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Becoming - 55 gallon tank upgrade

89K views 827 replies 40 participants last post by  djembekah 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Current info on lighting and planting stock list at can be found on page 14 of this thread. :-D

Becoming is my first tank. Spontaneously started in February as a mismatched collection of random creatures in a cycling 10-gallon it became (through much research and tons of help) a thriving and beautiful 29 gallon soft-water community (with the oddly happy Mollies and a few random snails tossed in for good measure). The most recent addition to my collection came in the form of 20 wild-caught JellyBean Tetra who have been in QT for two months - they were finally ready to join the others in community, but the 29 gallon just didn't seem as big as it once did. . . so last Saturday, September 1st, I went once more to the basement stock-pile and pulled out the biggest tank there was, and Becoming became a 55 gallon tank. . .




Most of the plants, substrate, driftwood and the HOB filters from the both the 29 gallon tank and the 20 gallon long QT tank went into this setup, so parameters have remained stable for the creatures who live here;

20 Jellybean Tetra
5 Kuhli Loaches (Winkin', Blinkin', Nod, Flotsam, and Jetsam)
4 Bolivian Rams (Alice, Hattie, Lizzy, and darling little C.Cat)
2 Zebra Nerite snails (Stripe and Jr),
a fist-full of Malaysian Trumpet Snails (all of whom are named either Oliver or Twist, depending on coloration)
and 3 Juvie Mollies (The Bootlings - Wellington, Martin, and Molly Too). The adult Molly is already living in his hand-me-down 29 gallon tank, and will be joined by his children and their new mommy over the course of the next month or so, at which time the water in that tank will slowly be changed to suit their hard-water preferences.



Most of these plants have been with me and transferred from tank to tank since March or so - considering how many fully planted tanks I have, they've grown amazingly well - many of these are still tiny runners that will have to be moved or snipped as they grow out, and a sizable portion of them have been added to the 29 gallon Molly tank, as well as the 10 gallon frog tank (the froggies got an upgrade from their 5-gallon tank this weekend, too!) But I was very reluctant to take my very happy fish from their established environments and move them into this bigger tank until I had enough greenery to make them feel at home, and ease the stress of such a major transition. A million thank-yous to Dave (DKRST) for being so generous and giving me an amazing deal on these glorious Kleiner Bar Swords which have really gone a long way in helping this tank feel comfortable to the fish and look very lush for a brand-new setup (I hope they make the transition from high lighting and Co2 into my much more dimly-lit tank with ease, and thrive in their new home) More thanks to goes to Dave for all of the wonderful floating plants that he sent my way, and which have been dispersed throughout all of my tanks.

There still aren't *quite* enough floaters to cover the harshness of the light, so that funky plastic floating piece is in there temporarily until they fill in fully. It's covered with yummy bacteria from living in the JellyBean's QT tank, so for now I'm okay with them! They're also helping to baffle the flow from the HOB filters to keep things from being blown all around the tank, but I am REALLY excited to say that I got my very first canister filter! As soon as I'm convinced that the new canister is well-seeded with bacteria, the HOBs will become a thing of the past! Between the filtration change and finally getting my nibbling Mollies out of this tank, I'm hoping that I'll soon have a gorgeous canopy of floating plants, with intricate root systems dominating the top of the tank. *crosses fingers*



Here's a video of the tank taken on the third day after everything was set up - sorry for the crappy quality, my video camera isn't great and you really can't see any coloration on the finned ones, but you can see how wonderfully active and happy this tank is! The loaches and the Tetra took to the transition seemingly without any issues at all. The rams are still feeling a bit displaced, but that was expected - I imagine it will take them another week or so to re-establish their territories and feel at home in their new environment, but they're doing great so far - so proud of my babies! I was so nervous about putting the fish through such a dramatic upheaval, and there are not words to describe how relieved I am that everything went well. Those who were living in the 29gallon already had to be caught and bucketed while the 55g was being set up in the same place, and I owe my husband (who doesn't care one bit about my fishy obsession) a huge debt of gratitude for all of the help he gave me in getting all of this done as quickly as possible. I am very attached to my fish - they're pets, and a part of the family - and if I had lost even one. . . well.
Just happy that everything went so well, and am sincerely hoping never to see my rams go that pale ever again!

I'm really open to any suggestions for improvement anyone has for me - I'm still such a beginner when it comes to the wonderful world of aquariums! I'm sure this setup will be needing some adjustments as the plants fill in and that things will be moved around a bit over time, but for now - there it is! Becoming in her new 55 gallon dress!
 
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#2 ·
Wow! Really gorgeous, I love the green plants on the black sand. Have you heard of how some people set up the plants to make it seem like a scene on land? Like a field with a tree or a mountain range. If you google aquascaping on images you might find inspiration!
 
#8 ·
Haley. . .

Thank you for the compliment!

and YES! I have seen those types of layouts and they're just stunning! I wish I could do something like that, but for the most part, without Co2 and high lighting, they're beyond my reach. . . for now. :wink:
Maybe someday I'll cross into that realm, but I'm still really just a beginner - I have too much to learn about my naturally planted tank(s) to go messing around with Co2, I'd be afraid to kill something or become overrun with algae, lol!
 
#3 ·
:eek:mg: Ches, The tank looks absolutely Awesome!!! :welldone::welldone::welldone:
I love it! I am glad everything went so well in the transition. Also am glad your Jellybean Tetras are still doing great. You have done a job and will continue to.
Can't wait till the plants fill in and the fish settle in. I will definitely be watching this thread!
 
#4 ·
I am completely and utterly blown away, Chesh! "Becoming" has to be one of the most beautiful tanks I've seen and it is so full of life! I hope you'll continue to keep us updated and let us know of any other projects you embark on ;-)
 
#5 ·
Thank you guys!!! I'm happy that you like it as much as I do!!! The tank really is SO active - the loaches are out of control - they're having SO much fun in there, and I'm so relieved that the little JellyBeans have adjusted so well to being in the community - I was REALLY worried about them, but they're acting like they feel right at home :D

I'm pretty sure I'm going to increase the shoal of Kuhli at some point when things settle down. I think 9 is a good number to bring them up to in this tank. They're so insanely active with 5 of them in there. . . 9 should be fun!

And I know it's controversial, but I think I'd really like to increase the Bolivian rams up to 6. I've read a lot of debate on territory/aggressiveness with these guys and how it is best to keep them, but if there should be a problem, I have enough 'extra' tanks right now that I can give new homes to any that are causing trouble or being picked on.

We shall see!!!

I already have a good idea of where I want Becoming to go before I call it done, and I will be very excited when that day comes (won't be for another year or so). For now? I really, really love what it has become, and really hope that things continue to go so well for me. I still have a LOT to learn. . .

I'll keep you all posted - thanks again for such kind words - and support! I'm glad you like it!
 
#6 ·
:notworthy: This tank is absolutely amazing. It looks like some of the amazing photos I see of beautiful tanks on flickr. Simply amazing. That second photo is my favorite. You should really submit it to the photo of the month contest. This goes beyond a tank and into a work of art. You should be very proud of yourself.

PS. LOACHES ^-^ I saw one bump into a ram on the video, and it was adorable.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Izzy!!! Thank you - wow! What a sweet thing to say!!!

Loaches. . . OMG! They're HILARIOUS! We really LOVE our loaches, lol! They bump into the rams more often than you'd think - usually falling from above. We call them Sky Loaches. The poor little rams don't seem to be disturbed by their antics in the slightest bit, and by now I imagine they're used to it - they behaved the same way in the 29 - even when I only had 3 of them, they've always been very active, and never hid away. They're obviously enjoying the extra room to go wild with, though. ALL loaches love playing in the plants, of course, but three out of the five that I have REALLY seem to like tangling themselves up in the floating plants at the TOP of the tank (the living ones not the horrid plastic ones, lol).Floating plants should be on the 'requirements' list for Kuhli loaches in our profiles - they really seem to love them!

Thanks again - you're really very kind!
 
#10 ·
Loaches raining from the sky sounds adorable!! I'm eager to test out our theory about dither fish and loaches, and see mine move around more.

I think floating plants should be a requirement for most FW fishes. Nobody likes a harsh light all day long.

Be sure to keep us updated on this beautiful tank! And you know if you forget, we'll remind ya!
 
#11 · (Edited)
LOL! No... I swear, they've ALWAYS behaved like this! These guys were purchased in 2 batches from 2 pet shops - I think this is the way they're supposed to be? Hoping so, anyway, cuz' they sure LOOK happy enough! They aren't all *quite* as hyper, though. Two of them are always swimming like maniacs and seem to prefer playing in the surface plants, two of them act more loachy and prowl around on the substrate and in the rooted plants, and one of them is a 50-50 split, lol! Only one from the first batch I got was a silly swimmer, and I actually was WORRIED about him for a while until I got the second group, and one of THEM was also goofy. The third. . . he goes back and forth. Wonder what the next batch will bring!?

Maybe it's just me. . . NONE of my fish ever behave like they're allegedly 'supposed' to. I do all this research before bringing them home, only to find out that everything I've read is a lie, lol! My little Kuhli are very active and never hide, even during daylight hours. My rams are very peaceful toward one-another, and shoal together all of the time, my mollies are happy and thriving in soft-water, and my little wildly Tetra, well. . . they really adapted to tank life and flake foods way more easily than I ever expected them to! *shrug* They all make me so happy :-D

Loaches raining from the sky sounds adorable!! I'm eager to test out our theory about dither fish and loaches, and see mine move around more.
Noooooo. . . loaches raining from the sky sounds like a terrible idea! *cries* Though there are those weather loaches that supposedly behave like maniacs when it's about to rain. Maybe it's the HOB filters - the loaches must always think it's raining!?

I can't wait for you to test my ditherfish theory, either! I really want to see more than your loaches' behinds! I'm so excited for YOUR next round of loachlings. I want you to have the same experience that I've had with these amazing (and very silly) little fishums!

And... you're right! Floating plants are nothing but wonderful. They create shade and a feeling of safety for the fish, plus soak up toxins - what's not to love!
 
#14 ·
THREE CHEERS FOR NEW TANKS, SALES, AND MORE LOACHES!!! I'd love to see crazy before-it-rains loaches! I've really watched mine for ANY signs of this type of before-storm behavior, but so far. . .nothing seems different with the way they act based on the weather - I've had them all for months now, so *shrug*

It'd be nice if they behaved like they're supposed to, but . . .it's kind of more fun to learn about them when they don't - even if it makes research seem a bit pointless sometimes, lol!
 
#16 ·
Can't wait! Because all *I* can get now that my LFS has closed are the ones that aren't striped, so. . . I'm really curious to know if they shoal together, or keep apart. I love the stripey guys, tho. I might have to hang in there until I find them somewhere :)
 
#20 ·
I like to call is cherserscaping...... love your style Jes.

for the record I actually like the look of those floating plants, but obviously some big rooty suckers in there will make it more natural.

Its weird seeing so many rams together, your obviously lucky they all get on... I don't think others are so lucky. they are great fish, but I am used to seeing just one lone male in my community so to see yours was weird. but nice!

Must be nice to have all that space to play with after a 29g... That was my problem, always running out of room.

Good job anyways, love Becoming, and can't wait to see how things progress.

peace.
 
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#22 ·
My 'thank' button seems to have vanished (maybe I've used it too much since yesterday?), but thank you all just the same! It really blows my mind to get all of this positive feedback - you guys are all so amazingly sweet!


Dave. . . lol! No. I don't teach classes - I don't even know what *I'm* doing most of the time, as you well know! That said, if you ever come home with a bunch of plants, I'd be THRILLED to have a chance to help you out in any way that I can - it would be the least I could do to return all of the help you've given! Thank YOU for helping me with these little JellyBeans. They've come a long way. . . my mind is still boggled to think that they were swimming freely in Africa only a few months ago, and now are here - happy and healthy and safe in my community tank. It makes me so unbelievably happy to see the whole shoal in there. . . I lost one along the way, but took 3 shots of them while they were in the bucket between the tank, and I STILL have 20! I'm not sure if I originally got 21, or if the little guy that didn't make it was so happy, he decided to haunt my tank, but either way, a shoal of 20 Tetra is astounding to see in action! It's been so nice to get feedback from a been-there done-that guy like you. I really wish that you would put pictures of all of your gorgeous wild-caught and rare Tetra, Barbs, and the exquisite Rainbows that you've been keeping and breeding for all of this time! You have some amazing fish in your collection - you should share them! ;-)


Thank you Simon! *hugs* Chesherscaping, eh? *giggle* Whatever you call it, I'm thrilled to hear you say that you like it! Sweet of you to say you like my plastic - I hate them. I'll be so happy when they're gone forever, but they're serving a purpose, and the fish like the shade, so. . . for now. . . I'm glad they're here, too.

Rams, rams, rams - Gah! I love my little Livies! I know that there is a huge debate over how it's best to keep these guys, believe me - I researched their needs for months before I brought them home, and continue to learn about them. There are a LOT of people out there who feel they do best in a shoal of 5-6 + . . . but I've seen others keep a couple or a trio that just tore each-other apart. I have 3 females and 1 (very sweet) male, so maybe that's been the secret to my success? I actually *gasp* have two new little rams in QT right now - a male and a female. They were looking pretty rough when I got them, so fingers crossed that they make it through, and play nice with the others if/when they make it into the big tank. . . I have backup plans in place should any trouble arise, but for now - my original four at least have been happy together for 5 months or so!

It IS kind of nice to have so much more room to play with, but . . . at the same time a bit overwhelming! I'm sure I'll get used to it and feel like I need more room soon enough, lol. To ME, the 55 seems HUGE, but most people still consider it a small tank! :shock: For now, I'm just hoping that all of the plants settle in and take off, and that the fish continue to thrive. We shall see. . .

I've always loved your tank, too, and want so much to see you inspired again! Maybe you should rehome most of your fish and stick to the ones that you really love - get George some buddies and see how well you can rock a community of Bolivian Rams!!!


Tankfull - *GRINS* Thanks for the kind words! I have a 7 year old (or so) beaten-to-hell Nikon D50. Love my cam, it's a DSLR, and I've taken tens of thousands of pictures with it over the years. Still have a LOT to learn about taking a good picture of a fish and/or tank, though. So tough to get the balance right between the lighting and movement. Maybe someday I'll get it down!

My video camera is a crappy Flipshare that I got a few years ago. I wish I had a better camera (or a newer Nikon with the video camera built in would be even better!). This thing can only hold focus from a certain distance, so close-up shots are impossible, and the colors of the fish never come through - but it's enough to capture the movement of the tank, so I'm happy to have it!
 
#23 ·
Your very welcome Jes. I am always happy to help out a sister aquarist when I can. I'm glad most of the ******* made it through thier ordeal. when I keep fish again that don't look at a planted tank like a buffet, I will be calling on you for aquascaping ideas. You obviously have the eye for it;-) It is kind of amazing how the fish adjust from thier natural environment to our tanks. After we get them we make them lazy. They don't have to hunt for food anymore it falls from the sky:lol: Now for my embarassing moment, I would like to post some pics on the forum, but I don't know how:oops: I am not very computer savvy. So inept at it I still type with one finger.:lol: If I ever figure it out, I will put up some pics.
 
#24 ·
Hmmm... did I miss something in my research? I didn't think I had to worry about my tetra eating my plants!!! They might have to go BACK to Africa if they do (kidding! I love my Jellybean Brigade way too much to send the m away!)!!! And yes... I've found it really amazing to watch them go from shy and frightened pale little things who obviously didn't have any concept of GLASS or any type of non-living food all the way to bright-finned and happy little fish who tumble all over themselves in their rush to be in the right place at the slightest hint that some flakes might be put into the water! One of my littlest ones somehow managed to get ahold of one of the rams pellets yesterday. There was NO WAY that the silly fish had any hope of being able to eat the thing - his mouth is far too small! - but he stubbornly carried it around for about 3 minutes before giving it up as a lost cause. There are a few of them who have even learned that it's okay to pick at the substrate for leftovers - which makes my life MUCH easier, for sure! They really did adapt really quickly - to temperature, lighting, feeding. . . though, to be truthful, it must be nice for them to get a guaranteed meal every day without worrying about predators snatching them up. If *I* were a teeny tiny fish, I think I'd rather live in a well-kept glass box than in the wild. The wild is too scary! :shock:

With pictures. . .you can do it!!!
To start, you can just put up a tank in your aquarium log! That's really easy, I'm sure you can do it! Click on the 'aquarium log' tab at the top of the screen (in the dark blue bar) and from there you can 'add an aquarium'' and upload images directly from your computer into the log. These will come up under your name every time you post - where it says 'aquariums' just above your avatar image. :grin:
 
#25 ·
I am sooooo amazed it how clean and natural this looks! :-o A few months ago when i decided to try my hand at aquariums I only wanted a few fancy goldfish. After i did a little research i quickly found out how many colorful and active tropical fish were out there and quickly changed my mind. While in the process of cycling my tank I got a message from you offering a little help. WOW :welldone: am I glad I took your advise. you have helped me more than any teen aged PetSmart employee ever could or would. I am so grateful for making such a nice friend willing to share her advise with a guy just trying to start a small tank. Because of you I just picked up my first batch of fishies last night, and couldn't be more confident that everything will work out just fine.
Thanks again so very much:thankyou::yourock:
 
#26 ·
Aww, Kris! You're sweet!


It isn't because of any help from me that your fish will be healthy and happy - it's because YOU have spent so much time doing the research, cycling the tank without fish, and in general getting off on the right foot! Unfortunately, a lot of what I learned, I learned because I started off wrong, and have been so determined NEVER to make another fish suffer. Now I'm extra-cautious, and read everything I can get my hands on! Thankfully, the majority of those original fish made it through my mistakes - because of the help I got from other people on this wonderful forum. Most have now been re-homed and sent to live in tanks better suited for them, only the Mollies and the frogs remain, and both are in their own species-only tanks where I can make sure that they get the proper care.


And... a 29 gallon tank isn't small to me! I think it's the PERFECT size for a first tank - remember, Becoming has been in a 29g for months! I'm really looking forward to watching your little community develop. . . you should start your own tank log! I've learned a LOT through watching other people's tanks grow on these logs - and I'm really excited for you and your first tank!
 
#28 ·
Chesherca; Thanks for the info. I will be buying a New Nikon D80 for Christmas. I did a lot of research and asking people like you that take good pics and the consensus was usually Nikon.
I have some awesome fish and very few pics.
 
#29 ·
Tankful, you DO have cool fish! I can't wait to see some good shots of them! Do you still have the same two tanks with the same fish that are in your aquarium log? I promise you that I'll be SO jealous if you get the D80. My poor camera has been through SO much - I take way too many pictures of everything. . . I really NEED a new one. Wish they weren't so expensive! PLUS you'll get the awesome video camera that I believe is standard on that model - and it's a decent video cam, too!

Kris, taking good fish/tank pictures is REALLY difficult to do - I don't know if I'm the right person to ask about this, lol. Having a SLR camera really helps, because you can adjust aperture/shutter-speed, etc to help balance things out, but it's still really luck of the draw to get a good shot. It seems that either the tank comes out right and the fish are blurred, OR the fish are perfect, but the rest of the tank is too dark or too bright. It helps to be in a totally dark room, and taking a shot from the CORNER of the tank (like the 2nd picture on my OP) helps to allow as much light as you can get to the camera without having to deal with very much glare from other sources.

As far as your size issues, most photo-editing or paint software has the option of resizing an image. Another option is that most cameras will have a 'quality' setting. The lower resolution images are smaller, and so will take up less space. If you don't want to do either of these options, you can upload images onto Photobucket, and THEY have editing software built-in, you can resize them from there. From Photobucket you can paste pics directly into a thread, OR right-click on the image and save the smaller version to your computer, so that you can upload it into your 'aquarium log'

DO IT! I wanna see your new fishums!!! :-D
 
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