jvision

Just make sure it isn't one of the Hagen brands (AC, Fluval, etc) - they're only trading for competitors brands.

I threw culls and fry I couldn't sell into the pond for the turtles... now that the turtles are gone, I have cichlids chewing the tales of the goldfish. Cichlids seem to be too quick for the turtles (RES is what I had)

If you make a rock wall up one corner and fill the gaps with some 2" rock, it should give plenty of cover for fry/juvies... will make it a PITA to get them out, tho

A really nice mix is the Ps. cyaneorhabdos with Lab. caeruleus - dark and royal blue fish mixed with bright yellow, it's an awesome display! And, they won't hybridize. Get a few Valisneria and Java fern in your tank and you'll have a stunning display. Several years ago, we had some stunning stock of each around the province; I'm sure it shouldn't be too hard to find some good quality of both fish.

I agree, it doesn't look like a crystal shrimp (Cardina spp.), but more like a low-grade cherry shrimp (Neocardina sp.)

#2 looks like it's probably a cross between Lab. perlmutt and probably Yellow Lab.

For a 75, I personally would stick with the smaller ones - Afra, Saulosi, Yellow labs, and the like - if you want mixed breeding groups (keep to separate genera to reduce the chance of hybridization). Otherwise, if there is one or two that you like, you could get a group of one or two - zebras, socolofi, etc. I know a lot of people who will see 75 as a good size for pretty much any mbuna, and I've seen some very nice male-only displays with a wide range of Rift Lake Africans. Really, the choice is up to you.

:welcome:

I've grown just about everything in Edm tap water. I do usually add a carbon suppliment (CO2, Metricide/Excel). The thing most people don't realize is that if you want plants to grow, they need to eat! Proper lighting is also important, but with a low-teck design, the color temp (or spectrum) is probably a bit more important. If you have a flourescent light, get a Daylight bulb - they're cheaper at hardware stores than at the petstore.

I've never drilled tempered glass, but are you sure it's tempered? Most big tanks don't use tempered... just thick! I've only seen tempered stickers on small tanks with very thin glass. I've drilled lots of tanks. Get a jig to hold your bit steady as you're starting the hole, I've used veggie oil or running water to keep the bit cool. Good luck!

Great pics! :drool:

There are a couple guys in Calgary who bring them in from time to time - check with "Fairdeal" and "cjerrom". I've seen them on wholesaler lists, too - check www.canadianaqauatics.com or www.cichlaholics.com

Basically, you want something for mechanical and biological with space for the heater. I've even done a sump w/o baffles; just a piece of egg crate holding back some poly, and another to keep the scrubbies from getting to the pump. For flow, I always just gauged how the fish reacted; if it looks like it's too much, I just throttle more water back to the sump (put a T on the return and run a line with a valve back to the start of the sump)... I'll try to get some pics when I'm on my laptop again.

Making your own cuts down on the cost, but you're still going to need at least a powerhead, or find a way to run it inline on a canister w/o losing the sand into the filter incase of reverse flow, for every tank. Air-run filters are great b/c you can filter many tanks w/ just 1 or a few mechanical pieces.

I use them, and have used them lots in the past. Check out my member journals, and you'll see a few. I'd post pics, but for some reason my IE won't let me cut and paste

I've had some over the years, have built my own a few times; however, last time I was running a fishroom breeding operation, I simplified a lot and went to HMF filters on everything. If you have a big bioload, they're great to add for a single tank.

It appears that there are more genetic markers determining albinism in BN plecos than would be predicted by simple Mendelian estimates.

I'm inclined to think it's the kit. Add the ammonia to at least a few ppm, then you'll get proper answers.

That's a great idea, ckmullin. I've also seen people build a skeleton out of PVC and use white zip-ties to hold the LR on.

I don't know if they're still around, but there was a company called Eco Live Rock or something like that. they sell manufactured LR at a very decent price . see if they're still around.

Good start! I'd get more LR and build a nice wall to build your reef.

From what I've read a 75 or 90 gal would be great. Most people I've read about who've been successful used RO and peat. Jayba has posted an article on breeding soft water fish - how he conditions the water to prepare them for breeding seasons.

Young parents usually eat their first several batches of eggs/fry. You won't be overrun any time soon.

Valumed 6410 - 117ave 780-454-1899 Call first to be sure they have some in. I believe a 4L jug was around $25

Excel and/or Metricide work as algecides; so does Hydrogen Peroxide.