Nice work on the tint - is that just from one shell? I might look into those!
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Blackwater tank 80cm
- Thread starter LMuhlen
- Start date
They look pretty tough, but could they be chopped or sawn into pieces?
I'm sure they could, I even considered doing it at first, but then I preferred testing it before investing much time into it. A curiosity is that, different than coconuts, they are somewhat porous and permeable. I think this is something that helps with the tinting, water passes through it.
I still want to test this whole blackwater thing with the intended fishes added to the tank, but it is possible that I'll remove the sapucaia and keep it available for water changes, to try and keep the tint at a desired intensity. Apparently it could be a few months before the green neons show their faces again around here, but the tukanos could pop up at any time now.
When I get some of the originally intended fishes, I'll have to remove the rummy noses, and I have no idea how I'll do that. They are rummy noses turned to 11, they bolt around like they can teleport, especially when I give food. I'll probably have to build a trap, the fishing net won't have a chance with all the hardscape.
Reviewing this thread, I noticed something that was bothering me. In the pics, the tank looks much shorter than it is, and the filters in the back look huge. The camera is distorting it, especially on the frontal pics, I think it is because I need to take the pictures from a short distance since it is in a small room, and it uses some sort of wide angular lens or effect. In truth, each filter is 15cm wide and the free area between them is 50cm long, adding up to the 80cm total length.
I removed the sapucaia to keep the water color under control. I also did a water change and it cleared a bit, maybe a bit too much. I moved the sapucaia to my water change reservoir, so the fresh water will come painted. I'll do a water change tomorrow and see how that works.
The good news are that I found a fish store in the other side of town who announced tukano tetras. So after a small journey, I now have 12 tukanos. I had established that when I found the planned fishes I would remove the rummy noses, and that day has finally arrived. Removing fishes from tanks is among the most frustrating aspects of the hobby for me, and this time it wasn't any different. In any case, it is done and, after 40 minutes, the 3 rummy noses are now swimming in a large school in the main tank.
No quarantine for the tukanos, and I won't do it for the other fishes as well. I'm suspicious of my quarantine tank, and all these small fishes look particularly fragile, so I'm thinking that less moving around is for the best. And I'll take my chances with possible diseases.
The bad news is that a cyano infestation started. It is still just starting, but I'm not one to underestimate cyanos. I thought that the low light levels would stop algae from bothering me, but the cyanos are forming at the surface and on the wood closest to the light. I have once again covered the lights with the kitchen paper towel and I'll siphon as much detritus as I can. Some of the leaves deteriorated very fast... I won't be using those anymore. Floating plants won't help, the cyanos are growing on and around them.
I'm considering some sort of background for the tank. I want to add a layer of polystyrene to the back to help keep heating expenses down, but for that I first need to find a way to hide it. I've never done anything bolder than all-black backgrounds, I'll try and ask around at print shops if they have affordable options. I'm thinking some sort of degrade from black to white moving from the bottom and from the sides to the top center, forming sort of a white half ellipse. The yellow water would make the tones go brown/yellow. I like the soft degrade that formed naturally with the tank light illuminating the wall behind the tank, but I want something that hides the filters on the sides.
I removed the sapucaia to keep the water color under control. I also did a water change and it cleared a bit, maybe a bit too much. I moved the sapucaia to my water change reservoir, so the fresh water will come painted. I'll do a water change tomorrow and see how that works.
The good news are that I found a fish store in the other side of town who announced tukano tetras. So after a small journey, I now have 12 tukanos. I had established that when I found the planned fishes I would remove the rummy noses, and that day has finally arrived. Removing fishes from tanks is among the most frustrating aspects of the hobby for me, and this time it wasn't any different. In any case, it is done and, after 40 minutes, the 3 rummy noses are now swimming in a large school in the main tank.
No quarantine for the tukanos, and I won't do it for the other fishes as well. I'm suspicious of my quarantine tank, and all these small fishes look particularly fragile, so I'm thinking that less moving around is for the best. And I'll take my chances with possible diseases.
The bad news is that a cyano infestation started. It is still just starting, but I'm not one to underestimate cyanos. I thought that the low light levels would stop algae from bothering me, but the cyanos are forming at the surface and on the wood closest to the light. I have once again covered the lights with the kitchen paper towel and I'll siphon as much detritus as I can. Some of the leaves deteriorated very fast... I won't be using those anymore. Floating plants won't help, the cyanos are growing on and around them.
I'm considering some sort of background for the tank. I want to add a layer of polystyrene to the back to help keep heating expenses down, but for that I first need to find a way to hide it. I've never done anything bolder than all-black backgrounds, I'll try and ask around at print shops if they have affordable options. I'm thinking some sort of degrade from black to white moving from the bottom and from the sides to the top center, forming sort of a white half ellipse. The yellow water would make the tones go brown/yellow. I like the soft degrade that formed naturally with the tank light illuminating the wall behind the tank, but I want something that hides the filters on the sides.
After the first couple of says, the tukanos stopped swimming together and are now spread all around the tank. I decided that I won't try to count them, as that would be both pointless and stressful. And if I lose one of them, that won't push me into changing anything.
Overall things are going smoothly with this tank, except for the cyanos, which are slowly but surely growing each week. I siphon them as best as I can every week, but it is very weird to have it growing at the water surface. This week I reduced the photoperiod a bit. As winter approaches, the tank is getting some direct sunlight from the window... But I don't see much of a difference with the cyanos where there is sun and where there isn't.
Yesterday I did the water change with a small 6mm hose to delicately remove the cyanos tangled with the floating plants. It was a very slow procedure, but effective. When it was over, I checked the bucket full of brown water and there were 2 tukanos in it 🤦♂️ I can't believe that I fished 2 of them without even noticing, while I was completely focused on picking up cyano patches. But also can't believe they fit through the very narrow tube, I think it is a 4mm inner diameter only.
Overall things are going smoothly with this tank, except for the cyanos, which are slowly but surely growing each week. I siphon them as best as I can every week, but it is very weird to have it growing at the water surface. This week I reduced the photoperiod a bit. As winter approaches, the tank is getting some direct sunlight from the window... But I don't see much of a difference with the cyanos where there is sun and where there isn't.
Yesterday I did the water change with a small 6mm hose to delicately remove the cyanos tangled with the floating plants. It was a very slow procedure, but effective. When it was over, I checked the bucket full of brown water and there were 2 tukanos in it 🤦♂️ I can't believe that I fished 2 of them without even noticing, while I was completely focused on picking up cyano patches. But also can't believe they fit through the very narrow tube, I think it is a 4mm inner diameter only.
Hi all,
I've found this with both Tetras and <"Pencilfish">, they only really school together when there is an external threat.
cheers Darrel
I think this is a <"fairly general finding with small blackwater Tetra spp">. They come from an environment where food is scarce and as soon as they feel secure they take up little territories, with the most dominant fish in the "best" territory.
I've found this with both Tetras and <"Pencilfish">, they only really school together when there is an external threat.
I think that is the best option, if you have a tank you can count them in? It will be much too open for them to feel safe. I think that their behaviour just indicates that they are happy with their environment.
cheers Darrel
Another weekend, another water change. Cyanos are still present, but I dare say that they are decelerating. Really annoying to siphon it from the water surface and from the floating plants. Added a few more dried leaves. Overall, the tank is looking very stable and I don't expect to have anything exciting to report any time soon. The tukanos are very curious and unafraid, which I find to be curious for such a fragile and small fish. Siphoning water is a fine balance between sucking in cyanos from the surface without breaking the siphon and keeping the fish away so that I don't siphon them instead.
I went against my best judgement and counted them this time, since they were ALL there trying to be siphoned. All 12 are still alive.
I'm thinking of adding a crypto to the tank to see how it goes.
The frogbits are multiplying quickly. They are small and the roots are starting to grow very long, but also delicate looking. Curiously, in this tank without any fertilization, the frogbit are looking great, better than on my other tanks where I fertilize. I suppose the dimmer light doesn't push the plants too hard. I was afraid that the glass lids and the high humidity would hurt them, but apparently not.
I'm working on a background. I don't have any experience with drawing, but I managed to put together a color gradient in black and white, from the sides and from the bottom, centering on the top. I will print a sample in my standard printer to see if the colors work, and if it does I'll get it printed full size at a printing shop. Hopefully that will help to hide the filter foams and make the tank overall darker.
This little guy likes the warm sunlight on its belly
While this little guy hangs in the shade
I went against my best judgement and counted them this time, since they were ALL there trying to be siphoned. All 12 are still alive.
I'm thinking of adding a crypto to the tank to see how it goes.
The frogbits are multiplying quickly. They are small and the roots are starting to grow very long, but also delicate looking. Curiously, in this tank without any fertilization, the frogbit are looking great, better than on my other tanks where I fertilize. I suppose the dimmer light doesn't push the plants too hard. I was afraid that the glass lids and the high humidity would hurt them, but apparently not.
I'm working on a background. I don't have any experience with drawing, but I managed to put together a color gradient in black and white, from the sides and from the bottom, centering on the top. I will print a sample in my standard printer to see if the colors work, and if it does I'll get it printed full size at a printing shop. Hopefully that will help to hide the filter foams and make the tank overall darker.
This little guy likes the warm sunlight on its belly
While this little guy hangs in the shade
Bradders
Member
I have also found this out! My Cardinals and Black Phantoms all 'dispersed' after settling in. They seem to find their spot and only come together during a disturbance.
Hi all,
cheers Darrel
I think it makes sense in evolutionary terms, if you aren't in imminent danger of being eaten then your best strategy is to try and maximise the amount of food you get and one way of doing that is by not "sharing".
I was just admiring them <"PlanetCatfish.com - Gastrodermus nijsseni (Callichthyidae) Cat-eLog">, and the Tucano Tetra <"https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/tucanoichthys-tucano"> as well.
cheers Darrel
chickennublet
Member
Absolutely love Corydoradinae.
Thanks! They do look happy and active. I hope to find some more to add to the group.
I actually have to thank you for introducing me to them in my other post, as I hadn't heard of them before.
Bradders
Member
Look at this little beauty:
Most of the rio negro corydoras have that same bold pattern, they’re my favourites. Still searching for the holy grail, Corydoras Serratus.
A few quick updates. No new fishes so far, seasonality got me square in the face for this tank, no green neons and no morpho tetras in the market. Unfortunately, the green ottos died. They looked well fed and showed no unusual behavior, but that's that. I won't be replacing them for now. The 3 cories, which aren't cories anymore, are still fine, and so are the tucanos. I'm even considering adding some of those tiny rasboras just to have some color in there.
A couple of weeks after the last post, the cyanos stopped growing and eventually disappeared. I could still smell them for a while, but now even the smell is gone. I have once again removed the improvised paper towels acting as dimmers for the light and all is well.
I created a background for the tank. Even though I have no experience with image creation, I managed to make it work with some online gradient creator tool, then I had it printed in adhesive. All in all, I liked it. The gradient hid the black foams perfectly, I can't tell where the foams end and the background starts, and that was what I wanted with this background. The bright part looks a little matte and the shades created by the floating plants on the background make it look artificial. I'm now used to it, but when I installed it, it felt like the bright part looked better before without the background. I may try to keep the floating plants out of the back region to minimize their shadows. This also allowed me to add a polystyrene sheet to the back, to improve heat retention and save on heating expenses. On the pictures, I can't even notice that there is a background now, so you'll have to take my word for it.
I while ago I added some moss strands, just to see how they liked the hot water, kept at 28ºC. Apparently they aren't complaining, they look lively and bright green. I'm not sure how to make it grow more like it's sprouting from the hardscape instead of having it just tangled around the wood parts. I fear that if I don't do something, it will just form a huge ball of moss. I also added a cryptocoryne from my other tank, but it didn't change at all so far. I will probably add more cryptos eventually. I'm still not sure if the eleocharis are evolving or devolving... some of them died, others grew tall leaves, other grew short leaves. Others got buried with hardscape dry leaves, but managed to get some tips out in the open.
The floating plants covered the surface completely. I like the roots and when watching the tank live, they look less obstructive than they do in the pictures. Still, I may try to position the frogbits and their long roots more around the corners, and leave the central area for the red root floaters and their short roots. Root aquascape!
A couple of weeks after the last post, the cyanos stopped growing and eventually disappeared. I could still smell them for a while, but now even the smell is gone. I have once again removed the improvised paper towels acting as dimmers for the light and all is well.
I created a background for the tank. Even though I have no experience with image creation, I managed to make it work with some online gradient creator tool, then I had it printed in adhesive. All in all, I liked it. The gradient hid the black foams perfectly, I can't tell where the foams end and the background starts, and that was what I wanted with this background. The bright part looks a little matte and the shades created by the floating plants on the background make it look artificial. I'm now used to it, but when I installed it, it felt like the bright part looked better before without the background. I may try to keep the floating plants out of the back region to minimize their shadows. This also allowed me to add a polystyrene sheet to the back, to improve heat retention and save on heating expenses. On the pictures, I can't even notice that there is a background now, so you'll have to take my word for it.
I while ago I added some moss strands, just to see how they liked the hot water, kept at 28ºC. Apparently they aren't complaining, they look lively and bright green. I'm not sure how to make it grow more like it's sprouting from the hardscape instead of having it just tangled around the wood parts. I fear that if I don't do something, it will just form a huge ball of moss. I also added a cryptocoryne from my other tank, but it didn't change at all so far. I will probably add more cryptos eventually. I'm still not sure if the eleocharis are evolving or devolving... some of them died, others grew tall leaves, other grew short leaves. Others got buried with hardscape dry leaves, but managed to get some tips out in the open.
The floating plants covered the surface completely. I like the roots and when watching the tank live, they look less obstructive than they do in the pictures. Still, I may try to position the frogbits and their long roots more around the corners, and leave the central area for the red root floaters and their short roots. Root aquascape!
Looking awesome!
After months waiting, I finally got word of a batch of green neons here at a LFS!
I got 20. I only took 1 pic so far, and it was only so that I could count them. They are so small that I was sure there weren't 20 in there. There were. The tucanos must be feeling like jumbos.
The smallest neon is 1/4th of the size of the largest one.
Only a short while after they were released in the tank, they were looking jolly. Less than an hour later, I fed them and they ate vigorously. They all look a little skinny, but now with a round belly. This morning they woke up with much brighter colors. Things are looking good.
Now I only need morphos... Those will probably be harder to get. I'm ready to give up and get checkerboards. Only problem is that they have been a bit rare around here as well.
I got 20. I only took 1 pic so far, and it was only so that I could count them. They are so small that I was sure there weren't 20 in there. There were. The tucanos must be feeling like jumbos.
The smallest neon is 1/4th of the size of the largest one.
Only a short while after they were released in the tank, they were looking jolly. Less than an hour later, I fed them and they ate vigorously. They all look a little skinny, but now with a round belly. This morning they woke up with much brighter colors. Things are looking good.
Now I only need morphos... Those will probably be harder to get. I'm ready to give up and get checkerboards. Only problem is that they have been a bit rare around here as well.
It's been a while since I updated this, but it is mostly because nothing happened with this tank. It is the most stable I've ever had, for better or for the worse.
I did have an event when the floating plants started dying. I'm not sure what happened. By then I wasn't fertilizing the tank at all, but the floaters were well and growing for months. I suspect that it was a more fragile arrangement than I thought and I skipped a few water changes at the time and possibly the water changes were the ones bringing whatever nutrients the plants needed. I resumed water changes and even started adding some ferts, still on the lean side, since I wanted to try and keep the TDS low. The frogbit recovered, but the red root floaters are gone. It's been a few months now, and curiously the frogbit haven't grown their roots back. I wondered if maybe something different happened, maybe the snails ate the roots and that killed the plants.
At some point a single Dicrossus maculatus appeared in a LFS, so now it is in the tank. Also, I had to move a couple of Inpaicthis from my main tank to prevent them from being eaten. Recently, after I took the following pictures, a colleague donated a school of lamp eyes, and they went into this tank. They weren't part of the plan, but at least they fit the small-fish theme. The 3 cories are still there, looking good. I'm still looking for more cories, but haven't seen them for sale.
Even though the light is weak and the surface is completely covered with floaters, I still have issues with green thread algae. It's either cladophora or spirogyra, not sure which. I remove a bunch with water changes, but they slowly grow back. With all the leaf litter, I won't be able to keep the tank "clean", so it's unfortunate that this algae decided to grow. Since I started a tryout for salicylic acid in my main tank, I also applied it here. It's only been 10 days, though.
I did have an event when the floating plants started dying. I'm not sure what happened. By then I wasn't fertilizing the tank at all, but the floaters were well and growing for months. I suspect that it was a more fragile arrangement than I thought and I skipped a few water changes at the time and possibly the water changes were the ones bringing whatever nutrients the plants needed. I resumed water changes and even started adding some ferts, still on the lean side, since I wanted to try and keep the TDS low. The frogbit recovered, but the red root floaters are gone. It's been a few months now, and curiously the frogbit haven't grown their roots back. I wondered if maybe something different happened, maybe the snails ate the roots and that killed the plants.
At some point a single Dicrossus maculatus appeared in a LFS, so now it is in the tank. Also, I had to move a couple of Inpaicthis from my main tank to prevent them from being eaten. Recently, after I took the following pictures, a colleague donated a school of lamp eyes, and they went into this tank. They weren't part of the plan, but at least they fit the small-fish theme. The 3 cories are still there, looking good. I'm still looking for more cories, but haven't seen them for sale.
Even though the light is weak and the surface is completely covered with floaters, I still have issues with green thread algae. It's either cladophora or spirogyra, not sure which. I remove a bunch with water changes, but they slowly grow back. With all the leaf litter, I won't be able to keep the tank "clean", so it's unfortunate that this algae decided to grow. Since I started a tryout for salicylic acid in my main tank, I also applied it here. It's only been 10 days, though.
