So, this is how it starts...

[davocean]

Ok, did the transfer today, and I'm pretty happy so far.
Only thing I'm bummed about is gravel got mixed w/ soil, but I will be handpicking most out, and add a fresh layer of soil to top to make it all black.
I haven't put all plants back in yet, trying to decide which I want back in, may X the moss, not sure yet.
Water is still cloudy, but this is what I've got.

[AlabasterEskies]

I kind of like the little bit of gravel... adds to the rock theme! Looking really good.

[davocean]

Thanks, a few more plants added since that shot.
Getting more clear.
Fish are serious happy.
Pretty sure my sword is preggy.

[nahtanoj]

i like the rocks dave. looks great!

[SoCalBoo]

Thanks, a few more plants added since that shot.
Getting more clear.
Fish are serious happy.
Pretty sure my sword is preggy.

LOL. If you think a livebearer is preggo, it is.

[davocean]

LOL, yeah, Jen schooled me a little on that one!
I guess I should have something that snacks fish babies.
Especially since I got some fancy guppies, as well as a pair of pineapple swords, and a tiny veil angel at the carmel petco meet today.

[davocean]

Ok, starting to get a little clear(do planted soil tanks take a while for everyone?)
I haven't even cleaned glass good yet so soil can settle, but this is what I got right now.
Couple more plants and fish.
In person the gravel looks OK mixed in, but I don't like it in pics, will be picking/siphoning, and a layer of top black will be added.

[AlabasterEskies]

is one of the bulbs redder then the other... it looks funny colored on the left side

Yes it is normal for the water to clear slowly. Best way to clear it is to run a canister and clean out the foam every couple days till most the sediment is collected and out of the tank. and of course more corries to mix your sand about will help keep it nice and clean looking.

Oh and the Angel is very pretty!

[SoCalBoo]

I love the fact that your thread is on page 5.

[davocean]

I know, so funny, all from my 29 cent GF.
light looks way more unbalnced in pics than person, and I need to block light from window, maybe a black back.
Soon I'll have my new fluval too, woo hoo!

[dese]

Looking good!

[AlabasterEskies]

so when do I get to see some new pictures? I know there have been new acquisitions...

[davocean]

You know, it was the weirdest thing, cardinals looked fine in display, but when the girl caught each one, they would freeze, like shock or something, then go head down, or upside down, and then after a minute look fine.
I got 7 sunday, and now down to 4.
All other fish are fine, not sure whats going on?
I got my new fluval, will post pics when all is calm/clear.

[AlabasterEskies]

cardinals are touchy... the freeze thing is a defense response to stress. Bummer that you lost so many though. You need to look into the LA tropical club go up there for an auction. You will get better success rates with them cuz they have been through less total stress in there lives. I got mine there it was a school of 15 I think and years later I am down to 8.

Plus bidding on fish is fun

[SoCalBoo]

You know, it was the weirdest thing, cardinals looked fine in display, but when the girl caught each one, they would freeze, like shock or something, then go head down, or upside down, and then after a minute look fine.
I got 7 sunday, and now down to 4.
All other fish are fine, not sure whats going on?
I got my new fluval, will post pics when all is calm/clear.

if you grabbed the cardinals from petco CMR, they had some decent die off in their display tank. talk to specvjeff about it.

cardinals are touchy, as are neons. there is a reason most ick cure (malachite green and/or formalin) manufacturers recommend half doses for tetras.