Insularium
- Thread starter convict360
- Start date
Next step is to get the light installed, and then try and pick some suitable plants that can grow emerged!
I put in duckweed and salvinia at the top, as I hope to discourage jumping from the fish I put in. Also my gf's cats will be a factor, I'm really hoping they don't mess with this tank as I'd hate to have to break it down.
Looking good, I've always wanted to do something along these lines with mudskippers, one day....
My experience with my cats and tanks us, that they drink from them, never seen them attempt to catch anything out of the tank
My experience with my cats and tanks us, that they drink from them, never seen them attempt to catch anything out of the tank
Same when I had cat(s). One just liked to drink from them. The other would actually sleep on the lid of the tanks.
First things first, wow you've got a knack for tank design, and holy bajeebaz that's a nice chunk of wood!!!
Although I accidentally (acting before thinking) discovered a way to keep cats away from tanks, its a little risky, so if you try it, keep a towl and blow drier on hand.
When we were living with the in-laws one of their cats was always trying to get at the fish; one day I walked into the room and seen her on the tank, and instead of going and getting her off of the tank like usual, my brain made me take a different approach: stomp foot, clap hands and say "whatareyadoinupthere" really fast. Well she crapped herself and fell into the tank, so I rushed over, got her out and went to dry her off... Kind of traumatic, and not something I'd suggest as a first solution, but if you've tried everything and need a last resort, this works. She never tried getting the fish again after that. And surprisingly the fish were un-phased by the whole ordeal, the venustus was trying to nibble her toes the entire time she was in the tank, which was only between 5-10 seconds but as the cichlid people know that's plenty of time for a hungry cichlid to have a test taste! Haha
If it's any consultation my cats don't bother with my tanks, I have hoods on them so the tanks don't get full of fur, and to discourage Rumpy (cat that eats things he shouldn't) from going "plant fishing" - the weird cat would rather try and eat the plants from my fish tank, than my fish from the fish tank!
Although I accidentally (acting before thinking) discovered a way to keep cats away from tanks, its a little risky, so if you try it, keep a towl and blow drier on hand.
When we were living with the in-laws one of their cats was always trying to get at the fish; one day I walked into the room and seen her on the tank, and instead of going and getting her off of the tank like usual, my brain made me take a different approach: stomp foot, clap hands and say "whatareyadoinupthere" really fast. Well she crapped herself and fell into the tank, so I rushed over, got her out and went to dry her off... Kind of traumatic, and not something I'd suggest as a first solution, but if you've tried everything and need a last resort, this works. She never tried getting the fish again after that. And surprisingly the fish were un-phased by the whole ordeal, the venustus was trying to nibble her toes the entire time she was in the tank, which was only between 5-10 seconds but as the cichlid people know that's plenty of time for a hungry cichlid to have a test taste! Haha
some new pics of the insularium, with the clip-on light I got cheap from Ebay 
Just need to start thinking of cycling the tank now, and thinking carefully about what to put in plant and stock wise
Just need to start thinking of cycling the tank now, and thinking carefully about what to put in plant and stock wise
I'd highly recommend an FX for adequate filtration.....and to simulate typhoon conditions
