Slough Shark

I wanted to make a couple different backgrounds for my photo tank to reflect the different habitats various native fishes come from, so that my pics will more or less match that. I'm making one rock background, and one mud bank background. First up is the rocks. I have a friend who used to be into model making, often utilizing styrofoam to make environments. He used heat and fire to shape the styrofoam into what he wanted, and it was such an effective method that I decided to use it in making my backgrounds. This method is perfect for making a natural texture on the styrofoam, and sanding is a total PITA, so I scrapped that idea early. I used a barbecue lighter at first, but it was nearly empty, so I ended up making a mini torch. Enough words, my pictures will explain it better. Here's my "torch", just waxed, folded paper gripped by pliers. The progress so far... I'm thinking I'll have to silicone another piece of styrofoam to the back of this to strengthen it. It's pretty brittle alreay and definitely won't hold up in the field like this. As for the mud bank background, can anyone tell me of a black epoxy brand that I can use for the background? The plan is to coat the textured styrofoam in epoxy, then sprinkle the epoxy with peat. Thanks for any help, Taylor

Nick, There were a few people out today that were using old holes that other ice fishermen left, so you can scavenge for those. Or you could just ask someone to drill, if it's a weekend there's sure to be some tents out there. As for tackle, you can just head out to Canadian Tire and get a set of small ice fishing jigs. They aren't expensive and work great (I can post some examples if you want). Then just get some good line (I like 10 lb test when ice fishing) and a few flat sticks of wood. I'm sure you'd have some laying around with your 100 gallon restoration project. I use shims for mine. Then just tie the line on lengthwise and wrap it around a bunch of times. There's your rod! I never use actual fishing rods for ice fishing, the reeling process leaves to much time for the fish to get off IME, so I just use these jigging sticks and you pull the fish straight up and out of the water! Ice fishing can be extremely cheap if you allow it! Cheers buddy, Taylor

Here's a couple more from today... I really recommend anyone in the Edmonton area who enjoys ice fishing to come out to this lake for some fish. I saw 14 fish today in the 3 hours I was out. Only caught 2 because I got a little too excited and tried to set the hook to quickly I can't wait to get out here in the spring to try spin-casting for these fish, then I can get some pics with my photo tank :thumbs:

Maybe the cichlids are just drab leleupi's? Whatever they are they look a lot like a Tanganyikan Lamprologine species.

No clue on the cichlid. The second fish is a member of the Characin group, the Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus).

Glad to have you back :welcome:

:welcome: to the forum!

Your 77 and 20 Gallon tanks look really great :thumbs: And the crypts (?) in your last tank are lovely as well.

Beautiful! I'd like to see the whole tank as well.

:welcome: to the forum. I can't help with plants, but I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can

Thanks guys, The fish are all around 3 inches each. That female is a bit smaller and my biggest male is probably 3.5". I am getting out of the hobby because there will be no one to take care of my fish while I am travelling and I can definitely use the money from selling my gear to fund my travel. It's not forever and everything I am selling is easily replaceable. The most important aquarium tool anyone can have is experience, and I have enough of that that I can set up a really nice setup as soon as I am able to again (and I should have plenty of money to spare by then as well). Taylor

I can't stop taking pics of these fish. You guys will probably get tired of seeing them lol, so I'll give it a rest until I gather up some really phenomenal shots. Here's a female... These will be my last fish for a while. I'll have to sell all of my aquarium gear after I graduate (except the stand Ryan custom built for me) so that I can do some tramping for a bit. I'll enjoy this tank while it lasts.

I'm all about the natural look and feel, so that's why I'd go with the cork bark. I often see this stuff at pet stores that sell reptile gear. I don't think places like Big Al's or Nature's would have it, but maybe Petcetera or Pj's Pets or something. If they sell reptile cages, food, etc. they should have some cork bark in stock.

You could silicone some cork bark in the corner of your tank at the desired height. If you don't want to drain the tank to let the silicone cure, etc. Then you could try this: http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-su.../p16865228.html Between the silicone (or epoxy) and the buoyant properties of the cork, it should hold your turtle. And if you are in doubt, you can prop some driftwood or bamboo under it as a support. Hope this helps, Taylor

:welcome: to the forum. Does Okotoks have any fish stores?

Sick pics man. That dominant male (?) is killer :thumbs:

LOL yeah. I'll give it a go maybe.

Didn't work for these little guys. I think maybe the hole was too big for them. I guess I'll have to go in and rip up the tank one day, or try and catch them each time I feed them.

Very nice bichirs, they sure have girth!

Lovely fish and pics Gerry.

:welcome: to AA!

Thanks Doc. Yeah Paul, I'm looking forward to setting up some bigger tanks for cichlids. But that might have to wait till I move to Okotoks, which isn't for sure

Thanks guys. It would be sweet if they would spawn, I hope so!

Out with the old and in the with the new as they say! He's still a beautiful fish though :thumbs:

Looks great :thumbs: