Stephen's 6 foot (600L) tank log & stocking evolution

[Stephen]

I bought my first fish tank about 25 years ago, it was a coldwater tank with a few fancy goldfish type species (shubunkin etc..)
My first tropical tank, a Fluval Roma 240, was only purchased in July 2013 (a similar time to Mol_PMB's first tropical tank).
My second tank, a smaller 125L, was purchased in October 2014.
Both tanks took up 6'6" of wall space with a total volume of about 365L, so I said to myself that it would be good to combine both tanks and to have a single tank which takes up the same wall space but a little deeper. So last November I started planning (on paper) an upgrade; a single tank which could of been 5, 6, 7 or even 8 foot (at a push).
Eventually after several months of consideration I settled on a 6 foot (600L) tank. The hardest bit was to persuade the OH, she eventually came round to my idea only a couple of weeks ago and she is now as excited as I am, well almost

The theme is "Bolivia" and based mainly on the Rio Mamoré but also on the Rio Guaporé (known as the Rio Iténez in Bolivia).
I have already re-homed fish that did not fit in with my theme.
Gill (my OH) and I have visited several LFS, sometimes travelling over 65 miles to one to look at fish, check availability, weigh up prices etc.. but mainly to see fish in the flesh as opposed to a picture on the internet. I have created a list of suitable fish and know where some of those fish are available and at what cost.
We saw some gorgeous Cupid cichlids at Lechlade, Gloucestershire (65 miles away) on the Monday and returned there on the Friday and bought them.
We are visiting another LFS tomorrow (about 85 miles away) and may pick something up there.

Job schedule:
Today (Sunday) - remove plants, decor and sand from 240L tank (temporary re-home fish) and clean tank
Sunday afternoon/evening - re-home fish in empty 240L tank with some décor
Monday - day out (meet up) with another forum member
Monday evening - temporary re-home fish in 100L plastic container with lid, air pump, heater etc..
Tuesday morning - say good-bye to Roma 240L tank 
Tuesday morning - move furniture (settee, table and chairs etc..) to allow easy access for new tank
Tuesday afternoon/Wednesday morning - say hello to new 6 foot (600L) tank
Wednesday - set up new tank; re-arrange media in new filters (2) and add established media, add décor, rocks, plants etc.. to new tank
Wednesday evening - re-home fish in their new home (hopefully)

Well that's the plan, sounds easy until you add the fact that I have a spinal disability and in constant pain, any lifting is difficult & painful, as is walking and other activities.
As the saying goes, "no pain, no gain" 

The first part is clearing out the old tanks and making room for the new one.
Hopefully my log will start Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.
Everything is at hand ready and hopefully fish will be in their new home within 24/36 hours.
The tank will only be at about 55% stocking level with the existing stock (see signature) so room for lots more.

Watch this space
Stephen

[TropicalFishForums]

[plankton]

Watching

[taffy72]

Exciting times Stephen ....i likw how you have planned out every detail can't wait for some pics when it arrives .
ps we still have to meet up one day in hereford .

[Gingerlove05]

*sits and waits patiently*


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[Stephen]

ps we still have to meet up one day in hereford .

Definitely mate, just name the day and time and we can meet at Wyevale, have tea/coffee and visit Maidenhead Aquatics 

Sunday 13.39pm
Just another 60L of water to move and a load of sand from the 240L.
Getting there slowly

[Newbie fishkeeper]

 
Any tips on how to convince the OH. I still don't have permission to use my old tank for another setup.

[hotashes]

I bought my first fish tank about 25 years ago, it was a coldwater tank with a few fancy goldfish type species (shubunkin etc..)
My first tropical tank, a Fluval Roma 240, was only purchased in July 2013 (a similar time to Mol_PMB's first tropical tank).
My second tank, a smaller 125L, was purchased in October 2014.
Both tanks took up 6'6" of wall space with a total volume of about 365L, so I said to myself that it would be good to combine both tanks and to have a single tank which takes up the same wall space but a little deeper. So last November I started planning (on paper) an upgrade; a single tank which could of been 5, 6, 7 or even 8 foot (at a push).
Eventually after several months of consideration I settled on a 6 foot (600L) tank. The hardest bit was to persuade the OH, she eventually came round to my idea only a couple of weeks ago and she is now as excited as I am, well almost

The theme is "Bolivia" and based mainly on the Rio Mamoré but also on the Rio Guaporé (known as the Rio Iténez in Bolivia).
I have already re-homed fish that did not fit in with my theme.
Gill (my OH) and I have visited several LFS, sometimes travelling over 65 miles to one to look at fish, check availability, weigh up prices etc.. but mainly to see fish in the flesh as opposed to a picture on the internet. I have created a list of suitable fish and know where some of those fish are available and at what cost.
We saw some gorgeous Cupid cichlids at Lechlade, Gloucestershire (65 miles away) on the Monday and returned there on the Friday and bought them.
We are visiting another LFS tomorrow (about 85 miles away) and may pick something up there.

Job schedule:
Today (Sunday) - remove plants, decor and sand from 240L tank (temporary re-home fish) and clean tank
Sunday afternoon/evening - re-home fish in empty 240L tank with some décor
Monday - day out (meet up) with another forum member
Monday evening - temporary re-home fish in 100L plastic container with lid, air pump, heater etc..
Tuesday morning - say good-bye to Roma 240L tank 
Tuesday morning - move furniture (settee, table and chairs etc..) to allow easy access for new tank
Tuesday afternoon/Wednesday morning - say hello to new 6 foot (600L) tank
Wednesday - set up new tank; re-arrange media in new filters (2) and add established media, add décor, rocks, plants etc.. to new tank
Wednesday evening - re-home fish in their new home (hopefully)

Well that's the plan, sounds easy until you add the fact that I have a spinal disability and in constant pain, any lifting is difficult & painful, as is walking and other activities.
As the saying goes, "no pain, no gain" 

The first part is clearing out the old tanks and making room for the new one.
Hopefully my log will start Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday.
Everything is at hand ready and hopefully fish will be in their new home within 24/36 hours.
The tank will only be at about 55% stocking level with the existing stock (see signature) so room for lots more.

Watch this space
Stephen

Good luck my friend, eyes peeled.


Signature : Aqua Oak 5' and Aqua Oak 4' both using Apex Neptune systems.

[Stephen]

Any tips on how to convince the OH

Take her to a LFS and show her all the fish that will grow to over 5 inches.
When she says "I like that one" then explain that it grows to over 5 inches, needs to be in a group and requires a bigger tank.
Just treat her nice and be patient.
Then say (in a few weeks time), "I've been thinking about that fish you liked" and get the tape measure out; "I recon we can get a 6 foot tank in there".
"The more I think of it, the more I like YOUR idea"  

Stephen

Sunday 16.08pm
240L tank emptied and cleaned, added new dechlorinated water just to put fish back in for 36 hours.

[Stephen]

OK the new tank is being delivered in the morning (Tuesday).
Just bought some shimmies or whatever they're called to level it all out.
I have to move the Roma 240 now to make room and it's 9.00pm already.

I'll be back

Stephen

[taffy72]

Good luck .

[hotashes]

OK the new tank is being delivered in the morning (Tuesday).
Just bought some shimmies or whatever they're called to level it all out.
I have to move the Roma 240 now to make room and it's 9.00pm already.

I'll be back

Stephen

Where is your post for the Roma 240


Signature : Aqua Oak 5' and Aqua Oak 4' both using Apex Neptune systems.

[Gingerlove05]

Shims Stephen hope the moving and set up goes well for you


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[Stephen]

Shims Stephen hope the moving and set up goes well for you

10.00pm and still at it, at least another hour.

Stephen

[kas]

Just as well you had that big Chinese meal last night. You need the energy. Hope you will see your bed this side of midnight.

[scotsco]

Awaiting eagerly updates!!!!

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