[Dman911]

Putting together the rack now. Have to drain the 75 and take all the rocks out and transfer it to the bottom shelf. The new one will go on top and I have room for 4 -10 gallon growouts on the bottom.
Got an AC70 and I'm going to swap media from one of my established 70's. I'll add another filter later on once I've got a light figured out. Hopefully 1 group of Syno's will arrive today and be comfortable in the tank by tomorrow. Another 5 are arriving next week.
Any.suggestions as to what to start stocking first? Maybe a couple Bolivians? I could maybe do Apisto's at the same time. It will take a while to get all the Rainbows sourced and budgeted in. I want to have a big 8 foot tank in my office when I open my own practice and I'm thinking a healthy mature group of Rainbows and some cool dwarf cichlids would keep the kids entertained. Everyone does saltwater... and its super cool.. but I think a mature planted tank could be just as impressive.

It may be a good idea to put something under those legs. That's a lot of weight to have on 4 tiny spots on the floor. Just a thought but I'm not saying it will be an issue but rather it may be.

Dan

 

[Dman911]

I use a fluval Q2 and it would have no problems doing 4 10gal tanks with sponge filters. For the cost there are also other options that will run many more than 4 tanks for a reasonable price like https://www.amazon.com/EcoPlus-Comm...ncoding=UTF8&refRID=DG173MYJ7W8CNX6QA6ZH&th=1 but I have never used them and would assume they would probably be a bit noisy if that is a concern. I also could not comment on the quality or life expectancy. I am very happy with the Q2 and it is adjustable. I use it to power my underwater waterfall and have had 2 sponge filters and a 1 gallon container of saltwater mixing at the same time while I was setting up stuff for shrimp breeding.

Dan

 

[Dman911]

That Fluval looks perfect. I'll pick one up. Is this what I would need to split it to the 4 tanks?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N...=MP0D3BHJP69GRT5ESB5M&dpPl=1&dpID=61mVAnsmCvL

Never used that one in particular but pretty much any manifold will do. I use penn plex https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-4-Way-Control-Aquarium-Accessories/dp/B0026XWLQA and never had an issue with them. I have used other cheap plastic ones that have been garbage and often leak. Cheap check valves can really restrict air flow and I don't use them on my pumps because I'm to cheap to buy decent ones. I don't recommend not using them but if you hook it up and get less than desirable airflow that's the first place you should look.

Dan

 

[Dman911]

Just wanted to add incase you were unware that when the diaphragm(s) on these pumps fail you can but a repair/replacement kit for a fraction of buying a replacement pump. I used to fix quite a few elite air pumps before I went to one central pump when I was breeding.

Q1, Q2 Air Pump Repair Module | A18832 | Replacement Parts | Fluval

Dan

 

[Dman911]

Your well has chlorine/chloramines? It could be several things and more than likely not a single cause. Lack of oxygen, big change in temp and overall stress would come to mind first. I have made similar mistakes over the years and I usually attribute this to my lack of patience which has become much better in the last 10 years. Use this as a chance to learn and don't beat yourself up over it. Yes there was loss of life but it was not intentional and you have gained a lesson out of it. If I sound a little uncaring its probably because I am a little desensitized as over the years of breeding and culling euthanizing fish when needed has probably influenced my views.

Dan

 

[Dman911]

This has me puzzled as well... then inwas reading Greggz thread... again... and noticed the mention of an ammonia spike when breaking down and moving an established tank... is that what happened?? Tank has been set up with no gravel / sand disturbance for about 18 months...
If so how long until it is safe to restock? I'm going to pick up more Prime tonight, but I'm not sure what I'm dealing with. I guess I will test when I get home. Hadn't even considered this. I'm hoping to finish getting this tank running and planted so I can get the other tank on top and start working on my tanks together.. since I'm starting over both will now be HEAVILY planted and at last one large Red sword. Is there one that you recommend?
There will be no plant eaters... no Pleco's, no Congo Tetras...
For the "wood" tank I'm thinking Bolivians, Apisto Caucatoides, 4 species of Rainbows and what bottom dweller? I'd love loaches. Any that don't touch the plants?

Definitely possible that could be the cause. Possibly huge spike in nitrogen or big release of H2S from substrate disturbance. Either way I would not add fish to the tank until you have tested parameters are can verify they are safe. Do you have a test kit by chance?

Added: H2S would explain the extremely fast death rate but again no way to be sure. Did you notice a rotten egg smell at all?

Dan

 

[Dman911]

When I was breeding cuckoo cats (synodontis multipunctatus) I used electric yellow's as the host breeding group for them because they were my most prolific group even though they hail from different lakes. They are a parasite breeder and extremely enjoyable to watch. I found with them as with most Africans keeping plants rooted is no easy task with them as @roadmaster suggested. They will appreciate a rocky tank with caves and a PH on the higher side. Beautiful fish and probably one of if not my favorite of all Africans.

Dan

 

[Dman911]

Thank you. She would not want to live like that. She was a beautiful woman and she was always the care giver. She did not want to be the receiver. I told them to take the tubes out at 4pm on July 5th. She stopped breathing at 1134 that night. She was surrounded by friends and family. Some of which drove 15 hours straight to be with her. I feel like im floating around aimlessly now. Hopefully we are able to finalize arrangements today so we can lay her to rest. Im trying to find some interest in things I used to enjoy, but I'm not there yet. We moved to a home 5 minutes from her in January of 2016 so I saw her a couple times a week and spoke to her several times a day. She gave me direction and strength. I feel like I'm floundering now

My condolences go out to you and your family.

Dan