180 South American update

[Ash02]

I've had my tank up and running for about 2.5 months now. It's been a learning curve and it's still a work in progress, but I wanted to show how things are progressing.

I'm still working on the aquascape. The built in overflows definitely get in the way. If I had to do it again, I'd get a regular tank and have it drilled.




My gold severum is turning into a nice looking fish.



EBA is growing nicely and is my most personable fish. He likes to nip my fingers during feedings.





My largest Geo tapajos is starting to blossom a bit.



I really love how the Columbian tetras utilize the 6ft tank. These are great little fish. They look nice under the blue night too. Pictures never do them justice.



Lastly, my gold nugget pleco. He's in this spot 99% of the time. No idea if he's eating, but I assume he would have starved if not. I'd pass on this fish if I were doing it all over.

I'm still kicking around the idea of adding a rotkeil severum. I'm also planning to make changes to the lighting. All in all, this has been the most rewarding home project I've ever done. Every day I'm excited to watch these fish. I even love my twice weekly water changes. Once I get this tank up to par, I'll definitely be looking to start a second.

 

[dr exum]

Don’t give up on the pleco, first one I spent money on ~$150. I never see, it comes out at night... I’ve got lots more, the galaxy and blue phantom are pretty active... the rest mainly hide but when I do see them I appreciate them more...

Try feeding massivore pellets at night, I’ll bet he leaves the log...

Nice tank!

 

[Ash02]

Don’t give up on the pleco, first one I spent money on ~$150. I never see, it comes out at night... I’ve got lots more, the galaxy and blue phantom are pretty active... the rest mainly hide but when I do see them I appreciate them more...

Try feeding massivore pellets at night, I’ll bet he leaves the log...

Nice tank!

I'll give that a try. I do catch him out at night, but he never leaves that one piece of driftwood. He has chewed on it quite a bit. My understanding was that gold nuggets don't munch wood or eat algae, but mine has chewed all over that big chunk of wood. I do put in a pinch of pellets right before I turn the lights off, but who knows who eats them. The geos don't let food sit on the bottom for long

 

[Ash02]

It seems my update was premature. This morning, my severum appears to have a bad prolapse.



I've never seen anything like this before. He was fine yesterday. This morning, he didn't come out for his feeding. Anything I can do besides water changes?

 

[Rocksor]

Adding dissolved epsom salt may help to reduce the swelling, about 1 table spoon per 10 gallons. Stop feeding any fish for a week.

 

[Ash02]

Adding dissolved epsom salt may help to reduce the swelling, about 1 table spoon per 10 gallons. Stop feeding any fish for a week.

I'll give that a try! What is the reasoning behind suspending the feeding for a week? Is it to keep the severum from eating?

 

[Rocksor]

I'll give that a try! What is the reasoning behind suspending the feeding for a week? Is it to keep the severum from eating?

Yes.

 

[Schniz]

Nice tank. I like the fish you went with. How many Geos are in there?

 

[Ash02]

Nice tank. I like the fish you went with. How many Geos are in there?

Thank you! I have 5 Geo tapajos. The geos were the main reason I went for this stocking instead of discus. They are incredibly fun and interesting. I can't wait until they mature!

 

[Backfromthedead]

Nice looking community!