75gal Planted Tank Journal *Updated W/PICS 11/16*

[BiscuitSlayer]

Nothing arrogant about the plants growing well for you. I was just curious. Some people don't have any problems with anything and some people have some problems with specific plants.

As far as the SAE's and Roselines go, I would like to know if you ever do experience problems. Maybe the problems happen as the SAE's get older.

[Torpedobarb]

if I do I will post it here. I hope that never happens! or it will be deep six time for some sae's! I used to have problems with some plants in my old tank.. but that was because of lighting. I think that I have this set up now nicely that I can grow most plants. I also have the micro and macro thing down now too... thanks to some breakfast sandwich! lol

[Torpedobarb]

I picked up my last fish selections today..

I finally got some more of the purple emperor tetras. I am completely stocked back to the way I wanted it.. of course the emperors are in qt for the next 2 weeks.. that part is a bummer for someone like myself who has no patience! lol

[lauraleellbp]

WTG with the QT

[Torpedobarb]

thought you might like that lauralee! my fish that are still alive like it too!

[Torpedobarb]

the emperors are still fairly small.. about 1" maybe.. but they look just like my avatar emperors do! I think that they are a great colorful fish!

I am not getting anymore tetras. I have 4 different kinds with small schools of each. I am set!

[Complexity]

Wow! What a wonderful inspiration for my 75g as I get it set up. I like many of the same fish as you do, most especially the dwarf cichlids and roseline sharks.

I just skimmed the posts in the thread (so mesmerized by your tank!), but I can see that I can use a lot of the info in here.

I'm curious about how you have your filters set up. I see the two spray bars in the back. So that's the output. Where are the intakes? I have my Eheim canister right now, but I was thinking of adding an XP4 to it. I also hope to have a high stock of fish so filtration is very important to me.

BTW, I also took note of your old ID. Seems we have even more in common as I've had several Macs since 1986!

I hope you don't mind if I copy some of what you've done. My design may be different, but I will definitely learn from you!

[Torpedobarb]

no problem at all! and yes.. macs rule! I have a power mac g4 that is a powerhouse!

I have 2 rena xp3 filters running on it. the intakes are actually the heaters too... they are the rena smart heaters that replace the intake tube and strainer. you just take off the strainer and it goes in its place. the heater is hollow in the middle and is designed to just slip on. the bottom of the heater has a strainer. so your intake becomes your heater. one less thing in the tank. they actually work great. my thermometers and digital thermometer are right on the money with the heaters. they are kinda pricey.. but I love em!

[MikeS]

I hate patience

[Torpedobarb]

wtf is patience! isn't that something the axle rose used to say all the time! just a little patience!

[Complexity]

Originally Posted by Torpedobarb

no problem at all! and yes.. macs rule! I have a power mac g4 that is a powerhouse!

Quick OT: Retired is my 512Ke, Macintosh II (the original!), Performa, PowerMac G3 and PowerBook G4. Currently in use is my PowerMac G4, PowerMac G5 and MacBook Pro. I maxed out the memory and HD space in most of them. I was using my discount as an IBM programmer to buy Macs way back when! Okay, back on topic.

I have 2 rena xp3 filters running on it. the intakes are actually the heaters too.

That sounds very nice! I had noticed your intakes appeared to be different, but I thought maybe something was blocking the view.

I don't have a problem with needing a heater; although, I did get the built-in heater version of the Eheim Pro II.

What I was wanting to know is the placement of your intake tubes (with heaters and all, it doesn't matter). I can't tell for sure, but are they on both back corners?

I'm trying to figure out where I want to position the intake/output tubes for my 75. I want to be sure I get good filtration, but I don't want to blow all the plants over (which I tend to do as I am overly anal about filtration).

Also, do you have your XP3s output wide open or have you decreased the flow any?

I've thought about getting a modular setup, but they're rather pricey. I tried to ask for help in a thread a couple months back, but didn't get any real answers so I'm still trying to figure out a good placement for everything.

[Torpedobarb]

yeah.. I have both intakes in both of the corners and the discharge spray bars on the ends pointing towards the middle..

I do have the flow wide open.. but I am also using a diy co2 reactor on one filter and the uv sterilizer on the other filter.. so I have them both running wide open. I also use a powerhead to create more flow

[Torpedobarb]

I am looking for a powerbook g4.. you looking to get rid of it! or maybe make a deal?

[fshfanatic]

Originally Posted by lauraleellbp

It looks like your Anubias over on the far right might have the rhizome (thick green piece all the roots grow off of) buried? If so, it really should be tied to a piece of driftwood or rock, it will die "planted" in the substrate.

No they wont. I have grown a lot of Anubias planted and it does great. Just dont bury it too deep.


The tank looks wonderful! Great job..

[Torpedobarb]

thanks alot!

I actually don't have any anubias left in my tank except the petite. I like the way it looks.. just taking up too much room for my stems!