75 Gallon Rescape: Bichir Tank

Termato

The big move is happening next week?

Sanguinefox

Yesh, this coming Sunday. it's kind of cool too that I'm getting my tank upgraded the same week as my B-day. It's my birthday gift to myself :3

Chesherca

This is fantastic news, Fox! Hooray for you! Your plan of creating three zones uniquely suited to the inhabitants of the tank is brilliant, I can't wait to see it all done, and as it continues to progress. Looking forward to the new thread on this tank. . . goodness, though - moving those babies of yours is going to be a challenge! Good luck with that, and keep us posted - AND HAPPY (almost) BIRTHDAY!!!

Sanguinefox

Thanks Ches. So I've been planning out my three zones. Last night though the big piece of wood had to come out. I did a temporary rescape because I caught my Senegal being too nippy. Right now the Ornate appears to have hit a growth spurt. Queen has hit another sudden 1-2 inches in less than two weeks. The current layout locked up a lot of space..so I managed to create more by moving and organizing things (made a neat cave thing under the log too).

On my list of things to get is PVC pipe , and a new bag of playsand. I will cut the pipe and sink them under the sand on one side of the tank. These will be the senegal's hide spots. I like this approach because it means I don't have to take up space on the sand for hide spots thus freeing up swim space. I will use rocks and plants to disguise the pipe ends.

I'm still toying with how I want to do the other side where the Ornate's spot will be.

EDIT: The big wood is going back in eventually, but I need to find two heavy rocks that can sink it. I'd rather not have all my stuff being used to hold it down when I have better use for that stuff.

Sanguinefox

Went out today and got a 50 pound bag of play sand and two 2.5 feet long 3" PVP pipes (precut). The edges on each opening will be sanded down. I plan to have one cut into two 1 foot lengths, and the other to 2 feet. Each one will be sunk into the tank and covered up with sand. Then I'll cover/disguise the entrance so it's not ugly. This is a good way to create good hide spots for all bichirs.

I also picked up a sheet of acrylic sheeting (clear) to use as a top when it's cut down.

aussieJJDude

Post pics of the pipes!
I love when people add pipes to the tank, the fish seem to enjoy it!
Good luck with them

Termato

Picturessss :P muhahuaahha!

aussieJJDude

Yes Pictures...

Chesherca

Sounds like a good plan, Fox! I can't wait to see everything all put together in the new tank. VERY exciting! I like your ideas of disguising the ends of the pipes. I'm wondering if a moss, like Java Moss, would attach to the PVC? That would be one thing to consider. . .

Those critters have no idea what's in store - and with nippiness and growth spurting, it sounds like the move is just in time!

I want a video of you trying to CATCH those creatures, though. I imagine that could be amusing to watch ;)

Termato

You could always glue the Java Moss onto the PVC and then it will eventually root to it. If not, then you can maybe glue netting on the PVC or something? ahhaah