AQUASCAPE Upgrade for 180G South American CICHLID TANK
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ม.ค. 2025
- Watch as I give this 180 gallon tank a much needed upgrade using driftwood, plants and the existing Aquadecor standing logs. My South American cichlids - angelfish and geophagus at this time - will enjoy the change from a boring to GORGEOUS aquascape. I will show you the process I used to make the change and hopefully entertain you along the way. Let me know what you think of this planted freshwater tropical aquarium. Thanks for watching!
Cichlid Charmer is dedicated to sharing the joy of keeping African cichlids and American cichlids and sharing information about them. Much of my content is not cichlid fish specific, however. It also pertains to all tropical fish aquariums. I will share what I have learned about cichlids and other fish, and everyone is welcomed to comment with their own experiences and information about fish and aquarium practices in general.
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FILTERS:
Fluval FX6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/3GHPDeS
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Let me know what you think about this scape! I would love to hear your ideas or suggestions. Thank you for watching and commenting!
It's really sharp😃😃
Looks good....what you could of also do is soak the wood that way it would of never float it also have something you can use to spray on the glue which hardens it faster
@@arsenalboss1399 it’s such a huge piece of wood. I have nothing large enough to put it in. Oh well… what’s the spray stuff you’ve mentioned?
@@robertwinkler8444 very nice to hear 🥰
Awesome. I like the dark edges with the rippling effect also. Nice tank!
Every time I start liking my tank, I go and see one of your setups and I have to put on my bathrobe, close the shades and shut my tank lights off. It's so beautiful. I'll be OK. Yeah.
lol, well thank you! It’s fun thinking of ways to make your tank look like you want it to though. You’ll get it!!
When a TH-camrs has good taste in speakers such as the Kplisch bookshelves speakers it’s a must watch and a double 👍🏿 thumbs up
Funny, I never thought I would have a speaker coming out of my head in all these videos when I installed it. Worth it though - sounds SO good! Thanks for noticing, btw 🤩
Beautiful. Would watch it for hours. 🌟
Many thanks !
Just Fabulous! and love that you kept the standing logs for contrast.Seeing the angels glide in and around them is magical. How about a few floating water lettuce with the long roots trailing down!. Great job. Enjoyed your post very much. Thank You.
Thank you! In the video after this I actually added some water lettuce 👍 Great idea!
Looking good! I have some electric blue acaras I bred growing out if you'd like some.
Didn't see an email in your description. You never know who or what brands might want to reach out and don't have a way to message you...
Hello and THANKS! I actually just bought one male EBA, and I love him!
You are right -- i just added my email last night after I read this. How could I forget that?
Looks awesome.. really like the greenery
Thank you!
Love the new look and the new lights. Next time pre soak your wood, not only will it help it sink, it will also remove some tannins. You will need either a bristlenose or some snail to clean the fungus that you will be getting on the new wood. Java fern and anubias love some potassium fertiliser. Hopefully you can lose the black thumb mate.
I didn’t have anything large enough to presoak this sized branch, unfortunately, so now it soaks in the aquarium 😂. I am waiting for some algae to build up then getting some nerites. They’ll take care of it.
@@CichlidCharmer Once again, it looks great.
the finished escape is a big improvement. 💯% you're set of the three lights 👍 another little gesture four lights would be t5 with a plant light 👍👍👍👌.
please reply back to both of my comments.
I like having some light falloff at the ends. Thank you!
Good stuff, 👍🏿👍🏿
Appreciate it!
Oh man, how cool is that tank now just stunning, wow love it and I'm with you on the AI lights but, you poor thing that was a lot of work. OK what did I say about how long it would take for my new plants to meet their maker? Yup it's been what 1 week and I already have 2 that are wasting away, call me a plant murderer! My new fish are booming along, 3 German Blue Rams that are just so awesome and all the others are coming along great. Thank you again for bringing my love for aquariums back to light.....Polly!
Thank you, Polly! Are they stem plants that you’re helping to die? Those are what got me. Will you send me a pic of your new fish tank? I was just thinking about German rams. I wasn’t sure if three would be a good number or if there would be an odd man out kind of thing.
Yes, they all are stem plants, I said a nice last of rights to two, Amen, OK sure I will email you some pics. Hey party empty nester, well I was until some moved back but I don't mind at all I love it, Polly@@CichlidCharmer
@@pollylewis9611 stem plants… haaaaard! I wouldn’t mind if my daughter came back either 😋
Aw that's sweet to hear about your daughter, OK I emailed you some pics along with a couple of clips.@@CichlidCharmer
Omg 😳😍😍 the new AI prime light really gives it a vibrant look to the tank. I’m officially convinced to buy me a set of AI prime lights. I absolutely love the new look
That is SO good to know! I think so too. It really creates a vivid look I think. Beware the disco ball effect though. I am buying two diffusers now at about $30 each to nip that in the bud.
I really like the new lighting. I love the sparkle underwater. It seems very natural to me. And I also like the rest of Youri scape 🤩
That is my favorite part - that shimmer. Thank you very much!
That tank looks FANTASTIC!
Oh man, thank you for saying so! 🥰
Looks great!!! Huge difference… niw time for some discus!!!
Thanks! I can't say I have never been tempted...
I also have my 2m angels tank with 4 AI lights. They are amazing!
You tank is “TOP” with the new scape and those lights!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I get comments that I should get rid of my angels. I love the angels! You obviously like them as well. Thank you for the comment!
Absolutely beautiful outcome. Guaranteed your fish are happy. Great job 👍👍
Thank you, Sean!
nice too see newbies to the hobby trying different looks in there tank
Thanks. I’m not really a newbie to the hobby, but it kind of feels like it, because the world of cichlids has really made me fall in love with the hobby again.
My opinion is that the results speak for themselves, and that is something that you can & will enjoy for a very long time. After all the time I waited to make my comments I know I've already forgotten a few but less is more , at least as far as the whole should have, would have & could have is so often concerned. I love you going w 2 💡AI Primes vs. 3 , as I've been a big believer in providing every one of my aquariums with the most natural lighting. Definitely from the slow ramp up that is something you can't overlook especially for fish that tend to spook / potentially injuries.It's a disappointment to see how many displays are 100% full throttle . I'm pretty sure it never registered to the hobbyist that aquariums with all the tech available today should still have a few zones of indirect light💡 just like you are going to have in the NATURE, where everything originally came from. 😆 So as far as the plants drying out...next time just cover everything in wet paper towels & some cling wrap💡. Whenever I have needed "something for whatever reason" I'm a huge fan of SEACHEM Stress Guard 💡, highly recommend that you have a big bottle of it .....& since I don't recommend ANYTHING but this & PRIME , unless they're asking....AMAZON only for a very good $ same as 1 more must have on my list . For the future if you want to have your FX kept in the optimal way , to service the best way I promise you that you have to try the EHEIM pre-filter 💡 Now I'm not recommending it for a nano or even ANYTHING under 40 - 55 gallons since the average person would...just check out the videos and read some of AMAZON reviews... as most of the negative comments are largely due to the simple fact that some hobbyists tend to be very limited in their ability to be intelligent enough to figure something out with the most obvious solution..... Since I have been there before I will end with you really should consider getting two, take off the 1st using the best way I have found is simply a newspaper plastic bag ( perfect ) so I just completely cover and the twist off doubles to be very effective for the removal of the crap trap as I have been calling it and boom boom connect #2 to make it as quickly as possible and I have never had to shut off the FX and hopefully you can conceal the EHEIM pre-filter replacement for the FLUVAL 💡
Por favor it's disappeared, the pre-filter's invisible 💃🕺 gracias Aqua Decor #EHEIMPREFILTER
Thank you! I love the vignette, but more importantly, I like that the fish have a place of refuge to get out of the scorching sun 😃. I do have a big bottle of stress guard. I didn’t add any to the tank in this video because of how well everyone seemed to adjust. I should have put some in the tote though… when I am doing a huge project AND making a video, it is so easy for me to forget something. Once I left the draining end of my water change hose just lying on the ground and turned on the pump… Noooooo! I will check out that pre filter for sure. Thanks for the well thought out comment!
I think turned out super cool that was a fun video to watch, I'm new to your channel ,I'm going to be sticking around for a long time great video show the rest of your tanks. Thanks
Well thank you! Glad to see you here. I have an older video on my tanks. Time for a new one for sure!
Gorgeous new setup. Rock on Buddy👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you! Rock on indeed!
Just came across your channel. I really like the change and would do without any vertical logs. The diftwood and live plants is just right. I use three ecotech marine freshwater lights for my tank. If you have the option, you may want to lower the light intensity to keep the low light plants alive while not being too bright. Nice Job.
I sure appreciate your advice. Thank you!
A true branch master
🤣
Now the tank looks awesome! Great job!
I prefer with your old led bar light. With the two new ones, there is too much light inside the tank, in my opinion. And I believe the fishes also prefer not too much light.
Anyway, nice job! 👍
Old light, eh? You know it wasn’t bad. I do love the new ones though. I leave that dark vignette so they can escape the light. It’s about the same intensity, but covers front to back more evenly. Thank you so much!
turned out awesome
❤️
That looks amazing!
You think so, Dennis? Thank you, man!
@@CichlidCharmer I know so, the big piece of driftwood really brings out that tank. I was thinking of doing the java moss also but ended up just anubius plants. Also the colors on the angels are amazing!
@@dennispeleg7843 That means a lot my friend 🙏
@@CichlidCharmer it's true brother. Anytime
@@dennispeleg7843 🤘🤘🔥
Its beautiful. Ai prime are better looking imo. Thanks for sharing
Thank you - I agree 🤩
Nice!!!!!! Love it, and best with the AI lights …👍👏
Thank you, Bonnie 😍
Nice job. I think I would remove the log that’s on the left closet to the front. It looks out of place but over all it’s better than what I would have done. Nice find with that branch.
Thank you! I placed that log there so it would look more random and less designed. You’re right though. I moved it a few days ago. Good call! 👍
This is really great Dave. I love the new piece and the new plants. I think it was a great idea.
Thank you, Steve! I’m mesmerized by it every night. Now my AC tank is a little on the boring side. Tempted to make it an SA tank… I mean a little tempted. Not like enough to do anything about it 🤔
@@CichlidCharmer wow that would be crazy to do that!
I understand that because of the temperament of the animals, and being able to add plants and other things that African cichlids tend to ruin.
@@Parkbenchaquatics I would miss the Africans, but I would love to be able to have some of those larger SAs like the Jack Dempsey. I won’t put one in anything less than 240.
Excellent work. I really like the look of the setup
Thank you!
Great job! Looks amazing! Thanks!
Thank you for the compliment and for watching!
I love your aqauriums, so beautiful
Why thank you, Raven 🥰
Logs in the tank are pretty damn awesome 👍
I appreciate that!
Great job! Looks amazing! Quite a difference with the new lights.
Happy to hear it! I am wry satisfied with those new Primes!
AI primes are the way to go!! I just got some for my tank and it completely changed the appearance. Also the that big branch looks awesome!! Might do a scape change myself 😅
Thank you, William! Rescaling is a pain, but also so fun and rewarding. Have fun!
Cool scape! Some anubias or other epiphytes on the protrusions from the vertical logs (or just more randomly on them in empty spaces) may make it more visually interesting, in my opinion. Like they're trees that are sprouting new branches/foliage. But either way, HUGE improvement! The new lights are absolutely gorgeous on camera, too. Great choice for the tank, it's beautiful!
That is a wonderful idea! I think that would look great - thank you!
Looks great, I also had a hard time putting a 4 feet long driftwood into my tank, had to do a practice run on another empty tank to figure out the angle. You should have a rainbow shark or pleco in it to help you keep the wood clean/polished, they do a great job like a carpenter.
Good suggestions! I will need to build up some algae and then definitely adding some kind of algae eater. I’d like a red tailed shark actually. I don’t want him chasing my geos around though….
@@CichlidCharmer your wood will have surface rot, they eat those up. My rainbow shark is not chasing any of my geos, but he is still young, my geo tapajos n Sveni are over 4 inches, they are mean as they get bigger. I will see how it goes.
@@mikech60 I might do nerite snails.
Love your tank thanks
Thank you!
I use both AI freshwater prime and the fluvial 3.0 lights on my tanks I have no complaints for either of them both good lights
The two lights are better as it make the aquarium more brighter, you can see all the details in the tank. Nice Work
Thank you for your opinion! I agree.
Just suddenly felt the urge to subscribe during this video 🤔👍😉
Oooo, excellent -- My plan worked! (Thank you!)
@@CichlidCharmer 🤣✅
I've found the two net method or hand and net method where you use one net or your hand to direct the fish into the second net makes it much easier on you and the fish. As for the inhabitants of your tank how adding 2 or 3 types of schooling tetras with a doz in each group and finally a large group of corys. good job keeping your wood submerged.
Those are good suggestions! I typically use the two net method when the fish are a bit more feisty than these guys are. I've had schooling tetras with these angels before, and I really didn't think the angels appreciated how those tetras would dart around so quickly -- especially at feeding time. I don't know, I've seen it in other tanks, but I want something more relaxed in this tank. Thank you!
Great outcome and effort for your fish tank.What are you doing about the large timber floating to the top. Are you planning to rescue it on leave rocks on it.
Thanks! I am going to leave the rocks on it for a few months and then see if it’s going to float. Eventually, it will stay down.
BEAUTIFUL
Thanks, man!
Looks good!
Subbed 👍
Thank you, and thank you!
The branch looks beautiful it really stands out very nice job.
Thank you for the encouragement and for watching!
Very nice. I would consider removing some if not all the artificial logs.
Really! Interesting perspective. I really like them, but maybe that will change and one day I will wonder what I was thinking 😂
You did a great job ❤ love how your tank looks
I’m so glad you think so - thank you!
Amazing ❤
Many thanks!
Excellent video. Does the poly fil get caught hoses in the fx6?
Thanks! No, but it does shed on anything directly below it in the same tray.
I personally like the strip light look, the background looks really dark and mysterious. That being said, I think the new lights are fine too as it is a planted tank, more light shouldn’t hurt. Plus the AC tank has the other look so you get the best of both :)
You know, when I first compared the two back to back, I was torn between them. After a few minutes of viewing them both, I was taken in by the shimmer and the overall spread of this lighting system. I know what you mean about the back being mysterious though. I would love it if the lights didn't shine on the back panel at all. Thanks for the feedback!
Awesome.....can u pls specify the thickness of the glass and dimensions of the tank
It is 6x2x2. I believe it's 1/2 inch thick acrylic.
👋hello👋 how are you doing today. really good work on the escaping.
after watching you try puting that piece of logwood in the aquarium .
I have a question.
what are the dimensions of the aquarium.
it is a very sweet aquarium setup
Thank you! It is a 180 gallon. 6x2x2 feet
@@CichlidCharmer hello how are you doing today.
that is a very sweet Aquarium set up
@@CichlidCharmer hello how are you doing again.
fireworks I wasn't sure if it was 24 inches or 30 inches.
it is a sweet and amazing aquascape you came up with for it 👍🏻👌🏻
@@Stan-q7n Thank you. My 10-foot American cichlid tank is 30" deep and 28" high. This one is just 24x24.
Came out really good, nice work. What size is the tank?
Thanks! 180 gallons
Love the tank couldn't look much better, lots of work but look at the results ,i dont think i can get used of the straght logs thats not a negative. Love the tank
Thank you. Are you saying you do not like the vertical logs?
@@CichlidCharmer no please dont take it wrong to much work for anything neg
@@kennethjoubert8036 oh don’t worry, I’m not offended. Totally like feedback good or bad. It’s all an adventure and learning experience
Awesome
Thanks, Mario!
Where can I find that tree trunk driftwood in the States? Beautiful tank!
I just found mine down by the river. I am in Idaho.
Please tell us you kept the old water its wonderful
The old water?
@@CichlidCharmer yes your tank is beautiful and the water must be perfect for fish . I'm curious if you put it back or is it something just that I do . If I just make adjustments in the tank
@@dallasbrat81 I put none of it back. It didn’t have anything my fish need, and it’s good to get rid of the nitrates. Nice to have a 95% water change.
Where did your tanks come from? Specs would be nice to know thanks
They are from fish tanks direct online. They are acrylic. The big African tank is 2x2x8 ft and the 180g is 2x2x6 ft. Thanks for asking.
OK, that does look sick. Still, I am a massive fan of the old setup. I will say I like them equally. The lights obvs make a difference. What are your thoughts on your filter media not having running water over it for that lengthj of time? I hear that the bacteria dies off from 20 mins with no flowing water which makes me panic massively with a 3 hour power outsge/rescape etc
Thanks for your honest opinion, Paul. So I was concerned about that, too. I could have placed the media in the tote with my fish, but I felt like it would be okay for that long, but I had no proof either way. It seems like one of those things where everyone has a different idea of how long the BB can survive without oxygenation through flow. Well I knew this was going to be difficult enough for me to do the update AND video it, so I took the risk. Besides, I’ve forgotten to turn back on a filter over night and didn’t experience any issues either (there was still surface agitation) I made sure to boost the BB with Stability just in case and then watch. I only added that one dose of stability. I watched everyone daily to make sure they were okay. No blooms, no strange behavior. It’s been a while now and everything is great with crystal clear water. No one is showing signs that anything is wrong. So how long can your BB survive in a power outage? I think longer than many people say. I bet Prime Time Aquatics has some accurate info on the subject. That guy is brilliant.
@@CichlidCharmer You see, I live in a rural village. We have power outages at least once a month. 2-3 times a month during bad weather in winter. 5 hours was the longest. I spent over £100 on one of tho9se uninteruptable power supply boxes, but having done the maths (currebnt/volts etc) it still barely runs 2 x FX6's and they sound unhappy running slow. I would hate to damage them. Yet 5 hours of power outage and I see no problems. I call BS on the 20 minute thing. Maybe some BB die off, but I reckon they mostly live and replensih any loss. Any ways my dude, loved this video, love the look(s) - both scapes I am a fan of remember. Take it easy
@@dascudder I second your BS proclamation! Thanks again, Paul.
Accu Clear is probably just Zeolit powder mixed with water, like EasyLife and similar products. Therefore I would dose it in the tank 🙂
Interesting. It did work though.
I'm subscribed, amazing scape ,can you please tell me the hight of this tank , is it 3 or 2 feet?
Thanks! It’s 6x2x2
I will never understand why people leave the clean film on their FX6 it looks worse than any possible scratches it may pick up, and who are you keeping it clean for if it’s not for yourself or are you just not bothered?😂😂😂 Love the tanks by the way 👍☺️
Did I have the clear wrap still on my filter? 😂. Thanks for the compliment on the tanks 🥰
That's much better than before, but real forests have lots of plants covering the forest floor. That's what it's really missing to complete the look.
What model are the new ai lamps?
AI Prime Freshwater
I feel like a random 5 standing logs would be enough. i think it takes away from the large limb laying down. Like the color pop though now
I appreciate the feedback!
Put the purigen in the top tray ... easier to replace ... advice from kaveman
I saw that video too. I’m fine digging for it one time. I won’t use it again, most likely. My tanks are usually very clear without it.
What about a pair of fire mouth, beautiful cichlids
Good fish, but too aggressive for my guys. I’m really limited!
I would remove the vertical logs for at much cleaner and balanced look. But each has it’s own taste.
Thanks for your opinion. I may take them out someday but I love them now.
Love it but u can cut off some vertical logs
I could but they would look terribly fake then
awesome wood lol
Thank you - what a find it was!
New setup 10/10. Any new subscriber aquarium videos coming soon? I hope you can post a new subscriber video weekly😂
Man these videos take HOURS for me to make. A ten minute video takes me about 12 hours to do. Can you believe that? So long. I have one coming up hopefully video after next though. Thanks for asking, and thank you for the 10/10!
@CichlidCharmer i think posting your subscriber aquarium videos consistently will bring your subscriber count to 50k this time next year. You also have a great speaking voice for narrating over your subscriber videos too.
@@elementsoflife000 thank you for the confidence boost! I’m putting out videos as fast as I can without going even more insane. The subscriber videos are a little trickier due to having to constantly be in communication with the subscriber and monitoring their videos before I start my own. Fun to do though and I really love showing off your tanks ❤️❤️
@CichlidCharmer Fish For Thought youtube Channel has almost 400,000 subscribers just from reviewing other people aquariums! That's WAY more than many other youtube channels that only do saltwater or freshwater tanks only. you can ask your subscribers to make their videos in a particular format and to answer certain questions in the video so there is no need for back and forth communication after a video is sent to you. I have seen other non fish youtubers have the same requirement if a subscriber sends in a video for them to do a review, etc.
@@elementsoflife000 that be lots of subscribers 🤔 I do have a list I give them to follow. But giving instructions is sometimes easier than interpreting them.
Sir what is the under water sand name, pls tell me sir.
It is Caribsea Torpedo Beach.
Tq sir
👍🔥🔥🔥
Thank you!
South Ameerican Tank is incomplete without Severums and a Oscar ... 😅
I would love a severum, but I love my plants more. Afraid he would eat them. I really want an Oscar! However, I will never add one to anything less than a 240.
Sir the plants real or plastic sir
Real
Wow superbb
@@MKvlogs681 thank you!
first❤
Indeed
I'd add some discuss
They sure are pretty, but I don’t want to have to worry about their finicky requirements in this tank.
I yelled at my phone when I saw he use the standing logs again 🤦♂️ like why ?
Yeah - yelling at a phone is crazy 😜
that one vertical log in the middle-left needs to go.
Hmmm. I long considered that. I put it there so it would seem more natural. Less planned.
I moved it. Thank you 😊
Smart choice. Will look a lot cleaner.
Gorilla Glue ?
I just use super glue of just about any brand now.
Well, I dont think that this aquarium was boring, to be honest was very nice, just some plants should be included😉. Anyway, the new one looks very, very nice.
Well thank you! I really like the way it looks now.