100gal Planted. EBJDs and Rainbows

First off, my friend found this tank for me on craigslist. Its a 100gal, 5ft long tank (apparently they are hard to come by). I had a planted 10 gallon set up for my EBJDs. Electric Blue Jack Dempseys have been my favorite fish since the genus became known (a lot of people thought the fish was a fake). Anyway, back to the tank. My dad and I built the stand, so it is a "one of a kind". I have two 250w 10,000k double ended metal halide lights hung about 2ft above the tank.

the original



after cleaning it, painting the back black, building the stand, getting my substrate, moving the tank to the stand, and hanging the light.



The substrate in the tank is Eco-Complete (great for plants), Here were some of the 1st plants added


Anubias


I dont know the names for these plants, but if anyone does I would love to know.








My 1st re-do


I added bacopa caroliniana, two amazon swords (removing them), stargrass, and chain swords across the front.

2nd re-do


I moved some drift wood around including the entire center piece to the left (I liked it a lot), moved the chian swords to the back center, dwarf sag across the front, and some other plants that turn red with high light. I did add a new piece of drift wood, and I will update asap.

My current fish stock includes 4 EBJDs, 6 Boesemani Rainbows, 4 asst. rainbows, 2 Tiger barbs, 2 neon tetras, one massive ghost shrimp, and I will be getting a gold nugget pleco in a few weeks.

p.s. I am sorry for all the photos

Beautiful set-up! I know almost nothing about keeping freshwater plants, so it's pretty cool to see someone who does know what they are doing! And, your EBJDs are so pretty! I can't believe the bright blue they have!!

P.S. Never apologize for pictures

Beautiful tank! You've done a heck of a job on the aquascaping, and like Sam said beautiful EBJDs! How do you manage to keep the plants alive? Do you have a Co2 system?

Thanks =]. This is a reason why the EBJD is my favorite fish. Its not a normal fish to see, the blue is AMAZING, they all have a personality, and like I said their blue =]. And Nick thank you very much, I love aquascaping. As for their health im in a struggle right now due to the fact that my halides are acting up....they never "burnt in" so im in a fight for their lives to say the least. However I am lucky that some of them are low light plants. But the Eco-Complete helps tons. Its an Iron based substrate that has other elements included to help with plant growth. And it has a chemical (formula I guess...) that helps convert fish waste into plant food. Its amazing stuff, and also kinda pricey =/. I am debating on completely redoing the tank and adding about half an inch of dirt mixed with clay on the bottom and mix it with some of my eco, and then add about 3 more bags to "cap" off the base then add the wood and plants then fill and move the fish back =D. My plants would be AMAZING!!!!! with the dirt and clay at the very bottom (it will make the roots grow longer). I do not have Co2 yet. Im thinking about adding one though. If I do, you will know =D

Well best of luck Donald! I hope everything turns out good for you!

Thanks Nick