Johns 450ltr (110 Gals) Journal

[john starkey]

Lighting looks cool (and expencive)! How many watts does it give you?

Hi Corin, it has four 54w t5 plant pros total 216w i think that gives me just over 2w per gal? the unit cost £239 regards john

 

[nry]

I'm currently speechless, the build up for this tank is immense

 

[john starkey]

I'm currently speechless, the build up for this tank is immense

Hi nry, god i tell you my head is spinning with ideas shall i do this shall i do that, my wife has taken to reading my books and keeps saying what about this layout or that layout, now my son is is havin ago too. its all good fun though, but one thing for sure i am going to plant this tank with loads of weeds to start off with.regards john. btw thanks to all for reading this journal

 

[mlawson]

Very cool lighting, I envy you.

 

[Liam]

I am jealous too, the tank looks super, great that your family are interested too, yeah lots of weeds for a few months at least. Though in a tank as big as that some of the so called weeds could look great, I think limnophila sessiflora is as nice a plant as one could ask for.

 

[john starkey]

I am jealous too, the tank looks super, great that your family are interested too, yeah lots of weeds for a few months at least. Though in a tank as big as that some of the so called weeds could look great, I think limnophila sessiflora is as nice a plant as one could ask for.

Hi Liam, i agree limnophila sessiflora is on my list i do like the look of it. regards john.

 

[john starkey]

Good morning all, hope you are all collecting this rain water anyway today is preparation day! my wifes brother in law is comming over today with his tools (hes a carpenter) when i had the setup made at wharf aquatics i asked them to leave the back panel of the cabinet undrilled this way bro inlaw and i can put the holes in the best position to suit the two plugs i have in the wall, i have bought two power surge sockets, 3 timers, i can have my lights on two tubes at a time so in the mornings i can start with two on then the other two on a bit later this way the fish wont be spooked by the sudden brightness, i will have the co2 set on the timer (solenoid) to come on about an hour before the lights ( i am going to start with a 2kg bottle and see how long it lasts).also i am going to set up the two eheim 2028s today ready for switch on, i was hoping to order my plants tues for planting next weekend but i have got to work so i may setup when i am on holiday in july, i would have liked to enter this tank in the pfk contest but i dont think my plants will have grown enough by the closing date. I have also changed my mind about keeping discus, i will stick with the cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corys (dont know which ones yet) shrimps, otos, nerite snails, for slightly larger fish i may go for the congo tetra (phenacogrammus interruptus), your suggestions for larger fish to suit this setup would be appreciated regards john.

 

[nry]

You could try some angelfish? No more or less likely to eat tetra than discus! I also love denison barbs (red torpedo barbs), stunning fish!

 

[john starkey]

You could try some angelfish? No more or less likely to eat tetra than discus! I also love denison barbs (red torpedo barbs), stunning fish!

Hi nry, i do like the red line torpedo barbs very much but my lfs says they may jump out of my open top, looking at the tank the only place they could end up is on the the stress bars inside because i would be dammed unlucky if they made it over the edge, angels are also very nice so many different color forms to choose from too,thanks for your input regards john.

 

[DevUK]

A nice small shoaling fish which I bought yesterday and am already in love with, are pentazona barbs! They are so peaceful (after day 1 ) and they way they move reminds me of Angels (like they are being pulled along underwater on a string).

As for large fish, hmn... not sure. My experience is limited. I'd thought about some congo tetras but don't suit my tank inhabbitants.

Loving the tank so far! I'm sure it will look stunning when its complete, and I have to admit I am envious I'm looking at my Rio 180 that I've finally got populated and thinking "Hmn, its a bit small..."

Good luck!

 

[arif_93]

discus all the way...............................................................................

 

[john starkey]

Hi all thought you might like to see whats going to be keeping my tank clean, regards john

 

[nry]

They look bigger than your kitchen cupboards!

 

[john starkey]

Hi all my bro inlaw turned about 6pm he has drilled six perfect round holes in the back panel and we have threaded all the cables and filter tubes through, everything looks really neat and tidy, one thing i have forgotten is the background i think i will use some sort of black photo paper (suggestions welcome) i dont want to use anything inside the tank.i had the grand switch on of the light unit you will not believe how bright four 54w T5s are B) thanks for looking in kind regards john

 

[nry]

Black is good, you could debate painting the back of the glass but that is a tad permanent! Gives the best finish though, a very even colour.