Help me set up my a 125

[Blade]

Here's my situation I have an empty 125gallon tank that I want get working on ASAP.

I want to do a planted tank using some assortment of the following fish

(in order of highest priority to the lowest)

Freshwater stingrays
discus
angels
neon rainbows
rams/ dwarf cichlids
clown loaches
cardinal tetras.

some assortment does mean I plan on including all rather I am interested in ideas on the best mix for the 125 gallon tank.

I would really like to do freshwater stingrays but i have real questions as to whether the tank (72inLX18inW) is big enough. I am 75% certain I will get a 255gal (72inLX24inW) this summer which could either be an upgrade from the 125 or an additonal tank. (I favor upgrade)

Give me set up ideas, including plants types and general design approach.

I have all the equipment oovered.

 

[Discomafia]

I don't think you can do planted tanks with stingrays... Unless they're floating or attached to pieces of wood or rock, that is. Why not do a planted tank with this one, and set up the 255G for the stingrays? Also, you said you have all the equipment needed. I'm sure you know that for a planted tank light is the most important factor, so how many watts do you have? Once you have the lighting all set, then I'm sure many of us here will be more than happy to give you ideas on plants types and general design approach. Check out the AGA website for inspiration, the best place on the web to look for planted tanks ideas IMO.

HTH

http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2004...e=view-showcase

AGA 2004 Aquascaping Contest... Enjoy!

 

[Raechal]

I would skip the freshwater sting rays as a 125 gallon isn't that wide and most rays would have a difficult time turning around in a tank that isn't fairly wide.

Discus would appreciate the planted tank but they need REALLY good water conditions, so as long as you can provide that you should be fine with them. They are very beautiful fish.

IMO I would get the clown loaches. I have two of them in my 120 gallon that I got with a 55 gallon my mom bought at a garage sale and they are the best fish in my tank. So active and silly all the time. Wonderful fish.

But in the end, it is 100% up to you. I would maybe go to the discus and some loaches.

 

[Blade]

I would skip the freshwater sting rays as a 125 gallon isn't that wide and most rays would have a difficult time turning around in a tank that isn't fairly wide.

OK so I'm not alone here. My LFS said it would be fine but my gut has been telling me that the 18in bottom would be a bit too tight where as the 24inch bottom on the 255 would be much better.

thanks.

 

[Raechal]

I would skip the freshwater sting rays as a 125 gallon isn't that wide and most rays would have a difficult time turning around in a tank that isn't fairly wide.

OK so I'm not alone here. My LFS said it would be fine but my gut has been telling me that the 18in bottom would be a bit too tight where as the 24inch bottom on the 255 would be much better.

thanks.

Yea the 24" would be much better for something like a teacup stingray. I know because I wanted to get some freshwater stingrays for my 120 gallon that is about 18 inches wide. I researched about freshwater stingrays and decided not to get one since my tank wasn't that wide.

 

[Blade]

I don't think you can do planted tanks with stingrays... Unless they're floating or attached to pieces of wood or rock, that is. Why not do a planted tank with this one, and set up the 255G for the stingrays? Also, you said you have all the equipment needed. I'm sure you know that for a planted tank light is the most important factor, so how many watts do you have? Once you have the lighting all set, then I'm sure many of us here will be more than happy to give you ideas on plants types and general design approach. Check out the AGA website for inspiration, the best place on the web to look for planted tanks ideas IMO.

HTH

http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2004...e=view-showcase

AGA 2004 Aquascaping Contest... Enjoy!

I use single unit T5 strip lights. I go will go with either dual 3 ft (36w) or a 6ft strips (72w). I was planning on using 4 rows which will put me at about 3watts per gallon. Subtracting or adding watts is as simple as 5 minutes of labor. So feel free to make suggestions.

Note- I don't have a strip to look at right now, so the watts are from memory and may be off by a small amount.

 

[Discomafia]

You probably won't need so much wpg as your tank is so big, but if you do decide to do 3 wpg, then you're going to need CO2. A pressurised system would be the best for a tank your size.

I think now it's safe to say that you won't be keeping rays in there, right? If your water is good, (soft and acidic) then you can keep discus. Have you seen this tank?
http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2004...=0&vol=3&id=141
If I were to keep discus, that is what I'd want my tank to look like.

Simply amazing!

 

[Blade]

You probably won't need so much wpg as your tank is so big, but if you do decide to do 3 wpg, then you're going to need CO2. A pressurised system would be the best for a tank your size.

I think now it's safe to say that you won't be keeping rays in there, right? If your water is good, (soft and acidic) then you can keep discus. Have you seen this tank?
http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2004...=0&vol=3&id=141
If I were to keep discus, that is what I'd want my tank to look like.

Simply amazing!

Wow that is truly awesome. thanks.

Ya, it looks like Stingrays are on hold to later this year.

 

[Blade]

I should mention that if I do Angels over Discus I would be doing Wild Caught Altum Angles. I fould a semi LFS (2hr drive) that carries them. They expensive compared to other fish but I have developed quite the fish crush on them.


A pic I found

 

[Raechal]

Those are pretty and I don't think they would be harder to keep alive than the discus. They would also go with the loaches well IMO.

 

[Discomafia]

I can see why you're willing to drive a couple of hours for those beauts! Georgeous markings, and you can see the fish so healthy! Such clear colours and long fins make me wish I kept angels again. Check out this tank with angels, simply stunning IMO.

http/showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2004...y=0&vol=3&id=99

What are your water parameters like? Soft water? Hard? Does it need to be buffered? The reason I'm asking is because if you add CO2, you could get a PH crash if your water is very soft and not buffered. I'm sure the angels would like that, just not so sure a PH crash would sit very well with them...

Also, remember that the best lights for growing plants are those with the kelvin rating in between 5000 and 6700K... I've seen many tanks using 10,000K bulbs so I assume one or two wouldn't hurt. That's the thing if you decide on getting 6 bulbs, you can mix and match as you go along, and learn what suits you and what doesn't...

 

[Blade]

Damn man you have great links.

My tap water comes with a high PH (7+) and is hard. I've had Cardinals for about a year now using a basic discus buffer. It's my understanding that the Angels would require much of the same treatment so I am not too worried as long as I can get it right to begin with.

I am definently going with a Co2 setup if for no other reason than I haven't gotten a chance to use one yet and I am looking forward to it.

What do you think about a Angel, Clown Loach, Ram, Neon Rainbow mix?
I would be most worried about the Rainbows mixing with the Angels.

That would leave me with a Discus/Stingray tank for the summer. I know I read something from I believe Jack Wattley about them being suitable tankmates. I think it would make quite the display if it worked. I would like to add a schoaling fish that mix but I can't think of anything that wouldn't get eaten by the rays.

 

[Blade]

I found a tank design with the Altum Angels

the pics come from the AGA page and the owner's name is visible

I think I have pretty much decided to go with these over Discus which I will save for the summer.

Ideas for Tank mates?

 

[Discomafia]

Looks like someone has been spending some time browsing thru' the AGA contest, eh? Couldn't have picked a better tank as an example! What size is it? Any chance of contacting the guy and asking him for some info on the tank and all that? It may really help you down the road IMO.

A school of some kind of tetras would be a good choice... I don't know much about rainbows, but I know I'd like a few Bosemanis if I had your tank. 4 or 5 maybe? Are they compatible w/ the angels? Either that or some of the larger tetras I guess, not so sure if you could go with both of them. How many angels you planning on getting?

I like cories so I'll go for that. Are you interested in plecos? The fancy L-numbers? What about a nice school of ottos for algae cleanup?

Rams and apistogrammas would appreciate the soft, acidic water and the planted tank as well....

Keep us updated, I'm really interested in how this will turn out!

All the best.

 

[Blade]

I went with a painted background

before

After

Tomorrow I will be adding sand and a center piece.