New tank and fish

[fishandcards]

Well, finally got the tank to where we could put fish in it.  Here is a link to a short video of the 75 gallon aquarium.

http://youtu.be/CGqX6Gl04D8

Thanks to African Cichlid Keeper for the Saulosi....

Future stock:
1.  Labetropheus Fuelleborne (1M/3-4F)
2.  White Labs (1-2M/3-5F)
3.  Synodonis Multipunctatus (4 or 5)
4.  Clown or bushy nose pleco (2 or 3)

Feel free to comment if you see any issues.

[auratus]

What kind of Fuelleborne did you get?

[fishandcards]

Nothing yet - not sure of the exact kind, but the females are orange blotched and the males have the red top......planning on picking them up this week from Wayne if we can work out a time.

[tomcat13]

Did you paint the rocks in your aquascape? If so what did you use?

[fishandcards]

Yes, I painted the rocks.  I used Rustoleum 2x coat.  I left them in the warm weather (in the garage) for 2 weeks to allow them to cure.

In addition, I did a fishless cycle with them and then a 60-70% water change......

The paint is acrylic and should be no issue once the solvents evaporate, but I won't swear to it.

[Ron]

I strive to replicate nature in my aquascaping, but I find your design intriguing and unique. I've never seen anything quite like it. What made you think to go with those colors? I think they contrast with the fish nicely.

[Frontboy7]

Looks cool Jimmy!

[fishandcards]

Not sure where I got the exact color ideas - I think mostly standing in Home Depot looking at the cans of spray paint.....knew I wanted black, just needed to figure out the other color.

I agree the natural look is preferable - but was struggling with the rock work.  I had a good amount of field stone but none of it "matched".  Plus it is in my 9 yo sons room and he tends towards the "gaudy" (yesterday he was wearing an orange shirt with green shorts....yeesh!).

I think if I do something similiar again, I will do red and/or green and maybe a dark grey.....Either that or Purple since the wife's favorite color is purple.  This time I will find the stones used for paths (at landscaping place).  This allows easier stacking and caves.  Sometimes the gaudy turns out intriguing.

I will say the tank has been set up for over 1 month.  Lost 3 fish out 35 (one was a small guy during the power outage).  Everything is growing and I am going to have to start culling out some ectras in the next month or two.....

Never saw an "oil slick" on the water so I think I am good.  If I had the chance, I would have put them in a rain barrel under the down spout for a few heavy rains in addition to letting them cure for a couple of weeks.