220gal Central American Biotope (ongoing thread...)

[cjdesmit]

Hey all,

I've posted my setup on here previously but not since this new subforum has been created, which is right up my alley. I've always tried to replicate nature within my tanks and enjoy the aquascaping aspect of the hobby just as much as the fish themselves.

This is my current 220gal CA biotope.


Scaping has been kind of rubbish over the past several months as I've removed and added some fish, causing me to constantly tear into it. I've also been waiting for that large piece of wood to sink, which it finally just did the other day after several months of it floating about the tank. Overall it doesn't look half bad for most of it just being thrown together haphazardly. The current stock includes:
Pair of C. pearsei
2x P. synspilum (maybe a pair?)
8x C. robertsoni (6m/2f)
I recently added the synspilum and removed a group of T. pasiones. The two synspilum will most likely be removed soon as they have proved to be real punks, shredding the pearsei's once perfect fins, as well as constantly picking scales off the robertsoni. Once the synspilum are removed, I have a group of green swordtails that I'd like to add. I will most likely keep it at that until something comes along that I "have to have".

A few of my pearsei, which are my oldest fish to date at 7 years old...


And a few of one of the pairs of robertsoni...


I hope to keep this thread updated, occasionally posting pictures and perhaps even some short videos. I'd really like to see some successful spawning out of this tank, however no such luck yet...

Thanks for looking.

 

[Fishnerd360]

Nice fish

 

[PYRU]

Nice setup

 

[Lilyann]

Very nicely done-- an authentic-looking biotope arrangement.
Looking forward to your updates.

 

[dan518]

stunning scape and fish, I think just sticking to the pearsei and robertsoni with some dithers would be the way to go.

 

[cockroach]

Holy crap. An amazing tank for just "dropping in to say hi" in the new forum.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[BIG-G]

I love the lighting. The spot lighting the fish with the dark areas on either side. It looks really nice and creates a real feeling of depth

 

[cjdesmit]

stunning scape and fish, I think just sticking to the pearsei and robertsoni with some dithers would be the way to go.

Dan, you are 100% right. The pearsei have been the only real permanent inhabitants since I got the tank. I've come close to selling them but can never bring myself to do it. They are older than my dog! I've had T. meeki in there, as well as M. argentea, and the T. pasiones like I mentioned previously.

I think the addition of the swords will help complete it, however I'm a bit unsure how they will fair. The pearsei took a liking to some black Yucatan mollies I use to have in there. I've also had a large school of Buenos Aires tetras, which while they faired well, took away from the overall relaxing feel of the tank IMO.

 

[cjdesmit]

I love the lighting. The spot lighting the fish with the dark areas on either side. It looks really nice and creates a real feeling of depth

I've always enjoyed playing with lightning as I feel it is often overlooked and can really change the way a scape looks and feels. I'd like to experiment with some of the newer programmable rgb LED spotlights that are out, however their prices are still pretty steep.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Hi Chris.
The tank looks stunning as usual.
Would definitely move on the Veija now they have a taste for scales, you won't stop it once they start.
I think your pearsei are stunning.
Overall a fantastic set up.