My Pond

[skinheaddave]

Matt (Blue_Blood) suggested I take pics of my pond, so I figured I'd turn it into a thread.

It is a 6'x2'x2' frame with a pond liner in it. Today I build the shelving unit to go above. Previously it had just had boards lying on top of the frame, so you couldn't really access half the pond. I also took some waterproof egg lights I bought at a garden center years ago when they were on sale and hooked it up to some electronics from the inside of a halogen light system I bought at a garage sale for $3. I have included pictures of the pond as well as what it looks like with the lights. It is very much a work in progress, but it currently contains two guppies, a pleco and two columbian shadowfins (at least that's what Matt's store has them labeled as). I don't know what I am going to add to this ragtag bunch, but Buenos Aires tetras are a possibility. Other plans include the addition of a substrate -- probably a while stone to add more contrast (it is now basically a black pit) and reflect more light. I also want to add more plant matter, some hides etc. etc. to make a fairly complex environment. This is not a rushed project, though, and I am still doing a lot of the research.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Mikeymike]

That looks like its coming along nicely! I especially like the look at night.

I recommend just buying good ol' white playsand, although you may need to buy quite a bit if u want to be able to see it at the bottom.

Good luck, and it looks great!


Mikey

 

[Wade]

One product you might want to consider as a substrate is Shultz's Aquatic Plant Soil. Essencially, this stuff is fired and granulated clay. It has the consistancy of fine gravel, but it's not rounded. I think it's the same clay that is used for kitty litter, only it's fired so it dosen't disolve the way kitty litter would. I use this in many tanks and it works great. Many houseplants willl grow quite well planted in the water directly in this stuff. It's a light tan color. It is small enough to be sucked into many pumps, however.

Wade

 

[skinheaddave]

Wade,

I have a really good prefilter on my pump, but it could be an issue during water changes. I will do some lookup on it, though.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Wade]

I've also used it as an additive to scorpion substrate for desert species. Has the same effect as fine gravel, but is much lighter.

Wade

 

[Zoo Keeper]

Good luck with the new pond, we have a small pond in the yard, and it is great. One thing I have found out is, it can get expencive if you buy your supplies from a garden or pet store. Here is a link to a store that seems to have fair prices, www.thatpetplace.com . Hope everything work's out on your new project.

 

[Blue_Blood]

Matt (Blue_Blood) suggested I take pics of my pond, so I figured I'd turn it into a thread.
Dave

Looks sweet dave I have to come by and take a look. Oh yeah since "my store" was labeling the fish as "colombian shadowfins" hers the real name.
Arius seemani that's right there it is.....the latin name...just for you david ;P
oh yeah this is for good measure....

size: 12-14 + inches (30-35cm)
tank: 48 inches minimum for young
strata: Lower to middle
pH: 6.8 to 8.0
Hardness: medium hard to hard, 8-30 dH
temperature: 75ºF to 80ºF (25-27°C)

and this...
Order: Siluriformes
Suborder: Siluroidei
Family: Ariidae
Genera: Arius
Species: seemani


booyah Dave...or should I say ............................ZING!!!!!

 

[skinheaddave]

Sweet. Thanks, Matt. I will say they are one kick-ass fish. I have yet to see them do the belly-expanding devour everything trick -- but they seem to be doing okay. I got some stone today that I like so I will be rinsing it and adding it in tommorow if I have time (did some trades today, have some new scorpions to house as well).

Cheers,
Dave