and DIY colored Gel Lense....lol

Be carefull the next part is highly technical.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2875587413_b364e82ab7.jpg
"Moon Light" assembled...man that was difficult...lol

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2875350251_5d1313aa73.jpg
Even "Jaws" seems more relaxed...(He took his Prozac today)....hehehe

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2875312521_ed314f7143.jpg
I can not take any credit.
Question: when is a fish not a fish?
Answer:When it is a "Ham".
When the flash starts going in our tank they practically line up to get their pics and look at the camera as long as I am still with the camera they all come and look at me as if I am their pet. "Hey Jaws, watch me make him take another pic"....lol

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2876136784_d603836738.jpg
"Rambo" loves the sand!!!!

[Red]

wooo i love that bichir!!!

[tanks4thememories]

Well the UV is working (I see the light) the DIY plumbing is working (Turn the valve and it adjusts the flow).
Problem is how do I know the actual flow rate I'm getting?
Do I trust the manufacturers rating of the submersible pump?
Too fast and the water isn't getting sterilized.
Too slow and it is practically useless with low tank volume "turn Over"

Ok well I dusted off my research and gave my DIY UV system a basic checkup.

Here are my considerations:
All Glass Claims that my tank is a 135 Gallon tank but if you check thier fine print it says something like "Actual volume may be different"
Sure enough if I go to our tank volume calculator: http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/converter/volume-calculator.php And plop in my tank measurements (72 x 18 x 25) it says I have a 134.65 gallon tank!!

But wait a minute!!!

I'm putting the water inside my tank not outside of it so I measure the inside of my tank and I find (71.25 X 17.25 X 19.25) I go back to our handy dandy calculator and find I only have 102.42 US gallons of water available in my empty tank.

But Wait another minute!!!

My tank was full of water and I removed all of the rocks, decorations, gravel and driftwood and the water level dropped about 11%. 11% of 102.42 = @ 12 gallons 102.42 - 12 = 90.42 Add back the 12 or so gallons in my HOB and FX5 and it is a wash I end up back at 102.42 USABLE US GALLONS!!!!



Why is this important? Well in rating pumps it is best to completely "turn the water" at least 2x per hour. (This means in 1 hours time the pump that you have connected to it has processed every drop of water in your tank at least twice).

Ok all that having been said lets look at my DIY UV output.

The factory says my pump that is connected to the UV is rated at 550 GPH @ 1" Lift. What does that mean? Well when you speak of pumps you also have to speak of "Head" In the world of pumps "Head" is basically everything that is connected to the pump that creates resistance thus slowing the water flow down. So EVERYTHING between your pump outlet and the final place where the water empty's into your tank or pond is considered "Head" Gravity will slow water down if you try to pump it up into the air through a tube and the longer the length of tube the more resistance both the tube, the weight of the water and gravity will provide this is where "Lift" comes in. But as you may have noticed in the explanation of "Head" "lift" is basically a factor in calculating "Head". Why is this important? My UV sterilizer states that it needs anywhere from 100 to 200 GPH to be effective remember - "Too fast and the water isn't getting sterilized.
Too slow and it is practically useless with low tank volume "turn Over". ".
It would be nice to sit down with my pen and paper and calculate tube diameters and valve flow and gravity...but hey this isn't rocket science there is an easier way. I knew this information in the back of my mind when I chose my pump for the UV (which is why I chose one that was a lot higher than the volume of my tank) now lets see if I estimated it correctly in real life. I took a 1 gallon bucket and a stop watch. I opened up my homemade valve assembly on the UV to full throttle. Then I moved the out put hose to the bucket as I started the stop watch. When I had poured 1 gallon I stopped the watch and placed the hose back in the tank. I kept doing this and adjusting the valve until I got a number I was satisfied with.
Here is the math:
The final result is with the valve just slightly adjusted from full open it took 23.44 seconds to pump 1 gallon of water into my bucket.
1) (Divide that into 60 seconds to get the amount pumped in 1 minute) 60 Divided by 23.44 seconds = 2.55 Gallons Per minute.

2) (Multiply the amount of gallons per minute by 60 minutes to get the GPH) 2.25 X 60 = 135 Gallons Per Hour (GPH).

3) (to check how many times this rate completely "turns" the water in my tank - we Divide the GPH into the actual volume of my tank) 135 divided by 102.42 = 1.31 times per hour. This number is lower than I would normally like but it is within the specification of the UV plus it keeps the water in front of the UV radiation for a longer period of time.

Well Thanx for reading this far, I hope I did not bore you too badly!!!

[tanks4thememories]

wooo i love that bichir!!!


Thanx!!
"Rambo" is the only one who doesn't like flashes so unless he is in the mood I only get one good pic at a time... lol.

[tanks4thememories]

Very good article on often overlooked benefit of UV:

http://americanaquariumproducts.com/Redox_Potential.html
By Carl Strohmeyer
Updated 9/13/08

Quote from article above:
"(2) As to Reduction as also stated in the opening section: “reduction of carbon by hydrogen to yield methane (CH4)”, this describes the de-nitrification of nitrate as it reduces to nitrogen. This process is more common in Marine tanks but can take place in freshwater in certain places where methane production is not an issue such as filters with anaerobic filtration that allow methane to escape (volcanic rock, Bio Home provide a good place for this process). Also the growth of plants, especially with strong roots in a sandy substrate allows for de-nitrification/Redox reduction. This is an area where Veggie Filters in Ponds shine in their ability to maintain excellent bio parameters. This also to a lesser degree shows where some green algae growth is not all that bad.
All this said as to Reduction, generally de-nitrification processes CANNOT keep up with oxidation processes which is why help is needed via water changes, mineralization, UV Sterilization, etc! "

[tanks4thememories]

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1979&articleid=2855

[tanks4thememories]

Just did WC and Filter cleanings. Took pics of the Snowball last night also:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2883380096_744c24c408.jpg
Snowball Pleco

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2883396896_29cbe1b10c.jpg
"Rambo" again (Just for perspective - That is a real "Cobble Stone" behind him..lol)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2882548103_d24a913b2b_b.jpg
"Blackie" finally let me take a decent pic of his belly...whooohooo!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2883387684_c9dbab7e65_b.jpg
"Snowball" & "Chocolate" catch up on old times

[cocoa_pleco]

rambos pretty cool!

[tanks4thememories]

rambos pretty cool!

ty:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

[Tolley]

Very neat setup!!!

On the last pic on the page before this one what is the fish below rambo?


Also the plecos are very cool!

[Lady Hobbs]

Your tank is looking great. I have no idea where to buy swimming pool sand. It's not there are any pool companies in my area.

Home Depot has that real white sand it almost looks too light. I may try it anyway. (Tried everything else. LOL)

[tanks4thememories]

Tank finally settled into carpet, found it was about 1/2" pitched to the right.

Broke out the hammer and the level and some homade shims and went to leveling...lol

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2883543652_22d7301e74_b.jpg
Back Shim

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2883541980_826616f7ba_b.jpg
Front Shim

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/2883545736_64107fd014_b.jpg
Better in the front..:)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/2882711171_5f0614c91a_b.jpg
Better from the side..:)

All better now...:)

[tanks4thememories]

Looking for things that eat snails. Already know about Assasin snails, and puffers. Also looking for any really nice oddball fish/worm that lives in sand.

[labnjab]

Awsome looking tank. Rambo looks pretty cool too

[tanks4thememories]

Your tank is looking great. I have no idea where to buy swimming pool sand. It's not there are any pool companies in my area.

Home Depot has that real white sand it almost looks too light. I may try it anyway. (Tried everything else. LOL)

I use "Mystic white" Pool filter sand by U.S. Silica 1-800-258-2500 it is inert and very pretty. See if you can get the large size I got standard and I like it but I think bigger grains would have been better as an after thought.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2882075061_a5c8c96752_o.jpg

[Red]

maybe try a firetrack eel for you tank... and loachs like to eat snails

[tanks4thememories]

Awsome looking tank. Rambo looks pretty cool too

Thanx!!:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

[tanks4thememories]

Very neat setup!!!

On the last pic on the page before this one what is the fish below rambo?


Also the plecos are very cool!

Common Pleco I still haven't gotten him positively ID yet...lol

[tanks4thememories]

maybe try a firetrack eel for you tank... and loachs like to eat snails

A guy on monster named "srikamaraja" said:

"Loaches will keep the snail population down, but never completely eliminate it, especially when well fed. Botia, Yasuhikotaria, and Chromobotia loaches are all good snailers.

A geophagus cichlid will sift through all of the sand it can access as a passive activity. "

Gonna have to do some homework to balance this without having to stir sand...lol

[tanks4thememories]

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4742/snail_faq.html

And I quote:

"Here is a partial list of some fish that are reported to eat snails in no particular order. This list was compiled from various sources including books, magazine articles, Usenet, web pages, and reports from other aquarists. I only have first hand knowledge with Clown Loaches and Bettas from this list. Others surely exist and if anyone would like to add to this list, please email me with the details.

BAA#:### = Baensch Aquarium Atlas volume #: page ### (Tetra Press editions)

* Clown Loaches (Botia macracantha) notes: community fish, schooling. BAA1:370
* Skunk Loach (Botia morleti, formerly Botia horae) (some say better than the Clown L.) BAA1:368
* Puffers (Tetraodon species) notes: aggressive, keep alone.
* Banjo catfish (Bunocephalus species)
* Malawi Cichlids (Pseudotropheus & Melanochromis)
* African Butterfly or Thomas' Cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi). BAA1:748
* Malawi Cichlids (Pseudotropheus & Melanochromis species)
* Yellow Labs, Electric Yellow (Labidochromis caeruleus) (Malawi Cichlid)
* Chocolate Cichlid (Cichlasoma coryphaenoides / C. hellabruni)
* Asian Bumblebee catfish (Leiocassis siamensis) BAA2:450
* Giant Gourami (Osphronemus goramy) notes: VERY large, not recommended!
* Betta/Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) notes: some do, some don't. BAA1:632
* Keyhole cichlid (Aequidens maronii). BAA1:668.
* Black ghost knifefish (Gymnotidae family)
* various Lake Tanganyika Synodontis catfish species
* Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) (C.America)
* Slender Bumphead Cichlid (Steatocranus gibbiceps) (Tanganyika)
* Black-Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus) S. American, large, may eat smaller fish. "

[tanks4thememories]

Still researching the "critter sand stirring issue" (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=30123)

Also dis a new post on our blog about the tank in general and specifically our elec Cat.. (http://tanks4thememories.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-have-20-yrs-exp-off-and-on-keeping.html)

Guess that is all for now if you visit our blog please leave comments..:19:

[Tolley]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2876136784_d603836738.jpg
"Rambo" loves the sand!!!!


I mean this one lol sorry.

[tanks4thememories]

I mean this one lol sorry.

That is "Rambo"..lol - Endlicheri Birchir (Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri)

[Jenilyn]

its beautiful!

[tanks4thememories]

its beautiful!

Thanx...:)

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2885911445_9538214765_o.jpg
adds new meaning to "All You Can Eat Catfish Buffet"...:18:

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2886763034_dbd9f0e0e6_o.jpg

[tanks4thememories]

Ploped them all into tank. They all were fine except 1 hasnt opened yet. No biggie I think 24 of them is plenty to get colony established.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showpost.php?p=362950&postcount=10

[Gayle]

Awe you have a little Charlie!!!!!!! They are so cute!! Nice buffet pics!!!

[tanks4thememories]

Awe you have a little Charlie!!!!!!! They are so cute!! Nice buffet pics!!!

Yup he doesn't grow as fast as the common but he is cute thanx.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2888441210_5ec2417110_o.jpg

[Gayle]

Oh. I meant the common, mine is named Charlie! LOL But that little guy is really cute too! Great up close pic!!

[tanks4thememories]

Oh. I meant the common, mine is named Charlie! LOL But that little guy is really cute too! Great up close pic!!

Ours is named "Blackie" Here is some more pics of him too...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2882548103_d24a913b2b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2886793734_eb93c55f6a_o.jpg

So far Pleco Fanatics is IDing him as a "Pterygoplichthys Pardalis" but only 2 votes so far....lol

[tanks4thememories]

so far PF still says it is Pterygoplichthys Pardalis.:19:

[Gayle]

Ours is named "Blackie" Here is some more pics of him too...

So far Pleco Fanatics is IDing him as a "Pterygoplichthys Pardalis" but only 2 votes so far....lol


He is awesome. That is what mine is. The tummy gives it away. Took me forever to find out more than just common pleco. LOL
Here is a couple of pics of Charlie, I think Blackie looks just like him!

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/thumbs/charlielog.jpg (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/charlielog.jpg)http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/thumbs/dorsalcharley.jpg (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/dorsalcharley.jpg)

[tanks4thememories]

He is awesome. That is what mine is. The tummy gives it away. Took me forever to find out more than just common pleco. LOL
Here is a couple of pics of Charlie, I think Blackie looks just like him!

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/thumbs/charlielog.jpg (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/charlielog.jpg)http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/thumbs/dorsalcharley.jpg (http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/fishpictures/data/500/dorsalcharley.jpg)

Im lousy at plecos, I want them to look just like the ID pic...lol And they never do lol. Mines is kinda vermiculated both on his belly and on his sides. they arent spots but they arent bars either....hmmm

But PC also cast 1 vote for P. Pardalis as well so I guess it is looking like that is what he is.

[Gayle]

Plecos are hard sometimes to id. LOL

[tanks4thememories]

Plecos are hard sometimes to id. LOL

Even the experts have trouble...lol

PC = Tie
PF = mostly P. Pardalis
MF = P. Pardalis

[tanks4thememories]

Between Monster, Planet catfish & Pleco Fanatics all presented with the same set of pics and the same time frame for ID:

A total of 7 people responded with votes as follows:

1 - P. gibbiceps
1 - P. disjunctivus
5 - P. pardalis

I guess "Blackie" is P. Pardalis after all...:)

[tanks4thememories]

Well ok now that all of the creatures in this tank are scientifically IDed. Back to the snail issue. and a strange twist of fate...lol

I am finding I should take my own advice.
You know how my sig says "Mother Nature is amazing, Give her time and opportunity and she will always excede your expectations."
Well I've been so worried about these MTS taking over my tank once I got them in but it turns out to be the opposite. My Balas LOVE baby MTS...lol
I may have trouble even getting a MTS colony started...rotfl!!!!
I put the 24 live MTS in this morning and as I was feeding the tank just a few hours ago I witnessed the Bala Sharks knocking off 3 MTS already, shell and all...lol Oh and they also stole a large cricket from the Jardini...lol Man since I put them in this larger tank they are living up to their name "2 LiVe CrEw"
I tell you mother nature.

Oh in other news I have decided to change the snowball pleco's name from "SnowBall" (very original I know) to "Dorothy" Aka "DOT" (equally imaginative..lol) It just fits her better she is quite shy and very "darty"....:hmm3grin2orange:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2888517621_09e3bb9842.jpg
"Dorothy" Aka "DOT" - The fish formerly known as "SnowBall"...lol

[tanks4thememories]

I just measured "Luke" the largest of the Balas and he is just under 6' man they grow fast!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2888562577_cee8f38572.jpg
"Luke" - Bala Shark (Bottom Right)trying to see if "Jaws"- Jardini (Top Left)leaves any scraps from Cricket chomping

[Gayle]

Wow, you have a great tank! Makes me jealous! I am just waiting for tax return time. LOL

[tanks4thememories]

Wow, you have a great tank! Makes me jealous! I am just waiting for tax return time. LOL

Don't worry the hardest part is having the space. Tanks arent too expensive these days especially if you get a good deal on a used one.

[tanks4thememories]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/tanks4thememories/SNzkHDoMD4I/AAAAAAAAABw/TrBGDNtUtLk/None.jpg
"2 LiVe CrEw" - The Bala Sharks featering: Luke Skyywalker Aka "Luke" (is the largest one in the middle with his tail towards us, "Fresh Kid Ice" Aka "KI" is on the right he is next largest one), "Mr. Mixx" Aka "Mixx" (is on the left.) They are all circling "Jaws" - Jardini Aro for cricket scraps!! "Jaws" (is on the extreme left)

What can I say about my three Bala Sharks (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), also called Tri-Color Sharks?
I originally named them the "2 LiVe CrEw" because they are a shoal, also because of their crazy antics around the tank. It is very interesting to watch them Shoal it isn't the type of thing where they are right on top of each other as one might expect. It is a very loose formation occasionally as much as half a tank between them but usually not more than a foot apart. They chase each other, they zoom around tank at speeds hard to follow without getting whiplash then instantly stop on a dime. My favorite feature of these fish is the way they "Hover" like a helicopter. When so inclined they can float in one spot regardless of water currents making only the tiniest of individual fast, short fin adjustments it looks like they are twitching. They predominately occupy the middle strata of the tank but they will eat from the bottom, the middle and the top. They love vegetables and small worms and will also pick through the substrate for food bits between feedings. As they grow, they become increasingly omnivorous.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2888565275_ec96bc002c_b.jpg
"Mixx" Working on whats left of a Live cricket he plucked from the surface.
**Mixx once had a run in with Jaws where Jaws caused major damage to his right rear area by biting him. I didn't get to see the actual aggression but it created a horizontal line of hemorrhage from the top of Mixx to the bottom. It made him swim as if his tail was paralyzed.
It took him 2 weeks in the hospital tank (Increased temp, salt, Antibiotics & Anti stress vitamins) before he could return to the tank and another Month to recover completely from the injury (he still swims with a slight "limp" if there is such a thing..lol. "Mixx" is now completely aware of the dual nature of Jaws. He never lets Jaws close enough to catch him anymore.

[tanks4thememories]

Common name:
Bala shark, Tri-Color Shark, silver shark, shark minnow,

Fish name:
Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Name Origin:
“Bala” comes from the first part of their scientific name (Balantiocheilos).
“Shark” comes from their high dorsal fin that makes them look like a saltwater shark.
(Melanopterus) in their scientific name means black fins.

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Balantiocheilos
Species: B. melanopterus

Maximum size (min-max):
11.8 - 15.7 in (30.0 - 40.0 cm)

PH of water:
5.8 - 7.9

Water hardness (dGH):
dGH 4.0 - 12.0 N

Recommended temperature:
22.0 - 29.0 C ( 71.6 - 84.2 F)

Feeding:
In the wild: they can feed on phytoplankton, but mostly on small crustaceans, rotifers, and insects and their larvae. In the Aquarium: Bala sharks eagerly eat whatever you feed them. They need foods with algae in them. Balas also love live foods and frozen foods. Color enhancing foods will also make them turn darker.

Place in the aquarium (Strata):
All, but mostly Middle levels for swimming.

Social Info:
Temperament to its family:
peaceful

Temperament to other fish species:
peaceful - Should be kept in shoals of 4 or more.

The way of breeding:
Spawning
An Egg scatterer

Disease:
Baby bala sharks catch “ich” easily. Adults are less prone to the disease but still succeptable.
As a preventative you can use an "ich" cure at half strength in your quarantine tank or when you add new bala sharks to your main tank (especially the smaller ones).

Fish origin:
East Asia
Sumatra, Thailand, Borneo and Malaysia

Suggested Tank Mates:
Angel fish. Gouramis, Any of the other barbs.
Take extreme care if mixing them with with large, rough fish such as cichlids. Balas are very fast and can out run just about any fish but not forever.

Additional Info:
**WARNING** THIS FISH GROWS VERY LARGE AND IS A N EXTREMELY ACTIVE SWIMMER PLAN TO HAVE A LARGE TANK OR TRADE IT LATER ON IN ITS ADULTHOOD OR SIMPLY CONCIDER A DIFFERENT SPECIES. a 500 GALLON TANK FOR FINAL ADULT SIZED (15") FISH IS NOT UNCOMMON.
This fish is also known as Silver shark, Tri Color Shark.
They are actually Minnows!!
Very fast and Great jumpers!!
Make sure tank is well covered.
The larger they grow the slower they grow.
The Bala shark prefers be kept in groups of five or more specimens (although they can survive alone).
B. melanopterus is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List. It has become rare or extinct in many river basins of its native range. In Danau Sentarum (Borneo), fishermen already reported in 1993 and 1995 that the populations have decreased dramatically after 1975, for no clear reason. Fishermen mentioned overfishing for the aquarium-fish trade or forest fires in 1975 and the resulting pollution as possible causes. The species is apparently extirpated in the Batang Hari basin (Sumatra) and it seems that all individuals of B. melanopterus exported from Indonesia and Thailand by the aquarium-fish trade are captive bred.

[tanks4thememories]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/tanks4thememories/SN1POEvnh-I/AAAAAAAAAB0/PH9RzFRr_AY/s720/2008-09-26-A-008.JPG

Common name:
Bala shark, Tri-Color Shark, silver shark, shark minnow,

Fish name:
Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Name Origin:
“Bala” comes from the first part of their scientific name (Balantiocheilos).
“Shark” comes from their high dorsal fin that makes them look like a saltwater shark.
(Melanopterus) in their scientific name means black fins.

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Balantiocheilos
Species: B. melanopterus

Maximum size (min-max):
11.8 - 15.7 in (30.0 - 40.0 cm)

PH of water:
5.8 - 7.9

Water hardness (dGH):
dGH 4.0 - 12.0 N

Recommended temperature:
22.0 - 29.0 C ( 71.6 - 84.2 F)

Feeding:
In the wild: they can feed on phytoplankton, but mostly on small crustaceans, rotifers, and insects and their larvae. In the Aquarium: Bala sharks eagerly eat whatever you feed them. They need foods with algae in them. Balas also love live foods and frozen foods. Color enhancing foods will also make them turn darker.

Place in the aquarium (Strata):
All, but mostly Middle levels for swimming.

Social Info:
Temperament to its family:
peaceful

Temperament to other fish species:
peaceful - Should be kept in shoals of 4 or more.

The way of breeding:
Spawning
An Egg scatterer

Disease:
Baby bala sharks catch “ich” easily. Adults are less prone to the disease but still succeptable.
As a preventative you can use an "ich" cure at half strength in your quarantine tank or when you add new bala sharks to your main tank (especially the smaller ones).

Fish origin:
East Asia
Sumatra, Thailand, Borneo and Malaysia

Suggested Tank Mates:
Angel fish. Gouramis, Any of the other barbs.
Take extreme care if mixing them with with large, rough fish such as cichlids. Balas are very fast and can out run just about any fish but not forever.

Additional Info:
**WARNING** THIS FISH GROWS VERY LARGE AND IS A N EXTREMELY ACTIVE SWIMMER PLAN TO HAVE A LARGE TANK OR TRADE IT LATER ON IN ITS ADULTHOOD OR SIMPLY CONCIDER A DIFFERENT SPECIES. a 500 GALLON TANK FOR FINAL ADULT SIZED (15") FISH IS NOT UNCOMMON.
This fish is also known as Silver shark, Tri Color Shark.
They are actually Minnows!!
Very fast and Great jumpers!!
Make sure tank is well covered.
The larger they grow the slower they grow.
The Bala shark prefers be kept in groups of five or more specimens (although they can survive alone).
B. melanopterus is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List. It has become rare or extinct in many river basins of its native range. In Danau Sentarum (Borneo), fishermen already reported in 1993 and 1995 that the populations have decreased dramatically after 1975, for no clear reason. Fishermen mentioned overfishing for the aquarium-fish trade or forest fires in 1975 and the resulting pollution as possible causes. The species is apparently extirpated in the Batang Hari basin (Sumatra) and it seems that all individuals of B. melanopterus exported from Indonesia and Thailand by the aquarium-fish trade are captive bred.

[Gayle]

awesome!!!!!

[tanks4thememories]

Most of the fish have changed or been sold due to moving ( Long Story). So I will gradually update every thing eventually.

[rageybug]

Welcome back!

[tanks4thememories]

Welcome back!

TYVM, GTBB...lol

[Cameron]

wow thats a pretty cool tank, i thought arowona's need HUGE tanks like 500 gallons. But i guess i have to wait till you update.

[tanks4thememories]

wow thats a pretty cool tank, i thought arowona's need HUGE tanks like 500 gallons. But i guess i have to wait till you update.

TY
Its all about size of fish and bio load. My general rule is making sure they have room to turn around comfortably. When they get too big then I either get bigger tank or trade or sell em.

I was going to move so I sold a lot of fish and unfortunately the arowana was first to go as they are very popular fish. I will get a new one soon and be sure to post his progress as soon as he is in his new home.

Right now the large tank onl has a HUGE 14+ endlecheri, a pleco and an elec cat. I think im gonna go with some paroon sharks and a jardini on the restock.

[Ryuu]

Awesome tank! Wish I could have an arowana tank, but unfortunalty they are very expensive

[tanks4thememories]

Awesome tank! Wish I could have an arowana tank, but unfortunalty they are very expensive

buy it used on creigslist if you are patient you can get a real bargain. I seldom buy new large tanks. Good thing to do is just make sure it is up and running b4 you pay. I usually have them keep it full of water before I arrive to inspect and take delivery.

[tanks4thememories]

I'm BaaAaaAck!!! - http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=60130

LOL

Im just settling into my forums so It may be a little while before I update my profile and this thread but its on the "To do" list...:hmm3grin2orange:

[Crispy]

About time for an update on this tank! Very nice setup. Love jaws and snowball. This is an old thread to ressurect, but a good one nonetheless. Especially if you update now after almost 2 years.

[tanks4thememories]

About time for an update on this tank! Very nice setup. Love jaws and snowball. This is an old thread to ressurect, but a good one nonetheless. Especially if you update now after almost 2 years.

Thanx.
Heheh yeah an oldie but goody...lol May be old but its chock full of useful info on FW tank setup, And species information. You just have to dig around and you will find some treasures:hmm3grin2orange:
Al ot of fish have changed. Unfortunately Jaws was 1st to be sold when I was trimming down:scry: Usually the good ones go 1st. Basically I only kept Rambo (endlecheri endlecheri), everything else was sold off. So I restocked a few and ill leave you in suspense as to what is in there now until i post with picks...:hmm3grin2orange:

[tanks4thememories]

Ok while I'm dusting off the camera I figured id wet your taste buds...:)

Over the next few months ill be adding fish (yes I will get a new arowana...lol) and pics.

As stated earlier a lot has changed. Everything not listed was sold and I gave away most of the plants. To my surprise I basically have just a few hardy plants left. Here are my tanks and their stocking:

135 Gal
(1) Polypterus endlicheri endlicheri - @ 14"
(1) Alligator Gar - @ 13"


55 Gal
(10) Bala Sharks @ 3-5" each
(2) Polypterus delhezi @ 7' each

45 Gal Tall

Empty awaiting salt setup.

[Northernguy]

Yup some fresh pics are due!lolthumbs2:

[tanks4thememories]

I think He is Spotted Gar.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4529674042_38bb9e09c8.jpg

[HeatherH]

:18:

Do you know how many of those things I have caught out of the Mississippi river? Too many!

It's nice to see one in a tank full of clean water rather than on the end of my line. :hmm3grin2orange:

[tanks4thememories]

:18:

Do you know how many of those things I have caught out of the Mississippi river? Too many!

It's nice to see one in a tank full of clean water rather than on the end of my line. :hmm3grin2orange:

Shoot maybe we can work something out I need a female about the same size!!!

[tanks4thememories]

More pics tomorrow.

[Ashley]

Just wondering what your plecos were eating in the "buffet" pics, thanks a bunch... Oh I reeeaaallly like the spotted gar!!!

[tanks4thememories]

Just wondering what your plecos were eating in the "buffet" pics, thanks a bunch... Oh I reeeaaallly like the spotted gar!!!

Thanx,
They were eating Veggies I used to feed them both Yellow and Green squash, Green Peas, String beans. Just with the squash make sure you core the seeds or they make a mess in the tank, some people also par boil them so they will sink. The first time I gave one of the common Plecos Yellow squash I put a whole one in the tank and he kept eating at it the whole night. It was hilarious he was eating it so long that he had a 1'5" string of yellow poop hanging off his rear and he was still eating it...lol I was laughing so hard, I swear he ate that thing for at least an hr straight. The next day it was all but gone (The other plecos helped) then every time since that day when I feed the squash he would only eat normal portions I guess he ate so much it made him sick of it...rotfl

[Ashley]

How did you get all of your food to sink? I noticed the peas and want to give some to my plecos

[tanks4thememories]

How did you get all of your food to sink? I noticed the peas and want to give some to my plecos

Yup Plecos are total "Freaks" for fresh veggies.

Parboiled/Blanched veggies with the seeds removed usually sink well. To fine tune your technique you just Blanche them and test. If no sink Blanche a little longer till they sink. Usually if it sinks in the water you are using to Blanche them they will sink in your tank..lol Oh I also sometimes remove the skin just before putting them into tank. Just depends on who I'm feeding them to and how good that fish is at getting past the skin on veggies...lol

See now you are making me miss my plecos...lol After I get this salt water tank cycled I think I will search for some big ones to put in the 135. The small ones grow too slowly to catch up if I put them in the 55 grow out tank...:(

[tanks4thememories]

Wow this guy is getting bigger
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4535574618_43d0be45eb.jpg
More recent pic of Rambo!!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4535591394_f927ea2197.jpg
Rambo Next to one of my favorite CD's for scale reference...lol

[HeatherH]

Wow-scary!

Very cool tho! thumbs2:

[Bristley]

That's a great pic of Rambo. Also very cool that he likes actions movies.

[tanks4thememories]

Wow-scary!

Very cool tho! thumbs2:

tyvm!!:hmm3grin2orange:

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4535702382_62352d8cbd.jpg
"Rambo" & GarFace" In the same shot!!

[tanks4thememories]

That's a great pic of Rambo. Also very cool that he likes actions movies.

LOL, I wonder if he would like the movie "Rambo"..lol I don't think he has watched that one...lol They really don't see very well So I don't think he can see the TV. It is next to the tank though so who knows...hehehe

[Crispy]

Sweet predators! Love garface! lol... thumbs2:

[tanks4thememories]

Sweet predators! Love garface! lol... thumbs2:


ty.....:22:

[HeatherH]

Dang...that's the scariest yet prettiest scary picture of fish I've seen yet. :hmm3grin2orange:

[tanks4thememories]

Dang...that's the scariest yet prettiest scary picture of fish I've seen yet. :hmm3grin2orange:

Awww...don't be fooled Birchirs (like Rambo) are like puppy dogs. The only thing that needs to fear them is what they can fit in their mouth...lol Even if you did somehow end up with a finger or hand in there 1) he would let go and 2) his teeth are tiny because they are for grasping not really for ripping as some more aggressive predators. Now the gar can sometimes mistake you for food or think your finger is food that you are holding and nip but they aren't likely to hold on either . I haven't been bitten by mines. When I get some time ill post some pics of my hand near them while cleaning tank.

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4549822200_9c979d4725.jpg
Feeding Day - 135 G Tank with lights off in room and no flash.

[tanks4thememories]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/4552359898_b13a018607.jpg
01/25/10 - Rambo Crusin' after a busy night of munching and pooping (Look at that fat little belly)...lol

ALL of the goldfish (about 15-20) you see in the pic above are now gone!!!

[tanks4thememories]

Lots of poop I got to clean up tomorrow!! Man they went through those goldfish like a hot knife in butter...lol

[tanks4thememories]

Well I went to the LFS to exchange a defective FrogFish (long story its in my blog..lol), while we were picking out the replacements, we ran across this guy on sale from a trade-in. Been looking for one of these that Rambo couldn't gulp down so here he is!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/4561227615_43493dbc85.jpg
10" Monster Pleco!!
Scientific Name : Hypostomus plecostomus
Common Names : Suckerfish, Suckermouth Catfish
Care Level : Easy to moderate
Size : Up to 18 inches (46 cm)
pH : 6.5 - 7.5
Temperature : 73°F - 82°F (23°C - 28°C)
Water Hardness : 5° to 19° dH,
Lifespan : 10 - 15 years
Origin / Habitat : South America
Temperament / Behavior : Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive toward others of the same species.
Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : It can be very difficult to breed them in a home aquarium.
Tank Size : Depends on the type, but a 55 gallon minimum for the common pleco given its large adult size.
Compatible Tank Mates : Many, given the mostly peaceful nature of this fish.

Sorry I will get some better pics when he settles down. Didn't want to disturb his wall sucking session...lol

[Scrup]

Nice lookin little pleco ya got there. Looks like an L-001 to me. Basically a common with purdy designs. Keep him well fed and he will grow pretty quick.

Fat plecos are happy plecos.

[tanks4thememories]

Nice lookin little pleco ya got there. Looks like an L-001 to me. Basically a common with purdy designs. Keep him well fed and he will grow pretty quick.

Fat plecos are happy plecos.

TY, He looks small in the pic till you realize that is a 300 watt heater next to him...hehehe. As long as he stays too big to fit into Rambos mouth its all good to me. TY for the ID. I was gonna put him on planet catfish later in the week. They are so hard for me to ID...lol
Heres the belly
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/4561852985_c91a28d655.jpg

I tried Squash and tilapia he didn't seem interested. I'm not sure what his previous owners were feeding him. Plus he is new to tank so we will see. Ill try pellets and wafers tomorrow, I sure hope he isn't hooked on algae wafers at his size...lol

[Scrup]

He is a common so, he will get plenty big. You dropping the food in during the day or at night? Algae wafers are a good option, but they do get pricey with big plecos. I mostly use them now to get mine to start eating, then drop the other food around them and they catch on pretty quick.

May take a few days before he eats, depending on how scared he is, though he doesn't look to have stress marks in the pics, so who knows.

Also make sure he doesn't get too cuddly with that heater. They have a bad habit of using them as shelter and getting little quarter sized burns.

As far as predators go, he is pretty safe, those fins are a big deterrent, but at the same time, if someone does try and eat him, it will likely end up they both die.



Also I would like to say, I am jealous.

[tanks4thememories]

He is a common so, he will get plenty big. You dropping the food in during the day or at night? Algae wafers are a good option, but they do get pricey with big plecos. I mostly use them now to get mine to start eating, then drop the other food around them and they catch on pretty quick.

May take a few days before he eats, depending on how scared he is, though he doesn't look to have stress marks in the pics, so who knows.

Also make sure he doesn't get too cuddly with that heater. They have a bad habit of using them as shelter and getting little quarter sized burns.

As far as predators go, he is pretty safe, those fins are a big deterrent, but at the same time, if someone does try and eat him, it will likely end up they both die.



Also I would like to say, I am jealous.


Hehe Ty, and TY for the Info. Currently he is pretty stress free just cautious since it is new tank. Yes Ive kept a lot of Plecos in the past. I sold most of them when I had to go off on a long term assignment then it turned out to be shorter. The joys of consulting...lol

Back further in this journal you will see some pretty kewl Plecos. There is an awesome feeding shot back there of them all chowing down on veggies. But anyway, I keep babbling about Rambo eating Plecos because he has done this in the past...lol and as you see he is still alive. He has also eaten a fairly large Senegal Birchir. These have been un-photographed fish and events due to being busy and the short time span of the event... also I often don't take pics of new fish because I like to make sure they are sticking around before I get too attached and start naming them and all that. For posterity, I decided recently I would document all events and occupants as things occur (as best as possible). In the past short lived events typically didn't warrant an entry.

He has eaten 2 pretty large Plecos (around 6-8 inches) to date. So this time around I was waiting to find the perfect size at the perfect price. He likes bottom feeding fish, in fact he invites them to lunch at every opportunity..lol Basically he will eat any fish that fits in his mouth and stays still long enough to be caught. He is an ambush hunter which leaves smaller bottom feeding fish very vulnerable to this type of predation. It is very deceiving how large his mouth can expand to. It really gives insight into why Birchirs are often referred to as "Armored" fish. Due to their prehistoric origins they are extremely sturdy, very laid back, also great towards their owners, basically the "rottweilers" of the FW hobby..lol

[tanks4thememories]

hmm I just realized Rambo has grown 6" in the last 2 yrs...lol:19:

[tanks4thememories]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs521.ash1/30682_103104019734081_100001034508224_25096_274240 8_n.jpg
New pic of "Garface":ssmile:

[Aeonflame]

Thats an awesome tank! I love your gar. The driftwood and its placement really accentuates the look

[tanks4thememories]

Thats an awesome tank! I love your gar. The driftwood and its placement really accentuates the look

Thanx, soon as I recuperate from the financial drain of setting up the SW I will be asking you guys about some plants. Nothing too heavy just some hardy back ground stuff that likes nitrates & low light.

Think I got some more pics in here somewhere. I been waiting for this pleco to stop hanging out on the walls...lol He is so shy. I know he will spend more time on the bottom If I do some more rockscaping and give him some caves but then rambo is gonna try to take it over..lol Plus I removed the rocks because these big guys poop a lot and its easier to clean with just a few rocks. Ill play around with some ideas well see what happens.

[tanks4thememories]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs637.snc3/31948_105571742820642_100001034508224_51206_234452 8_n.jpg
05/06/10 - Night time Group Shot!!

All in all I am very pleased with the character of this Pleco. Here are the reasons:
1) So far he isn't the type to suck on polypterus for slime coat protein. - Rambo hates that!! No fish should anger Rambo...I know that is why he ate at least one of the plecos he has been responsible for scoffing down...lol
2) I thought there was a problem with him eating but it turns out he actually likes algae and loved to munch on my driftwood (im not sure the driftwood part is actually a benefit..lol) - Rare for one this size
3) He handles his business - No one is bullying him.

[Bristley]

Great pic of the group you got there, and cool that the pleco can hang with the big boys :)

[tanks4thememories]

ty........:22:

[tanks4thememories]

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs607.snc3/31948_105664342811382_100001034508224_51855_518375 2_n.jpg
Ok we named him "Blackie"

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs637.snc3/31948_105664349478048_100001034508224_51856_720061 8_n.jpg
Blackie Flaring Fins

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs637.snc3/31948_105664352811381_100001034508224_51857_533565 9_n.jpg
More Fin Pics

Finally got around to cleaning this tank..lol

[tanks4thememories]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs607.snc3/31948_105664359478047_100001034508224_51859_271345 _n.jpg
Rambo and GarFace Dancing..lol

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs637.snc3/31948_105664362811380_100001034508224_51860_480976 2_n.jpg
Rambo trying to look all GQ and stuff...lol

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs637.snc3/31948_105664369478046_100001034508224_51861_705972 8_n.jpg
Another Rambo "action pose"

[EmmanuelJB]

WOW!! Your fish look amazing!!
Great pics!!

[Northernguy]

Great looking fish!thumbs2:
I like the tank too!

[tanks4thememories]

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs607.snc3/31948_105664372811379_100001034508224_51862_668984 8_n.jpg
Rambo Again - Can you tell I love this fish?...lol

http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs607.snc3/31948_105664376144712_100001034508224_51863_834133 6_n.jpg
GarFace Being antisocial...lol

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs607.snc3/31948_105664382811378_100001034508224_51864_245116 1_n.jpg
GarFace & Rambo..Meeting of the minds...

[tanks4thememories]

WOW!! Your fish look amazing!!
Great pics!!


Great looking fish!thumbs2:
I like the tank too!

Thanx for the compliments guys:22:

[tanks4thememories]

Still some pics havn't been seen further back. Have good weekend...:ssmile:

[tanks4thememories]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs547.ash1/31948_105664386144711_100001034508224_51865_792159 8_n.jpg
Tank View "Catchin Some Rays"...lol

[tanks4thememories]

I just remembered the only complaint I have about Fluval FX5. The problem is on the output hose. So what happens is sometimes what normally looks like:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs281.snc3/27711_107127745998375_100001034508224_60301_781029 4_n.jpg
This.

If it gets nudged by a fish or something it often turns into:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs261.snc3/27711_107124525998697_100001034508224_60280_453614 9_n.jpg
This!! And
http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs281.snc3/27711_107124535998696_100001034508224_60281_515246 9_n.jpg
This!!

Its not the end of the world or anything but it is annoying to have to put it back frequently. I think I can fix it by replacing the rubber coupler. I notice it only happens as they get older. It seems to stay very well when the assembly is new. Notice on the top pic the piece of plastic I stick in there to help keep it snug...lol

[tanks4thememories]

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs281.snc3/27711_107131719331311_100001034508224_60310_423793 6_n.jpg
Another pic of Blackie