280 gallon Blackwater Update

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

mrrobxc

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Nov 29, 2012
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Been having a lot of fun putting this setup together. I started on this redo around the end of December and am now almost complete. I may move the Geophagus Winemilleri out when they grow larger to place them into my 600 and replace them with a smaller Geophagus species or a Satanoperca. Time will tell.

The wild discus are various types since the vendor didn’t have a large quantity of any one particular strain. That said, I mixed them to great as uniform a look as possible. 4 royal Uatuma, 1 Royal Nhamunda, 2 Royal Urubu, and 2 Cupeiua. All are S Haraldi and are the most adaptable of the 3 (or four species depending on if you recognize S. Tarzoo as a legitimate species).

8 Pterophyllum Altum F1 are in there as well along with 4 (1M/3F) Crenicichla Saxatilis. Non cichlid tankmates are one Boulengerella Maculata, 1 Ctenolucius Hujeta, and 4 Pink Tailed Chalceus. Algae control for the wood is a pair of Bushynose Plecos.

The tank is 280 gallons (80x34x24”) with a 150 gallon k1 sump. System volume is roughly 310-325 gallons. The sump used Poret foam for mechanical and I’ve supplimented the K1 with some biomax. The tank also has an Eheim 2262 filled with Seachem Matrix and Poret Foam. Pothos planted up top adds to the water purification and has a large biomass which helps further with nitrates. I drilled holes into the roof and simply dropped the roots in and let it grow out.

Water temp is at 84F with two degrees of fluctuation programmed on the heater controller controlling two 300 watt heaters. Water parameters are tap water with a pH of 7.8 and 539ppm TDS. Water changes of 60% are done weekly.

Food is a mix of Sonkjng Carnivore, FD Blackworms, FD Mysis, floating carnivore sticks, and frozen Bloodworms and Frozen Mysis/Brine shrimp mix.

The hardscape is comprised entirely of manzanita wood and some rounded river boulders sourced from a local garden/stone yard. Sand is a mixture of PFS (pool filter sand), and various grades of natural gravel to create texture.

Lighting is 3 Aqua Illuminatikn AI Prime HDs set for a darker blackwater look.


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:clap Well done and thanks for sharing!! I also love the tank details for filtration.
 
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Chalceus are looking good. How is aggression between 4 of them? I have one macrolepidota and want to expand into a group when i upgrade tank.
They are good in this setup. I’ve had issues with multiples in smaller setups before though...
 
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