U.S. Native Stream Tank with DIY 3D Background & DIY Roots
- Thread starter Chasmodes
- Start date
I increased the photoperiod to mimic actual daylight hours outside (as far as the number of hours), although actual sunrise and sunset are not in sync with my photoperiod. The goal was to improve plant growth and reverse the Valisneria downward trend. That worked, as I started getting a lot of new growth and expansion of the grass bed, but it also created a green filamentous algae bloom.
I wound up just pruning it, pulling it off of the rocks, roots and plants, and finally, it started dying back. And, I'm getting help from a new addition, as you'll see in the new video linked below. I added four new fish, each a different species, and I'm happy with the additions. All of them went through 2 weeks of QT in salt along with a preventive Prazipro treatment for flukes. Hopefully, that got rid of any nasty hitchhikers.
I wound up just pruning it, pulling it off of the rocks, roots and plants, and finally, it started dying back. And, I'm getting help from a new addition, as you'll see in the new video linked below. I added four new fish, each a different species, and I'm happy with the additions. All of them went through 2 weeks of QT in salt along with a preventive Prazipro treatment for flukes. Hopefully, that got rid of any nasty hitchhikers.
One of my favourite tanks on MFK, nice to see an update. 
I know what a PITA hair algae can be, but when kept under control (an ongoing task...) it really does add a very natural, "soft" look to a tank. The small amount you have in there now really adds to the wild look. I actually try to grow it as much as possible because I have a couple fish species (Ameca splendens and Jordanella floridae) that eat it as fast as it appears.
They're not really stream dwellers, but you might consider getting one or two Jordanella to try in your tank. You will not believe how much hair algae they can consume, and they'd fit in with the temperature of an unheated indoor tank as well. They can be a bit nippy so you'd have to watch them carefully with your darters. They're not Maryland natives, but at least they are North American.
I know what a PITA hair algae can be, but when kept under control (an ongoing task...) it really does add a very natural, "soft" look to a tank. The small amount you have in there now really adds to the wild look. I actually try to grow it as much as possible because I have a couple fish species (Ameca splendens and Jordanella floridae) that eat it as fast as it appears.
They're not really stream dwellers, but you might consider getting one or two Jordanella to try in your tank. You will not believe how much hair algae they can consume, and they'd fit in with the temperature of an unheated indoor tank as well. They can be a bit nippy so you'd have to watch them carefully with your darters. They're not Maryland natives, but at least they are North American.
Thank you John for the nice compliment and the suggestion. I"m not against adding natives that aren't local, but I'm trying my best to keep this biotope with species native to the Potomac River drainage.
I just added a central stoneroller last week, and it's eating a good amount of the algae. I think this fish has made a difference in just a week. I pruned the long stuff, and it took care of the rest. I've seen it grazing algae off of the Valisneria. I assume it is feeding on it off of the roots too. I know he's eating a lot of it, because he poos are long and green LOL. I tried to collect this fish for over 6 months now, and I finally got one. They are pretty common, so that was frustrating. I actually thought it was a small creek chub when I caught it, and didn't ID it until after it was in QT.
I'm due for a water change as the water has that yellow look to it now. I'm not using carbon at the moment, but may add that back as well to improve the water clarity.
I also added over 40 snails from our local creek, and there are zero left. The darters hunted them down and ate them. The gravel is littered with empty snail shells now!
I just added a central stoneroller last week, and it's eating a good amount of the algae. I think this fish has made a difference in just a week. I pruned the long stuff, and it took care of the rest. I've seen it grazing algae off of the Valisneria. I assume it is feeding on it off of the roots too. I know he's eating a lot of it, because he poos are long and green LOL. I tried to collect this fish for over 6 months now, and I finally got one. They are pretty common, so that was frustrating. I actually thought it was a small creek chub when I caught it, and didn't ID it until after it was in QT.
I'm due for a water change as the water has that yellow look to it now. I'm not using carbon at the moment, but may add that back as well to improve the water clarity.
I also added over 40 snails from our local creek, and there are zero left. The darters hunted them down and ate them. The gravel is littered with empty snail shells now!
I just looked up Stonerollers; very cool little fish! Like a North American Hillstream Loach in terms of the niche it fills.
Just checked my Manitoba Freshwater Fishes book; they show two Stoneroller species possible in the same watershed as my local rivers...and, naturally, neither extends into Manitoba...
Just checked my Manitoba Freshwater Fishes book; they show two Stoneroller species possible in the same watershed as my local rivers...and, naturally, neither extends into Manitoba...
Yeah, they're a pretty cool fish. It could be that they are there, but haven't been sampled yet in that watershed in Manitoba. They only way to know is to go try and collect from one of the streams in the watershed. If no luck locally, maybe head near the border and try. I've caught species in my local creek that aren't supposed to be there (have yet to be caught in the sampling). Also, some of the native fish maps that are on-line are way out of date. Fish relocate often, sometimes naturally, and other times by bucket biologists or fishermen releasing their bait. If you try for them, good luck!
There are a couple vendors that sell them on-line too. I don't know the laws where you are, but that might be an option. Let me know if you need more info.
There are a couple vendors that sell them on-line too. I don't know the laws where you are, but that might be an option. Let me know if you need more info.
And there's nothing more fun than feeding time (US Native Stream Tank):
I love how excited they get to see you with the worms!
Thanks Dee! I thought it was my personality...but they only like me for my worms!
