Breeding Facility in Tennessee

First topic message reminder :

I have started an improved breeding facility because my fishroom isn't big enough. I decided since the aquarium trade is down at least 40%, why not throw a bunch of money and time into it and see what happens.

All I have done to this point is the floors, which have already been a headache. I tried to acid stain and seal, but I couldn't get the cr@p up good enough for it to look good. So I got a colored sealer the same color and went over it again.

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I am going to have 14 racks of tanks with each rack holding 4 30g breeders, 2 125g, and a 55g reservoir tank on top. One row of tanks will be dedicated to Wild Tanganyikan breeders, and I will have a buffer doser to drip a brine solution into the reservoir tank. I will only buffer all other tanks with crushed coral or something similar.

My room now is on a central system, which has in the past been cross contaminated. To avoid this, this new set up will be an auto water change system, getting a daily change on a drip. The reservoir will gravity feed to the tanks below and that water will drain out to outside ponds. All tanks will have individual lines coming down so tank water won't mix.

I plan on heating the entire room, and I am spending a bit extra in insulation which I hope will pay off in the long run. I am planning on mostly africans, but I might work in a row of new world, angels or discus.

I know the fish biz is hard, and because of the economy in decline. At the same time there are more wholesalers than ever online which makes it even tougher. I plan to focus on the southeastern part of the country, especially where I can get next day ground, and hopefully at least recoup the setup cost and such.

So anyway, you guys will get a first hand look at something starting and doing well, or you will see me go all in on a pair of deuces. Either way, hopefully it will be entertaining.

I will keep a photo journal of progress.

Treated wood imho is going to be a mistake as its full of moisture. As it drys it will warp and twist. For glue use titebond 2, one of the best glues for outdoor use made, used where there moisture/humidity. Sealing the treated lumber won't help btw. Also as most know unless you have a planer your going to have imperfections in your 2x4's. Cut to fit sheets of the blue insulation board to put under the tank, will not only help to level it out but also will help a little with insulating the tank. Are you going to use a dehumidifier? Would take a big one for that size of room. Otherwise looks great, good luck in your endeavor.

Hope All is going well in TN! WE need to get a Chapter Leader out there...get some stuff going.

Southeast is my area, so I may soon be a customer

Boy, it's neat to see the place before I came to you for my first cichlids. I must say - it's really changed a LOT since those pics.

BTW all of the cichlids you selected to make the classroom Lake Malawi ecosystem model are still doing well and growing nicely. The three silver cats I put in with them have grown by leaps and bounds on the pure spirulina diet you recommended for the cichlids.

Just something I was wondering for when I need to divide up the 55G when the two pairs are mature: Where do you get those sponge tank dividers?

Wow! Very nice indeed! Don't think I'll get that big but will have a few more breeder tanks in the near future for the Oto's and shrimp.

Any updates on your new breeder facility!!