90 gal FW journal - wish me luck!

[fishmommie]

A rainbow cichlid would actually be an excellent tankmate...they are not really aggressive. Acaras are hit and miss some are more aggressive than others, still typically mild mannered IME.

Stocking is honestly determined my filtration and waterchanges, territory and individual fish needs also play a factor. 2 BPs, 1 Sev, 1 Geo,1 Angel, 1 EBJD, and the Pleco is a decent stock in itself already. I agree with adding a 3rd BP...if you were to add another cichlid I would stick to a small one. Something around 4" so a Rainbow would best fit the bill.

What is your filtration? If anything increasing it would be a good idea.

Cascade 1200 canister, UGF with twin 400 power head air pumps and I could always add a HOB if filtration was an issue. I'm also diligent about weekly W/C.
I really want that angel :o). So maybe I'll just stick with adding him and the additional BP. Could I still squeeze in 6 congos?

[MCHRKiller]

Ya know...Id honestly toss an AC110 on there or another canister in all honesty. You can get a SunSun 302...theyre cheap but hold a pretty decent amount of media and are pretty equivalent to the Cascade.

I would probably stick with adding an Angel and BP...6-8 congos should also be fine. Just keep in mind your tank will be heavily stocked....you need the extra filtration and will be doing atleast 50% weekly changes

[fishmommie]

Ya know...Id honestly toss an AC110 on there or another canister in all honesty. You can get a SunSun 302...theyre cheap but hold a pretty decent amount of media and are pretty equivalent to the Cascade.

I would probably stick with adding an Angel and BP...6-8 congos should also be fine. Just keep in mind your tank will be heavily stocked....you need the extra filtration and will be doing atleast 50% weekly changes

I can do all of that! I think I'll go with the AC110 hob but first will check out the SunSun.

And when I do the 50% W/C (which is what I was planning) should I be doing 25% X 2 a week or a 50% all at once? Would prefer the 50% all at once, of course ....
thanks again.

[MCHRKiller]

Optimally 25% twice a week would be better....but 50% is fine, most of us dont have time for multiple changes anyway

[fishmommie]

Optimally 25% twice a week would be better....but 50% is fine, most of us dont have time for multiple changes anyway

appreciate the honesty :o) time is an issue.

thanks again

[KevinVA]

Hey FM!

Looks like I missed some updates - good ones at that. I'm glad to see that everything's working out for you and you're reaching some normalcy in your tank. =]

You know... you're worried about plants, but my plants weren't really an issue until I added fish. lol Then I had deaths and algae to deal with, instead of just algae. ;P I didn't mind the algae so much, but the deaths are certainly worrisome. I can understand why you'd want to handle one thing at a time.

Looks like you're going to add a few more fish to the tank and some additional filtration. I can't wait to see all of your fish matured and getting along. You have such a wonderful community tank and it looks great.

You can get a SunSun 302...theyre cheap but hold a pretty decent amount of media and are pretty equivalent to the Cascade.

Wow... I wish I knew about that one, before I opted for the Cascade 1000 for my 75gal. Way better deal and they're rated at about the same gph. I may buy one of those, myself, when I'm ready for another filter. Thank you for suggesting that.

[MandyK]

I've also looked at the SunSun as a possibility for my tank. I was advised that these use more energy than other brands. Cheaper filter-- higher electric bill.

[KevinVA]

I've also looked at the SunSun as a possibility for my tank. I was advised that these use more energy than other brands. Cheaper filter-- higher electric bill.

Do you know what the comparison was? Between which filters and which models?

[fishmommie]

I am so happy to report that I have removed all the rocks and rid them of the diatom. Hate that ugly brown crap. Am hoping the worst of that 'new tank' issue is past and I won't have to deal with it on such a large scale again. But ... I'm considering Ottos if it comes back.

I also vacuumed today and did about a 20% W/C. Want to get the salt out slowly and not have more chemistry issues. I'm giving the poor little creatures a break tomorrow and will do another W/C on Saturday. Hopefully then I'll be back to weekly maintenance W/C to coincide with my other 2 tanks.
Wait - I have 3 tanks. The first of the year I had 0. How the heck did that happen??
Oh well ...MTS, I've been told is often unavoidable. Seems the case for me.

Anyway, my fishies are looking fit and fine and I swear they've grown through all of this. So all is well in the 90 gal world ... well, except ....
and with fish, I'm learning there is ALWAYS an exception.

Early on, I moved 2 of my 3 dwarf gouramis from my 30 to the 90 so they would have more room and so it would look like the 90 actual fish in it - not just rocks and driftwood, which ALL the other fish consistently hid behind. Now that they are getting over their shyness, (except for Napoleon, the Emperor Pleco who continues to play "Where's Waldo?") however, and all feeling better, they're chasing the 2 gourami's a bit and when the bigger fish aren't chasing them, the littlest gourami is being harassed by the bigger one. I'm HOPING this will settled down once new territories are established (couldn't help but move a few rocks and caves when I cleaned) and peace will reign over the kingdom again.
I just want them to play nice, eat their veggies and grow up to be fine, outstanding citizens ... er, I mean fish.

Oh ... photos:
The two BPs and the Golden Sev


Nice shot of the geophagus and the EBJD


"She can't see me, right?? Right??"


2 more photos next post ....

[fishmommie]

My Golden boy. Well, more my butter boy.


Mirror Image


thanks again for all the support I've received here. I LOVE this forum!!