The journey of my latest tank started at the 2019 NANFA convention. Going in, I decided what trip I wanted to go on, and which fish I wanted to bring home based on my current tank setups.
Should I have known better? Of course I should. Just like many years past, I hooked up with Brian Z and we picked a few spots here an there to do collecting. I never intended on going so far south. I really only wanted to see some Pteronotropis...didn't intend on bringing any home. Guess what?
Arriving back in Kentucky, I realized I did not have a tank with enough room for all these fish... BUT! I did have an outdoor tub with water and frogbit in it. I kept this tub setup all the time with driftwood so I'd always have waterlogged wood for use in my tanks. I dropped in a seasoned sponge filter and the fish...The fish did well for the remainder of the summer. As fall approached I was concerned about these southern fish and the potential of a harsh winter. Looking back, we had a very mild winter and they would have been fine. But, I found an ad on Facebook for a complete 40g breeder with filter, lights, and a stand...even better the seller was a friend of mine from church and gave me a good deal.
Acquired:
I work from home and have my desk setup in my basement. I had a large open area behind my desk thanks to getting rid of some kids toys, so I decided to setup this tank in that space.
Mock Up:
There's a creek about 5 miles from my house that has this awesome substrate. It's fine and dark and I always thought it would make a great substrate for a blackwater tank. I used a combination of that and sand.