Epic Overhaul/Builds: 3D Backgrounds 300g-125g-120g

[DaveB]

Why not put the Maps in the 300? They'll get a lot bigger than the orangeheads.

 

[JK47]

Looks GREAT Justin! I would never had believed a 10gal could be such a "monster".

Just to let you know, when ever I get my 195gal up and running, look forward to a 10gal and 20gal overhaul in homage to you

LOL your cute Tomeiko! That little 10 gallon has been hands down the most fun to set up. Glad to hear your going to overhaul your small tanks. Nothing under 125 gallons has any excuses, they are so easy!

Why not put the Maps in the 300? They'll get a lot bigger than the orangeheads.

I built that tank for low light so the OH's will pop against such a dark sinister backdrop, maps would look terrible in there. The maps are in our dining room and get pampered (this whole overhaul was about breediing them, post #1 was about her wanting them in our bedroom). When visitors come over to our home, they will see the maps first and not get distracted by all the "pretty" red ones..

When the maps get bigger, I will just build them a larger tank.

 

[David K. Bradley]

I built that tank for low light so the OH's will pop against such a dark sinister backdrop, maps would look terrible in there. The maps are in our dining room and get pampered (this whole overhaul was about breediing them, post #1 was about her wanting them in our bedroom). When visitors come over to our home, they will see the maps first and not get distracted by all the "pretty" red ones..

When the maps get bigger, I will just build them a larger tank.

..."When visitors come over to our home, they will see the maps first and not get distracted by all the "pretty" red ones.. "

Justin:
Don't say this too loud, as the Maps may hear you and you just might hurt their feelings. (BIG SMILE). I am surprized you'd say this, as I truly believe ALL of your fish are absolutely beautiful. You're forthright stewardship shows and it's more evident now than ever with these tank DIY Background Builds you're accomplishing. Makes most of us have a rage of jealousy. But it's understandable as you, Jeff and others are and have done a terrific job. Well done gentlemen, well done. I'm anticipating the completion with great excitement. ~David

 

[JK47]

..."When visitors come over to our home, they will see the maps first and not get distracted by all the "pretty" red ones.. "

Justin:
Don't say this too loud, as the Maps may hear you and you just might hurt their feelings. (BIG SMILE). I am surprized you'd say this, as I truly believe ALL of your fish are absolutely beautiful. You're forthright stewardship shows and it's more evident now than ever with these tank DIY Background Builds you're accomplishing. Makes most of us have a rage of jealousy. But it's understandable as you, Jeff and others are and have done a terrific job. Well done gentlemen, well done. I'm anticipating the completion with great excitement. ~David

Thanks David. I moved all of the fish to the 300g, added 100 lbs of sand to the 300g, and added another 50 lbs of sand to the 120g, added the new maps to that tank and have been working on my 125 gallon non-stop. I've made a TON of progress but have not posted it. I will tomorrow. Honeslty, the maps are not as colorful as other Satanoperca species, I don't mind that most MFK'ers could care less about them. My wife and I LOVE them and that is all that matters. One day I will be giving away fry for free and people will have no idea how special what they are getting is.. They will probably call them jurupari...

 

[aclockworkorange]

Maps in the 300 +1.

 

[David K. Bradley]

Maps in the 300 +1.

I don't think you'll fit in there too, ACWO. JK47's tank would be definitely overcrowded then!

 

[JK47]

EPIC.....................

The plant guys can think I'm tool all they want...
Ammonia = 0
NitrIte = 0
NitrAte = 0









I've never seen a zero nitrate reading before on any of my tanks, ever. Update on my small tank, the plants are doing well.. You guys think I should do a seperate thread for those not following this one???

 

[JK47]

I think I nailed the lighting. I finally have all of the fish moved over to the 300 gallon. I added another 100 lbs of Lapis Lustre sand. I really hope I'm able to locate a nice female rotkeil for my big male soon. I like how my big guy has the top of this tank to himself though, the Satanoperca have a quiet dark place to relax the the orange head colony has a 6'x2' riverbed of love lol..











The first 48 hours in the tank and I already have an orange head pair attempting to spawn.







Tha tank seems really empty but it's exactly what I wanted. In another year this tank is going to be a riot to watch.





Made a little progress on the 125 gallon. Stay tunned.

 

[Natalie]

The 300g looks great, Justin! Those fish look so happy. I'm really impressed with the faux driftwood from DBN. I think it fits into those spaces in front of the overflows just perfectly.

 

[JK47]

This is where I am at with the 125 gallon "play"/fry tank. I haven't got the chance to actually start on the driftwood/tannin soak. Right now I am just letting the sponge filters catch up through the mini cycle (sponge only filtration on this). I have two Hydor V sponges on air power, and one Hydor V on a powerhead. I moved the Lapis Lustre from this tank between the 300 gallon and 120 gallon. I added 100 lbs of Quickrete "media" sand. $8.99 for 100 lbs at home depot. I use it in tanks with fish that are scaleless. It's a very fine sand that has a beautiful white color.

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The actinic bulbs make it look purple. I will switch out the fixtures soon.

View attachment 561013

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Switching to my camera with the flash shows the real color of the sand. Oh and the largest Dicrossus matulatus male I have ever seen this guy is a tank! Max out at 2.5" my butt..











This tank houses a trio of Dicrossus maculatus and Corydora sterbai school (reason for fine white sand). Wait until you guys see how this tank gets decorated, you'll be blown away on the driftwood idea..