50 replies to this topic

[Dr Cucumber]

Embarking on a new project. Have just completed stripping out my 4×2×2 planted tank and will over the next few days convert to a limestone reef set up.

 

I've also placed an order for 15 × 4cm Tropheus Red Rainbow F1s.

 

First question. Limestone reef on white sand or black sand? What do you think? I tend to think that white limestone on 'retina burning' white sand can be a bit too much.... More pics to follow over next few days.

Edited by Dr Cucumber, 07 August 2014 - 11:28 PM.

[Mattymak]

River sand

Nice tank bro looks good

[Dr Cucumber]

What colour is river sand?

[malawiman85]

I really like black substrate and black back ground... Makes for a hell of a display.

[Mattymak]

Yeah me too Malawi man, but I couldn't find any good black sand

[malawiman85]

Yeah proper black sand is a bit of a pita to find. Aquotix used to have the good stuff, cant think what it was called.

[Bermont]

ive got 25 of these and i can tell you that black sand and background just makes them look muddy, the brighter the environment the better and more stunning your tropheus will be

[Dr Cucumber]

Bermont I plan to use white limestone rocks on a black substrate. I also have very intense lighting. 9 × T3 Tubes.

[Redevilz]

Go river sand mate! It's white, looks natural

[hollis]

+ one on river sand , soils ant soils,8 bucks a bag, my trophs always looked better on blue background. Tank needs to be bright these fish change dark in colour to adapt to surroundings

Edited by hollis, 05 August 2014 - 09:09 AM.

[Redevilz]

$6 a bag now. Bought a couple bags on the weekend

[Westie]

I would much prefer black sand to the white or river sand, but that's my thoughts. The Aquotix stuff is called Krystal Black sand. I had crushed coral substrate in my tank with my tangs, but that was because I struggled to get the pH high enough with my tap water. If I were to do it again though, I would definately go with the Krystal Black sand or Tahitian Moon sand. More expensive, but looks great. Seen what it looks like first hand with Tangs (tropheus etc.). Others will have a different opinion. If you want to do it on the cheap, then go for river sand

[Dr Cucumber]

Thanks for all your comments. I changed my mind and went for the river sand. A few piccies.

 

Prior to fill.

 

Filled. Filter and hesting on. Tang salts added.

 

Edited by Dr Cucumber, 07 August 2014 - 11:29 PM.

[Bermont]

crap, ive got a 3' 6 bloke HOt5 setup for sale you could of used

[Redevilz]

Looks great mate. I love the scape!

[Dr Cucumber]

Thanks. It looks better in the flesh. Photos dont do it justice.

[Dr Cucumber]

I have about 50 ltrs of fine black gravel. Its about 0.5-1mm so pretty close to being sand. Its for sale in classifieds. Dirty though. Needs a good wash.

[Dr Cucumber]

Fish went in today. 16 red rainbows: 4 large (4-5cm) and 12 smallish (3cm) in an attempt to skew the sex ratio. Absolutely thriving. Coloured up immediately and amazingly enough, some even started courting.

Edited by Dr Cucumber, 07 August 2014 - 10:31 PM.

[Mattymak]

Looking awesome

[Dr Cucumber]

And some video....
Tropheus red rainbows:
 

Edited by Dr Cucumber, 07 August 2014 - 11:27 PM.