55 gal log -- UPDATED 3/2/07 WITH LOTS O PICS

[MyCatsDrool]

Just starting a log for my 55. Here is the specs:

55 Gal
Tap treated with Prime
Whisper Filter 60
AquaClear Filter 110
Eco Complete 80:20 PFS
Driftwood
2 100 W heaters
112 W T-5
DIY CO2
Flourish
Flourish Excel
Flourish Trace

Specs:

NH3/4 : 0ppm
NO2: 0ppm
NO3: 10ppm
PH: 6.6 (today)
KH: 2 drops turn it from blue to yellow on AP kit (don't know what that means other than i probably need to add aragonite to the filter)

Livestock:

1 Blue Blushing Angel
1 Koi Angel
1 Veiltail Koi Angel
1 Veiltail gold ANgel
2 Clown Loach
4 Von Rio Tetra
6 Glass Catfish
1 Queen Arabesque Plec
6 assorted Corydoras cats (false Julii and Emeralds)
1 BGK

Plants:
Anubias Barteri
Myrio Filigree
Rotala macrandra
Cabomba furcata
Stargrass
wisteria
corkscrew val
banana
bacopa
java fern
java moss
giant hairgrass
lily
tropic sunset
water sprite
amazon sword
melon sword
Rotala rotundifolia
crypt wendtii

Want to add:

Glosso or riccia
more myrio


Plans for this week:

Start EI when my dry ferts get here
Dosing:
+/- 1/2 tsp KN03 3x a week
+/- 1/8 tsp KH2P04 3x a week
+/- 1/8 tsp K2S04 3x a week
+/- 1/8 (10ml) CSM-B 3x a week
50% weekly water change


Plans for next month:
Switch to canister filter
Add pressurized CO2 setup


Current Pic:

 

[triazole]

excellent driftwood placement.

 

[MyCatsDrool]

thanks. That big piece is amazing. pics don't do it justice.

 

[travis simonson]

Very nice documentation too

I love watching tanks develop. I like the 80/20 Eco/PFS mix. That should be about perfect for any root types. Might I also suggest a background to hide all of your cords and tubing? I find that black or dark blue tends to give the best contrast for plants.

Keep up the posts as things progress

 

[MyCatsDrool]

I may paint on a background when i move in march and have to disassemble for moving. Til then, kinda stuck without.

 

[Cinder]

I too love the tank. It looks very homey for the fish.
I would love to have a Queen Arabesque - maybe someday.
Just info: Clown Loaches should be in shoals of at least three and need a minimum 120 gln. tank as they grow.
Black Ghost Knifes also need a minimum 120 gln. tank as they can get upwards of 20". Your Von Rios will very likely end up as supper to this guy someday also and possibly the Cories. I have heard from others that they don't always mix well with Angels either so keep an eye on everybody.

 

[flushingfish]

I love that piece of driftwood to the left.

 

[MyCatsDrool]

Well, just a quick update:


I sincerely increased the CO2 level in my tank. I added 2 Hagen ladders and a gallon jug of DIY CO2, diffused into the intake of my Whisper Filter.

My CO2 level went from nearly undetectable to 21ppm, which according to Chuck's calculator is ideal. I am noticing a difference already, and *think* i might be seeing some pearling going on. Not sure if it is just air bubbles somehow or not. I also raised the water level to almost the top of the tank to reduce splash from the filter outputs, and removed the bubbler.


I'll take some pics tonight when i get home and post them.

 

[SparKy697]

Very nice.

I don't envy you in having to move your tank. It sounds like a lot of work.

 

[Purrbox]

Sounds like you're getting there. You'll want to bump up the CO2 levels to about 30ppm. Since DIY CO2 is variable by nature, you need to keep the CO2 levels above 30ppm or you are inviting BBA into the tank. I'd probably try doubling your current production.

 

[MyCatsDrool]

Yeah, I am not looking forward to moving any of my 4 tanks when i move.

I'll try adding another gallon to my DIY setup. Thanks for the advice Purr.

 

[racialfish]

I love the driftwood.

 

[MyCatsDrool]

My Ferts should be here today. I plan to EI as best I can.

Here is my proposed schedule:
Mon: 1/2 tsp KN03, 1/8 tsp KH2P04, 1/8 tsp K2S04
Tue: 1/8 (10ml) CSM-B
Wed:1/2 tsp KN03, 1/8 tsp KH2P04, 1/8 tsp K2S04
Thu: 1/8 (10ml) CSM-B
Fri: 1/2 tsp KN03, 1/8 tsp KH2P04, 1/8 tsp K2S04
Sat: 1/8 (10ml) CSM-B
Sun: H2O Change

 

[MyCatsDrool]

OK

Here are some new pics. Chec out the difference adding more CO2 and ferts has made in 1 week:

 

[rich311k]

Growing in good. The tank is looking great.

 

[MyCatsDrool]

pH: 7.1
KH: 6.5
CO2: 15PPM
NO3: Maybe 5ppm. very low


Plan: Add another CO2 bottle, see if it brings CO2 up.

 

[Purrbox]

It'd be a good idea to up your KNO3 dosing so your Nitrates don't bottom out on you.

 

[theotheragentm]

The Glass Catfish look great.

 

[MyCatsDrool]

What a difference 2 weeks of ferts and heavy CO2 can make.

Pics from today....I trimmed before i took these, but didn't clean the glass yet.

And some fishy pics from that tank:

This is Herbert Hoover, tank president

Queen Anastasia Penelope Brittany Belle, aka Katie Holmes, Tank Diva

Rosie O'Donnel or Tom Arnold, depending on the day, Tank Hog. Look at the size of it's belly! Also leader of the Von Rio Mafia. Look out.

Prince Harry, Duke of Driftwood Vale

Goldie Hawn, Famous Movie Star

Heath Ledger. He is camera shy

Enjoy.

 

[rich311k]

Great pictures and very amusing names. You tank is growing in nicely.