Habitat - Indoor :: Jordtim's build thread

[PridgNYC]

Jordtim is definitely getting used to his new environment, and helping me with the arrangement. Last night he was digging a burrow under the driftwood that is leaning against the back wall.

Burrowing under the driftwood.

This evening he discovered that he could hang out on the filter to use the currents to clean himself. He loves strong currents, I have watched him try to swim into the output stream of the filter many times. (thank god I decided to go with the fx5.)

The suction helps to clean me. Ahhhh....

He also learned that the plant will support him against the current.

Nobody can see me, but I see you...

[VeipaCray]

Your tank is looking really nice.

[PridgNYC]

Tonight, I got a new pump, and a cuttle bone for the tank. The air stones are now working, and the tank is starting to look good. My wife wants a few more rocks though, so the search continues. I will also start thinking about an ATBA.

Her current basking area. All just floating docks, but he can get up there just fine. (and dive off at incredible speed)

Basking area...

This is after adding the bubbles and extra extended basking platforms.

I also did water tests tonight.

Ph 7.8
Ammonia, .25ppm
Nitrite, .35 ppm
Nitrate, 30 ppm

[valladin82]

Man you did a great job. Seeing yours I really want to use sand in mine too. Just afraid of burning out my motor with it. Canister filters are definitely not cheap.

[steve]

Very nice progress. Just double check to make sure there are no areas he can get trapped. RES are notorious for squeezing into tight areas.

@valladin82 - can you move your intake higher?

[valladin82]

Yeah its not near the bottom as it is. I just worry about stuff thats probably not a big deal.

[PridgNYC]

Very nice progress. Just double check to make sure there are no areas he can get trapped. RES are notorious for squeezing into tight areas.
...

He's good, he showed me last night that he can lift the piece of driftwood that is leaning against the back wall.

[Mr. Tuck]

I know I'm late to this thread, but I like the way the sand looks in the tank.

[PridgNYC]

Thanks Mr. Tuck, the pool filter sand does work very well in the tank. It is also very easy to take care of, waste doesn't get trapped in it, Jordtim seems to like it a lot, it gives him grip when walking along the bottom, and he digs in it to customize his environment.

[PridgNYC]

My gallery thread has more recent pictures. viewtopic.php?f=14&t=30693&p=293990

[Mr. Tuck]

I'm going either be adding some pool filter sand to my tank this wednesday, or by next week wednesday. Any advice on rinsing it?

[VeipaCray]

pool filter sand is pre-rinsed but re-rinsing isn't a bad idea as you'll remove some of the dust and fines that have come out of the sand.

I'd just put some in a 5 gallon bucket add water to the bucket and swish the sand around. Some of the finest particles will float and you can rinse those away.
Advice - use some gloves like dishwashing gloves. Sand is abrasive and bare hand swishing will lead to sore scraped up hands.

[Mr. Tuck]

Hah, but if my hands are calloused it will actually help! Great pics in your gallery PridgNYC!