i love that cave... its unique
My 30 gallon.. a pictoral journey
7
Picked up this 30 gallon on graigslist. Didnt really have a vision or plan, just needed something bigger for my son's growing goldfish. The seller failed to mention there were 3 convict cichlids, a peppered cory, black skirts and a gourami in the tank. Here is what it looked like:
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I wasnt sure why the 2 male cichlids were beating everyone up in the tank. So I quickly re-homed them. Then went to work trying to make the tank a little more presentable:
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Some texas holey rock, a little driftwood, and some rocks later. I was OK with it for about a week. Realizing I wasnt utilizing the available space efficiently I began to doubt my work. So I set off with my son to find some more rocks and driftwood:
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He made it the first couple of miles. I admit I got a little lost but the creek guided us back. Two hours later he was less than happy.
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Now armed with new stuff. I did some re-arranging:
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A few live plants (and some fake), some more substrate and some sweet driftwood. I stared at it for about a week. I wasnt happy. Now I really started looking at aquascapes trying to learn a few things. Then the wife wasnt happy with the aquarium stand and spent 250$ on a nice wood one. I had kittens over that one... i named all of them curse words. Then I went and sourced some more rocks and wood:
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At this point the son is less enthusiastic about our field trips. I got the tank re-arranged a third time. This time Im really getting worried about the fish. They have been through newbie hell with me. Im sure they will find me in the afterlife and punch me. But for now they are all alive and well. So here is the final incarnation:
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Im not happy with the cave (as far as blending with the tank). But I had to throw the female cichlid a bone. She has been through alot so I gave her a cave. Feel free to offer advice and critiques. The fish made it this far Im sure if they can survive a little more if your advice is taken.
All those rocks and driftwood came from a local stream. I do plan on making a couple of "trees". Waiting on the hairgrass to carpet.
I wasnt sure why the 2 male cichlids were beating everyone up in the tank. So I quickly re-homed them. Then went to work trying to make the tank a little more presentable:
Some texas holey rock, a little driftwood, and some rocks later. I was OK with it for about a week. Realizing I wasnt utilizing the available space efficiently I began to doubt my work. So I set off with my son to find some more rocks and driftwood:
He made it the first couple of miles. I admit I got a little lost but the creek guided us back. Two hours later he was less than happy.
Now armed with new stuff. I did some re-arranging:
A few live plants (and some fake), some more substrate and some sweet driftwood. I stared at it for about a week. I wasnt happy. Now I really started looking at aquascapes trying to learn a few things. Then the wife wasnt happy with the aquarium stand and spent 250$ on a nice wood one. I had kittens over that one... i named all of them curse words. Then I went and sourced some more rocks and wood:
At this point the son is less enthusiastic about our field trips. I got the tank re-arranged a third time. This time Im really getting worried about the fish. They have been through newbie hell with me. Im sure they will find me in the afterlife and punch me. But for now they are all alive and well. So here is the final incarnation:
Im not happy with the cave (as far as blending with the tank). But I had to throw the female cichlid a bone. She has been through alot so I gave her a cave. Feel free to offer advice and critiques. The fish made it this far Im sure if they can survive a little more if your advice is taken.
All those rocks and driftwood came from a local stream. I do plan on making a couple of "trees". Waiting on the hairgrass to carpet.
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2
Minor update. the cichlid is enjoying her cave and the water has cleared up considerably since that last pic:
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1 - 11 of 11 Posts
