18 Months Of Tank Changes *update 16/01/11*

[ZoddyZod]

It's been roughly 18 months since I set up my first and only aquarium and I'm constantly thinking about how to change and hopefully improve the look. I do like a nice aesthetically pleasing tank but always think about how the fish will interact with it and try to do what's best for them in terms of plants/natural ornaments, hiding places, open water etc.

Would love any of your thoughts/comments about the tank and any suggestion for future improvements.

1st attempt housing 11 zebra danio

More fake plants

Used the resin rock to provide some height to the 'scape. Planted some vallis (which ended badly), and a couple of caves for the Rams (which they never used), but the BN enjoys.

Removed the resin rock for space. Replaced with branch-like wood, over-grown with java moss and hair algae (not a good look)

got rid of the moss and planted some cabomba - bit of a mess

replanted the cabomba and 2nd attempt with vallis

another cave added. Fake plant to hide the external filter pipe-work. Tried some mid-ground carpet style plants....didn't end well! Crypts used in the center. Anubias nana attached to some of the bogwood.

cabomba mysteriously died-off after receiving a hair-cut. Vallis growing very well with multiple runners. Remove mid-ground plant as was doing very badly.

Got a nice piece of wood and placed some of the java fern plantlets onto it. Also added some ludwigia repens

 

[Curiosity101]

I like it. Generally you've 'improved' the tank each time imo. And it looks the best it's ever looked atm.

That angel is lovely. As are the rasboras... well I mean all the fish are. But they stand out the most.

 

[SensesFail]

I like it. Generally you've 'improved' the tank each time imo. And it looks the best it's ever looked atm.

That angel is lovely. As are the rasboras... well I mean all the fish are. But they stand out the most.

I agree! Brilliant looking good job! Really like the angels!

 

[Jamepsss]

Good photo's. One thing that has remained throughout all these changes is the general healthy look of the tank.

I was thinking of posting a similar thread this morning showing my progression from 30L to 64L to 125L to 200L but when I saw how many photos I had I thought better of it!

 

[ZoddyZod]

I like it. Generally you've 'improved' the tank each time imo. And it looks the best it's ever looked atm.

That angel is lovely. As are the rasboras... well I mean all the fish are. But they stand out the most.

thanks, I prefer the 2nd to last pic.....but it's a bit fake considering the 'grass' (really can't recall the name) died off quickly after planting.

I'm very chuffed with the angel, when the colours deepen (which I've failed to ever catch on camera) he/she is a really gorgeous fish.

Current stocking is a bit hap-hazard. Eventually I want to move away from such a mixed selection and concentrate on a few species, hopefully promoting some interesting interaction and possible breeding. I'm not a fan of swapping or trading fish though (seem very attached to the remaining 2 danios!) so it will be a long process......

(need to hide that poxy heater as well!)

 

[ZoddyZod]

Good photo's. One thing that has remained throughout all these changes is the general healthy look of the tank.

I was thinking of posting a similar thread this morning showing my progression from 30L to 64L to 125L to 200L but when I saw how many photos I had I thought better of it!

thanks. I take a lot of pride in keeping the tank and fish as healthy as I can

Post the pics.....I really enjoy seeing the threads that show tanks progressing over a long period. As I said above, you can take a pic of a tank that is quite 'fake' as it's only a snap-shot of how good a tank looks on a single day. Tracking its development can really show what effort has been used and what on-going quality it is kept at.

 

[Skins]

Wow, some great pics there. My fav has got to be the one of your pleco posing for the camera.
You certainly know how to look after your tank and its occupants.

Keith.

 

[Jamepsss]

Good photo's. One thing that has remained throughout all these changes is the general healthy look of the tank.

I was thinking of posting a similar thread this morning showing my progression from 30L to 64L to 125L to 200L but when I saw how many photos I had I thought better of it!

thanks. I take a lot of pride in keeping the tank and fish as healthy as I can

Post the pics.....I really enjoy seeing the threads that show tanks progressing over a long period. As I said above, you can take a pic of a tank that is quite 'fake' as it's only a snap-shot of how good a tank looks on a single day. Tracking its development can really show what effort has been used and what on-going quality it is kept at.

I'll probably get round to it one day. Looking back at some of my early pics I've had some terrible looking layouts Yours have looked really good from the start.

 

[Graphic5]

Wow the last 3 or 4 pics are great, good to see your journey so far, your tank is a credit to your obvious hard work.... also love that angelfish!!! you must be really pleased with it.

 

[Haveagojoe]

Shame you gave up on the moss m8, ive just got some tied on with fishing line its been on there about 2 weeks now and its starting to really attach itself to the bogwood, when I got it (it was already on the wood but just wrapped around it) it looked like yours a bit messy but I'm really pleased with it now, btw the tank looks great,love the black substrate it really makes things stand out.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Shame you gave up on the moss m8, ive just got some tied on with fishing line its been on there about 2 weeks now and its starting to really attach itself to the bogwood, when I got it (it was already on the wood but just wrapped around it) it looked like yours a bit messy but I'm really pleased with it now, btw the tank looks great,love the black substrate it really makes things stand out.

the problem was that it seemed to grow hair algae. It grew nowhere else in the tank and since I removed it I've never had it back again. I do like wood covered in carpeting moss though so am thinking of trying again.

also love that angelfish!!! you must be really pleased with it.

yeah, very very pleased with him/her. Only £4.50!

 

[ian]

that Angel is great!

the tank looks great mate!

 

[Lacuna]

I thnk it looks great, the second to last pic is my favourite as well. I like the tall wood a lot. The only thing I would prefer is a plain background as there's so much going on in the tank a plain background would set it off.

 

[guppi]

Looking very nice in deed, like 2nd to last picture also.

 

[ZoddyZod]

The only thing I would prefer is a plain background as there's so much going on in the tank a plain background would set it off.

agree with you. Have often thought about it but have been lazy/forgetful in replacing it.