Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

Every 6-12 months we need a thread where people can talk about and show pics of their hobbies, interests, and past times.

Computers are my life both as a hobby and my work. My degree is in networking and networking security. But I have another huge interest that has consumed my Summer. Aquariums! I've always had a tank since my earliest years but finally entered the big leagues, courtesy of my birthday and my wife allowing me to buy it.

120 gallons! I COULD have gotten one in the 220-225 gallon range but it was just too big for the room, plus would have been WAY too expensive to buy the other required equipment. The monthly electric bill was also a factor.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/_MG_2365.jpg

Here it is about 60% stocked with plants. Yes, there will be quite a few more going into it over the coming weeks.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/_MG_2372.jpg

A view that shows it in relation to the rest of the room.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/_MG_2370.jpg

Specs:
120 gallon All-Glass brand aquarium
2 twin-tube T-5 florescent strip lights
200 lbs of Ecco-Reef clay based substrate (KEY for live plants!)
BIO System 75 power filter (designed for aquariums up to 75 gallons) -my only mechanical filtration, the plants do the rest
NO heater
NO air pump

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

Are you doing fresh water or salt water? A buddy of mine has a large fresh and a small saltwater aquarium. The salt water one is easily the cooler of the two. The water is so clear, it is like a little ecosystem in there.

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

I have had reef tanks in the past, but this is entirely fresh. Of all the possible aquarium set ups I think fresh water planted tanks are the hardest to keep.

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

Yep. I'll agree with you here. The most awesome when you find that sweet spot though. Miss my tanks and fish.

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

It has been many years since I had a small tank with fresh water.

Loved to watch it at night with the lights out.

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

My very first tank was a 10 gallon stainless steel with an iron stand. Blue gravel, and a tiny air-powered outside filter. The most popular place to buy fish was Kmart. Oh how I remember that wonderful Hartz Mountain aquarium merchandise!

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

The most interesting man in the world needs something very special for his aquarium.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...5890217607.jpg

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

I hear they do best when purchased in groups of three or more.

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

I'm sure they do! :lol

Re: Hobbies? Interests? Pictures?
 

We bought one goldfish bowl and three goldfish. By evening, they were dead. Out of kindness and consideration towards our aquatic friends, we never tried again. :D