canuckle

After 6 long years, we're heading back to Calgary. Can't wait. Hope to reconnect with some of the gang on here when we're settled (May). Yahoo! Mike

I like trickle filters as well. They help to aerate the aquarium. X2 on the trickle filter, LOVE mine. No heaters in the tank, no intakes, etc. Lots of room for media, and easy to maintain.

OK, finally figured out the photobucket deal...

OK, finally got them to cooperate ( a little). We're still looking for the killer pic, but here's what we have so far...having a hard time using the attachment system??

Wow, you guys must REALLY be bored, lol. Sorry to hear you're not still breeding FISH Neil, you had some of the nicest labs around... roypark, thanks for the kind comments. Hoping to have some pics to share soon...I'm not particularly happy with the aquascaping yet, but it's coming. I'm pretty happy with the fish selection so far, drove to Winnipeg to hand select (5.5 hours there and back on a Sunday, ugh). First time for me keeping OB's and I have to say I like 'em a lot. Also really liking the dominant Ps Polit male, he's hooded almost all the time and looks great. Gotta get him his females though, he's really pissed! Going to try some homemade caves to bury in the sand, went a little deeper with the sand bed to accomodate this (3"), though they're still digging right down to the eggcrate.

LOL, thanks buddy. Are you still breeding?

Hey Neil, You can see the tank now at http://www.cichlid-forum.com/tanks/ ...it's about half way down the first page of recent updates. The basic setup is pretty similar to the first time around, though I'm going to add a few more hidey holes as I have less rock this time around. Mike

LOL, great question Neil, I was back and forth on it. Basically wanted to have something that was more of a top 1/2 of tank/open water swimmer in the mix as well as the Mbuna. Still all Malawi, and I haven't decided on keeping them in there long term. Time will tell, though with my previous tank I had them in there as well and they did fine.

Hi gang, So, it's been awhile but we're back in the fish world...we've moved a couple of times in a couple of years and haven't had the chance to set up, but this weekend we put in our stock and we're off to the races. Pics coming soon, but in the meantime here's the stock list and description... 180g show tank 55g filter tank (floss, ceramic rings) Sand bottom (natural brown, pool filter sand) Stock (all are 20-25% male) (4) Metriaclima sp. "Msobo" (15) Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos (Maingano) (8) Metriaclima estherae (OB) (8) Labeotropheus fuelleborni (Katale OB) (8) Labidochromis caeruleus (Kakusa) (3) Pseudotropheus polit (all males, females coming later this month) (3) Copadichromis azureus

Finally got the canopy done, with the T5 lights...you should see it now!! We're pretty happy with it! punman, any of us that have done sumps would be happy to help. tc51 is actually coming to my place soon to see the setup, and I'll be helping him get his going. Not that I'm any big expert or anything, but having done it a couple of times now, I can tell him what NOT to do!

Fair enough. A couple of things to consider, IME... 180g is 72x24x24 (usually) Overflow would be about 6x6, maybe smaller, in a rear corner Overflow doesn't significantly reduce the tank footprint Filtration is MUCH better, and cheaper, for a tank that size Maintainance after setup is far less than HOB or cannister (HOB I know from experience, cannister is only what I've been told) Water volume in system is significantly increased, ie. 55g sump on 180g tank means you can run about another 30g of water volume. Just some thoughts Mike

Hey there, Any particular reason you don't want to go with a sump? Probably a lot cheaper in the long run with a tank that size...I run a sump on our 180g and it does a great job.

Hey all. A quick recap of my ich experience, just after I got into the hobby. I went through almost the same process, using meds first (mine was QuIck Cure). I'm completely convinced that the 4 fish I lost were due to the meds. Through trial and error, here is the treatment I will use when I have to deal with it again... Raise temp to 85/86 gradually (over 24 hour period) Increase salt to a total of 5 Tablespoons per 5 gallons (this seems high, but 2 good friends have used this level with a variety of cichlids with no ill effects). Drop water level at least 3 inches below the return of the HOB filters. Reduce feeding. Dim or turn off lights. Keep these conditions for a minimum of 14 days, or 5 days after I haven't seen any spots. Return water temp and salt content to normal slowly (at least 3-4 days) Just my 2 cents!

Actually, no. If you read the article, the UGJ system is powered independantly, and is self contained. Usually powered by a powerhead. It's primary purpose is to keep the detrius suspended to allow it to get to the overflow and into the filtration system. That, combined with the flow from the pump return, gives enough current and circulation in the show tank to keep the sand clean, and move the detrius to the overflow. Not saying yours won't work, just that it might be a bit complex for the need. I'm a simple guy.

Seems there's some confusion between Under Gravel Jets(UGJ) and Under Gravel Filter (UGF). From my understanding, UGJ are intended to be used with an overflow/sump. Purpose being to keep detrius from settling on the sand or gravel. Screens are not necessary as the flow is coming OUT, not going IN. For UGF, it's a very different setup. UGF with sand is not recommended, and most people that have tried them have ended up taking them out, as they're much more trouble than they seem to be worth for their limited filtration ability. My 2 cents.