I decided to take a quick picture of the tank tonight before settling in. Here is the makeup:
1. Gravel: Bought this from Pet-o-Rama in Keller for about 6 bucks a 25 pound bag. I put 100 pounds in.
2. Filtration: There is dual filtration.
A. One is an underground filter to pull bits to the bottom to establish some nutrients for the plants and to make it easier for vacuuming
B. One is a Rena Filstar XP3 capable of filtering 350 gallons/hour. It is the size for up to a 175 gallon tank but used here for for my 55.
I used the flow bar at the back with the holes pointing out and slightly down. The fish seem to like the current.
3. Stone and Rocks: Slate and Large river (igneous) river pebbles were picked up at local landscape store. They gave them to me for free.
The gravel is neutral so I added a lot of dark colors to bring out the color in the fish. They do seem to be displaying their best colors.
4. Drift wood: The two pieces on the left are M
alaysian Drift Wood. Each piece was 10 dollars. Both were soaked and were non floating on arrival. What looks like driftwood on the right is my cheat. It is plastic but the look of it and the hidy holes were what I was looking for and it looks realistic in the tank so I am pleased.
5. Pump: I use a Tetra Whisper Pump for tanks up to 60 gallons. Seems ok but nothing beat my old Silent Giant from the 80's.
7. Plants: I just picked up a few at local pet store (potted/buried) to add some color and definition. I will have to review plants as that is another whole ball of wax.
8. 55 Gallon Tank: Craigs list special from a kid going to college and no longer needing it. He even delivered it to me with the tank stand all for 190.00.
The fish were finally added three days ago. Caught the longears and bluegill at Bear Creek Park in Keller, Tx using a line and hook with tang filed down. All have been very healthy and were eating voraciously on the second day. They know me and come to the front every time I step into the room. This tank is in my home office so I wanted it to look pleasing. (I find myself already watching it a lot as I look over my computer), As for food - I tried cut nightcrawlers (liked), mealworms (liked), Freeze Dried Blood worms (really liked), freeze dried tubifex worms (liked but mouth a bit before finally swallowing), medium cichlid pellets (don't like).
Here is the first picture:
So, this is my first tank in probably 30 years. Always wanted to do longears and so far pleased with color, action and personality. I have read virtually every post in the forum so thanks for all who contributed their expertise that helped me set this up. I ordered 6 central longear from Brian and have a smaller tank to raise them for the 55. I will see what they develop into and probably add the best along with two of the Texas longear later next spring. Five seems like the perfect number for this tank but I would like to get something for bottom cleaning. Any suggestions? Afraid the bluegill will have to go to another tank when I make room for the Central Longear. You can see the dominant long ear resting in his place of power. For the most part, however, they get along and all feed together at the top. Nobody is trying to kill each other.
Usil
Edited by Usil, 07 September 2011 - 05:45 PM.