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Post by Crazygar on Mar 17, 2024 6:47:16 GMT -5
Another moment (more like 5 or 6 hours) of inspiration and research... the building of the plant list for the project. I am really going out of my comfort zone here and wanting to try plants I have never have tackled before, hence why I took a long time to find plants that fit the bill. Of course, there are old favorites that will always be included in my 'scapes. Eleocharis pusilla 'Mini', Blyxa japonica, Buce kedagang 'mini' and Hygrophila pinnatifida have always been a mainstay plant for me and always will remain such. The Plant List
- Anubias barteri var 'nana'
- Anubias barteri
- Blyxa japonica
- Bucephalandra 'Brownie Blue'
- Bucephalandra kedagang mini
- Cryptocoryne walkeri
- Cryptocoryne willisi
- Eleocharis parvula
- Eleocharis pusilla 'mini'
- Fissidens fontanus
- Helanthium quadricostatus
- Hygrophila costata
- Hygrophila pinnatifida
- Java Fern 'Trident'
- Java Fern 'Trident Mini'
- Neseaa triflora
- Pogostemon gayi
- Pogostemon helferi 'Downoi'
- * Amazon Frogbit * for nutrient absorption right at startup, also easy to remove when no longer needed
This will be my first attempt at using a moss (Fissidens) in a setup for over a decade. The last attempt was with Java mess..err...moss and eventually it everywhere. I like the way Fissidens looks just have no been brave enough to try it. Also for the look I want to achieve, I have no recourse but to use this moss, which, out of them all, is the most unique and easier to maintain. The plant list will most likely change over time, plants highlighted in BOLD are the "must have" for the project. Also plan to order all (in the amounts I need) at once rather than piecemeal planting over time. It will be one fun (yes, I find it not only fun but super chill) planted session. Things are starting to come together, now to get the tank here, and the real fun begins. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Mar 18, 2024 6:49:48 GMT -5
Once again, I would like to keep fish that I have not (or kept in proper numbers) in the past. Though while the fish species are limited for the overall project, at least two (highlighted in BOLD) are brand new for me. The Green Neons making the largest impact on the overall feeling of the tank. Fish List Trichopodus leerii (Pearl Gourami, 1 Male, 3 Females) Apistogramma trifasciata (Three Striped Dwarf Cichlid, 2 Males, 6 Females) Paracheirodon simulans (Green Neon Tetra, 41) Corydoras arcuatus (Skunk Corydoras, 15) Otocinclus cocama (Zebra Otocinclus, 21) Neocaridina davidi (Red Cherry Shrimp, starting with 50) Caridina multdentata (Amano Shrimp, 11) A nice peaceful tank, with sedate and relaxing activity levels. Having such a large group of Green Neons (41) will definitely be an impressive sight using the Pearl Gourami as my Show fish. Originally I was entertaining the idea of Dwarf Neon Rainbows but their "zippy-ness" would ruin the sedate atmosphere I am trying to create. Since this is my living room, I suspect I will be falling asleep on the couch, music on, watching the tank. I have never kept A.trifasciata and have always wanted to. I would love to have another crack at A.gibbiceps again, but my heart keeps coming back to A.trifasciata. For Apistogramma, I kept quite a bit (my first Apistogramma was A.gibbiceps) during my years in the hobby and A.trifasciata has always been on my must keep species list. Skunk Corydoras are my favorite and always have been. This time around, I will keep them in the numbers they deserve unlike the small group I had in the past. Coloration, size and behavior will make them really stand out against all the shades of green that will be dominating the Aquascape. Do I need to explain the Zebra Otos? I think not. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) The biggest sourcing/expense will be the Zebra Otos. Even today, they command a high price but if I can get my hands on enough of them, maybe I could start breeding these again (would even consider starting up a dedicated breeding tank, would be wonderful little side project) Red Cherry Shrimp, will start with 50 or so and these will be almost the first living things (Amanos will go in roughly the same time) to be introduced into the tank once cycling is complete. I am sure with the amount of hiding spaces and lack of any type of predation (I suspect the Gourami and Apistogramma will help keep the numbers down) for the first few weeks after cycling will give time for their numbers to boost. May even hold off putting fish in (other than Otocinclus) until the Red Cherry Shrimp population becomes large. Firm believer in the odds of even (absolute great song my Marilyn Manson). I prefer odd number groups of fish when/where I can. Somehow (maybe it is the gremlins living in my head) looks more pleasing than even numbers of fish. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Mar 21, 2024 4:31:15 GMT -5
Update, the 8 X Turbulent Flow Nozzles (RFGs) and 4 End Caps cost a total of $35.00 CAD
So the project total so far, has dropped down to $3,745.09 CAD
The printing service I used was here locally in Windsor and is a friend of my oldest Daughter.
From here on in, if I can find the STL file (or design my own), I will be getting what I need printed. This will open up a whole lot of possibilities when it comes to the customization I wish to pursue.
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Mar 24, 2024 16:48:43 GMT -5
Coming soon...
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Post by Crazygar on Mar 27, 2024 7:59:56 GMT -5
I have finally decided on the rock type which I wish to use: San Sui Stone. ![](https://i.postimg.cc/5YcGZXqJ/San-Sui-Stone.png) For the amount of Epiphytes I wish to incorporate into this project, this seems to be the perfect stone and it hits all the checkboxes; - available through a Canadian retailer (Angel Fins)
- inert, will not alter my water chemistry
- coloration and texture is what I was looking for
Initially going to order 30lbs. Of course, while rocks will be a part of the hardscape, it will not be the predominant feature (though I want some to be clearly visible). At least I have narrowed it down to rock type. One more item to check off my list. I am not expecting word about my Aquarium until at least next month. I ordered in February and the lead time was +85 days. I am expecting it to be a bit more than 85 days, but that is ok as well. I am in no rush. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Mar 29, 2024 13:19:47 GMT -5
The 3D Printing job is done and the items are now back at my residence. I picked them up this afternoon... ![]() ![3D Print Job Items](https://i.imgur.com/t1K9IG7.jpg) These are all that I had printed. Grand total of $35 CAD, which in my opinion, deal of the century. 8 X Turbulent Flow Nozzles (RFGs), 4 X 1/2" End Cap. If I were to purchase each of those RFG's from the store, it would be $27.99 CAD individually. That is mega-super savings! That is 8 pieces for close to + $10CAD for the price of one! ![Turbulent Flow (RFG) Nozzle](https://i.imgur.com/iORa7uB.jpg) ![Turbulent (RFG) Flow Nozzle](https://i.imgur.com/7y1Yj0u.jpg) The Turbulent Flow Nozzles (RFGs). I am going to clear coat these before using. Having a spare set of 4 once again, good contingency planning. The person that printed these out suggested to do that (clear coating) as a precautionary measure. I was also told, if they do breakdown, he would print and replace these (at no charge) with more Aquarium resistant material. Thank you very much Quinn! ![1/2" End Cap](https://i.imgur.com/Dsi9NjH.jpg) ![1/2" End Cap](https://i.imgur.com/kFIuwcA.jpg) End Caps for the Stockman Stand Pipe. I am sure I may be able to find other uses, but it is nice to have 3 spares just in case, once again, good contingency planning. The reason I wanted flat on top? To ensure that lid that comes with the Overflow from Waterbox will sit firmly, a rounded end cap, could possibly be a problem. Risk avoidance at work. Will be drilling a 1/4" hole on the top of this as per the Stockman Stand Pipe build instructions. Overall, I am pleased with the end product (yes, my MechWarrior Mad Dog/Vulture turned out amazing, nice little side project and another trinket for the Office, or as it has been referenced as... Nerdvana). I am going to build a Dojo downstairs in my Basement so I can work on the Aquascape in advance. Just need to build a frame around a 48 X 18 (using the frame as simulated space I would require to clean in the actual aquarium) base, get some sand, and regulate a spot for it (basement is literally just organized storage) so I can work on the Aquascape and see what kind of layout I can work with before actually throwing "dirt" in the Aquarium. Once I am done with the Dojo, I will donate it to the Society, so that others can borrow and use it for Aquascaping ideas and then return it to the Society so that other club members have use of it. I am on the notify list for the San sui Rocks from Angelfins. Once they get a new delivery I will be pulling the trigger for the 30lbs to start. Now onto something else... I am also getting the MTS itch. I still have my AI Freshwater Prime Light (coverage is 24" W X 24" D) with arm, Eheim 2215 Canister Filter (yes, Cardboard removed this time) and Stainless Steel Lily Pipes (for the Eheim) that I have never used. I was thinking about a 25 Cube for the Office as it would serve a few functions;
- Scratch the itch. I really want to have a tank running in here. The more I progress on Greenspace, the more I realize how much I miss being immersed (ha ha) in this hobby. All knowing that Greenspace will be a marathon, not a race.
- Can use it for a grow out/propagation tank for the plants that will be starting up the final Greenspace project. This will provide me a good yield on the initial planting phase of Greenspace.
- Quarantine tank for fish purchases while Greenspace is still in the stocking phase. The last thing I want to do is introduce disease ,illness or death after all this hard work.
End Goal: - A nice low tech, non-CO2 injected Planted Aquarium to grace my office. It HAS to be low-tech since it will be in my Office (only occupied Mon - Fri during working hours, otherwise unoccupied) and needs to be stable enough to go a weekend/week/2 weeks without intervention. I can do tank maintenance during the week, which I find rather soothing.
- I want to keep Pseudomugil gertrudae (Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish). This would be the end goal fish that I want for this aquarium.
- Something to look at that is peaceful and something that will help center. Having a high-stress career has some draw backs but it also has some benefits.
So, today, I am scouring the Internet for a nice 25 GAL Rimless Cube + Stand. This is what happens when I take a day off. Those Waterbox Eden tanks sure look nice... Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Apr 11, 2024 12:47:57 GMT -5
Update: Production of the Aquarium is complete. They are expecting an arrival of Mid to Late May. I am good with that. They have spent a great deal of time constructing, which makes me happy.
I hold dear the "If you cannot do it right the first time, what makes you think you have time to do it right the second time around?". Best to take your time and do the job properly than speed through and end up with issues.
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Post by Crazygar on May 25, 2024 16:41:51 GMT -5
Update: By Tuesday I will have an actual ship date of the aquarium. It has arrived at the Warehouse and ready for Transport!
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on May 27, 2024 17:23:58 GMT -5
The aquarium and cabinet have arrived. The large transport truck containing the Aquarium and Cabinet could not make the trip into (and out) of my Condo Community, so I had to hire movers to pick it from the Warehouse where it was being held to my residence. $540 later, I have the aquarium and cabinet inside. Honestly, money well spent. This would have been a major hassle for me to arrange transport and manpower for lifting into my residence. I would like to comment on the state of the packaging! HOLY CRAP! Waterbox REALLY puts some serious effort into crating and packaging. I am beyond impressed and now I have a dojo (picture later) to work out how I want to 'scape the aquarium. Waterbox, I am impressed. The cabinet arrived already assembled. All I have to do is remove one side to put in the sump. This has saved me a HUGE amount of aggravation. No more blabbering, time for pictures.. Packaging and arrival.
Roughly where its final position in the room will be.
Aquarium first. I have to make sure all is good. Screws, plastic and wood.
Carefully removing those screws, after all, they might come handy later for something else.
Possible Dojo Lid. I ended up using the one from the Cabinet crating instead. This is a saver as well.
The Star of the show. Greenspace.
Overflow and leveling mat.
Larger view showing the drilling as well.
The Cabinet was packaged just as well as the aquarium!
Going to have a bumper crop of screws for future projects!
Cabinet. Fully assembled. Showing the back of the Cabinet.
The front showing the doors.
This makes life SOOOOOOO much easier having the stand arrive pre-assembled. In fact, this has saved me quite a bit of time. My only issue, how to remove the rest of the crating. Further observation shows that a staple gun that shoots like a vulcan rotary cannon was used as also to button up seams and sides. WOW. Been an exciting day indeed, but the real fun begins now. Step 1 is to remove the cabinet from the crating. Step 2 is to get it leveled, in all hopes it goes easier than Project X upstairs. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on May 27, 2024 17:31:15 GMT -5
With the movers, this brings Greenspace up to $4,341.07 CAD
Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Jun 15, 2024 4:51:09 GMT -5
Petco is having the 50% off Aquariums Sale. I plan to pick up a 40 Gallon Breeder on Thursday and begin the Sump at least. Once the sump is designed, I can begin the finalization process of the cabinet. I am not looking forward to the leveling and I may enlist help. Speaking of the sump, I am looking at picking up this: Fiji Cube 40 Gallon Breeder Baffle Kit I can obviously use as much or as little needed to create the sump. The adjustable Baffle is the key in my world. It will help me adjust the height to where I need it. As I previously stated, progress is slow, I am in the middle of the largest project of my entire career but I am still finding time to get things moving. After July, things should really start to progress faster. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Jun 16, 2024 16:00:41 GMT -5
I have been pointed in the direction to something even better than the Fiji Cube Baffle Kit... Marine Biosystems kit is what I am looking for. Keeping things simple while still offering functionality. Before I purchase, I am going to ensure that I have the 40 Gallon Breeder first (Thursday), then I will order this. Petco is having their 50% off Tank Sale. This is just too good to pass up (65 USD vs 189 CAD. Even with exchange etc., still a hell of a deal). While the Fiji Cube kit had some of features I was looking for, it did come with extras that would have essentially been left laying around not being utilized. In my eyes, a bit of waste as opposed to the Marine Biosystems which I would use all. This will ensure no surface scum build up in the Sump. My OCD could not deal with that while keeping things simple, after all, this is a Freshwater system. Most of the bio would be really in the main tank (substrate, plants, rocks...) and the purpose of the sump first and foremost is to make maintenance easier on me, hide equipment and provide a bit of extra gallonage to the overall system. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Jun 28, 2024 7:26:04 GMT -5
A small update - The Petco 40 Gallon Breeder idea was a bust. The tank is 18 1/4" wide, and my interior dimensions are 16 1/4" (forgot to account for the frame inside the aquarium). So now I have a spare tank for something I want to do as well (well down the road). For now, its getting stored away (stand for it has been purchased as well) in my Aquarium Workshop in the Basement. Cost $68 USD
- I have decided that due to my interior dimensions of the stand, I am going to go with a Custom Acrylic Sump (also, nice and lightweight). I am going to contact a custom builder here in Ontario today. My interior width is 16 1/4". Support framing accounted for.
- No other progress.
Between my massive project at work and my upcoming vacation, looks like August is when I will be seriously starting to tackle this. Yes, its driving me crazy having the tank here, yet cannot do much right now. Adding that I did not factor in my limited use of my left arm. Looks like I will need, without a doubt an assistant. No other way around it. First goal is leveling. Sump design is going to be simple. Incorporating ideas from responses I have had in the past. It just needs to be functional and simple since this is not a Marine setup. I will post the drawing when I complete it. Gary
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Post by Crazygar on Jul 7, 2024 13:54:34 GMT -5
I have finally decided on the lighting. I have been bouncing back and forth between the Week Aqua p1200 or two AI Freshwater Primes. While I am really interested in the Week Aqua p1200, the amount of complaints about the App has convinced me that I am not going to be happy with the choice due to how "awkward" it can be. Especially complaints about having to reprogram after power failures. Want something tried, tested and true. AI Prime Freshwater: I already own one (and using it over Project X at limited power) which was purchased in 2018, familiar with the app and comfortable with configuration. Bottom line: I really like it. The two things that keeps bringing me back to the AI Prime Freshwater: - The ability to use the App via my Desktop Computer/laptops rather on my phone. While the Mobile app is nice, unless you have fingers that are thin as toothpicks, it is SOOOO much easier using a mouse and on a larger screen
- Any new AI light, automatically goes seamlessly into the currently running App, no need for extra apps for more lights. Its a matter of selecting the light I want.
I also ran a high tech setup with this light in the past (Office Space II, 2018 to 2021) so I know what to expect. Final lighting selection: 2 X AI Freshwater Prime (Black), 2 X Mounting Arms (Black). This should give me more than enough coverage for Greenspace. Gary
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