Tour The Big Tank - our 150 G

[Ameenah]

Hi everyone

i just figured out how to use you tube to post a video.  It took quite awhile but the instructions were good. 

I did create a 5 minute video of our 150 gallon Tall Cichlids Tank, and invite you to follow the link and view it.  There is no music or other audio - maybe next time I will learn how to do that. 


The Link:   4714 Tour Our Big Tank

i hope you will find the video worthy of a thumbs up!

[Carl]

Thanks for sharing!
Excellent video, a nice looking aquarium!!

An interesting mix, keep an eye on the Turquoise which appears to be a Peacock Lake Malawi Cichlid, as while these do not get as big as the Oscars can more than make up in territorial aggression

Also, your Lutino Oscar looks weak, by virtue of his body shape and hwo he swims, so keep an eye on him. I would suggest giving him special attention at feeding time to make sure he/she eats well.
Also mix up the diet, and include foods such as the premium Aqua Master Cichlid Pellet
Resource:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquaMaster.html#cichlid

Also please read over this article about fish nutrition:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Quality_Fish_Food.html

I hope you do not take my suggestions as critical, rather just to help prevent issues "further down the road"

Carl

[Ameenah]

Thank you for your comments Carl. I agree that the adolescence period for this tank will be "interesting"
The Lutino Oscar is the Baby of the tank but he is the smartest! He knows when I approach the tank with the feeding spoon and is always first to the feeding section. Often before any tank mates even know I am there.

I should clarify that the "Turquoise" I refer to is the Caquetaia umbrifera of the New World Cichlids - the specimen I have is quite timid and reclusive despite being the largest fish in the tank (for now).

The "Electric Blue" I refer to is the Sianeochromis fryeri which is an African Cichlid of Lake Malawi. He and the Hemichromis bimaculatus are the only African specimens in the tank. The Electric Blue brought attitude and aggression to the tank but was promptly put in his place by the Tiger Oscar. Now the Electric Blue has his "special territory" and does not leave it very often. This makes me think the Tiger Oscar is the cop and the Electric Blue is the hooligan teenager.

I have not observed any fin nipping or worse in this tank - but realize that I am going against sound advice by mixing continents of cichlids. Yet I have read the occasional reports of successful communities - each point out that it is crucial to mix them as young as possible.

I am observing that the African Lake Malawi Cichlids do prefer to claim the cave-like areas as their home turf - perhaps genetic encoding of living among the rocky shores etc?? The New World Cichlids are more free swimming, as though pointing out that "they are the law" in that body of water.

The "Turquoise" Caquetaia umbrifera prefers unoccupied cave-like areas and is perhaps soon to our size the Tiger Oscar. The IGFA Record for this species is 22 pounds and 19 inches, from what I gathered on the internet. He is gorgeous and I hope he only gets 10-12 inches at full grown because I dont have a larger tank (yet)

I hope to create a little video every month or so to share my progress.

I am still amazed that I finally have a large tank. But too, i must continue to expand my knowledge and share successes and failures and am appreciative of this forum as being a place I can to both

[Carl]

Thanks for the clairification. The "Peacock" was the one I meant that you identified as a Sciaenochromis fryeri.

While purists might disagree with mixing, I have done this, just with certain cautions including caves on one side of an aquarium and open water in the other side.
I also make sure that water parameters are a balance that both Cichlid types can comfortably adapt to.
Since most fish are captive bred, this is not as a much a problem as some might have you think. As long as pH is stable along with a KH of at least 80 to 150 ppm , and some mineral Cations are available; BOTH Cichlids types will not only do OK, but THRIVE

Also, the Jewel is also an African Cichlid, but it is from West African rivers that have more in common with South American waters.

Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Great looking tank for sure. The style is not like most which is awesome. I love the red sand stone feel. It's funny how the oscars started to show themselfs off. It was like they were looking at you, thinking "why are you just standing there and not feeding us?" Then they started swimming showing off each of their sides. What little personalities. The blue one stayed pretty hidden, but he sure has nice color. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to so a video like this after I upgrade to my 40 gallon.

[devonjohnsgard]

Apr 8, 2014 21:54:11 GMT -5 Ameenah said:

This makes me think the Tiger Oscar is the cop and the Electric Blue is the hooligan teenager.

Laugh of loud...yup.

[Ameenah]

While reading the local weather forecast, I realized that I have no clue what to do if the electricity goes off. In my part of the world, we get huge thunderstorms accompanied by electricity outages. Yes, the current weather forecast said 80% chance of thunderstorms for yesterday.

I really hope to prevent a huge problem with the help of this forum membership. Here's what I have:

SunSun HW 303 B canister filter placed in cabinet below the tank. This is a stand alone filter.

V-1000 Fluidized Sand Bed Filter hanging on back top of tank - this does have a ball valve on the intake side. It too is a stand alone filter. Water is pumped up to the FSB filter by a SunSun hj-1542 internal water pump. On the up hose I have an in-line 1-way flow valve.

Both of my internal air pumps (with LEDs) have small 1-way air flow valves on the air line about 5-inches from the water level.

There are also 2-300 watt titanium heaters.

Everything electric is plugged in via a surge protector that does have an overall on-off switch.

I really dont want to experience an indoor disaster. The thunderstorm passed us by - this time. So now is my moment to learn what I need to do to prevent a disaster.

I welcome your suggestions.

[Carl]

This is a broad subject, with many viable suggestions.

I would suggest reading this "Aquarium Answers" article about Power Failures & Tank Moving and then go from here:

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/08/aquarium-moving.html

Here is a quote of just two suggestions from the above referenced article:

Keeping a Battery automatic air pump connected at all times to the aquarium. The best way is via a small Sponge Filter as pictured to the left, although for better yet effectiveness in removing ammonia/nitrites, I suggest that a separate sponge filter be connected to a continuous running pump then this Sponge filter be reconnected to the battery pump during the power failure.


This same idea as above can be used except a Non-Stop Battery pump is employed so that the Sponge filter is always biologically seasoned or does not require reconnection to the battery air pump during power failures.


Carl

[devonjohnsgard]

Ya, at the very least, have a battery air pump with a sponge filter. Other filtration and heat can go a little while, but they need that air and the good bacteria. A battery back-up is the best. I've heard of warming water on a wood stove in the winter months during a power outage.

by the way, I went to go do my taxes with your software and couldn't find the link anywhere. I know I was cutting it close, but if you understood my life, you would know why... Anyways, I would like try it for next year. Hope you are well.

edit-- I don't know what I missed, but Carl just showed me that the post was not deleted, so I have no idea why I missed it. My taxes are a little upsetting right now, cause I'm owning more than I ever have in my life ($800) I used Turbox Tax basic software. Usually I use the upgraded version and never owe each year. I'm going to have to take another look at it. RRR. Frustrating.

[Ameenah]

Thank you Carl and Devon for your wonderful suggestions.

In reading the Article you suggested,Carl, I appreciated that ..."It is also noteworthy that most healthy aquariums (with normal bio loads) can last up to 4 hours with absolutely no action taken!"..... I should be ok with my tank for short duration power outages. Perhaps my greatest concern is prevention of water syphoning out of the tank due to power failures. My smaller tanks have always made it through power outages just fine - but they have Hang On Tank filtration. I like the recommendation of Wonder Shells - I use 1 large and 1 medium in my large tank - but not the medicated ones. I will get a few of those with my next order from American Aquarium Products.

The canister and FBS Filters are completely foreign to me. And I did read that even a short power outage can destroy the good bacteria in a FSB filter.

Devon, the tax software is entered from the "green box" in the Income Tax section of my HomePage www.SandpointSage.com Since you mentioned a competitor's tax program has you owing more than ever before, I would like to offer you a free review to see what was overlooked. If I find enough to make it worthwhile to Amend, then you can pay-in-trade or cash for me to amend for you.

Both of you mentioned a battery operated air supply. I will be considering these too.

Thank you again

[Carl]

I might want to consider an inline check valve to prevent back up in either the canister filter or FSB filter.
From my observations, generally canister filters "go bad" the soonest during long power failures.

Another consideration for back up is an inverter tied to a deep cycle RV batter such as an Interstate series 24 RV Deep Cycle.
These have a 140 minute reserve at a full discharge of 25 amps, and since your canister filter is not likely to use any more than 3 amps, this equals 420 minutes or 7 hours or more of run time on one fully charge deep cycle battery

Carl

[parker002]

That's a huge tank. I'm jealous!

[devonjohnsgard]

Hey, I sent you a personal message. I don't want to muck up your thread, but if you want to reach me about my taxes, you can also email me at [e-mail]

[Ameenah]

Another month has passed since my last video. We experienced the Albino Oscar attempt to eat an Albino BN Pleco. Actually, in the wild this would have been the death of both specimens because the Pleco had attached itself to the innards of the Albino Oscar just as firmly as the Albino Oscar had sunk its many rows of teeth into the Pleco. I had to physically, and with effort, pull the dead Pleco out. I thought if the Oscar lived through this experience that it would never try eating another.......but a week later it grabbed the Orange BN Pleco from the side and behind the head and killed it.

So this month you will notice the addition of 2 Common Plecos (approx 5-6 inch) and 3 Golden Gourami.

The video is about 6-minutes. Enjoy

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpFoWpNqx0Q&sns=em

Note to Carl 
please notice my FBS Filter, I am concerned that my SunSun HJ 1542 Pump may not have the 370GPH Head Pressure it is supposed to have.  The churning has not ever been any better than it is in the somewhat dark portion of this video - with the ball valve wide open. I am wondering if 1 the pump is defective, or if I should have purchased a SunSun JP-066 instead.  
I realize a FSB Filter works even if the churning is far below the marked minimum. I also recall reading that the ball valve may need to be opened up more as the filter bacteria colony matures - mine is wide open now. 

Note to Everyone:
I need to find a Yellow (aka Sunshine) Oscar and a Blood Red Oscar of 4-6 inch size fairly soon - if you know of one please contact me at your soonest convenience. My internet search discovered a Yellow for $20 -- but shipping was $95!! I did not purchase that one as I cannot justify such a steep shipping fee.

[Carl]

Sounds like you have a cat in the background jealous of the attention you are giving your fish

In watching the video, your aquarium seems so peaceful, so it is hard to imagine the dram you described earlier with your Oscar and plecostumus!

It was very dark to see the FSB filter, but it looked close to normal
What I did notice is it may be churning a bit more than normal (but again hard to tell)
What this can mean is the filter needs to be more level and/or the large rocks that should be at the bottom are not enough, missing, or caught up.
These larger rocks are what help keep the flow more even for the finer sand.

The SunSun HJ 1542 Pump should be more than enough (it can run the model 1000), but you can test it separately in a bucket and measure the flow and apply some mild head pressure with your hand.
You can also raise the pump higher in your aquarium and/or the filter higher on the back of your aquarium for less head pressure

Thanks for sharing your aquarium video.
Would love to see your cat too!

Carl

[Ameenah]

Thank you for your reply Carl. Yes the feline voice in the background is Wakeeya he is one of the 3 cats we are servants to - and the most vocal. I will work on posting a picture of Wakeeya and his 2 sisters Altaier and MaaZee in the near future.

I will also grab a better short video of the FSB Filter at work. I think it may be helpful for others to see how mine is set up and functioning too. Your suggestion that the larger rocks inside it may be hung up is something I will investigate - but how to do that properly will take some research - I do not want to kill the beneficial bacteria developed inside. My FSB Filter is the V-1000.
The pump is sitting on the substrate and the FSB Filter is hanging on the back of the tank - a distance of far less than 72 inches even in this Tall Tank.

Yes, the combination of species, for now, is very tranquil. The Jewel and the 3 Golden Gourami are about the same size - and the Gourami displayed their FrankenFish aggression immediately when transferred to this tank. Gourami are aggressive by nature - but the Dwarf Gourami are tranquil, IMO of course. At full grown they will be about the same size too.

As always, thank you for your comments and helpful hints.

[devonjohnsgard]

May 12, 2014 16:23:18 GMT -5 Ameenah said:

Another month has passed since my last video. We experienced the Albino Oscar attempt to eat an Albino BN Pleco. Actually, in the wild this would have been the death of both specimens because the Pleco had attached itself to the innards of the Albino Oscar just as firmly as the Albino Oscar had sunk its many rows of teeth into the Pleco. I had to physically, and with effort, pull the dead Pleco out. I thought if the Oscar lived through this experience that it would never try eating another.......but a week later it grabbed the Orange BN Pleco from the side and behind the head and killed it.

So this month you will notice the addition of 2 Common Plecos (approx 5-6 inch) and 3 Golden Gourami.

The video is about 6-minutes. Enjoy

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpFoWpNqx0Q&sns=em

woah. oscars are vicious. I never had the chance to get the one I was, but I'm sure learning a lot from yours for when I do. Thanks for sharing.

Still haven't had time for my taxes either, btw.

[Ameenah]

Silly me!
Our FSB Filter was churning poorly so I read the product info, again at AAP, and found that I probably needed to clean the filter and media! It was after 10 PM but I had to clean it.  Sure enough it was filled with lots of yuck that I could not see when the filter was operating. I rinsed the sand media in aquarium water, reassembled the filter, and of course it is functioning great again. I had never given a thought to cleaning the media before - sure I routinely clean filter media in the canister and the HOT Filters on the smaller tanks (and have done so for years.) for some reason I interpreted the FSB Filter as something that did not require cleaning.
I checked on the FSB Filter after about an hour when SPLAT my foot stepped into a puddle of water on the floor! Yep, it was from me not firmly tightening the top when I reassembled it after cleaning. It took about 12 kitchen towels to absorb all the water on the floor - behind the tank stand, on the electric wires (thank goodness for safety drip loops on all of them) i managed to tighten the FSB Filter top another 1/2 turn which stopped the leak. I then added another 2-gallons of water to the tank to refill what I had lost.
Lessons Learned:
All filters need cleaning routinely
All filters need to be firmly reassembled after cleaning
Drip Loops in all electric lines save lives
Check all filters for leaks after no more than 15-minutes after reassembly

I think I went downstairs every hour or so to check on the filter throughout the night that night.

[devonjohnsgard]

May 17, 2014 21:44:58 GMT -5 Ameenah said:

Silly me!
Our FSB Filter was churning poorly so I read the product info, again at AAP, and found that I probably needed to clean the filter and media! It was after 10 PM but I had to clean it.  Sure enough it was filled with lots of yuck that I could not see when the filter was operating. I rinsed the sand media in aquarium water, reassembled the filter, and of course it is functioning great again. I had never given a thought to cleaning the media before - sure I routinely clean filter media in the canister and the HOT Filters on the smaller tanks (and have done so for years.) for some reason I interpreted the FSB Filter as something that did not require cleaning.
I checked on the FSB Filter after about an hour when SPLAT my foot stepped into a puddle of water on the floor! Yep, it was from me not firmly tightening the top when I reassembled it after cleaning. It took about 12 kitchen towels to absorb all the water on the floor - behind the tank stand, on the electric wires (thank goodness for safety drip loops on all of them) i managed to tighten the FSB Filter top another 1/2 turn which stopped the leak. I then added another 2-gallons of water to the tank to refill what I had lost.
Lessons Learned:
All filters need cleaning routinely
All filters need to be firmly reassembled after cleaning
Drip Loops in all electric lines save lives
Check all filters for leaks after no more than 15-minutes after reassembly

I think I went downstairs every hour or so to check on the filter throughout the night that night.

oh man! I wouldn't have thought the filter needed to be cleaned. It's pretty new from what I understood. Maybe it just cleaned some intake or outtake that was clogged up a little bit. I have the sand filter too and it's been set up for maybe two weeks now. I will keep an eye out for this. I haven't had any problem with flow though. In fact, I've had almost to much flow that I've had to use the flow valve for. I think I'm even going to use a little bit smaller pump, cause the one I have is the noisiest thing on the tank. It would quite the set-up a lot. Anyways. I glad you didn't get hurt. I hate set-backs like this and the mess, but like you pointed out. It was a lesson learned. I learned from it too, so you're helping others learn from your lessons too. Thanks for being apart of the forum group!

[Carl]

Our FSB Filter was churning poorly so I read the product info, again at AAP, and found that I probably needed to clean the filter and media! It was after 10 PM but I had to clean it. Sure enough it was filled with lots of yuck that I could not see when the filter was operating. I rinsed the sand media in aquarium water, reassembled the filter, and of course it is functioning great again. I had never given a thought to cleaning the media before - sure I routinely clean filter media in the canister and the HOT Filters on the smaller tanks (and have done so for years.) for some reason I interpreted the FSB Filter as something that did not require cleaning.

Generally FSB Filters do not need frequent cleanings as the friction within is often self cleaning.

However sometimes something will get caught up int the sand or especially the larger rocks and muck it up; this is where a sponge pre-filter is recommended.

BTW, make sure to only rinse with de-chlorinated water as you would a sponge filter

Thanks for bringing this up, as this helps others understand all the ins and outs of keeping these filters as well as the importance of drip loops!

As Devon noted; Thanks for being apart of the forum group as you are definitely helping others, even if it is not evident since 95% of readers are simply non registered persons seeking information (based on our website stats)

Carl