This project has started on 31st March 2008

I decided to start my blog on this new project...I had this tank for the last two years now which is a 200 Litre tank. It is a 50X50X50 tank (they are all cm - metric system). This tank was done after my 1.5m tank had some problems and had to cut it in two. Though, this tank was not a lucky one. I had used it at least twice with different setups. It started off being planted and had some angelfish and other compatible fish with no problems at all. But after some months running had an ammonia spike...reason unknown and my angelfish died which I had for some years.

I decided to go for a malawi setup but after some time running had same problem with ammonia spikes which killed the toughest of my fish...now I blame it on my filter which was an internal one. Though, I am not sure what I am going to do with it...though I might use it to breed a pair of salvini in this tank but not sure what kind of setup..

Now, the project itself...this time I will use another tank which I had running for the last 4 years and used for unwanted fish...now I want to use this new tank for a new setup. I decided to go for a Malawi or Tang setup depending on the quality of fish that I might find at our lfs which was not always desirable but may try out some friends around to purchase or exchange the fish.

Stage 1:

After I removed the sand and rocks which made up this original tank, I decided not to take any risks for any bacterial invasion. Thus, I took the task of boiling everything including the sand and rocks. Thsi took some time as i had two buckets of sand to boil and no large containers to hold and boil them in. This process took a week to do so and keep in mind the consumption...

Rocks were boiled as well for some hours though they had been resting on the outside for some days but not taking any risks in this matter, they were boiled. I will keep them overnight and clean them with tap water for some hours until I re-use them again.

Here is a picture of the sand...



Here is a picture of the rocks being boiled...



This is the tank that will be the subject of my project...though I did not set a date to start cleaning it as I need to rehouse some of the fish which are 4 clown loaches, one angelfish and three male bettas (safe...)



Here is the male plakat discovered recently among a number of females bought as a female...just his bubblenest

I had received an email if i wanted to purchase some Discus. The invitation was tempting and maybe the project will change to something else...here are some of the Discus being offered. They are locally bred as you can see from the fry with their parents. Luckily they were being kept at Ph 7 and no difference in GH or KH...

I started the new project which took me just 9 hours to clean and refill again the tank...It is just a 150 Litre tank no wonder I do not want anything bigger...Here are some pictures of the tank...

Empty tank and cleaned...



Gravel and the cleaning crew...one thing to add that some of the gravel was placed in the ceramic bag for seeding. Half of it was rinsed in the old water and left there to help seed the tank. The rest was cleaned and sterilized and left to dry...



I used peat which will be placed under the gravel...I punched some holes and placed the amazon roots inside for better grip...



New setup...few amazon swords which I am sure that they would fill the tank and few cabomba...waiting for some java ferns which are attached for a bogwood. I will eventually place some drift wood to make up the tank. Left the clay pot for any eventual breeding...in years time...



cloudy water...



Though, I have one cory and Angelfish which will be placed in the tank as soon as possible as the only place left is a tank filled with some aggressive and fin nipping. I will take my chances. I will have to do more frequent water changes in the next few weeks...

Woke up this morning and decided to do some changes to the landscape. Not much but the java fern has some effect...





cleaning crew...



clearer tank...



One remaining angelfish which will share its life with the Discus...coming in a few hours.

Here they are...went for 10 and got 20 instead!!! but paid for 10...

Here are some of my babies...doing well eating my pockets...as they are fed with bloodworms, beefheart and special formula for Discus. They are all frozen and pre-packed food...



Though, I am experiencing some Nitrite issues and doing 10litres water change everyday and trying to siphon all uneaten food but problem is the gravel...which was a mistake at this stage...but will remedy it in some way.

These are the parents...

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/v/zrinBMYyZtQ

Link:Video 2

Link:Video 3