My 220 Litre Return To The Hobby.

[8511swann]

Hi, it's been running 3 weeks now, and was started with mature filter media and substrate. With some Tetra Safe Start it cycled in less than 7 days. The only thing I don't like is my high pH (8), and I realise that some of my fish aren't going to like it. I'm investing in a water butt, and will hopefully be carrying out water changes with rain water.

Anyway, its a bit of an eclectic tank right now, as its also holding some from my kids tanks.

 

[rolo0151]

I think that's looks great. Would look even better with a black background on it.
Wish I could find a piece of wood like that for my tank!

 

[Ch4rlie]

Thats a really nice set up. 
 
Would not worry too much about Ph levels, just as long as it stays steady, then should be fine.
 
You could get some fish that thrives in high pH. 
 
Water butt for rainwater for water changes are a nice idea, but make sure the roof, gutters are clean of any metals, treatments, and general harmful substances/dirt that collects into your water butt.
 
This could potentially mess up your water parameters if there is anything collected into water butt and into your tank.
 
Also would not rely on rainwater for water changes, as you could have a few weeks without any rainfall so therefore no water in butt for your routine water change, and you would need to clean out the water butt every so often as the amount of dirt collected is almost unbelievable! 
 
As long as you do research and look into these sort of factors. 
 
I have high pH as well (8.0 to 8.2), does not worry me!

 

[8511swann]

Thank you Rolo and Charlie. There is no background on it, as it is visible from both sides. The bogwood was a bargain, as the scales were broken in the LFS, and the assistant asked me what I thought it weighed. I thought I'd be cheeky, and said 500g. He said he agreed with that, and charged me a fiver!.

I had only intended to use the rainwater throughout the wetter months (its always wet in Shropshire!), but I suppose your right about unknowns on the roof, and the difference in water softness/ph when I have to use tap water.

Thanks again folks, much appreciated.

Swanny

 

[Ch4rlie]

The bogwood was a bargain, as the scales were broken in the LFS, and the assistant asked me what I thought it weighed. I thought I'd be cheeky, and said 500g. He said he agreed with that, and charged me a fiver!.
 

 

nice one! lol

 

[daizeUK]

Most of the fish I can see like guppies & gouramis should be fine with your pH.  Better to keep it stable and choose fish to suit.  The rummynose won't be happy though.

 

[8511swann]

Most of the fish I can see like guppies & gouramis should be fine with your pH.  Better to keep it stable and choose fish to suit.  The rummynose won't be happy though.

Actually, that would explain why 2 of them aren't settling in so well.

 

[BriansAquarium]

Looks really good, love the setup.

 

[Sarette]

Love the tank, looks great!

 

[BrianMcC]

Hi welcome to the forum, love the tank

 

[Donna_G]

Lovely looking tank, nice that you can view from both sides

 

[Ninjouzata]

Absolutely stunning tank!
Your DG's face  

 

[8511swann]

Thank you everybody for your lovely comments. Much appreciated.
Swanny

 

[8511swann]

I just spent an hour with the camera on the tripod, and playing with my fish eye lens to try and get a really arty shot, with which to enter the October TOTM competition, only to then read the rather big red capitals informing me of the 60 day and 60 post rule! Doh! Oh well, I'll aim for November!

 

[daizeUK]

Your tank looks really nice.  Maybe for the next photoshoot you could put up a temporary black background as the books in the background are a bit distracting.