I filled it up, added 1/2 tsp of Safe mixed in water, tossed in some oak leaves, squeezed out (2) dble hob filters worth of floss bio, set up the pump with two sponges, and a bubble bar.....not to let it run for a few days..... ;D ...and NO LEAKS... 8) the tad bit of water, seen near the base, is from the floss squeezing bucket that I was using...
couple more shots....
So this is your patio tank?
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 12:49:31 PM
So this is your patio tank?
Eventually, likely this fall, it'll make it's way to the fish room, but I needed to check for leaks, and reseal a bit first......so for now, it's run out there...I'll check temps when it warms up and use guppies , as a 'Judah fish', to see when I can toss some angel fry and BN's in there to grow out....it's an experiment in the making at the moment... ;D....might even put a flood light, clipped to one of the ends for night viewing...??...LOL..or 'Malibu' solar lights?? ;D
I had a 55 metaframe I tested like that for a few months on the end of the fish house. When it got to be a PITA I emptied it and put it in the kitchen. She still sits there as a dirted planted tank.
Did I mention I love Metaframes?
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 01:17:58 PM
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 12:49:31 PM
So this is your patio tank?
Eventually, likely this fall, it'll make it's way to the fish room, but I needed to check for leaks, and reseal a bit first......so for now, it's run out there...I'll check temps when it warms up and use guppies , as a 'Judah fish', to see when I can toss some angel fry and BN's in there to grow out....it's an experiment in the making at the moment... ;D....might even put a flood light, clipped to one of the ends for night viewing...??...LOL..or 'Malibu' solar lights?? ;D
I always thought that it would be cool to raise fish outside during the summer months. I know a Discus person way back who tried raising fry in a swimming pool. She didn't have good results. It should work in a big tank. I would suggest getting temperature controllers for the heaters you use since the ambient temp will fluctuate greatly from night to day. The flood light is an excellent idea. You and Jan could sit on the patio at night holding hands and watch the fish.
Liz when I first moved down here I had all my fish in coolers to travel. (OK I won't do that again. They go in bags if I ever move more than a few miles.) When I got here I put them all in a kid's wading pool for quite a while with no real trouble or losses. I did put it under a big oak though.
Quote from: LizStreithorst on April 13, 2015, 01:48:37 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 01:17:58 PM
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 12:49:31 PM
So this is your patio tank?
Eventually, likely this fall, it'll make it's way to the fish room, but I needed to check for leaks, and reseal a bit first......so for now, it's run out there...I'll check temps when it warms up and use guppies , as a 'Judah fish', to see when I can toss some angel fry and BN's in there to grow out....it's an experiment in the making at the moment... ;D....might even put a flood light, clipped to one of the ends for night viewing...??...LOL..or 'Malibu' solar lights?? ;D
I always thought that it would be cool to raise fish outside during the summer months. I know a Discus person way back who tried raising fry in a swimming pool. She didn't have good results. It should work in a big tank. I would suggest getting temperature controllers for the heaters you use since the ambient temp will fluctuate greatly from night to day. The flood light is an excellent idea. You and Jan could sit on the patio at night holding hands and watch the fish.
Yep.... ;D....I may not even run a heater??....the water will stay pretty warm in that volume of water, plus being all glass, I'm concerned more about keeping it cool enough for fish....if I do, it'll be to extend the time to earlier spring/summer, to later fall months, that I can use it this year...
I'll have to adjust as I go along tho....
Will it be in the sun?
Quote from: LizStreithorst on April 13, 2015, 02:02:25 PM
Will it be in the sun?
Yes, but I'm thinking of a make shift canopy.....for sure
JMHO...Keep the tank shaded during the day and use heaters with controllers. Controllers maintain a stable temperature which normal heaters do not. Rick, the president of NADA, uses controllers with all the heaters in his fish room. If I were made of money I would do the same. Unfortunately, a controller cost as much as a heater ::) I'd use them if I were to raise fry in a outside tank. though. Otherwise there would be too much temperature fluctuation for the fish to grow well.
Quote from: LizStreithorst on April 13, 2015, 02:32:34 PM
Otherwise there would be too much temperature fluctuation for the fish to grow well.
You'd be surprised how well the fish do with temp changes. During spells of cold here the farms run the wells to keep temps up. And there is fluctuations there for sure. My fish house is unheated and they did quite well over the "winter" here.
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 02:44:41 PM
Quote from: LizStreithorst on April 13, 2015, 02:32:34 PM
Otherwise there would be too much temperature fluctuation for the fish to grow well.
You'd be surprised how well the fish do with temp changes. During spells of cold here the farms run the wells to keep temps up. And there is fluctuations there for sure. My fish house is unheated and they did quite well over the "winter" here.
My experience comes from Discus and Discus have more rules to follow it they are to grow well. I know that Angels are more tolerant of less thanperfect conditions. Still...I know what I'd do if I were to have an outside tank.
That's so cool Jon. Best of luck with your new summer project!!! 8) 8) 8)
Dennis
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 13, 2015, 05:08:20 PM
That's so cool Jon. Best of luck with your new summer project!!! 8) 8) 8)
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, etal....It'll be a fun, and interesting, little diversion from std fish room doing's.. ;D
and no one asked about the rock..LOL
Good luck with this project. It looks like it's going to be a ton of fun. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 05:23:56 PM
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 13, 2015, 05:08:20 PM
That's so cool Jon. Best of luck with your new summer project!!! 8) 8) 8)
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, etal....It'll be a fun, and interesting, little diversion from std fish room doing's.. ;D
and no one asked about the rock..LOL
Just figure you're leaving it there to fall and crack the bottom.
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 06:33:05 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 05:23:56 PM
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 13, 2015, 05:08:20 PM
That's so cool Jon. Best of luck with your new summer project!!! 8) 8) 8)
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, etal....It'll be a fun, and interesting, little diversion from std fish room doing's.. ;D
and no one asked about the rock..LOL
Just figure you're leaving it there to fall and crack the bottom.
LOL...nope, besides the waters too deep for it to hit hard.................
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 06:38:45 PM
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 06:33:05 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 05:23:56 PM
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 13, 2015, 05:08:20 PM
That's so cool Jon. Best of luck with your new summer project!!! 8) 8) 8)
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, etal....It'll be a fun, and interesting, little diversion from std fish room doing's.. ;D
and no one asked about the rock..LOL
Just figure you're leaving it there to fall and crack the bottom.
LOL...nope, besides the waters too deep for it to hit hard.................
Why do I get fearful to ask?
Jon, what is the rock for?
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 06:41:02 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 06:38:45 PM
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 06:33:05 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 05:23:56 PM
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 13, 2015, 05:08:20 PM
That's so cool Jon. Best of luck with your new summer project!!! 8) 8) 8)
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, etal....It'll be a fun, and interesting, little diversion from std fish room doing's.. ;D
and no one asked about the rock..LOL
Just figure you're leaving it there to fall and crack the bottom.
LOL...nope, besides the waters too deep for it to hit hard.................
Why do I get fearful to ask?
Jon, what is the rock for?
..just to hold the hose in place while filling....no big deal, but I was looking at the thread again and thought, huh?....rock out of place on the tank rim, and no one's asked about it yet... ??? ???
see?..it was painless to ask...
How thick is the glass that it needs no braces?
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 13, 2015, 07:04:11 PM
How thick is the glass that it needs no braces?
About 3/4" ?.....it's an old Oceanic..build like a tank....
I need large 6 footer.
Neat project. You could pick up a couple water hyacinth plants and float them in the tank for shade. They grow very well in plain tap water. I used them in a water feature we used to have and they grew like weeds. The purple flowers are a pretty extra touch too.
Quote from: PaulineMi on April 13, 2015, 07:29:08 PM
Neat project. You could pick up a couple water hyacinth plants and float them in the tank for shade. They grow very well in plain tap water. I used them in a water feature we used to have and they grew like weeds. The purple flowers are a pretty extra touch too.
Excellent idea!
Quote from: PaulineMi on April 13, 2015, 07:29:08 PM
Neat project. You could pick up a couple water hyacinth plants and float them in the tank for shade. They grow very well in plain tap water. I used them in a water feature we used to have and they grew like weeds. The purple flowers are a pretty extra touch too.
I'll ask Mark if he can get them...or even water lettuce...thank you, good idea.. ;D
It's looking good Jon, can't wait to see it with fish.
Quote from: b125killer on April 13, 2015, 07:46:26 PM
It's looking good Jon, can't wait to see it with fish.
+1 ;D
Looks good john.
I have wanted to try this, but then I would have to find an inside place for the fish eventually, which would be a problem for me right now.
QuoteJMHO...Keep the tank shaded during the day and use heaters with controllers. Controllers maintain a stable temperature which normal heaters do not. Rick, the president of NADA, uses controllers with all the heaters in his fish room. If I were made of money I would do the same. Unfortunately, a controller cost as much as a heater ::) I'd use them if I were to raise fry in a outside tank. though. Otherwise there would be too much temperature fluctuation for the fish to grow well.
I agree Liz. Controllers are great compared with the heaters own control.
I googled some up and they cost between $50 and $100. Not to expensive unless you want to do several. I think they used to cost more.
Makes me wonder about DIY:
One lower limit on price would be sensors in each tank: $10-15 for a thermister (not in bulk).
A single processor should be able to survey a bunch of inputs and turn outputs on and off.
Raspberry Pi: ~$60 with extras
Input and output add on boards: $100-150??
Maybe:
210 + n*12, where n = number of tanks controlled, probably maxed out at 6-12
or to control 6 tanks
210 + 72 = 282
or to control 12 tanks
210 + 144 = 354
The you could set each tank's temp centrally from a controller program and could even ramp them up and down over a few days.
I looked out this morn'n and the tank water has popped clear.... ;D It's now a cycled tank. ;D ..I'll check the parameters later to verify it. I may toss another cycled sponge in to boost capacity tho.
Here's this morning's pic.....still some debris in the water column, but not much....I'll do the 'vital's' check in a bit...
What happened to the rock?
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 14, 2015, 08:11:07 AM
What happened to the rock?
LOL.....Victor was hogging the pic that I was taking.....I put him in 'time out' ;D
The water cleared up so nicely. Are there a couple fish in there enjoying the scenery?
Quote from: PaulineMi on April 14, 2015, 08:27:06 AM
The water cleared up so nicely. Are there a couple fish in there enjoying the scenery?
Not yet, the water is still too cool now, I haven't added a heater. It'll be in the mid 60's today, and the sun will be hotter, I'll add a heater(s) and see what I can get for temps then.......
Oh...those are leaves floating up there. ::)
Quote from: PaulineMi on April 14, 2015, 08:33:09 AM
Oh...those are leaves floating up there. ::)
...yes, .. threw some oak leaves in there, can't hurt.. ;D
...just checked the temp.........49 degs....brrrr....it was 30's over night, so it held temp pretty good from yesterday, when I estimate it got to around mid 50's, or so......
..added another sponge...four now..squeezed in a couple more clumps of seasoned floss too...then dressed the air lines, etc... ;D...it's looking pretty good now... ;D
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 07:08:55 PM
About 3/4" ?.....it's an old Oceanic..build like a tank....
Of course it is.....it IS a tank...! :-\ Did no one else catch this pun??? ::) And I'm even sleepy right now!
Quote from: Ron Sower on April 14, 2015, 11:34:02 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 07:08:55 PM
About 3/4" ?.....it's an old Oceanic..build like a tank....
Of course it is.....it IS a tank...! :-\ Did no one else catch this pun??? ::) And I'm even sleepy right now!
+1 ;D
Quote from: Ron Sower on April 14, 2015, 11:34:02 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 07:08:55 PM
About 3/4" ?.....it's an old Oceanic..build like a tank....
Of course it is.....it IS a tank...! :-\ Did no one else catch this pun??? ::) And I'm even sleepy right now!
Caught it. Just didn't think it was all that funny.
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on April 15, 2015, 07:51:03 AM
Quote from: Ron Sower on April 14, 2015, 11:34:02 PM
Quote from: Mugwump on April 13, 2015, 07:08:55 PM
About 3/4" ?.....it's an old Oceanic..build like a tank....
Of course it is.....it IS a tank...! :-\ Did no one else catch this pun??? ::) And I'm even sleepy right now!
Caught it. Just didn't think it was all that funny.
It was completely unintentional... ;D so there ::)
Alright, nobody panic, that was deliberate, it was deliberate.....
Dennis
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 15, 2015, 10:59:56 AM
Alright, nobody panic, that was deliberate, it was deliberate.....
Dennis
Wellllllllll.....maybe ???
Might toss a couple heaters in there tomorrow?....just to get an idea off heating time, and over night cool down without heat...(I'll turn em off)...
Colder weather and high winds have slowed this project down a bit. I did toss in the Lloydiella to float around...and I've ordered Water lettuce and Hyacinth from Mark to provide top cover....I'll pot the Lloydiella then....it'll look nice and be functional.. ;D
Are the temps for the next few nights predicted to be in the 20s out your way...like they are here? Wondering if your Lloydiella will be okay when it's that cold.
Quote from: PaulineMi on April 22, 2015, 08:25:01 AM
Are the temps for the next few nights predicted to be in the 20s out your way...like they are here? Wondering if your Lloydiella will be okay when it's that cold.
it's in the tank, lots of aeration, so it should be ok??....30's again tonight...we'll see.....but you're right. I may bring it inside....I believe that I will now that you mentioned it....thanks....
There...I just went and moved it back down stairs to a 55..... ;D....why chance it...when I can move it....
Lucky Lloydiella. ;D
Quote from: PaulineMi on April 22, 2015, 08:39:49 AM
Lucky Lloydiella. ;D
LOL...yes...and lucky that you thought of it too.....thanks.. ;D
Smart move.
Quote from: LizStreithorst on April 22, 2015, 04:54:31 PM
Smart move.
Yes, it was....the plants perked right floating under the LED lights....angel fry love em too....but as soon as it warms up again, back out they go....I think that I'll pot them this time...and float the others, of course... 8)
..getting some sun algae in the 150 now.....a good healthy tank... ;D...no for warmer weather to arrive.....YES !
Any mosquito larvae yet...wrigglers? My 55 sitting out back is loaded with them. Hope the neighbors don't find out!!!! I need to get a few fish in it to feed on them...
Quote from: Ron Sower on April 26, 2015, 11:59:22 AM
Any mosquito larvae yet...wrigglers? My 55 sitting out back is loaded with them. Hope the neighbors don't find out!!!! I need to get a few fish in it to feed on them...
....water's moving too much....plus not warm enough yet outside for the little B%^&**d's.... ;D
I've got three 5 gallon buckets going here. Very cool mornings makes it easy to catch them...... LOL
Dennis
Man, I wish I could raise mosquito larvae. I set up containers for them to breed in but the frogs took them over and I decided that I like the frogs better. I need to get the right kind of hardware cloth and set up new mosquito cultures that the mosquito's can get in to but the froggies cannot. They're a great live food and they're free!
uh oh.....algae bloom.... :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o......LOL
Do you have a UV you can use on it,my pond was pea soup when it went out.
Yep, a small UV would do the trick. You only need a 9 watt for algae even on a tank that size.
You need some Daphnia..... ;)
Dennis
Wow, Dennis. Daphnia are way better than a UV because when he puts fish in the daphnia are food. A UV is just a UV.
daphnia ?......how much would I need?...just a culture?....
That would be all. They breed like rabbits when conditions are favorable. ;D ;D ;D
Dennis
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 27, 2015, 07:31:11 PM
That would be all. They breed like rabbits when conditions are favorable. ;D ;D ;D
Dennis
I'll try for a picture showing the tank color.....
(http://ballaquatics.com/ba-wp/wp-content/uploads/daphnia_magna_culture_bottles_001-672x372.jpg)
This is the color of the green water I use to feed my cultures.
Dennis
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 27, 2015, 08:14:03 PM
(http://ballaquatics.com/ba-wp/wp-content/uploads/daphnia_magna_culture_bottles_001-672x372.jpg)
This is the color of the green water I use to feed my cultures.
Dennis
It's not that green yet....couple more sunny days tho....LOL
That's pretty green, but I have greener in my outdoor rain water collection tubs. I think I remember reading years ago that you can too in yeast to feed them. Or may be the yeast makes green water that they eat. I don't remember. I didn't care at the time.
Did you fill the tank with plain tap water? Wonder where the nutrient for the algae to grow is coming from???
Dennis
Quote from: BallAquatics on April 27, 2015, 08:26:09 PM
Did you fill the tank with plain tap water? Wonder where the nutrient for the algae to grow is coming from???
Dennis
I squeezed four sponges in there to cycle it quickly, then we tossed in oak leaves.... ;D....dead bugs are floating too...just a few tho..
oh, and a bit of duckweed that didn't last long in the cold....
Yep, they will eat yeast. They are filter feeders so any particles small enough will be consumed. I supplement mine with a dry mix of yeast, chlorella algae, spirulina algae, and green pea flour mixed with green water.
Dennis
I want some. the yeast will be my friend. I don't think I can find the other stuff. I have algae discs for plecos, bit I don't think that they will work
Here's a link to a paper I keep on my site about culturing Daphnia. The author, Doug Sweet, is a member of our local club.
http://ballaquatics.com/ba-wp/wp-content/uploads/DaphniaCultureMadeSimple.pdf (http://ballaquatics.com/ba-wp/wp-content/uploads/DaphniaCultureMadeSimple.pdf)
I get all my dry goods from this place ==>> https://nuts.com/ (https://nuts.com/) They have fantastic prices on the algae powders and a wide selection of flours and yeast.
Dennis
Dang, mine will die. Raising them is more difficult than I thought. I will run an airline to them, but feeding..... ::) I thought that I could just feed Fleismans yeast. NOT! Thank goodness I only asked for one culture. I'll feed them up and the rest will die of poor husbandry,
They are really not that bad. If you have green water you will be in good shape. Keep in mind that Doug was working with intensive cultures.
What you might want to do, is culture them in a 5 or 10 gallon container and feed them with yeast dissolved in your green water. If you just dump them into your container with green water they will likely bloom and you will have thousands for a very short time before they exhaust the green water and crash.....
Dennis
I will do my best. I have a coupe of 10 gallon's that I can use. Please don't me angry with me when they die.
Nothing to get angry about Liz. I'll bet you do fine. I use a cycle where I feed them for 2 days and on the third day I harvest some and do a water change at the same time. Feed after the water change and for the next 2 days and then harvest and water change again.
It takes just a bit of experience to get the right amount of food to feed, but with practice, you can tell by looking at the water clarity if you are feeding too much / too little.
Dennis
It doesn't appear to be green water in the 150...actually it's pretty clear in a glass....but the bottom and sides have a nice coat of algae starting to grow...which is ok, I'm going to toss a whole BN spawn in there to grow out.. ;D
I just put a dble hob filter on there to clear out some debris....tank is about 70 deg's, so by this weekend I should be able to start populating it...plants will be here tomorrow ;D...Water lettuce, and hyacinth, from Mark ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
lots of rain last night and earlier today....water's up to the brim...LOL.....plants were close to flowing over the top too....