DRAGON PALACE

My Ranchu Tank

2008-12-21T15:30:00.002+08:00

A quick picture update of my simple goldfish display tank.

There are total of only 9 ranchu inside; 8 gold ranchu and 1 black ranchu for feng shui purpose.

Final Update for Dragon Palace

2008-09-29T10:58:00.005+08:00

There has been no update on my blog for more than a year due to busy life schedule.
Anyway, planted was not succesful.......sigh....
However, I'm currently planning to convert my tank for ranchu keeping. It shall be a tank with nine ranchus only(8 gold + 1 black) with most likely a bare bottom tank.
Time to keep thing simple.

Planted Tank - Work in Progress

2007-09-23T22:29:00.000+08:00

Water Parameters:

PH : 6.4

Temp : 26C

GH : 5

KH : 3

Ammonia : 0

Nitrite : 0

Nitrate : 10ppm

CO2 : 35 ppm

Plants :

Hemiantus callitrichoides (HC)

Nymphaea lotus

Anubias

Blyxa Japonica

Weeping Moss - Vesicularia ferriei

Fishes :

Otto

RummyNose

Death of My RTG

2007-08-25T14:58:00.000+08:00

Currently the tank is quite empty and will likely to be converted into planted tank.

June Update

2007-06-04T13:33:00.000+08:00

An updated pic of my RTG.

Water Parameter Results as at 25/5/2007

2007-05-25T13:16:00.000+08:00

A quick test to make sure everything is alright.

PH : 7.0
Temp : 28C
Ammonia : 0
Nitrite : 0
Nitrate : 0
KH : 3
GH : 5

March 2007 Update

2007-03-16T10:43:00.000+08:00

Another update of my RTG together with some tankmates.

February 2007 Update

2007-02-01T18:35:00.000+08:00

This is how my RTG looks like currently. Blue based colour seems to get lighter and gold colour turn more copperish.
A close up shot of my RTG.

Tank water parameter update :

PH : 7.0
GH : 5
KH : 3
Ammonia : 0
NO2 : 0
NO3 : 0
Temp : 28C

Update for Year 2007

2007-01-05T12:49:00.000+08:00

Update of my arowana and tank's water parameter:

RTG : 23 inches
RTG scale colour start changing to more copperish colour intead of gold. Guess that's the fish genetics.

Water :
PH - 7.0
Temp : 27C
Ammonia : 0
Nitrite : 0
Nitrate : 0
KH : 3
GH : 5

Water parameter readings seems to be quite stable and constant throughtout the year.

Filter:
Filteration system using wet/dry sump filter with combination of continuous water change system ( at approximately 10% per day )

Tank mates :
Discus & Clown Loaches.

Lighting :
2 x 150watt MH

Feeding :
Fed once on daily basis.

Diet :
Crickets, earthworm, bullfrogs, centipede, superworm, feeder prawns & feeder fish. Tetrabits and bloodworms for discus and clown loach.

Water Parameter Results as at 24/11/2006

2006-11-24T09:10:00.000+08:00

PH : 7.0
Temp : 27C
Ammonia : 0
Nitrite : 0
Nitrate : 0
KH : 3
GH : 5

RTG Update

2006-10-21T23:27:00.000+08:00

Picture update of my RTG.

Root Monster

2006-10-21T23:20:00.000+08:00

Bought these as additional supplement for HC plants.

Interpet 9 - Anti Internal Bacteria

2006-09-22T14:40:00.000+08:00

Bought these medicine as I've suspected one of my discus is having internal bacteria problem and not eating.

Additional Fertiliser

2006-09-14T18:28:00.000+08:00

Magnesium sulfate/epsom salt from local pharmacy.

UV Steriliser

2006-09-13T15:34:00.000+08:00

Just bought this new equipment to keep my water parameter in good condition. I'm planning to run the UV steriliser with an extra pump(1000-1500 lph) for 8 hours a day.

Foreground Plant

2006-09-12T18:51:00.000+08:00

Just bought some plants for foreground plants. Could possibly be Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'.

RTG Update

2006-09-03T18:09:00.000+08:00

Update of my RTG - currently measured at about 20". Done some planting by moving the anubias to the main tank.

Tank Overview - 2/9/06

2006-09-02T13:46:00.000+08:00

Here's my tank updated with gravel added. More gravel needed to provide a good substrate depth with slope effect. Still need some aquascaping ideas. Currently, only left with one lonely RTG swimming around. Added some common white feeder fish(unknown species from LFS).
Water Parameter :
Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate - undetectable(could be bioload too low).
PH : 7.0
GH : 6
KH : 3
Temp : 29C

Aro Vitamins

2006-08-28T13:40:00.000+08:00

Vitamins for my RTG.

Dry Fert

2006-08-27T16:36:00.000+08:00

Food for my plants; Potassium Sulfate & Potassium Nitrate.

Titanium Evaporator & Control Unit

2006-08-23T15:32:00.000+08:00

I've finally managed to get my Titanium Evaporator & Controller unit. Currently still looking for suitable compressor/air conditioning unit to set up the Split Unit Chiller system.

Water Parameter Results as at 18/08/2006

2006-08-18T19:04:00.000+08:00

PH - 7.0
NH3 - 0
NO2 - 0
NO3 - 0
Temp = 29 C
GH = 5 dGH
KH = 4 dGH

Death of My Little RTG

2006-08-13T18:52:00.000+08:00

My little RTG was found dead this morning, trapped in the Wet/Dry section of the filter. He was about 8 inches when i first got him. Now, he's about 14.5 inches.

Here the last update of two RTG together. Pic taken yesterday, 12/8/06.

Earthworm for My Arowana

2006-08-12T15:57:00.000+08:00

Another variety of food for my arowana.

Liquid Fertilizer

2006-08-09T19:18:00.000+08:00

Liquid fertilizer that i'll be using at the moment for my tank. Currently still looking for dry ferts like KNO3 & KH2PO4 to make my own PMDD fertilizer.

More Equipments

2006-08-01T23:09:00.000+08:00

Purchased some new black sand that i'm planning to use on top of my old gravel. Hopefully the total substrate will be enough to create 3-5 inches of substrate for my main tank.
My old CO2 cylinder along with the CO2 reactor and a tiny powerhead to run the reactor. I'm still considering whether i'll use these CO2 setup, or maybe i shall build a bigger DIY PVC reactor?

My 4 Feet Tank

2006-08-01T22:55:00.000+08:00

I'm currently using the 4 feet tank for storing/qurantine my plants. These anubias tied on driftwood will soon be transfered to the main tank.
More piping works for the 4 feet tank setup. By the way, I've just changed new filter catridges for the filter; both the sediment filter and the carbon block.

My Current Fish Room

2006-08-01T22:42:00.000+08:00

This is how my little fish room look like after setting up my old 4 feet tank and adding a rack for storage purpose. There will be more rearranging of items that need to be done.

More Food for My Arowana

2006-08-01T22:35:00.000+08:00

Bullfrog

Water Parameter Results as at 14/07/2006

2006-07-13T13:47:00.000+08:00

PH 7.0
GH 6
KH 4
Ammonia = 0
NO2 = 0
NO3 = 5 mg/l
Temp = 29 C

Materials for Building Moss Wall

2006-06-13T10:39:00.000+08:00

Suction Cups

3lb Fishing Line

Black Mesh Netting

More Plants

2006-06-12T09:41:00.000+08:00

Some of the additional plants bought for my tanks. I believe these are lower requirement & maintenance plant.

Anubias on Driftwood

More moss for my moss wall.

KH Buffer

2006-06-09T15:40:00.000+08:00

Baking soda that i'm currently using to raise KH. I'm planning to raise 1 dKH per day until it reach to target range at 6 dKH.

Water Parameter Results as at 06/06/2006

2006-06-06T13:12:00.000+08:00

Water Parameter readings are very stable and similar to previous readings at two weeks ago.

Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate = zero
GH= 5 dgh
KH= 3 dkh
PH=7.0
Temp = 29 C

Water drip rate may need to be adjusted to a slower rate to achieve 5-10 ppm for planted tank purpose. KH will be raised slightly and gradually using baking soda to about 6 dKH for CO2 injection purpose. GH will be raised gradually to 8 dGH with more crushed coral as current water may be too soft and with very little minerals. Hopefully with addition of baking soda and more crushed coral, PH swing will be minimal when CO2 is injected to about 15-20 ppm.

Water Parameter Results as at 25/5/2006

2006-05-25T23:50:00.000+08:00

Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate = zero.
PH = 7.1
GH = 5
KH = 3
Temp = 29 C

Water parameter seems to be very stable even with heavy feedings for the past one week. I guess i have set my water filteration right.

Full Tank Overview with Lights On

2006-05-20T21:46:00.000+08:00

Another view of my tank with metal halide on. Room lighting is yellow down lights to provide good ambience with reflection of lights on decorative wall stone. Some recently bought moss has been put into the tank for acclimation purposes, separated by a small net cage to prevent feeder fish from feeding on it.

Moss

2006-05-20T20:04:00.000+08:00

Purchased some moss today. I hope to grow them well as moss wall.

Tank Overview

2006-05-20T13:47:00.000+08:00

Current overview of my tank as at 21/05/2006. The tank looks very dark with black background without lights. Picture is taken with flash.

Tank Background

2006-05-20T09:53:00.000+08:00

Finally, the tank background is ready.

Food for my Arowana

2006-05-14T17:50:00.000+08:00

Meal Worm
Cricket
Superworm

Water Parameter Results as at 14/5/2006

2006-05-14T17:06:00.000+08:00

Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate = Non detectable
GH = 5 dGH
KH = 3 dKH
PH = 7.0
Temp = 29 C

Crushed Coral are used for buffering and approximately 10 kgs are used.
Looks like continuous water change method works for me.

Black Background

2006-05-14T00:19:00.000+08:00

I've decided to go for black coloured background.

Metal Halide Lighting

2006-05-09T19:13:00.000+08:00

After trial and error, i've decided to use only 2 instead of 4 metal halide handing at about 2.5ft above water and reflected at an angle to the wall. Fishes behave and swim normally with this set up. Perhaps i'll use 4 x 150watt MH light again once i've set up a planted tank in the future and after the fishes are well acclimated to the lighting.

Intensity of 1 x 150watt Metal Halide when shining directly into the water.
Initially, 4 x 150 watt Metal Halide(10000k) lighting hang at about 1 feet above water surface. However, fishes look rather panic. My bigger RTG and other fishes only used to NAN light & PL light in my previous setup. My smaller rtg, i guess only used to FL light in the local fish shop.

Additional Filter Media - Ceramic Rings

2006-05-08T21:38:00.000+08:00

Purchase additional Filter Media for biological filter.

There are two different sizes; one normal size(right pic) and the other one bigger ceramic rings(left pic). I've decided to get both sizes and try to mix them up.

Initial Setup

2006-05-08T08:49:00.000+08:00

View of my tank's initial setup.

Water is slightly cloudy due to floating particle. Two RTG seems to get along fairly well.

Tank Cycling Completed

2006-05-03T14:49:00.000+08:00

My tank is finally cycled as at 3 May 2006.

PH : 7.2

Ammonia : 0 mg/l

Nitrie : 0 mg/l

Nitrate : 5 mg/l

GH : 4 dGH

KH : 2 dKH

Temperature : 28 C

Tank Still in Cycling Process

2006-04-28T08:47:00.000+08:00

Current cycling Status as of 28 April 2006

Ammonia : 0.1 mg/l
Nitrite : 0.25 mg/l
Nitrate : 5 mg/l
GH : 4 dGH
KH : 2 dKH
PH : 7.2
Temp : 28 C

Tank Overview

2006-04-25T09:04:00.000+08:00

Still in cycling process.

Test Kits

2006-04-25T09:00:00.000+08:00

Some of the test kits that i'm using to check the water parameter.

Initial Tank Set Up Complete

2006-04-21T15:11:00.000+08:00

Finally, it's up & running. Still in cycling process though.

Picture of my wet/dry filter. Bioballs are used as filter media with japanese mat as top and bottom layer of the filter.

PSB Beneficial Bacteria

2006-04-21T15:09:00.000+08:00

Additional BB added during cycling process.

Decorative Wall Stone

2006-04-21T15:05:00.001+08:00

Water leakage test done. Tank in initial cycling process and wall bricks completed.

Equipments

2006-04-21T15:00:00.000+08:00

Equipment :
Rio 32HF Pump, HiBlow 40 & PH tester.

Tank's Piping

2006-04-21T14:54:00.000+08:00

Aquarium Piping Works Completed.

Filter Medias & Water Conditioner

2006-04-21T14:47:00.000+08:00

Some of the filter materials used in my setup; aquaclay, japanese mat, bioballs & white cotton wools. After draining off the old water used previouslyfor water leakage test and silicone curing, Nutrafin Aqua Plus is used as water conditioner to condition the new water refilled.

Main Tank Water Leakage Test

2006-04-21T14:40:00.000+08:00

Water filled to the top at about 95% of the tank for water leakage testing purpose.

Sump Tank Water Leakage Test

2006-04-21T14:34:00.000+08:00

Water filled into the sump tank and to test for any water leakage.

2006-04-21T14:31:00.000+08:00

Sump Tank Completed.

Main Tank Completed

2006-04-21T14:26:00.000+08:00

Main Tank Completed.
Size : 8.5'(L) x 3'(W) x 2.5'(L)

Sump Tank

2006-04-21T14:20:00.000+08:00

Sump Tank - Work in progress

Tank Construction

2006-04-21T14:16:00.000+08:00

Tank Construction - Work in progress.

Waiting for New Tank

2006-04-21T14:11:00.000+08:00

Everything is in place and waiting for new tank to arrive.

Steel Rack for My Tank

2006-04-21T14:06:00.000+08:00

Aquarium tank stand finally arrived.

Tiles for My Fish Room

2006-04-21T14:01:00.000+08:00

Tiles for my Fish Room completed.

Electrical Works Completed.

2006-04-21T13:55:00.000+08:00

A/C power points & wall fan installed.

Water Pipings

2006-04-21T13:52:00.000+08:00

Incoming water pipings & drainage pipe.

Electrical Works

2006-04-21T12:10:00.000+08:00

Electrical works in progress for my fish room.

Fish Room Construction

2006-04-21T12:07:00.000+08:00

Breaking down the wall.

Future Feature Wall

2006-04-18T20:38:00.000+08:00

In The Beginning....