New pics of the behemoth

[Tom Barr]

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

 

[tcomfort]

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

 

[Tom Barr]

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

 

[AquaticJim]

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?

 

[Tom Barr]

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

 

[aquabillpers]

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.

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

 

[VaughnH]

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.

 

[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

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

 

[Tom Barr]

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

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

 

[AquaticJim]

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

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!

 

[Tom Barr]

1600 total.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Carlos05]

Wow..that's insane 1600??? And I thought a 75 gallons was big. That's an amazing tank though...

 

[Tom Barr]

I have had a battery of smaller 2-6 gallon nanos as well.

Very few 75 gallon tanks though, they must be nice to work on?


Regards,
Tom Barr:

 

[Carlos05]

I hope to get one this summer. I have a 20 gallon but I always thought 75 - 120 gallons would be the biggest to do an effecient planted tank. I hope I will gain enough experience by this summer with the 20 I have to do well with a larger tank. But a 1600??? I would have to be rich and have a lot of time.

 

[khoile]

altum

Tom,

Where did you buy the altum angels? I'm planning to get some for my tank also.

Thanks.
Khoi

 

[JHipkin]

Tom,

Where did you buy the altum angels? I'm planning to get some for my tank also.

Thanks.
Khoi

I'm also looking for Altums for a 120 I'm building. Assuming the rain stops so I can finish painting the stand, the tank will be ready for fish in 4 - 6 weeks.

 

[Tom Barr]

Some guy in LA, they are only coming out of one area and then only a few times a year.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[khoile]

Some guy in LA, they are only coming out of one area and then only a few times a year.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Tom,

I live in LA, can refer me to him?

Thanks.
Khoi

 

[JHipkin]

Tom,

I live in LA, can refer me to him?

Thanks.
Khoi

And I travel to LA frequently for business. An intro would be great. Thx James

 

[khoile]

Tom,

If you don't want to give your sources, I can buy them of off you also. I just wanted to buy some altums from reputable dealer. And since you have obviously bought from him I'm sure he is very reputable.

Thanks.