I probably will keep the other tank running for a while: I'm separated after all so what dad says, goes. Haha. Nice benefit. I'm gong to keep it up as a grow out tank since a few of the RBPs are smaller than the others. I may also consider using it as a place to breed fish/ plants/ or as a fish hospital. Hey, I'll find something to put in there, right?
Well, this project has officially begun because I found and purchased an appropriate tank. I search craig's list for about two-three months and saw a 155 gallon glass bow front for $275. I though that was a very fair price, especially because it was pre-drilled and included the overflow system. The guy also gave me a metal stand he had welded together for it. It's very sturdy, but I'm not sure if I'm going to incorporate it or not. More on that later...
My son chose the species, so I did lots of research into this amazing fish. I don't want to overcrowd, so I'm planning on about 7 RBPs as a small school + the large Pleco I already have. When I say large I mean he is about 13" long. So cool. The RBs don't bother him at all, yet. But I recognize that they can turn on him at any time, especially as they get bigger. There are no guarantees with compatibility with RBs.
I keep the tank on the warm side (80 degrees F.) This encourages growth and movement. So for the 155g I'll have (2) 300 Watt heaters running. I have a temperature probe to help me make adjustments to balance the heat in there.
I keep the water flowing like crazy in the 55g and I plan to do the same in the 155g. RBP are river fish and they love strong currents. If I change the direction of one of the two large powerheads I have in the 55g tank they adjust accordingly so that they are facing the stream of water. This also encourages growth. The constant swimming increases the fishes metabolism and keeps it healthier. For this reason I have chosen a massive MAG24 water pump for the 155. Even with a few elbows and bends in the 1 inch pvc the water will be flooding in and out of this tank-- I hope. I want swift water currents across the whole length of the tank. Part of me wonders if I overdid it with the pump, but RBP are sloppy eaters and often produce a lot of waste. I would rather have an overpowered system that moved 1500-1800 gph through the sump than something underpowered. Well, you all can give your opinions on that point.
I will be building an acrylic sump along the way here. I'll detail that as I get to it.
I will also be building a nice cabinet/ stand / canopy to highlight the tank as well.
One part of the puzzle I haven't figured out pertains to the lighting. My RBP do well in relatively low lighting: they feel safer in the shadows and behind plants/ rocks/ driftwood. On the 55 g I used a tinting film to black out portions of the glass beneath the strip light. The idea was to create the effect of bands of light filtering down through foliage. I love that look of sunrays streaming through water and highlighting the fish in different ways. I may want to add some plants to the tank, but not sure what species would do well with RBP-- probably none since they knock into everything and eat whatever they can find. But I have been growing mangroves for a while since I read that they can help reduce nitrates in the water. If anyone knows of a plant that would do well in strong currents, with RBP, and reduces nitrates, please clue me in. Any advice on the lighting design will be appreciated.
I'll be uploading some pictures shortly.
I've always hated lugging water to and from my tanks. I never had a really good setup where I could easily do water changes and top offs.
so why can't you keep two? usually when daddy speaks, mommy will say "don't you dare" but when little boy speaks, mommy will say "yes dear". lmao
