Cenote/Mexican Cave tank

[sfoxworth89]

Hi, first time posting here. I was wondering if anyone has slapped together a cenote biotope, I mean one that looks really authentic, not just matched the water conditions. Something with a lot of limestone (I understand the time needed to develop the same "icicle" effect as in nature) a nice green-ish tint, maybe LEDs or something. I mostly want to know what the effect of having a largely limestone tank would be on the water. In nature the water is constantly flowing away, maybe a huge filter would be needed. Just shootin' some ideas out. I think if it were done right a tank like that could be reeeeaaally cool.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm thinking about setting something up in my extra 29 gal and monitoring the water constantly.

 

[Scouser]

I think with the huge amount of limestone you want 29gal wont have enough water.

I mean the limestone will take up a large amount of volume and that'll reduce the amount of space for water.

 

[darkmatter_3500]

It would be cool if you can make it work, I have been to a few cenotes in Yucatan.

 

[mohican]

After snorkeling Riviera Maya cenote, I would just add smooth large boulder type rocks along bottom creating up along sides. Being in a cave, the fish have no eyes so look for blind tetra's. As for lighting, keep just a led on it for you viewing pleasure (maybe blue), don't make too bright. You could find a way to make sharp rocks either from below or above. Good luck.

 

[emerald76]

I bet it'll look great!!

 

[Fishandmusic81]

That's an awesome idea I've also thought about it but seems to difficult at the moment id like to see someone actually pull this off

 

[ocean]

That's an awesome idea I've also thought about it but seems to difficult at the moment id like to see someone actually pull this off

I believe TFH had a article about a set up for blind cave tetras, might be worth a web search.

 

[Maxkolbe]

I would be cool if your only illumination was moonlights, I think that would help complete the whole "cave" atmosphere.

 

[alLexX]

thats a cool idea. i hope you try it out,love to follow along

 

[mohican]

Just another thought, try one of those foam backgrounds. You could shape, carve, etc to make it look cave-like.