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Post by jeremyh81 on Oct 27, 2009 20:14:43 GMT -6
A few months ago, a coworker was looking to reduce the number of his aquariums and was generous enough to give me a (rare) 26-gallon bowfront tank w/ basic light fixture, unknown-type heater (works well, though), and a HOT Mag 250. Here's a link to my Photobucket album containing pictures of various stages of the tank's progress: s648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/jhenson81/Aquariums/26%20gallon%20bowfront/Since these pictures were taken, I have removed the artificial half log and rearranged the plants into groups. More plants and pics to come! Enjoy! |
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angel
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Post by angel on Oct 27, 2009 20:32:52 GMT -6
Your tank looks WAY better with the plants and stuff! It looks like you're about as close to a natural at aquarium keeping as one can be just starting out. Looking forward to seeing you get the bigger tank, but that's a great size for a community and you're doing well with it.
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Post by jeremyh81 on Oct 27, 2009 20:56:34 GMT -6
Thanks! I've done a ton of reading and have an experienced saltwater aquarist that I work with who gives great advice.
When I get into a hobby, I go all-out and learn as much as I can. Sometimes I fail - I've had 1 otto pass away, probably due to water conditions.
Right now my temp stays at 76F, pH of 7.2-7.4, ammonia and nitrites are barely detectable by the API master test kit, and no more than 40ppm of nitrates.
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allierw
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Post by allierw on Oct 28, 2009 12:04:41 GMT -6
I have a 26 bow, too. Very nice little tank. I keep shellies in mine.
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Post by jeremyh81 on Oct 28, 2009 14:38:58 GMT -6
They are nice tanks. I especially like how the bow magnifies the interior making the decor and fish look larger.
I really need more plants and replace the fake rock with real ones. Then comes the Cories!
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Post by davidtcb1 on Oct 28, 2009 19:01:03 GMT -6
Looks really nice Jeremy. Just keep on top of the water changes, the nitrates should continue to drop. Everything else seems fine though. You are doing the right thing by diving head first into the hobby. This is a very addictive one, sounds like you're hooked! haha.
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Post by jeremyh81 on Oct 29, 2009 5:18:10 GMT -6
Thanks for the compliments and advice!
I checked the nitrates last night and found that they're down to 20ppm! I also increased my lighting w/ a standard, T8/15w fixture and bulb that came w/ the tank. Then added 2 hours to the timer to try to grow a little more algae - the ottos just aren't pooping as much as they should be, but they're definitely not starving. One looks like it has a beer gut! ;D
Saturday will be maintenance day, so I'll be busy changing the water and rinsing the canister's foam pad.
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angel
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Post by angel on Oct 29, 2009 5:59:37 GMT -6
If it's algae you want I can help you out there how much do you want me to bring for the little guys hahaha
And why am I now hearing Rockin' the Beer Gut on the stereo in my head?
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Post by jeremyh81 on Oct 29, 2009 9:00:42 GMT -6
Lol! I'll have to listen to that - never heard it.
I do have a 10g tank just laying around. Debating on making it a breeder or plant/algae growing tank. It was the hermits' first home before I got the 29.
There's also the jar method for algae, but I don't think I'll have a problem growing algae. I just couldn't keep it under control the first month.
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angel
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Post by angel on Oct 29, 2009 9:05:34 GMT -6
nah but if you do, stick something in front of the window. or leave the light on too long. that'll do it every time. Rockin the Beer Gut is by the Trailer Park Choir I think.
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angel
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Post by angel on Oct 29, 2009 9:10:13 GMT -6
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fishme
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Post by fishme on Oct 29, 2009 12:48:26 GMT -6
Very pretty tank Jeremy. You obviously have a knack for setting them up.
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Post by jeremyh81 on Oct 29, 2009 18:24:03 GMT -6
Thank you, fishme! I like to call myself a Jack of all trades, but a master of none.  The most credit should go to the first tropical fish book/mini encyclopedia I bought before setup, "The Tropical Aquarium" by Gina Sandford. I read the first part about setting up an aquarium and the nitrogen cycle numerous times. A lot of aquarium websites also helped with learning. I just recently snagged a copy of Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine and started reading one of Takashi Amano's "Nature Aquarium" article. The aquascaping of his tanks is amazing and very inspirational. His tanks are simply beautiful with such dense vegetation! |
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Post by davidtcb1 on Oct 29, 2009 18:36:12 GMT -6
I get Tropical Fish Hobbyist. Very good magazine and always very informational.
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Post by jeremyh81 on Dec 23, 2009 6:06:06 GMT -6
Here's the latest pic w/ rearrangement and wisterias growing like weeds. Note the "contortionist" wisteria.  That one started from a small 4" cutting when I only had 1 fixture over the tank. With the plant in the front and light over the middle, this little plant started leaning towards the light before it turned upward. The picture below was taken after I moved the plant a little on Sunday, trying to make it grow straight. Now there's the 1 T5 HO and a standard T8 aquarium fixture - both w/ 6500k bulbs in them.  |
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That one started from a small 4" cutting when I only had 1 fixture over the tank. With the plant in the front and light over the middle, this little plant started leaning towards the light before it turned upward. The picture below was taken after I moved the plant a little on Sunday, trying to make it grow straight.