Aquarium "herd"

[Hermithall]

I was reading an amusing post awhile back (sorry, I can't remember who wrote it) where the person was talking about aquariums as though they were living entities with minds of their own, that aquariums had migratory tendancies and herding instincts, and that they were patient and sneaky creatures who eventually would always get their own way. It was something along those lines anyway!

Well, I've come to realise there must be some truth in this because my 3 tanks have all migrated into the same room over a long period if time, having originally been in 3 separate rooms! So, here's my "herd" lol

 

[fishprotector]

Looking good. I like the rocks in the middle tank, they make a lovely central feature.

 

[Hermithall]

Hey Fishprotector, cheers - there's 40Kg of ocean rock in there for the mbuna. I would have preferred Tufa (Lava) rock but availability was a problem at the time. I thought the ocean rock would buffer the water better than it has, but it didn't have much effect on the wtare hardness, so I've added a bag of coral sand into the filter and the PH is around 8. I'd still recommend ocean rock though - it's easy to stack because it locks together easily, just remember to spread the weight and keep it off the glass with plastic egg-crate under the substrate

 

[Sahira]

Wow very nice!

 

[Hermithall]

Hi Sahira, thanks! I expected a bit of criticism to be honest, so the nice comments are appreciated. I mean, I know it's cluttered having tanks in a row like that, but I'm happy with the tanks themselves which is all that matters to me these days - stuff like decorating, furniture placement, housework etc all take a backseat to fish tank sheng fui these day lol! I've even dragged an armchair infront of the tanks where it now permanently resides - somewhere to view the the fish from, or just flop into knackered from water changing!

 

[pyrofishtoo]

Being a victim of MTS myself, I completely understand how these things can sneak up on you. Your tanks look great and I had to really search to find your shark! Nice fish!!!!

 

[Hermithall]

Hey Pyro - is that "Migrating Tank Syndrome" lol? It's hilarious to think of the tanks as living entities with their own agendas.
Yes, the shark spends a lot of time in his hidey hole - he was my first fish since reactivating the fishkeeping hobby, so he's about 4 years old now. I love redtails, but gotta say he's one belligerent fish who doesn't have many friends. He likes you though

Edit: was it you who came up with the fish tank herding phenomenon thoery?

 

[minnnt]

Nice work matey! Really like the last one, apart from the statue thing it is very natural looking indeed! Well done!

 

[Hermithall]

Hey there Minnnt! Ah the egyptian ornament - you know I really don't like that thing and to me it does spoil the look I've gone for in that tank, because like you say it doesn't look very natural lol! The thing is, I have a bristlenose living in there and don't have the heart to evict him.
Here he his; I was lucky to get this snap because he normally darts back into the egyptian ornament when I approach the tank:

 

[minnnt]

LOL!

I would make some sort of a cave or add some more wood, he will soon adopt one of those. He won't be too fussed aslong as it makes him feel secure and hidden.

Great picture btw!

 

[Hermithall]

But Minnnt, it's his childhood home - he's been in there since he was a tiddler!

Thanks for mentioning the pic - I don't have much luck photographing fish overall I gotta say, it's just a point and shoot digi cam. I like your avatar pic mate, is that your freshwater puffer?

 

[pyrofishtoo]

Edit: was it you who came up with the fish tank herding phenomenon thoery?

No, but I would love to read it!

LOL!

I would make some sort of a cave or add some more wood, he will soon adopt one of those. He won't be too fussed aslong as it makes him feel secure and hidden.

Great picture btw!

Check out plecocaves.com!
I agree, a fantastic pic!

 

[Sahira]

Hi Sahira, thanks! I expected a bit of criticism to be honest, so the nice comments are appreciated. I mean, I know it's cluttered having tanks in a row like that, but I'm happy with the tanks themselves which is all that matters to me these days - stuff like decorating, furniture placement, housework etc all take a backseat to fish tank sheng fui these day lol! I've even dragged an armchair infront of the tanks where it now permanently resides - somewhere to view the the fish from, or just flop into knackered from water changing!

I've never seen tanks set-up like that so it looks very kool must be hardwork maintaining all 3 tanks but if its what you enjoy doing then why not?!
I like it!

There's a link to my tank.. its also a jewel! lol.


http/www.flickr.co...in/photostream/ (pic taken today)

Hi Sahira, thanks! I expected a bit of criticism to be honest, so the nice comments are appreciated. I mean, I know it's cluttered having tanks in a row like that, but I'm happy with the tanks themselves which is all that matters to me these days - stuff like decorating, furniture placement, housework etc all take a backseat to fish tank sheng fui these day lol! I've even dragged an armchair infront of the tanks where it now permanently resides - somewhere to view the the fish from, or just flop into knackered from water changing!

I've never seen tanks set-up like that so it looks very kool must be hardwork maintaining all 3 tanks but if its what you enjoy doing then why not?!
I like it!

There's a link to my tank.. its also a jewel! lol.


http/www.flickr.co...in/photostream/ (pic taken today)


correct link-

http/www.flickr.com/photos/58372321@N06/6487463673/

 

[Hermithall]

I just can't remember who it was Pyro, but it tickled me lol - hey thanks for the plecocaves link, unfortunately I'm in the UK so wouldn't consider purchasing from the site, but it does give me some good ideas, thanks
Sahira, your tank is gorgeous - everything looks carefully placed and I can tell a lot of thought has gone into it. I see you've augmented the filtration with an extra internal, and your water looks pristine. I've boosted the filtration on all mine too - I don't think the Juwel filters are aqequate on their own.

Edit: forgot to feedback on the maintainance comment - it is hard work Sahira, as we all know, but it's a labour of love looking after the fish. I believe in strict weekly waterchange routines, regardless of good test kit readings and lucky for me the backyard door is right behind the chair in the photo - so its a hose straight into the outside drains via gravel vac. In the days before the herd all congregated together, it was much more hard work.

 

[minnnt]

LOL! It's not my picture, but yes, i have the same species. I have a thread all about my puffer journey in this section and in the planted journal section if you fancy a gander.