2,400 gallon Arapaima Gigas Tank by JohnPTC

[johnptc]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/overview1.jpg

text and photos Copyright 2005 John Marcus

Permission to use on www.monsterfishkeepers.com (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com)

Below is an overview of how I built a 2400 gallon system…..


Final system:

1800 gallon display tank ( 5’ height x 4’ deep x 12’ long )

200 gallon mechanical filter box

400 gallon sump. 48”x48”x48”

55 gallon bio filter

Two 40 gallon barrels w/ bio balls for degassing as additional bio filtration

Three 4000 watt heaters with independent controllers

Two ¾ hp phase March Mag Drive Pumps ( 55 gpm each, one running, one for backup)

Aquafine CSL 24R UV sterilizer ( 24 lamps in two sections)

7” diameter x 30 inch bag filter 4000 gph

1600 watts metal halide lighting

4 48” t5 fluorescent tubes.

2400 pounds gravel, 600 pounds lace rock etc

30,000 pounds total weight


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/overview1.jpg


My first tank was a 10 gallon tank ( 1963), from I believe Aquarium Stock Co. in Los Angeles…..when I was about 14, I built a 70 gallon plywood and fiberglass tank with a 3/8 glass front window…..it housed my first Oscar, jack dempsey and an albino clarias catfish. …….


http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/overview2.jpg



Why I decided to build this tank… its not really my fault…..my 14 year old son thought it would be a good idea. The concept started as another plywood and fiberglass tank…we were thinking of a 48x48x96 tank which would be about 1000 gallons….but after a lot of thought, I decided it would be easier and safer to build a tank of concrete block. It turned out that the price for the 2 inch thick cell cast acrylic was based on the price for a full sheet so we optimized what we could build with a full sheet ( nominal 120”x72” )….


The tank is located under a large shed roof in Los Angeles. It is built on top of a concrete slab that is capable of supporting a 300 pound per square foot load (approx 30,000 pound total).

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/rebarlayout.jpg

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/halfdoneblock.jpg


The tank construction began by building the concrete block box. It has rebar drilled and anchor both into the slab and the concrete building in back of it. Vertical and horizontal rebar was used as internal reinforcement including 90-degree loops at all corners. At the top of the ‘window’ opening, a 316 stainless steel beam was installed to support both the weight of the top row of block as well as the outward load from the water pressure. 316 stainless steel was chosen if I ever wanted to convert to saltwater at a later date. Once the basic box was completed all the void spaces were filled with concrete. The inside of the window opening was finished with 4”x4”x.5” 316 stainless angle providing a flat surface to seal the acrylic to. Once dried, the interior was sealed with epoxy resin then fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin and finally covered with a blue tinted coat of epoxy. I contacted West System for instructions on epoxy that was suitable for drinking water storage tanks, as many epoxies are toxic.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/readyforplastic.jpg

The next project was to install the 600-pound sheet of 2” thick cell cast acrylic. A 10 foot steel beam was fitted to our forklift. The acrylic was suspended with nylon webbing and lowered into place for a test fit. Wooden braces were made up to hold the acrylic under pressure once the sealant was applied. After contacting several large producers of silicone sealants all of who would not discuss this type of application due to liability issues. One finally gave me information on a similar application with the understanding that ‘I would never apply this info to a large aquarium’. The final choice was a two-step process of applying a primer and then the silicone sealant. However, if ever faced with this problem again I would use a catalyzed silicone rather than a rtv type to avoid long cure times. With a couple of helpers we applied about 26 cartridges of sealant, tipped the plastic into place and applied pressure with the wooden braces. After two weeks to cure the braces were removed and the top cross brace was pre tensioned in anticipation of the load from the water….





Sump and filter:

While the silicone was curing the filter and plumbing was started.

Four 3 inch diameter overflows exit the end of the tank. They run to the far end of the filter box. Two pick up water at the surface and two run down to the bottom of the tank (with large anti siphon holes) supplying water by gravity.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/181heaters.jpg

Both the sump box and filter box were welded together from ½ “ polypropylene sheet. The filter box contains a number of vertical filter panels running from coarse to med fine. The water exits the filter box into the sump. Three 4000-watt heaters with independent controls keep the temperature steady. From the sump box with an independent pump, pumps water up to a 55 gallon barrel filled with bio bale and bio balls. Once full, it automatically siphons back to the sump, exposing the bio media to air as it refills. Water is also pumped thru a canister holding 7 pounds of charcoal and returned to the sump. The main filter water flow exits the bottom of the sump to one of two ¾ hp 3 phase mag drive march pumps ( 55 gpm). The water is pumped up to the UV sterilizer and then the water drops thru two (parallel) 40-gallon barrels filled with bio balls for degassing and bio filtration. The water is then returned by gravity to the display tank. In addition there is a bag filter running at 4000 gph used part time to polish the water to about 50 microns. Once the silicone cured…

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/181fouroverflows.jpg


The tank was loaded with 2400 pounds of gravel, 600 pounds of lace rock and some assorted décor items. Water was added and in several days it was clear enough to see through. I jump started the tank cycle by adding ammonium chloride to 3ppm and adding bacteria to eat it ( no uv) and form the bio filter.


Control Panel.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/181controlpanl1.jpg


I built up a control panel to handle electrical functions. It provides a place to house the power relays for the pumps and heaters, temperature controls, timers for pumps and UV. Each pumps runs for a 48-hour shift while the UV runs 6 hours on 6 hours off. It also has an integrated alarm for low water, which sounds a bell and shuts down the heaters and 3 phase pumps. On the outside of the control panel are pilot lights, which indicated what is on and what isn’t as well as the alarm silence switch.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/181wiring.jpg

Maintenance:
Currently the tank is running at about 25 ppm nitrate changing out 150 gallons of water a day. Filters are washed every two weeks with a pressure washer and charcoal is changed at about 6 week intervals. Gravel is either vacuumed or stirred regularly. My son with a mask and snorkel handles detailed maintenance in the tank. Feeding is primarily an assortment of dry foods with some frozen fish added in. I presoak the pellets with zoe, zoecon and tank water for about 10 minutes. This boosts the nutrition and softens them prior to feeding. The fish seem to prefer pellets such as bio gold presoaked. I had been feeding some gold fish but given the risks and the fact that the fish would eat about 50 at a time, the dry food seems more sane but not as much fun.


Fish:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/181ag.jpg

The King and Queen of the tank are a pair of Arapaima gigas currently approx 26 inches and growing quickly. Also there is a jardini arowana (Scleropages jardini), two black belts (Vieja maculicauda) , a pair of jaguars (Parachromis managuense), a pair of Parachromis motaguense with 4 smaller ones, 4 Vieja synspilus , 3 orange pikes( Crenicichla sp. Xingu) , a Parachromis motaguense 'red tiger' , 4 plecos, a channel cat, a peruno cat, 4 Petenia splendida …. Living in the filter and sump are a SA lungfish (hand fed and very cute), an electric catfish and a flower horn.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/splendia.jpg

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/syn1.jpg

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/mfkarticle/johnptc/montipr.jpg

TankCam


The tank is viewable through its tank cam located on our website www.ptcmetrology.com (http://www.ptcmetrology.com) . Follow the link and use the web supplied username and password ( ilovefish, ptcptc) . Currently the camera only supports Microsoft IE browser.

[Serygo]

Love the tank!!!

Is the webcam located on the bottom or something like that, because I have been watching the cam for about 20-30 minutes now and I havent seen anything that looks like a arapaima gigias ,except a little jard. arow.

[rayman45]

great

[bluedempsey]

insane! :headbang2

[Loubard]

Very nice, my dream tank!!

[stevebussard]

Awsome Tank! Someday maybe I'll have the ambition to do something that extreme, but for now I have enough on my plate making a 110 gallon. That thing is awsome though. Do you have any good pics of your pikes? I have a red pike, no where near the size of yours I'm sure, but I find them absolutly facinating. :thumbsup:

[softturtle]

FRIGGIN' SWEET !!!!!

[stevebussard]

I love the tank, I followed the sites and put in the password, but nothing comes up. I've been trying to see it for half an hour, and I can't get anything to come up. Do you know why? I'd REALLY like to be able to see everything in motion. I'll try it again some other time, but if you know what's up, let me know, thanks.

[magic]

Amazing!!!!!

[fishnthings]

awwww........

[evilfish]

ooooooooo, love it!!

what are u gonna do when the arapaima is 10feet long???

[managuense-fury]

:drool:
mfk to the max

[iheartfishies]

Enter

This browser is only available in JPEG mode.


What do I do?

[johnptc]

should work with any of the later versions of internet explorer.....you may need to allow the camera to download a small script...make sure your security setting arent to tight.

[johnptc]

i wish i knew.... one expert has assured me they wont get to 10 or 15 feet in this tank.......

if they do the L.A. zoo is setting up an amazon exhibit and the timing would be about right.

[johnptc]

sometimes the camera crashes an needs to be rebooted.....

[johnptc]

38 inches and growing...........

[mon]

great set up u have!!!

[arapaimag]

Wow you really went all out on the filtration. I am impressed. How long do you feel you can keep your arapaima's in this size of tank? I ask because I have 2 large tanks also and was concerned about keeping them in my smaller of the 2. I have owned an arapaima up to 3 years ago. She was 5'5" long when she was attacked by a tankmate and died from her injuries. She weighed 126 lbs and was nearly 4 years old. What are you presently feeding your two beauties?

[blacktip]

:OMG: I must bow to my hero. That tank rocks!!! Please don't let my wife see this or she'll want it now for her baby RTC...

[keniisi]

Sweet lord...nice tank...

[johnptc]

Wow you really went all out on the filtration. I am impressed. How long do you feel you can keep your arapaima's in this size of tank? I ask because I have 2 large tanks also and was concerned about keeping them in my smaller of the 2. I have owned an arapaima up to 3 years ago. She was 5'5" long when she was attacked by a tankmate and died from her injuries. She weighed 126 lbs and was nearly 4 years old. What are you presently feeding your two beauties?


how large a tank was your large giga in...i am sorry to hear about her demise.

The breeder I got them from thought their growth would slow down and might be ok in this setup.......if not the los angeles zoo is setting up an amazon display.


they are currently being feed only dry foods....a mixture of various hikari foods....they seem to be doing very well on dry foods and it is easy and safer....

john

[MossOnGrass]

one word ......WOW !

[Richie]

What the hell killed a 5 foot arapaima? Don't tell me, a pacu!

[deD3]

monster fish keeper.
respect......

[salzabar]

i tried your link but the password you have set up is not working. has the password changed? ptcptc?

[arapaimag]

What the hell killed a 5 foot arapaima? Don't tell me, a pacu!
A Large black shark burrowed into it repeatedly over a long period of time and the arapaima eventually died from the injuries

[JohnnyPhillips]

WOW lol. I wish i could build one of these and just out of curiousity how much did the total come out too ?

[Nate_N_Nicole]

Awsome fish, sweet set up.... If I had to rate it 1-10 I would rate it a 15 simply awesome :headbang2

[Zoodiver]

i wish i knew.... one expert has assured me they wont get to 10 or 15 feet in this tank.......

if they do the L.A. zoo is setting up an amazon exhibit and the timing would be about right.

What expert if I may ask? He's right, it won't get to full size, you're going to stunt it's growth in that small of a tank. And check with the LA Zoo before assuming they'll take it at any size. There are alot of legal issues when it comes to zoos taking protected species like this. It took me six months to get a pair legally for my zoo.
I give props on thinking ahead though.I shake my head so many times at people who think they can handle a fish like this. They really are the most amazing freshwater giant out there.

[fishkill]

arrgggh....super niiiice! :clap

[johnptc]

thanks for the thoughts.....

i am not sure they are still protected as they are being breed in man made ponds in peru and germany...they seem to be fairly available now from some large internet suppliers.

the breeder /wholesaler who i got the fish from when they were about 16" is working with the LA Zoo on their new exhibit....and he mentioned the zoo as a possible home. he has supplied several nine foot gigas to the large public aquarium in chicago....he seems pretty knowlegable.....

they are magnificent creatures.........

[Cuba_Libra]

Wow, thats an impressive project!!

[Nic]

dude all i can say to this tank is WOW WOW WOW that is nice

[aquaholic]

its nice to see others out there that are willing to go all out for there fish :clap

[threefox]

That is the craziest tank I ever seen. Can you breed in the tank or is it just display?

[Taz2478]

WONDERFUL!!!!

I have a small patio I was gonna set up a pond like that.

What kind of camer did you use or/and how is it setup inside the tank?

culdnt get through to see the cam either.

[cockroach]

every time i relook at thjis tank i get greener with envy

[BraveheartCalif]

the arapaima hide under the ledge. I just saw that one though....very cool!

[Ash]

That is one awsome looking tank!!

[peanut]

great tank

[johnptc]

its a sony webcam....its mounted on the wall facing the tank.

[acidburn470]

That is an amazing tank

[Pangong_ilong]

How can you guys do that? Flowerhorn w/ other fishes. And oh yah, your tanks awesome :headbang2

[paintboi101]

all i can say is .............................................

[fishyboi]

just amazing

[Im4u2nV]

i am the one that envy you now... LOL

GREAT TANK!!

[dan888]

Amazing Tank!

[T1KARMANN]

nice little grow out tank for the gigs :D

were is the tank set up are you building a house around it

[johnptc]

I CANT BELIEVE HOW FAST THE TANK GOT SMALL !!!

TANK IS OUTSIDE UNDER A LARGE SHED ROOF ........

[Fish_are_fishfood]

MONSTER TANK :thumbsup:

[T1KARMANN]

I CANT BELIEVE HOW FAST THE TANK GOT SMALL !!!

TANK IS OUTSIDE UNDER A LARGE SHED ROOF ........

what is the tank getting to small for the gigs already how long have they been in their

[ballsmcgee1234]

That tank is great...what next?

[Arapaimaman]

Dear Johnptc;

This Is crazy.You tank dimensions were almost the same as mine.I built mine in 1985.My largest arapaima was 5ft. before I had a disaster and lost all my fish and I live here in Orange co. The dimensions were 12'x5'x41/2'.

I had a friend of mine at the time who mounted fish for a living. He did the Pima for just for the cost of materials. It came out awesome. I'm going to try to post the pitcher on Sunday if I can find the cd. I did a thread on what happend to the fish. I have spent the last 2o years going to South America and studing and talking to the people who hunt and spearfish them.

The timing that I read this thread is unbelievable is that on Friday I just signed a contract to have a 11,700gal.tank built by a company that builds tanks for public aquariums. They are located in Las Vagas,Nev. Their co. name is Acrylic Tank Manufacturing. I am building a house around the tank. I have the land in Florida.The dimensions for the new tank is 30 feet long,10 feet wide,and 6 feet tall.

Pat McGee

[T1KARMANN]

Dear Johnptc;

This Is crazy.You tank dimensions were almost the same as mine.I built mine in 1985.My largest arapaima was 5ft. before I had a disaster and lost all my fish and I live here in Orange co. The dimensions were 12'x5'x41/2'.

I had a friend of mine at the time who mounted fish for a living. He did the Pima for just for the cost of materials. It came out awesome. I'm going to try to post the pitcher on Sunday if I can find the cd. I did a thread on what happend to the fish. I have spent the last 2o years going to South America and studing and talking to the people who hunt and spearfish them.

The timing that I read this thread is unbelievable is that on Friday I just signed a contract to have a 11,700gal.tank built by a company that builds tanks for public aquariums. They are located in Las Vagas,Nev. Their co. name is Acrylic Tank Manufacturing. I am building a house around the tank. I have the land in Florida.The dimensions for the new tank is 30 feet long,10 feet wide,and 6 feet tall.

Pat McGee

we need pics of that tank badly :D

[hogan2000]

great :clap :clap :clap :clap

[ivan]

intense you and your son and those that helped need a :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap love the tank :headbang2 :headbang2 :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot:

[RowingMunkeyCU]

so what sortof educational background do you have? i mean, if i were looking to build something similar, would i need some degree or whatnot in structural engineering, plumbing, etc?

[johnptc]

so what sortof educational background do you have? i mean, if i were looking to build something similar, would i need some degree or whatnot in structural engineering, plumbing, etc?


thanks is is a great ongoing project !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fishboy]

that is an amazing fish tank i wish i had the skills and money to do something like that!

[Scotty]

What an amazing tank. There's a tank here, in George South Africa, that is around 4500litres and filled with Malawi cichlids. Absolutely awesome to see, but this tank is quite something else. :headbang2 :woot: :woot: :clap :clap :thumbsup: :cheers: :mwave:

[Tim]

I like how the tin man was put to work laying blocks

very cool tank

[johnptc]

cheap labor !!!

[Bizdaddy]

Nice job. Lets see some more pics.

Justin

[tetracanthus]

WOW!!!

[franks]

Your tank is absolutely beautiful! Very inspiring! :-)

[Hakon]

Beautiful, thats for sure.

[dead4ever]

I am always looking for goals for the future. Thanks for my newest goal. Simply amazing!!!!

[arapaimag]

I am always looking for goals for the future. Thanks for my newest goal. Simply amazing!!!!


Thanks very much

I hope you reach your goal and please post your pics on this site when reached.

[arapaimag]

Hi John,

How big are your pemas now?

I know you said you were feeding them pellets but, What are you feeding them now?

[DeLgAdO]

whats your electric bill per month?

[seung_k]

I am enjoying the live web cam. When is feeding time? I would love to watch.

[seldumscene]

Its situations like this that remind me not to listen to my 13 year old son.

[johnptc]

its not exact.....usually in the am between 715 and 745 pacifc coast ( LA ) and pm around
430 to 500pm

[TortureXvidian]

damn.. impressing

[astronatus]

I could not be more impressed with your dedication as a fishkeeper, and with the results. You guys are my idols...

[astronatus]

Torture, your avatar is evil, but f***ing funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[joeytoe]

Sweet mother of god that thing is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think a big P.Niger would look great in there.

How much did that cost to build?

[johnptc]

Sweet mother of god that thing is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think a big P.Niger would look great in there.

How much did that cost to build?
i supplied all the labor ( i got a little help with the blocks) but there is probaly about 10k invested in parts.......the 2 inch cell cast acrylic being the biggest single item.

i only wish i made it bigger..it wouldnt have changed the price by more than a few percent !!!

[redtailfool]

Do i smell a project for 2006?

[gunblade77]

nice tanks you have there ...

[paintboi101]

damn, damn, damn, damn, damn.some nice nice tanks,.

[Aerobean9]

That tank is amazing. I wish i could watch the video though.

[paintboi101]

god i want PBASS!

[paintboi101]

posting 4 raffles, 4 feature. lol

[paintboi101]

posting 4 raffles. lol

[zipperfish45]

tHE MARKET IS GETTING KINDA SOFT, I REMEMBER WHEN YOU COULD GET A COOL 5 MILLION FOR A PERSON! JUST KIDDING THAT SITE IS KINDA COOL. I THINK I NEED A NEW GIRLFRIEND THOUGH, SHE WAS ONLY WORTH 1.4 MILLION... OH WELL!

[USMCtanker]

I wish i could win the jackpot. maybe if they raise your guys taxs the military will pay me more. jk:) that tank is awsome i dream of having one some day

[Mattcomptonassvanhorn]

That filtration is insane!

[Shadow 313373]

I would love to make a 200 gallon tank and have it take up a wall in my room but I can barely afford my 55 gallon, I just bought 3 electric blue jack dempseys for it and I am going to change the gravel out soon so they dont get cut when they dig.

[eelkpr]

RIGHTEOUS!

[johnptc]

they should pay you guys more and thanks for what you do.....all they have to do is cut out thw waste !!!!!!!

[lookyloo]

my pacu would love you set up, it currently lives inf 60 gal and it is about a third the size of the tank

[tomstanks]

WOW! Very nice set-up!

[wffsoccer]

Is that a Red Devil in there?

[wffsoccer]

o, and how long is that pleco?

[johnptc]

Is that a Red Devil in there?
male red devil........we still have lots of babies........3-5 inches !!!!

[johnptc]

o, and how long is that pleco?
there are 5 plecos ( 3 'standard plecos'...1 vampire and one royal)
the biggest is now about 14.5 inches

[goldclownknife]

Your tank is impressive. To think people thought I was nuts for having two 55gallons... Good luck with your tank.

[toxicfish]

I would have cichla in that monster tank...

Nice freaking huge tank :D :thumbsup: those gigas are the whip!!

[johnptc]

Your tank is impressive. To think people thought I was nuts for having two 55gallons... Good luck with your tank.
did you mean good luck with my wife !!

[Hasi]

MAGNIFICIENT! Another stunning setup!

[goldclownknife]

did you mean good luck with my wife !!


haha yeah good luck with her too, she must be pretty understanding, letting you do that

[johnptc]

MAGNIFICIENT! Another stunning setup!
did you see the jardini on the web cam ?? i believe he is a home boy for you !!!

thanks john

[jonnyrotten]

lop off a zero to the gallon total and perhaps I could convince the wife....excellent job

[Averi666]

awsome tank i love the ag and fh i want it lol

[benas]

amazing tank, congrats

[dapike1979]

Very Nice keep up the good work!!! :clap :clap
P.s. I really like your tank!! :D
My dream! :drool:

[chefdazza]

i'm jealous man

[draymon]

A nice set up!!!

[IMacBevan]

How is this tank doing? Are you finding it stable? Just curious.

Ian

[a_short_round_1]

Where did you get that huge piece of cell cast acrylic? A 10' x 6' x 2" chunk o' plastic must be incredibly heavy.

I would like to try something similar, would you please share the name of the company you puchased the acrylic from? OR, would anybody know where you could find a piece of glass similar sized, or the price for something like that?

By the way, WAY COOL TANK! You the MAN!

[Kevy01]

Awesome tank, I couldn't get the tank cam to work

[drano33]

:WHOA: another great tank.... Awesome man...

[Arcila]

Wow, what an amazing tank indeed. It would be wonderful to snorkel only if it´s just for cleaning.

I have a structural quesiton: How did you attached the stainless steel angle to the concrete blocks?. I´m about to do something similar and this issues has been anoying me.

cheers

E

[oscarkb]

Im jealous...I only have a 55 and want a bigger and bigger...haha.

Where do you get water to do all the water changes?

[paOol]

Im jealous...I only have a 55 and want a bigger and bigger...haha.

Where do you get water to do all the water changes?

yea, how do you do water changes? o_O

[halofishboy]

Niiiice tank WANt it

[rook45]

great tank seems high tech

[MikeVance]

will be going for a small 1000-1500 gallon this summer in my basement (as Wisconsin winters can get cold)

[ripesteel]

:OMG: That is a awsome setup! Your fish look really nice too.

[johnptc]

i got it from plastic mart in los angeles...about 600 lbs

[johnptc]

How is this tank doing? Are you finding it stable? Just curious.

Ian
tank is doing very well and seems rock solid....i change about 150 gallons every day...currently it is heavily loaded as there are a few hundred red devils in the sump.

[johnptc]

Awesome tank, I couldn't get the tank cam to work
if you are using a pc make sure the activex prg loads...if its a mac i dont believe it is compatible.....john

[hood9999]

Love the tank

[HiGhTiMeZ]

omg what a gOsu tank!!! \:D/

[ultimatejay]

Are you going to use the red devils as feeders for your pimas?

[johnptc]

Are you going to use the red devils as feeders for your pimas?
its possible as i have several hunred of them.............but so far they the two small ones in the tank are living quite happily !!!

[slammer]

Very nice! I am watching the cam now. Pretty cool how that big cat paces the Arapaima around the tank...

Good clarity on the tank too...You can see folks walking around the area in front of the tank reflected in the glass... :ROFL:

[rainmun]

I love arapaimas, thats an awesome tank.

[peninha]

:WHOA: mazing!!!!!!! nicest thing near yr tank was a dive in the Azorean waters, but then they have real underwater volcanos active, and whales.... increadible set up...
been here :drool: ing at yr cam for 2 hours, and i'll stay till u feed them. damn 8 hours difference, meridians suck.
congratulations!!

[srad750c]

damn that is a really great idea, was thinking about that myself...not that large 4x4x4, reef tank...project is about 2yrs down the road, buting a new house right now

[mon]

awesome....

[johnptc]

I love arapaimas, thats an awesome tank.
me too !!!!!!! did your see your homeboy... the jardini ????

[two_amen]

Nice Arapaima tank John......

:mwave:

[riskistang]

Just imagine the electric bill to run that thing......

Dammm :drool: Thats nice :headbang2

[oconnordaithi]

Hi mate wonderful tank... If you dont mind me asking how much did it cost to build? Also how much was the acrylic front?

Dave

[DrBranDo]

just breath taking.
2 thumbs up.

[Prowler]

me too !!!!!!! did your see your homeboy... the jardini ????

I love Arapaima as well. Your tank looks absolutly gorgeous! When I'm older I hope to accomplish something like this to. :thumbsup:

[dimebag]

i can't breathe...help! :D ...nice monster tank bro

[kevin boke]

awesome tank, you are a hero

[omotocycle1]

Wow that is not only impressive but really good looking. almost as if it were there when the shed was erected. very cool.

[wickedglass]

sweet tank, man

[JefeBille]

Very Nice :woot:

[Qrys24]

The Arapaima looks great! Very nice set up.

[fishyz]

Nice! :woot: You must be the son of that guy with the 50,000g tank.
So that makes you like a god or something...lol :ROFL:

[zapatero]

Very nice job John!

I am having a bit of trouble though in following your description of the filtration piping and flows. Would you happen to have prepared a diagram anywhere that would provide additional explanation of your design? I am trying to design a similar scaled project for my own home, and would greatly appreciate any additional insights that you might be able to share.

Thank you very much,
~~~zapatero

[lousybreed]

that is amazing!

[BMWaznboy]

WWWWOOOOOOOOOWWWW :eek: :drool: very very nice. great job!

[paulosborne]

Absolutely Stunning...

[foxypleco]

made a 70 gallon when you were fourteen?! i couldnt attempt to make a plywood tank when i was fourteen and i really still dont think that i could make one now.somehow i find that a little bit more impressive than your 2400 gallon, though admitingly not as "awe inspiring".... :headbang2

[harley mooney]

nice tank .i love to one like that on my patio

[rickson]

great fish tank :clap

[rurry44]

I want one. How did you figuire the thickness of the acrylic for tank that size?

[johnptc]

I want one. How did you figuire the thickness of the acrylic for tank that size?
see http://cyro.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/cyro.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=133&p_created=979155189&p_sid=dDONbJ3i&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfc m93X2NudD03NTYmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPSZwX3B2PSZwX2N 2PSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPWFuc3dlcnMuc2VhcmNoX25sJnBfc GFnZT0x&p_li=&p_topview=1

its cryo.com in their knowledge base there is a great thickness calculator

[sr20det510]

Amazing tank!!
Wish I had the funds to set something like this up!!
Maybe in a few years : )

[ozz465]

awsome tank man. one question

did u change the password to the web cam??? cant seem to acess it.:(

[tyson]

Wow, that is one hard core tank.

Well done. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[labeo]

Wow your arapaima was killed by a black shark! you got any pics of the shark?

[bryce]

good job.... i need more room!!!!

[stumac]

so many guys with huge tanks!! lucky sods :eek:

[johnptc]

not mine.........he now pushing 50 inches

[johnptc]

awsome tank man. one question

did u change the password to the web cam??? cant seem to acess it.:(
start at www.ptcmetrology and following the links to the cam...........
user ilovefish password ptcptc.......

[Bruiser]

NOw..i've got an awesome shot for you man. I was sitting here checking out your camera and your fish just suddenly went into the pot i was like THATS AWESOME!!!!!! So I decided that I was gonna post it for you. THat tank is awesome, a piece of art work. Maybe someday I'll have one too..lol. Thanks from all of us for the inspiration and and the oppurtunity to see what you and maybe the rest of us can do. :thumbsup:


-Christen

[rayman45]

im watching now.... pima head is stuck LOL

[johnptc]

nice screen shot... he thinks he is an ostrich....he can out for 5 or more minutes !!

[Stone Like Fish]

Can you guys show me how to get into hte camera, i don't know how :(

[concord]

dude that is awsome I wish I could have a big tank lol that is insane

[deangelo]

nice work! :thumbsup:

[AroW]

nice nice Nice

[sgland]

Another reason to rob the bank!

[johnptc]

i see from your photo you spend a lot of time in the gym ( grin)

[johnptc]

thankx !!!!!!!!

[wadewonder]

insane!!!!!!!!

[Dozer0011]

Awesome tank, awesome fish:headbang2

I'm really enjoying the webcam.....thanks alot for putting it up!

[johnptc]

Awesome tank, awesome fish:headbang2

I'm really enjoying the webcam.....thanks alot for putting it up!
happy to share !!!!!!!!!

[acaraguy]

wow thats really cool

[doubleA]

:woot: :woot: :woot: :woot:

[sappap_57]

I was amazed when i started your web cam. One of your Arapaima gigas was staring right into the camera. Still 26"? Looks awesome. The jardini looks great too.

[kaix]

that is a huge tank and monster collection:eek: :eek:

[LondonDragon]

Some people have all the luck! I want a monster like that too! :)

Great job :) keep us updated :)

[johnptc]

I was amazed when i started your web cam. One of your Arapaima gigas was staring right into the camera. Still 26"? Looks awesome. The jardini looks great too.
giga now 48 inches + !!!!!!!!!!!!! only one now......

[johnptc]

that is a huge tank and monster collection:eek: :eek:
thanks !!~!

[Stone Like Fish]

What time do you feed them?

[odalisay]

having problems with looking at web cam. username and password does not work.

[johnptc]

having problems with looking at web cam. username and password does not work.
not mac friendly...
make sure to download the activex control from camera when the screen first comes up
use all lower case ilovefish ptcptc
turn down the security setting or firewall to see if thats an issue

john

[johnptc]

What time do you feed them?
its somewhat irregular but 900 and 1630 pacifc coast time ( los angeles) are average times...they are feed only dry foods for diease control .......no live stuff

[dmarinko]

that is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dozer0011]

OMG, your Gigas has his entire head crammed into one of the pots!:eek: I hope this is just the way he sleeps:confused:

[Dozer0011]

Well, he changed pots.....guess he was just napping out:headbang2

[fishnthings]

LOL.. thats a great pic.....

[johnptc]

Well, he changed pots.....guess he was just napping out:headbang2
he thinks he is an ostrich..the world disappears when his head is in a pot !!!!!!!!!!!!1

[blairsteelers]

beautiful tank.

[johnptc]

beautiful tank.
thanks !!!

[SoCalD]

that is simply amazing. I'd love to see that thing in person! :thumbsup: any chance of a public tour ;)

[benzjamin13]

You got to let me come visit:headbang2

[johnptc]

that is simply amazing. I'd love to see that thing in person! :thumbsup: any chance of a public tour ;)
thanks... see pm

[rottbo]

haha i love that pic i have some fish that do the same thing.....

[seeks06]

That's amazing....

[johnptc]

did you see the tank cam ???

[SpookyMike]

your tank is beautiful. i've been wanting to build a tank for some time now. you have given new hope to my dreams of someday owning a monster tank myself.

[johnptc]

your tank is beautiful. i've been wanting to build a tank for some time now. you have given new hope to my dreams of someday owning a monster tank myself.
its never too soon to start planning !!!!

[kriztu]

I'M NOT WORTHY! :woot: :woot: :woot::clap :clap :clap

:mwave:

[johnptc]

I'M NOT WORTHY! :woot: :woot: :woot::clap :clap :clap

:mwave:
that could change !!!

[Tank Predator]

VERY SICK NICE JOB

[johnptc]

VERY SICK NICE JOB
thanks !!!!!!

[big E]

Amazing! thats a great MONSTER tank! Nice build!

[johnptc]

Amazing! thats a great MONSTER tank! Nice build!
THANKS........WHAT PART OF THE UNIVERSE IS THE DEATH STAR CURRENTLY LOCATED ??

[Andos99]

How big are your Pimas now?? What are you going to do when they outgrow your tank?

[USMCtanker]

i need more money bc i want that

[johnptc]

How big are your Pimas now?? What are you going to do when they outgrow your tank?
we only have one now................

he's ( Samson) about 52 inches.

the hope is the the LA Zoo 's amazon exhibit will be ready soon and he will be a gift to the zoo.

john.......

[johnptc]

i need more money bc i want that

If it were up to me I would double your salary for what you guys do !!!:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap


thanks johnptc

[suprafire]

checked out your aquarium cam, ultracool! the arapaima likes to stick its head into the pots for long periods... really nice to watch!

[johnptc]

checked out your aquarium cam, ultracool! the arapaima likes to stick its head into the pots for long periods... really nice to watch!


HE IS A REAL CHARACTER !!!!!!!!!!!!
:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

[llaustin]

Absolutly amazing I have never seen a fish that big in a tank before.

[johnptc]

Absolutly amazing I have never seen a fish that big in a tank before.

he is about 52 inches... rumor has it that the vancouver aquarium has several over ten feet !!!:WHOA: :WHOA: :WHOA:

[blacklabel_1988]

awsome tank and awsome fish... love the webcam

[johnptc]

awsome tank and awsome fish... love the webcam


thanks.........and enjoy:woot: :woot: :woot:

[black_monster]

dude, ur tha ****!

[johnptc]

thanks

[buckeyenut222]

that tank is awesome, that mag float is huge too lol, those must be the ones that are like 85 dollars. someone was cleaning the glass with it was that your son?

[johnptc]

that tank is awesome, that mag float is huge too lol, those must be the ones that are like 85 dollars. someone was cleaning the glass with it was that your son?


HE IS A FRIENDS NEPHEW DOING TO WORK OVER THE SUMMER.......

BIG PIECE OF PLASTIC TO KEEP CLEAN !!!!!!!!!:cry: :cry: :cry:

[penga]

man do i live that tank:WHOA:

[johnptc]

man do i live that tank:WHOA:

did you see your home boy in there ...the jardini ???

thanks john:headbang2 :headbang2

[Bassman89]

killer tank man...damn i wish i had one

[pacpakkie]

Arapaima Rules :headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2
I hope they grow monster big!!!!:grinyes: :grinyes:

[johnptc]

tHERE IS ONE NOW AND HE'S ABOUT 52-3 INCHES !!!:headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2



Arapaima Rules :headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2
I hope they grow monster big!!!!:grinyes: :grinyes:

[johnptc]

NEVER TOO SOON TO START PLANNING !!!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

killer tank man...damn i wish i had one

[pacpakkie]

tHERE IS ONE NOW AND HE'S ABOUT 52-3 INCHES !!!:headbang2 :headbang2 :headbang2


MayB you have some more pic?? :naughty: :naughty:

[johnptc]

I AM GETTING GETTING READY TO SHOT A BUNCH.......THERE ARE TWO SETS OF RED DEVIL BABIES IN THE TANK.....ALSO HAVE YOU SEEN THE TANK CAM ???

GO THUR WWW.PTCMETROLOGY.COM :D :D :D :D :D :D


MayB you have some more pic?? :naughty: :naughty:

[zuki1973]

sorry if replied before.

CONSTRUCTION COST?

[zuki1973]

and maintainance COST?

[johnptc]

sorry if replied before.

CONSTRUCTION COST?

my son and i supplied the labor.. just the cost of the materials !!!:cry: :cry: :cry:

[johnptc]

maintainance is food...power and misc repair parts.

it is about 300 dollars/month




and maintainance COST?

[RedDevilDon2005]

thats not as bad as i though for monthly maintnence. that is an absolitlely beautiful tank. you and the guy with the mega and mini's are truly inspirational to me. i wanna turn my house resevoir (nothings hooked up to it) into a big tank. nice arapaima. stunning flowerhorns also. and the red devils are beautiful.

[johnptc]

go for it...........

remember the heating costs are low in socal.....mostly food, pumps and heating:thumbsup:

thats not as bad as i though for monthly maintnence. that is an absolitlely beautiful tank. you and the guy with the mega and mini's are truly inspirational to me. i wanna turn my house resevoir (nothings hooked up to it) into a big tank. nice arapaima. stunning flowerhorns also. and the red devils are beautiful.

[skyrocco16v]

i wish i had the space to do somethinglike that!

[johnptc]

i wish i had the space to do somethinglike that!

ITS A BIG SPACE HOG.......BUT WE BUILT IT OUTSIDE IN A PATIO AREA WITH A SHED ROOF.........DID YOU LOOK AT THE TANK CAM ???:cool-1: :cool-1:

[Crash607]

awesome project!:cool-1:

[DeLgAdO]

might wanna lower the web cam alittle more

[johnptc]

might wanna lower the web cam alittle more

i think i got it now :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[johnptc]

awesome project!:cool-1:


check tank cam out..:nilly: :nilly:

[DeLgAdO]

i think i got it now :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:
HOAH!!!

thats much better:thumbsup:



:popcorn:

[johnptc]

HOAH!!!

thats much better:thumbsup:



:popcorn:

thanks for the heads up !!!!!!!!!!!!:cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1:

[bmxer4ever]

Hi John,
Must be the third time I've gone thru this thread...always a pleasure.
I wanted to start a thread about Arapaima, but nobody wanted to play...! Did there used to be a dedicated forum on here to 'pimas?
Would you mind if I posted some of your shots on the thread I started, see if I can get more MFK's talkin about them?
Been scouring the web for pic's and info but there's not a lot out there. I'm fascinated by them. Watched Neos video of 'pima feeding....mental!
I'll need to ask arapaimag if he'd let me post some of his pic's too...he's got some good ones.
Just thought it would be good to try and get as many pics and as much info on them onto the one thread for all to see without havin to search thru all of the site...

Let me know what you think.

bmxer4ever

[johnptc]

you are welcome to any photos i post.

have you watched the web cam ??

Samson ( the giga ) is now about 54 inches !!!

let me know if you start a thread !!!

happy fish


john:cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1: :cool-1:

Hi John,
Must be the third time I've gone thru this thread...always a pleasure.
I wanted to start a thread about Arapaima, but nobody wanted to play...! Did there used to be a dedicated forum on here to 'pimas?
Would you mind if I posted some of your shots on the thread I started, see if I can get more MFK's talkin about them?
Been scouring the web for pic's and info but there's not a lot out there. I'm fascinated by them. Watched Neos video of 'pima feeding....mental!
I'll need to ask arapaimag if he'd let me post some of his pic's too...he's got some good ones.
Just thought it would be good to try and get as many pics and as much info on them onto the one thread for all to see without havin to search thru all of the site...

Let me know what you think.

bmxer4ever

[johnptc]

also check the vancouver aquarium site.......they keep some really big ones !!!!

[Loubard]

i think i got it now :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

A bit more down would be awesome. I get this view now:

[johnptc]

thanks should be ok now.....

[bmxer4ever]

"let me know if you start a thread !!!"

Thread is here,
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35218

In Ancient fish forum....

Have tried the webcam many times, but it never lets me log in...