You folks can check the older threads for the older pics, here's the latest work:

The client is getting things right, I still am working on adding a O2 controller and a special CO2 flow metering system, unlike anything seem in this hobby.

He still has a ways to go for scaping, but you get the general idea:









All EI dosing methods.


Regards,
Tom Barr

Wow! Beautiful! But I still can't help wondering what the cost per day would be on that thing.

Well, the pumps are 2 iwaski 2000gph, 4000w MH's but they are only on for 4 hours as day and about 800W of PC's on for 10 hours. 500W of UV, it's likely about 200$ a month or so with water and everything.

"Chump change" for some folks.


regards,
Tom Barr

That's one damn fine lookin' tank, it must look it even better in real life!
How hard is it Tom reaching down to prune stuff down low?

Depends, if you float like I do, it's relaxing and easy.
If you hang with your knees, and bob from rock/wood to rock and wood, it'll give you a head ache if you do it long.



Regards,
Tom Barr

Tom,

That's just a beautiful tank. I bet The Master in Japan keeps a picture of it in his office, for inspiration.

Now, here's something that would be an instant sensation: A picture of you in full tank-cleaning garb, hanging from your knees and cleaning. That would be a forever keeper.

Bill

Wet suit. Snorkel. Tool belt with sharp knife to fight off the fish. Etc.

There's already one of me swimming in the tank with the discus.
I have a few of the client prune upside down.

I wanted to make a lower mainteance tank like Amano's massive tank.
However, the client wanted a planted foreground etc and more variety.

Typical goals of newer plant folks.

I wanted a nice white gravel foreground.
We had the wood etc for a nice design etc.

So this tank takes a lot more effort to deal with than the ADA tank.
Eventually, maybe in 1-2 years, the effort will be less and they will perhaps need relatively the same amount of work, but not for some time I think.

I try besides feeding and dosing, to spend not more than 2-3 hours a week on a tank for any client once set up and going well(either myself or them doing the work). If you are scaping for a contest, expect 2-5x that amount of labor and do so for up to 10-12 weeks).

I could whip this tank into a massive dutch style(I have a strong preference for Dutch scapes) if I lived there and could mess with things for 10 weeks or so.

But that's not an option.

Nor would I ever own a tank this size and depth.

30" is the max depth I like.
My arms are only so long...........




Regards,
Tom Barr

Nope, I hold my breath or better yet, I peer down and keep still so not to ripple the water as I flat on the surface. I lift myself up a tad to peer down and feel around with the hands. I can scape blind actually, I've done this a lot in the past due to murky water, inacessible areas etc.

I just wear REI river shorts, Poly tank tops etc, stuff that dries fast.
I might have some scissors and paint scraper

Regards,
Tom Barr

I'd take advantage of the nice warm tropical water minus the wet suit. When I do work in my tank, my 9 SAE's go all over my hands and arms preening my hair. They'd go nuts if they had my whole body to do!