Where are you taking the hobby

[koltsixx]

I am going to build an aluminum frame for the bakki showers and i am going to use plastic planter boxes. I am going to use cermedia in the bakki showers. Cermedia has the highest surface area and is the most effective bio media you can get. I will probably only make the bakki showers 2 or 3 tiers. The sieve will filter out particles down to 230 micron. Then it will go to the bakki showers and then back into the pond. I need to get my moving bed koi pond filter working good and get a lot of other projects done, and then i am going to build a greenhouse. I am planning on building the pond in the greenhouse. It is not going to be for a while, probably not at least for another year because i have a lot of projects that i need to finish. I'd like to use a bottom drain in the pond, but i am not sure if that would be good since i plan to have rays. I am also going to build a shallow ranchu pond in the greenhouse because i have a spare pond mag 9.5 still in the box.

I had heard that the available media for Bakki type systems was the best Bio media out there. Originally intended for waste water filtration so I can imagine it's efficacy. I've also been told it can work in systems other the Bakki as well. The longer I'm in the hobby the more into filtration I get so I can't tell you how awesome I think it is that your creating a custom system. As for the Greenhouse I'm not that into plants though I've always wanted to try Bonsai. Still I like the idea of the pond in the greenhouse. Makes it sound like you'll have your own personal mini habitat. I also love the Ranchu pond idea as well, by far my fave goldfish. No worries on time frame I just hope you share the build when you do get to it. It sounds amazing.

I have 17 single tail comets in total residing in my 75 for about one more week.
I started with 12 little ones outside but 3 got eaten by birds when the cover blew off and the rest I still have a year later.
In total:
1 shebunkin (Jeremy)
1 Sarasa comet (Bubbles)
2 orange commons
5 yellow commons (fat one called Titan)
8 small black commons (had for 9 weeks)
Then here is my Betta. Wish I had a better camera but he has exploded with blue colouration since I got him. I spent a bit of money on the 'dragon rock', anubias, java fern and Christmas moss
One thing im doing is keeping substrate minimum, my brother had a 1,5 inch gravel bed in his 15gal and the waste was ridiculous from all his little fish

Very cool bro. I also like all the work you put into the Betta tank especially the Christmas Moss. I went bare bottom to help eliminate waste accumulation and it was a no go. There seems to be even more now because it gets so easily disturbed and thrown back into the water column. Then again it just maybe my choice in fish. My African Scats poop more then any fish I've ever had before. More then Plecos, more the Goldfish, Pacus the list goes on. These guys are straight crap machines. They eat almost constantly and seem to be dropping dueces almost simultaneously.

Tank size will be avarage for mfk standars probably around 350gal 96x36x24. Hoping to place the order at the end of the month.

The plan is to have it as easy to maintain as possible, keeping the stocking on the lighter side. I want it to be simple. Maybe one big peice of dw. Filtrarion will be a sump, really happy that a bunch of other members spent the time helping me learn about them, my back thanks them (no more canisters) lol

This thread is interesting, its cool hearing about everyones future plans.

Average MFK tank size. lol

Ease of maintenance is why I'm going with the Hamburg-Matten Filter so I know where your coming from. That and to keep the electric bill and cost of filter parts down. It's cool that you got the help you and your back needed. That's what makes MFK special IMO. If you really want to learn you can always do so here.

Right now for gars I have Cubans, longnose, floridas, and 1 small alligator gar. Long term I will probably be sell off the gator. I would love to track down some tropical gars and short nose gars.

For rays right now I have motoros, 1 low grade marble, 1 superspot and some regulars. Henlei rays have really captured my interest and are something I would like to try in the future. Some of the castexi variants are also pretty interesting. Locally there is a seller who brings in a good amount of rays. He's supposed to do an order soon so I'm hoping he brings in something cool. In the past he has brought in tiger rays, castexi. He was also looking into suppliers from Paraguay last I talked to him.

Seriously jealous. I've wanted Cubans for a minute now. The one time they seemed to be available here I was going through a divorce and everything got put on hold for me and I virtually disappeared from MFK so lost my opportunity. I'd also would love to have a Shorty again. Of the gars I've kept so far the Shorty was my fave.

You've got a nice collection of rays so far. Are you planning on breeding? Hybridizing? At some point? By the way quick pic of my old Shorty because I can't mention him without sharing. I really miss this fish.

 

[Angelphish]

Man this is gonna be a long post, even by my standards. lol I didn't realize the thread would get so many responses so fast. Glad it did though and that everyone is enjoying sharing. I tried to answer everyone as I'm truly interested in what you have to say. Hope I didn't miss anyone.


Smaller doesn't mean any less dedicated, in many ways it can be more challenging. Would love to hear about some of your proposed setups and stock including the Betta's.


I know how you feel, been drawn to archers myself, specifically clouded. So what are you keeping in those 5 tanks?


Well said. You definitely have to make sure you don't let the hobby overwhelm you.It loses it's value then IMHO. When it becomes more work then passion.


Very cool, especially the freshwater crabs. Haven't heard them mentioned in awhile. Plan on selling on here to fellow MFK'ers?


Hey man your doing better then those of us who never tried and those of us who failed. I'm sure you'll get the planted just like you want soon enough.

Any particular Dwarfs your thinking about? Is it going to be straight species, mixed dwarf cichlids or are you going to include and small dithers?


That's the way to do it. Making money in this hobby can be hard it's definitely better when the primary reason for breeding is experience. Makes it less frustrating that way. What kind of Angels where you planning on breeding?


lol The hobby's taking us all there.

A marble pair I bought about a week ago. They have already lain eggs, but the male didn't fertilize them. I thought it was interesting because he still protected them.

 

[Hendre]

I just do an 80% wc on the betta tank but leave the sand cause its only about a quarter to half inch thick. Anyways when the moss is established I want to make a carpet. The internal light cover is burnt yellow so I got a HOB light to use until my dad can cut me a perspex one.

I wasnt always crazy about fish, after my aquaponics was done and the bed punls burnt I just fed the fish and left them (9 goldfish in 80litres) and the water was so yellow and the PH was 4.4 from 8 at tap. After I rescued them I decided to look after em properly and this got me going.

If I could I would build a 2.5m x 1m x 70cm (approx 500 gallons) for a large pred tank with stuff like odoes, rainbo wolves, pink tail, small bichir, african butterfly, african brown knife, large barbs etc. Dreams for one day

 

[pharmaecopia]

Seriously jealous. I've wanted Cubans for a minute now. The one time they seemed to be available here I was going through a divorce and everything got put on hold for me and I virtually disappeared from MFK so lost my opportunity. I'd also would love to have a Shorty again. Of the gars I've kept so far the Shorty was my fave.

You've got a nice collection of rays so far. Are you planning on breeding? Hybridizing? At some point? By the way quick pic of my old Shorty because I can't mention him without sharing. I really miss this fish.
View attachment 1189346

The Cubans and longnose are my favorites. Seems like you have the same luck I have. Every time I've had the chance to get tropicals it always seems to coincide with other issues. Move, job change, etc.

Plan is to try and breed the rays and at least make a little bit back. Hoping to cross the superspot with the marble but it'll probably be a year or so before she is ready to breed.

 

[sunnysjourney]

lately It's been about optimizing water changes / watering the plants in my garden for me. We have a small vegetable garden in our side yard and I use the water from my water changes for it. My tanks are in the living room currently and I can't automate this process due to some space constraints. But we're planning on extending the house and I plan on housing my tanks in the newly built room. My goal is to have this entire process automated so that all I have to do is push a button and my water changes / watering the plants are done.

I've used algae scrubbers in saltwater tanks before with amazing results so I want to try them out on my current freshwater tanks. I used to scrub off some algae and feed it to the herbivores in my reef setup as well. It would be nice to supplement my tiger scat's and my plecos's feeding with some home grown algae!

In terms of my livestock: I have a decent predatory community going right now. I just want to keep it going. My stock in my big tank is: 6 tiger scats, 1 leichardti, 1 African aro, 1 NGT, 1 3 bar indo, 1 yellowtail flagtail, 1 red tail payara and 1 VATF. And I have a few grow outs in my 135 as well.

 

[koltsixx]

A marble pair I bought about a week ago. They have already lain eggs, but the male didn't fertilize them. I thought it was interesting because he still protected them.

Cichlids will sometimes do that till they realize the eggs are infertile.Any plans to try breeding other angels or just sticking with the Marbles?

I just do an 80% wc on the betta tank but leave the sand cause its only about a quarter to half inch thick. Anyways when the moss is established I want to make a carpet. The internal light cover is burnt yellow so I got a HOB light to use until my dad can cut me a perspex one.

I wasnt always crazy about fish, after my aquaponics was done and the bed punls burnt I just fed the fish and left them (9 goldfish in 80litres) and the water was so yellow and the PH was 4.4 from 8 at tap. After I rescued them I decided to look after em properly and this got me going.

If I could I would build a 2.5m x 1m x 70cm (approx 500 gallons) for a large pred tank with stuff like odoes, rainbo wolves, pink tail, small bichir, african butterfly, african brown knife, large barbs etc. Dreams for one day

With 500 gallons you could go bigger on the pred's then the ones you've got listed. For instance Curu or Amiara instead of rainbows. By the way what where you using the aquaponics to grow?

The Cubans and longnose are my favorites. Seems like you have the same luck I have. Every time I've had the chance to get tropicals it always seems to coincide with other issues. Move, job change, etc.

Plan is to try and breed the rays and at least make a little bit back. Hoping to cross the superspot with the marble but it'll probably be a year or so before she is ready to breed.

Yep, I'm a constant victim of Murphys law, it's nice to know I'm not alone. Can't wait to see some SuperspotxMarble pups.

lately It's been about optimizing water changes / watering the plants in my garden for me. We have a small vegetable garden in our side yard and I use the water from my water changes for it. My tanks are in the living room currently and I can't automate this process due to some space constraints. But we're planning on extending the house and I plan on housing my tanks in the newly built room. My goal is to have this entire process automated so that all I have to do is push a button and my water changes / watering the plants are done.

I've used algae scrubbers in saltwater tanks before with amazing results so I want to try them out on my current freshwater tanks. I used to scrub off some algae and feed it to the herbivores in my reef setup as well. It would be nice to supplement my tiger scat's and my plecos's feeding with some home grown algae!

In terms of my livestock: I have a decent predatory community going right now. I just want to keep it going. My stock in my big tank is: 6 tiger scats, 1 leichardti, 1 African aro, 1 NGT, 1 3 bar indo, 1 yellowtail flagtail, 1 red tail payara and 1 VATF. And I have a few grow outs in my 135 as well.

I always wondered why with aquaponics being the rage people wouldn't try and make the jump and use their waste water from their aquarium water changes to water their lawn etc? I figured it would just be too tedious to control the flow and make sure all of the lawn received the water. It would be cool if you could have a drip system that incorporated the lawns sprinkler system. I hope you plan on documenting your build. It would be an awesome read and great inspiration for other hobbyists.

I always liked the idea of the algae scrubber but recently decided I'd try floating plants instead. Though I never considered feeding the algae from the scrubber to the fish, way to optimize. Not that I never considered feeding algae but my plan was to set up a tank or two to grow spirulina. I know how you feel Tiger Scats are nothing but eating/pooping machines.

I like the stock especially the Lei, African and Tiger Scats. Must be a gorgeous tank.

 

[Angelphish]

Cichlids will sometimes do that till they realize the eggs are infertile.Any plans to try breeding other angels or just sticking with the Marbles?


With 500 gallons you could go bigger on the pred's then the ones you've got listed. For instance Curu or Amiara instead of rainbows. By the way what where you using the aquaponics to grow?


Yep, I'm a constant victim of Murphys law, it's nice to know I'm not alone. Can't wait to see some SuperspotxMarble pups.


I always wondered why with aquaponics being the rage people wouldn't try and make the jump and use their waste water from their aquarium water changes to water their lawn etc? I figured it would just be too tedious to control the flow and make sure all of the lawn received the water. It would be cool if you could have a drip system that incorporated the lawns sprinkler system. I hope you plan on documenting your build. It would be an awesome read and great inspiration for other hobbyists.

I always liked the idea of the algae scrubber but recently decided I'd try floating plants instead. Though I never considered feeding the algae from the scrubber to the fish, way to optimize. Not that I never considered feeding algae but my plan was to set up a tank or two to grow spirulina. I know how you feel Tiger Scats are nothing but eating/pooping machines.

I like the stock especially the Lei, African and Tiger Scats. Must be a gorgeous tank.

Before that I would like to put my money towards stocking my 210 and hopefully getting a nano reef in a few months.

 

[Red Aimara]

Like this thread a lot. Very inspirational.

My story. Restarted a community tank early this year after a 5 year break. At one point I was having four 300 gal tanks keeping all sorts of available monsters - ATFs, Hoplias, plecos, rays etc.

Lost almost all my stocks due to some events and halfheartedly keep the survivors for a couple of years.

Initially, just wanted to have a small monster comm with those remaining fishes. Then I saw some truly great tanks and inhabitants pictures and videos here.

DB Junkie characins. Jing's huge monsters. The piranha boys' collections. Many others who had contributed their experience, encouragement, pictures and videos here.

From there, I started to build a Hoplias mix tank:



Went for an ATF shoal:



In the process of building a Pygos community tank:



I am also trying to keep fishes that I had never kept before but are more available now.

Bambusa (pardon the bad picture reflection).



Where do I go from here? Due to running cost, time and space constraints - probably no other new comm tanks after setting up a big one for the ATFs.

Will instead look into adding a few into the existing stock. An elusive Hoplias Lacerdae? Hard to find Brevis Tigerfish or maybe a Ternetzi for the Pygos comm.

There is fun in both searching and keeping. It keeps the fire burning.

 

[Hendre]

I siphon water off the balcony into the garden, my dad might add a water tank soon for rain and tank water.
I grew rocket and parsley for a science project and have now made a bigger system with dad that is being finalised with 30 pots in 2 5 foot gutters. I might extend it one day and am going to sell what i grow as i am owning the system as long as i look after it.
I prefer smaller fish to a tank with a few big ones and stuff like aimara is not easy to my knowledge. I am struggling as is to get my 75 tank going so that will be for one day.

 

[predatorkeeper87]

I don't know where my hobby is going. My initial plans for 2016 were an intex pool for all my NA natives in my 310 because I was bored. Then all the fish in there came out of their shells all at once and now its my most energetic tank. Even the channel cat eats at the surface now.

I wanted to stick with 3 tanks then as luck would have it I was cruising the forums and BAM an elong piranha AND a 125 come up for sale at the same time at killer prices....so there enters my journey into the Serra world and also blackwater tanks.

My 150 is about to get overhauled....lost two of my favorite fish out of there so I have a feeling I'll be selling my polys and odoe and maybe going with a CL only tank and possibly growing out a fire eel if I can find one cheap enough.