SA makeover...

[Jc1119]

This tank is a growout tank for 6 ex-cichlasoma ornatum. Originally, I didn't care about the scape as the tank is functional. Problem for me though, is these guys could be here for awhile and I'll be taking a ton of pictures as they grow. PVC is functional and, well, ugly lol

Tank:120 60x18x26
Sump: 32 gallon Eshopps 1800, 7x16 50 micron sock, 4l pond matrix,
Quiet One 6000
Light: Aqueon led

I thought of adding this 4' piece of manzanita lengthwise to be the centerpiece of the tank, but beyond that ??? All plumbing will be hidden and seeing as the tank is turning about 10x an hour, I'll lose the air stone too.

This is the wood I'm considering and tank as is. I've already built a new stand that will hold the 120 on top and 75 underneath, just haven't made the move yet.

Any and all ideas welcome!



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[bbortko]

Others have coated pvc in silicone then rolled it in sand, looks better than plain pvc. If you did the manza you could coat pvc with black diamond(if keeping tank bare or use whatever you use for substrate if its added) and keep a couple tubes unless you feel that not enough territories willbe an issue and they are better of with no territories.

 

[Jc1119]

I thought about maybe keeping a few smaller PVC fittings and almost burying them in the substrate. Place them first , pour sand around them then place the wood on top...... Cool idea to coat them

Could use rocks and the wood to help define a few territories..... Maybe a few pretty big river rocks.

PVC doesn't have to stay.


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[decoy50]

I guess at this point, I've seen so many tanks w/ pvc in them that I kinda dig the look. I like the setup you have now, especially if its only for growout purposes(I know these guys grow glacially slow). My only gripe w/ pvc is I've found it hard to keep clean whenever I used it. Algae grows on it quickly & food gets trapped in the joints.

Personally, I'd keep as is until a pair formed. Then I would scape the tank.

 

[decoy50]

Its like discus tanks, I've seen so many barebottom tanks with just heaters & sponge filters, that discus look weird in planted tanks to me now.

 

[Psylant]

I don't know how aggressive your guys are... but if you don't need to keep them out of sight of each other 24/7 then I'd probably remove the PVC, or at least coat it in something like others have suggested. I'm sure no matter what you do it will look great like all of your other tanks.

 

[Jc1119]

I guess at this point, I've seen so many tanks w/ pvc in them that I kinda dig the look. I like the setup you have now, especially if its only for growout purposes(I know these guys grow glacially slow). My only gripe w/ pvc is I've found it hard to keep clean whenever I used it. Algae grows on it quickly & food gets trapped in the joints.

Personally, I'd keep as is until a pair formed. Then I would scape the tank.

Yeah, the setup is very functional as is, but the pair ( if I get one) will be moving to the 210 next door. This tank will house larger Festae growouts afterwards.




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[Jc1119]

I don't know how aggressive your guys are... but if you don't need to keep them out of sight of each other 24/7 then I'd probably remove the PVC, or at least coat it in something like others have suggested. I'm sure no matter what you do it will look great like all of your other tanks.

Thanks for the kind words!

The PVC really did chill things out. At first, they had nothing in the tank and went ballistic on each other. 5 minutes after the PVC was added, the whole tank relaxed. At least for now, it seems to help.

So, even if I don't keep it, I'll still scape in a way to provide lots of hides and sight breaks. Build territories...

So torn though, because it will always be a growout tank. Pulling fish is what it is without also having to pull the scape. ...Decoy is on to something here


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