- Background -
Hi everyone, let me start with a bit of background as to why I got started on this tank. I originally had a raised pond I built in the backyard early spring. It was just supposed to be a planted pond with various lilies and a water feature. A few weeks in, the pond is doing well and friends and family want fish in there. Long story short, months later we had several Koi and 4 Goldfish. While the pond itself was large it was not deep; close to 3'. Here in Canada, it wasn't going to work to keep the Fish outside unless the pond was at least 4' or more; so the water won't freeze completely (As I learned later on). With winter coming I wanted to keep them indoors and then build a deeper pond next spring.
Being a student and only working part time the budget wasn't there to get something new or too big. I went with a used 135g on Kijiji which included, Tank, Stand, 6 foot T8 Fixture, & FX5 (no media/filter pads) for $500 (Canadian). It was supposed to be scratch free but unfortunately had lots of little scratches and some bigger ones inside. But given that it was used and one of the better deals available at the time, I can't complain.
So why a planted tank with koi/goldfish? To be honest, I really like the look you can achieve with a planted tank and if I can go with natural plants I was willing to try and experiment. I also kept the Koi & Goldfish with a large variety of submerged, and shallow water plants, so while they nibbled on the watercress, they left everything else alone.
- Intro -
I wanted to started this thread as a journal of sorts to keep track of, and share what I learn as this Aquarium Evolves. I will include the good and the bad so someone else may gain something from it.
My experience in the hobby is still quite lacking as my only other tank was back when I was in grade school. I will be learning as I go so please feel free to make any suggestions or ideas.
One last note, time was really against me as I had just netted the pond due to a weasel that was making visits at night. I wanted to cycle the tank as soon as possible so I could move the fish in. I heard about Tetra SafeStart PLUS but with it being available in the US only, I had to have it shipped near the border and then get it mailed to me. This will take a week, so its the waiting game.
- Day 1 - Sep 11, 2016 -
First Day of Tank Fill up & Cycling
- Additives, Medications, & Supplements -
• Seachem Prime
• Seachem Stability
- Equipment -
• Aquarium 72" x 18" x 24" - 135 Gallon [Pre-owned Turtle Tank]
- Painted Background (Black Semi-gloss w/ 4 coats)
• Black Stand and Canopy [Pre-Owned]
• Fluval FX5 [Pre-Owned]
1st Basket
- Fluval FX5 Fine Filter Polishing Pad [1]
- Seachem Purigen 200 ml
- Seachem Matrix 350 ml
- Filter Starter Gel Balls [2]
2nd Basket
- Biohome Ultimate 1.5 Kg
- Filter Starter Gel Balls [4]
3rd Basket
- Biohome Ultimate 1.5 Kg
- Filter Starter Gel Balls [4]
• EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat - 250W [71 °F]
• AquaQuartz Pool Filter Sand #20 - White 100 lbs
• Seachem Ammonia Alert
• Vertex Illumilux Marino Sole 6K - 36" [Pre-Owned - Chopped into Three]
• Aquatic Life Dual T5HO (Roseate + 6000K) - 36" [2 - Pre-Owned]
Hi everyone, let me start with a bit of background as to why I got started on this tank. I originally had a raised pond I built in the backyard early spring. It was just supposed to be a planted pond with various lilies and a water feature. A few weeks in, the pond is doing well and friends and family want fish in there. Long story short, months later we had several Koi and 4 Goldfish. While the pond itself was large it was not deep; close to 3'. Here in Canada, it wasn't going to work to keep the Fish outside unless the pond was at least 4' or more; so the water won't freeze completely (As I learned later on). With winter coming I wanted to keep them indoors and then build a deeper pond next spring.
Being a student and only working part time the budget wasn't there to get something new or too big. I went with a used 135g on Kijiji which included, Tank, Stand, 6 foot T8 Fixture, & FX5 (no media/filter pads) for $500 (Canadian). It was supposed to be scratch free but unfortunately had lots of little scratches and some bigger ones inside. But given that it was used and one of the better deals available at the time, I can't complain.
So why a planted tank with koi/goldfish? To be honest, I really like the look you can achieve with a planted tank and if I can go with natural plants I was willing to try and experiment. I also kept the Koi & Goldfish with a large variety of submerged, and shallow water plants, so while they nibbled on the watercress, they left everything else alone.
- Intro -
I wanted to started this thread as a journal of sorts to keep track of, and share what I learn as this Aquarium Evolves. I will include the good and the bad so someone else may gain something from it.
My experience in the hobby is still quite lacking as my only other tank was back when I was in grade school. I will be learning as I go so please feel free to make any suggestions or ideas.
One last note, time was really against me as I had just netted the pond due to a weasel that was making visits at night. I wanted to cycle the tank as soon as possible so I could move the fish in. I heard about Tetra SafeStart PLUS but with it being available in the US only, I had to have it shipped near the border and then get it mailed to me. This will take a week, so its the waiting game.
- Day 1 - Sep 11, 2016 -
First Day of Tank Fill up & Cycling
- Additives, Medications, & Supplements -
• Seachem Prime
• Seachem Stability
- Equipment -
• Aquarium 72" x 18" x 24" - 135 Gallon [Pre-owned Turtle Tank]
- Painted Background (Black Semi-gloss w/ 4 coats)
• Black Stand and Canopy [Pre-Owned]
• Fluval FX5 [Pre-Owned]
1st Basket
- Fluval FX5 Fine Filter Polishing Pad [1]
- Seachem Purigen 200 ml
- Seachem Matrix 350 ml
- Filter Starter Gel Balls [2]
2nd Basket
- Biohome Ultimate 1.5 Kg
- Filter Starter Gel Balls [4]
3rd Basket
- Biohome Ultimate 1.5 Kg
- Filter Starter Gel Balls [4]
• EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat - 250W [71 °F]
• AquaQuartz Pool Filter Sand #20 - White 100 lbs
• Seachem Ammonia Alert
• Vertex Illumilux Marino Sole 6K - 36" [Pre-Owned - Chopped into Three]
• Aquatic Life Dual T5HO (Roseate + 6000K) - 36" [2 - Pre-Owned]