150 gallon SA planted Riparium Cichlid setup refresh.

[mrrobxc]

I was a bit late finding this thread. Brilliant content Robin. I love the set up and I like the stock.
Maybe you could do something with cork bark and air plants to hide your centre brace if it bothers you.
Looks fantastic either way. Top notch as usual.

Thank you Stanzzzz7 . I’m just hoping they don’t tear out the ferns and misses growing on the wood and that they leave the swords and crypts alone. The dominant pair is already pulling in the leaves of one of the swords so I’ll have to move it.

 

[KenChan]

looks awesome

 

[mrrobxc]

looks awesome

Thank you!

A few pics from last night.

There’s a couple last items to do with the scape. Otherwise, I’m wondering if I should add another species of cichlid. Thinking Crenicichla Proteus or Cryptoheros Nanoluteus. Neither are found with them given that the proteus is an Amazonian cichlid from Peru, whereas the Andinoacara Rivulatus are from the pacific slope of Peru and Ecuador. That said, the cryptoheros, which are technically a CA Cichlid, is from Costa Rica and is arguably found in more similar bodies of water. One can see the behavioral and morphological similarities between CA Cichlids and SA cichlids from the north-western pacific slope of South America. So let me ask you, should I do Crenicichla Proteus or Cyrptoheros Nanoluteus as a second cichlid species in this 150?

I’m sure all the naturalist on this page will hate me for how I’m building out this setup.

By the way, these little guys already spawned. Last two pics show the female guarding a clutch just behind the leaves of the swords.

 

[mrrobxc]

Or should I try some red ceibals? Thoughts?

 

[Bluesandtwo]

I've really enjoyed keeping up with this thread. It just keeps getting better!

 

[mrrobxc]

I've really enjoyed keeping up with this thread. It just keeps getting better!

Thank you. I have some baby Nanoluteus on order. I’m hoping they arrive healthy and happy. More to come! Thanks for following the thread!

 

[Chris2485]

Tank looks amazing and great stocking as well - i was wondering what your thoughts are on the Saf-T-Sorb? i was thinking of setting up a couple tanks with it soon but have seen other people having issues with it - falling apart over time/being dirty/changing water perm. Also did you clean it or prepare it in any special way or just rinse it like most substrates?

 

[mrrobxc]

Tank looks amazing and great stocking as well - i was wondering what your thoughts are on the Saf-T-Sorb? i was thinking of setting up a couple tanks with it soon but have seen other people having issues with it - falling apart over time/being dirty/changing water perm. Also did you clean it or prepare it in any special way or just rinse it like most substrates?

So sorry for the late response. I’ve found it to be a decent substrate. Much cheaper than Flourite and more natural looking. It is a bit light and messy. You will need to rinse it a lot.

For me, I dumped it in and gently filled the tank. Every WC, I vacuum out a lot of the dust. The dust itself settles quickly. I recommend it as a cheap alternative and more effective as a High CEC substrate than flourite or Eco complete. B

 

[Jexnell]

Late to the show as well, will be watching. Curious how the PTC is doing with the GTs and tetras.

 

[mrrobxc]

Late to the show as well, will be watching. Curious how the PTC is doing with the GTs and tetras.

Unfortunate tore this tank down and downsized.