Con Solo the Convict

[Matth05]

Looks like he's getting a nice blush on his snout!

Haha! Didn’t even notice when I took the pic lol. The way his colors shift is hilarious though. For instance when he’s begging for food his fins get really bright red. But as soon as I lift the lid and start putting his food in though, right back to the normal pink and blue hue.

 

[Matth05]

Literally just realized today that my iPhone shoots 4k vids and I've been taking vids in 1080p this whole time lol, so here's a clip of Con Solo in 4k.

 

[FINWIN]

Literally just realized today that my iPhone shoots 4k vids and I've been taking vids in 1080p this whole time lol, so here's a clip of Con Solo in 4k.

Wow he's getting chunky! Love that little 'stretch' thing he does.

 

[Matth05]

Wow he's getting chunky! Love that little 'stretch' thing he does.

Yup he’s definitely chunky and quirky. ?

 

[Matth05]

Switched out the substrate yesterday. Put the swordtails in a 30 gallon tub during the switch, they seem completely unfazed. I used quikrite pool filter sand, same one that's in Con Solo's current tank, but this bag is definitely a tad more tan. My only problem now is the light. This fluval aqua sky has been a bit of a headache since I got it and with the sand it just seems too bright even at its lowest setting. Just doesn't seem natural to me at all. Probably just nitpicking but I prefer a dimmer light.

 

[Matth05]

Also forgot to mention. I ordered some larger pieces of manzanita that I’ll be putting in as well. I have a lot really nice rocks in the backyard that I think would look good in there as well. Any tips on getting rocks tank ready and safe? I’m assuming I should also test to make sure they don’t alter the ph of the water.

 

[Deadeye]

Boiling can work to disinfect, or you can bleach them. Just rinse really well afterwards.

 

[Matth05]

Added some of my favorite rocks from the yard. Basically scrubbed the hell out of em and boiled every one for 30 minutes. Also tested to make sure they didn't affect ph before putting them in. Limestone is pretty common here in north Jersey, so wanted to be safe.
It amazes me how a handful of rocks can make a tank look so much more appealing. I think it looks 10x better than it did in the post right above this one and there's still much more that can be done. Definitely going to be adding more rocks and decor, plus whatever is currently in Con Solo's tank. I'm getting a ton of use out of those fake pothos vines that you recommended a little while back FINWIN so huge thanks lol. And the bag was literally like 6 dollars. Still hate the light so I think I'll just use the 30 inch hygger currently on Con Solo's tank once I move him in a few weeks from now. I actually really like that light, which is funny considering it's half the price of the Aqua Sky. Tank's starting to come together, can't wait for the manzanita branches to come in the mail.

 

[FINWIN]

View attachment 1503817
Switched out the substrate yesterday. Put the swordtails in a 30 gallon tub during the switch, they seem completely unfazed. I used quikrite pool filter sand, same one that's in Con Solo's current tank, but this bag is definitely a tad more tan. My only problem now is the light. This fluval aqua sky has been a bit of a headache since I got it and with the sand it just seems too bright even at its lowest setting. Just doesn't seem natural to me at all. Probably just nitpicking but I prefer a dimmer light.

That's the drawback to very light substrate especially with led which totally overwhelms smaller tanks. You can add about 5% black or brown sand to bring it 'down' a bit and add floating plants. That scattered smooth rock breaks up the wall of white as well (looks good). You can use sheets of colored acetate or plexiglass on the sides to shade off the corners and focus light in the middle. If you have leftover pothos vines let 'em float at the top. Fish love tangling in them.

 

[Matth05]

Didn’t even think about mixing a small amount darker color sand. Going to look into that. And I definitely do want to do floating cover in this tank, from what I’ve read that can make a world of difference with cichlids. I had an idea this morning so decided to go ahead and try it. I grabbed two small bags of the most natural color gravel I can find so that I can kind of disperse it around the sand. Just did a little for now to see if I liked it and I think it’s an improvement. I might return the second bag and grab a slightly darker tan gravel that they also had. Lemme know what you guys think. Just kind of experimenting right now, when the wood comes I’ll probably move things around a little bit.