[magicmagni]

Well after more than a year growing these water weeds with evolving success I have decided to try something new- A planted Discus tank!

Here's the new tank below. It is a 120 gallon All Glass brand that measures 48"X24"X24" (1220mmx610mmX610mm) This is going to replace my 55 gallon planted tank and I look forward to having so much more depth as the standard 55 gallon was quite challanging to aquascape due to it's narrow profile. What I like also about this size is that it is the same lengh as the 55 gallon so I can carry over the Coralife 4X65w lighting.

I am planning on using this stump in the aquascape. I placed it with reference to the "Golden Ratio" and I think I'm pretty much set on it right now. You can also see the egg crate that I put down. This is to protect the glass below. Even though the glass is tempered the crate helps to distribute the load better.

Getting the stump into the tank was quite a task. This is what it looked like before:

The stump had to be carved to the fit the tank just right. After studying the tank and the wood for quite some time the cut was made with the help of Pops and his saw.... no going back now.

Here's some more detail of the stump. I really think it has a lot of character to it and I can't wait to start attaching some anubia and moss to it. I like that it gives the perception of a tree growing on a riverbank in the water. I think the Discus will really like it.

Here is the cabinet for the tank. I purchased it unfinished so that I could stain it myself. Here is is with the first coat of stain. I will be using a marine product to finish it since on my 55 gallon I found the standard finish didn't like wet hands and drops of water and such. This marine finish can be used on the bottom of the boat so I figure a wett hand or a drop of water here and there won't cause any problems.

So that's it for now. As soon as the cab is done and fully cured it will be time to have some real fun and start aquascaping!

Jeff

 

[John P.]

Lotsa potential there! I like how the top of the stump will be at or above the waterline. It's so much better aesthetically this way.

Looking forward to updates.

 

[niko]

Jeff,

It all looks carefully prepared but is the stump soaked in water or it's dry? It looks dry that's why I ask.

--Nikolay

 

[magicmagni]

Lotsa potential there! I like how the top of the stump will be at or above the waterline. It's so much better aesthetically this way.

Looking forward to updates.

Yes I agree. I had to actuall prop up that end of it to get it to reach the water line. Alternatively I was thinkin I could let it sit below the water line and plant some African Bolbitus (spelling?) on the top of the stump and let it grow out and up to the surface. Anyways this was just a mock up to get an idea, but I think I'm going with it.

 

[magicmagni]

Jeff,

It all looks carefully prepared but is the stump soaked in water or it's dry? It looks dry that's why I ask.

--Nikolay

Well it was in a river when I got it and I had it soaking for a good week in a large garbage can full of water. Actually the stump is so big it couldn't get it to fit all the way. I wanted to put it in the tank so that I could get a feel of how it is going to look, but yeah it's drying out now since it's been in there a few days now. I'm hoping it doesn't float up on me when I fill the tank. It's a pretty heavy solid peice of oak, although I plan on putting it back into the water when I have an extra set of hands. I tell you this stump is heavy! Really dense wood.

 

[turtlehead]

That's a nice piece of wood. Got to love your pops.

 

[dwhite645]

those pics look all too familiar, except the surgery with the small chainsaw. It looks like it will be some real eye candy once complete. Keep posting pics as you go!

 

[magicmagni]

those pics look all too familiar, except the surgery with the small chainsaw. It looks like it will be some real eye candy once complete. Keep posting pics as you go!

Yeah I envisioned a nice stump piece like this when I was thinking up the aquascape, but could never find anything close. I finally gave up and decided to compromise with some other pieces. I had them soaking and ready to go, but then when hiking in the woods not even really looking I stumbled upon this piece in the creek and I knew I just had to have it. Luckily it was close to the road and pretty easy to get to because that sucker had to weight almost 100lbs. I swear I'm crazy and I can't imagine what a casual onlooker would think, but I dragged the sucker all the way into my truck. I must be hooked on this hobby or somthing.:razz:

 

[GillMan]

I thought it went something like, "leave only footprints and take only pictures..." :smile: I shouldn't talk, I've got my share of woodland booty! Not any more, of course. Looks like you can quarter that stump and use two of them on either side of a large tank. We'll see how it goes with this one. From the looks of it, she's gonna be a dandy! Some java fern, 'Windelov' would give some added texture. Can't wait to see further progress. Oh, yes, props for your pops!

 

[pineapple]

The "surgery" has exposed fresh heartwood and that might be a problem. The original stump was surrounded by a layer of wood which had been leached of its more volatile components. Now you have to go through that process again for the freshly cut side. If it was me, I would fill the tank with water, add some H2O2 if fungus came up and allow the stump to sit in the tank at 26C water temperature for 3 weeks before setting up the aquascape. Prevention is cheaper than cure.

Andrew Cribb

 

[magicmagni]

The "surgery" has exposed fresh heartwood and that might be a problem. The original stump was surrounded by a layer of wood which had been leached of its more volatile components. Now you have to go through that process again for the freshly cut side. If it was me, I would fill the tank with water, add some H2O2 if fungus came up and allow the stump to sit in the tank at 26C water temperature for 3 weeks before setting up the aquascape. Prevention is cheaper than cure.

Andrew Cribb

Yeah that's probably what I'll end up doing. I was hoping to start setting up the tank this week, but may have to postpone to get this sorted out.

As far as sterilizing perhaps just doing the H202 is good? I was thinking of pouring boiling hot water over it or is that a waste of time?

 

[magicmagni]

OK some more PICS!!!!
Starting the set-up. Notice the plexi screwed to the bottom of the stump. This is to keep the stump from floating up (when wieghted down with sbustrate) since it was slightly bouant. White grid placed to protect the glass from any stress points caused by placing rocks etc..

Filling back of tank with my Flourite/ Eco-complete mix from my other tank. This will be planted later with heavy root feeding plants mainly.

Filling front with sand and repositioning rocks.

Planting....

Finish planting the corner. Begin planting the foreground...

All filled with water..:razz:

 

[MrHarris]

that looks amazing props man

 

[Jdinh04]

Looks great! Lets see some plants grow!

 

[Sir_BlackhOle]

Nice post. Lets see some more pics!!

 

[turtlehead]

nice scape, really unique.

 

[magicmagni]

More pics! :razz:

The tank is clearing up. The tannins from the wood are there, but doing a large 80% water change and using carbon in one of the filters has helped alot. It seems that the stump has leached out most of the tannins, but we'll see. I just began dosing ferts and C02 and also have all lights going now. No algea..yet. Crosses fingers. I notice the tank is going though a traditional "cycle" probably from a lack of fast growing stems. Probably just let it do it's thing and then slowly add fish. Discus will be the last ones in when I'm completely sure everything is stable.

 

[Bavarian3]

WOW that looks great! when are the fish comin Cant wait to see this tank come along

 

[Tiptoptank]

So you want to put discus in there huh! Have you ever raised discus before?
Have you done your home work?
Firstly I would not put discus smaller then 3-4in in that tank. This is mainly because of water quality. IF you plan on getting a bunch of smaller discus I would suggest keeping your 55 Bare bottom and trowing 3 bigger sponge filters in it. Do at leat 3 W/C a week of at leats 30%. THis will ensure your discus becoming big and healthy with the least medical problems. Become very familier with Metro power and praziquental. THese are your number one problem killers for discus. Hopefuly you wont have to use them but that is very very unlikely. You should always have them in hand. You should have a QT tank around 24/7 because, even though these meds are mild on the biofilter they are not mild on your plants.You will spend alot less on meds for a 55 then a 125. For instance take a metro treatment. YOu have to dose for 4-6 days, every 8 hours, with 50% W/C's and keep the temp at 92+deg's this would be very tough in a 120 gallon tank and not many plants if any will live through those temps. I always keep my 20gallon QT tank up and running just in case.

You should keep the nitrates around 10ppm just becuae the discus don't like the higher nitrates very much and this can lead to medical problems. Co2 levels are greatly acepted by discus. I keep mine at around 30ppm which is pretty high with no problems at all. All the othe macro and micro ferts haven't bothered my fish at all.

Food should be varied between a good flake or bit and a clean worm. I feed three time s a day with color bits and CBW's (california black worms). BUt, hakari blood worms work as well. If you can, really try to get you fish to eat the color bits. (this is much easier to do in a BB tank)

Anyways, I think you tank is amazing. With the right plants, it could even be award winning. Especialy with discus in there. I really wish the best of luck with your tank adn please if you have any questions at all, and I mean anything please don't be afraid to PM me.

-tiptop

 

[magicmagni]

Thanks for the advice.