fish tanks

[Subie_sleeper]

Originally Posted by jpalamar

Well, after I just got done saying how easy it is to take care of Cichlids my tank dies. They got ick and before I noticed it was too late. This tank was up since 05ish.

Broke the tank down, cleaned it top to bottom, and then set it back up. This time around I'm going South American.
We added 5 fish(Firemouth, Red Devil, Yellow Severum, Green Terror, and a Jack Dempsey) along with a white freshwater lobster.

Damn man.

Sorry to hear that.

I hope the new setup cycles & stabilizes quickly for you.

[jpalamar]

It was kinda funny though... the cats were actually depressed their pets were gone LOL

[SovXietday]

Well due to this last freak storm we lost power for 3 days, knocking out the heater for my fishtank. Completely overlooked my fishtank just trying to stay warm myself, and today I found the water to be about 45* and all of the fish were dead. **** sucks!

So now I'm starting over again, I'm going to do a planted freshwater tank this time around. I completely gutted and cleaned the tank, and went out to the local fish store and picked up some new substrate (Fluval Stratum?) and a bigger heater. I'm going to pick up a 10K lamp as well now that I know what size I need. Everything else will be staying the same. CO2 is out though, don't have the time to maintain it.

So I guess I'm really looking for help from those of you (scape!) who have done the planted tank thing before. Just want to make sure I'm headed in the right direction and any help with what plants are good for a beginner and also what fish will go along well. I also really had a lot of fun with my breeding pair in my last setup so I'm looking to get some fish who are easy to breed as well!

Thanks guys, I'll try to post updates as I go through with them.

[Subie_sleeper]

Originally Posted by SovXietday

Well due to this last freak storm we lost power for 3 days, knocking out the heater for my fishtank. Completely overlooked my fishtank just trying to stay warm myself, and today I found the water to be about 45* and all of the fish were dead. **** sucks!

So now I'm starting over again, I'm going to do a planted freshwater tank this time around. I completely gutted and cleaned the tank, and went out to the local fish store and picked up some new substrate (Fluval Stratum?) and a bigger heater. I'm going to pick up a 10K lamp as well now that I know what size I need. Everything else will be staying the same. CO2 is out though, don't have the time to maintain it.

So I guess I'm really looking for help from those of you (scape!) who have done the planted tank thing before. Just want to make sure I'm headed in the right direction and any help with what plants are good for a beginner and also what fish will go along well. I also really had a lot of fun with my breeding pair in my last setup so I'm looking to get some fish who are easy to breed as well!

Thanks guys, I'll try to post updates as I go through with them.

Sorry to hear about the crash.
GL with the new setup.

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by SovXietday

Well due to this last freak storm we lost power for 3 days, knocking out the heater for my fishtank. Completely overlooked my fishtank just trying to stay warm myself, and today I found the water to be about 45* and all of the fish were dead. **** sucks!

So now I'm starting over again, I'm going to do a planted freshwater tank this time around. I completely gutted and cleaned the tank, and went out to the local fish store and picked up some new substrate (Fluval Stratum?) and a bigger heater. I'm going to pick up a 10K lamp as well now that I know what size I need. Everything else will be staying the same. CO2 is out though, don't have the time to maintain it.

So I guess I'm really looking for help from those of you (scape!) who have done the planted tank thing before. Just want to make sure I'm headed in the right direction and any help with what plants are good for a beginner and also what fish will go along well. I also really had a lot of fun with my breeding pair in my last setup so I'm looking to get some fish who are easy to breed as well!

Thanks guys, I'll try to post updates as I go through with them.

what size tank? co2 doesnt require any maintenance once set up, if you go with pressurized that is. havent used fluval, but i have used eco-complete and really like it, but you'll need to dose ferts b/c it is inert, the fluval stratum appears to be similar. which means you'll need root tabs at the very least.

my main tank dropped to 66, which is as low as the basement got and my 20 down to around 56. the 4 blood-fin tetra and single bristle nose plec survived thankfully.

10k is a bit bright, i really like the look of 6.5k ish. lighting is very important too, don't want too much ;)

what size tank? how much work are you willing to do? plantedtank.net/forums/ is also a great resource.

[SovXietday]

Sorry should have mentioned that, it's a 30gallon tank. I have a 6.7K bulb now, think that's enough?

Thing is, what I would LIKE to do and what I really can afford to do at the moment are two completely different things. I would love to do a canister filter with an inline CO2 system but I really don't have the money. Thing is, I NEED to buy a new filtration system, the current HOB filter I have is noisy as hell and is way too powerful for the tank. My old baby cichlids couldn't even swim in the fricken jet stream that thing creates. I really want to try and not disturb the surface of the water too much, keep CO2 levels up and let the plants do the oxygen for the fish. Thing is, are there available canister style filters that can be had for ~$50?

CO2 isn't really a viable option at this very instant, but it's something I would at least like to add later on in a few months maybe. I do plan on fertilizing the plants once they become more established.

I'm really looking for the wild "overgrown" look, full of plants from top to bottom with smaller fish swimming in and out. I think I'm going to stick to mostly communal non-aggressive fish (tetra's, cory's, and look into some different barbs or other "neater" fish) and have some cherry shrimp and a few snails (hence why I'm staying away from cichlids this time around).

Ideally I would really like to have a tank that just needs the basic water changes, ferts, and a trim now and then. I understand that it will take work to get up to this point and to establish the tank, but that's the ultimate goal.

[jrtcbmw]

Aaron check out the New Fluval C-Series Aquarium Power Filters, i just bought the C-4 for my 40 gallon cichlid tank (about 10 huge fish, so i needed the extra filtration). That filter is amazing. its a 5 stage hang on the back filter, basically just a smaller version of Fluval's canister filters. I read amazing things about this filter from the cichlid community. And they are not too expensive, if you look around. i know some places are jacking up the prices beyond belief but i found the one i bought about $25 less then what most big name places were selling it for.

That tank did well without electricity this past weekend, granted it was a couple days but it was about 8 or 9 hours with out.

Im actually planning a complete overhaul of the tank in the next couple weeks. getting rid of the rocks and going with sand/egg crate, power-head and new lighting and lid. that is unless i find a nice 55+ gallon straight or bow front tank, the fish are getting to big for this tank and i want bigger, lol

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by SovXietday

Sorry should have mentioned that, it's a 30gallon tank. I have a 6.7K bulb now, think that's enough?

Thing is, what I would LIKE to do and what I really can afford to do at the moment are two completely different things. I would love to do a canister filter with an inline CO2 system but I really don't have the money. Thing is, I NEED to buy a new filtration system, the current HOB filter I have is noisy as hell and is way too powerful for the tank. My old baby cichlids couldn't even swim in the fricken jet stream that thing creates. I really want to try and not disturb the surface of the water too much, keep CO2 levels up and let the plants do the oxygen for the fish. Thing is, are there available canister style filters that can be had for ~$50?

CO2 isn't really a viable option at this very instant, but it's something I would at least like to add later on in a few months maybe. I do plan on fertilizing the plants once they become more established.

I'm really looking for the wild "overgrown" look, full of plants from top to bottom with smaller fish swimming in and out. I think I'm going to stick to mostly communal non-aggressive fish (tetra's, cory's, and look into some different barbs or other "neater" fish) and have some cherry shrimp and a few snails (hence why I'm staying away from cichlids this time around).

Ideally I would really like to have a tank that just needs the basic water changes, ferts, and a trim now and then. I understand that it will take work to get up to this point and to establish the tank, but that's the ultimate goal.

this is info i can use.

first, what sort of light is it you have? the 6.7k is a good wavelength for plants. what sort of bulb is it? t5h0/no? t8?

filtration, i'm running a model higher than http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-FRESH-SA...#ht_5653wt_802

works very well, mine has the uv on it http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-3-S...item255d108a2a

you need to use root tabs if you're using that fluval substrate http://rootmedic.net/

or you can use organic top soil w/ NO ADDITIVES, so no miracle grow. you would put a layer of that down then the fluval. you could mineralize it as well
, this breaks down organic matter further so it doesnt become a potential algae problem in the future http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/su...mts-aaron.html

my 20g uses the MTS w/ sand on top, the 55 uses straight top soil w/ eco complete, so far no issues on either, except some plants don't like the sand and has caused the roots to rot.

w/o CO2 you want lower light and will need those sorts of plants http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lo...ht-plants.html

too much light and you'll have algae... once you get into co2 you can up the lighting. A single t5ho would be enough light for you... people would argue it might be too high of light... but since i've only used pressurized co2 i'm not the person to talk to haha.

w/ low light you'll get slower growth

surface agitation is good, it brings in O2. however, you don't want to break the surface. ripples are good, movement is good.

pick a fish to make a solid school out of... most like to be at least 7 in number. most barbs may get too large to be in a 30 at that size school. cory's are good, tetra are good. maybe look into a dwarf cichlid pair (male and female) and some easy to keep tetra.

jrtcbmw,

why are you using eggcrate in a fish tank? generally speaking i've only seen it used as a false bottom for vivariums

[jrtcbmw]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

jrtcbmw,

why are you using eggcrate in a fish tank? generally speaking i've only seen it used as a false bottom for vivariums

Eggcrate to used help distribute the weight of the rocks.

But im still on the edge about using because the cichlids i have are diggers and i dont know if they will dig to the crate causing it to show, but i plan on using a little more sand then normal.

Its either that or im putting a piece of acrylic at the bottom.

[jrtcbmw]

thanks Aaron. now that i have been looking at these planted tanks, now i want to start one. thats all i need another tank...

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by jrtcbmw

Eggcrate to used help distribute the weight of the rocks.

don't worry about it ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgEwEiTyYcs

[jpalamar]

We have tons of rock in our tank without an eggcrate. No issues.

[SovXietday]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

this is info i can use.

first, what sort of light is it you have? the 6.7k is a good wavelength for plants. what sort of bulb is it? t5h0/no? t8?

filtration, i'm running a model higher than http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-FRESH-SA...#ht_5653wt_802

works very well, mine has the uv on it http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-3-S...item255d108a2a

you need to use root tabs if you're using that fluval substrate http://rootmedic.net/

or you can use organic top soil w/ NO ADDITIVES, so no miracle grow. you would put a layer of that down then the fluval. you could mineralize it as well
, this breaks down organic matter further so it doesnt become a potential algae problem in the future http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/su...mts-aaron.html

my 20g uses the MTS w/ sand on top, the 55 uses straight top soil w/ eco complete, so far no issues on either, except some plants don't like the sand and has caused the roots to rot.

w/o CO2 you want lower light and will need those sorts of plants http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lo...ht-plants.html

too much light and you'll have algae... once you get into co2 you can up the lighting. A single t5ho would be enough light for you... people would argue it might be too high of light... but since i've only used pressurized co2 i'm not the person to talk to haha.

w/ low light you'll get slower growth

surface agitation is good, it brings in O2. however, you don't want to break the surface. ripples are good, movement is good.

pick a fish to make a solid school out of... most like to be at least 7 in number. most barbs may get too large to be in a 30 at that size school. cory's are good, tetra are good. maybe look into a dwarf cichlid pair (male and female) and some easy to keep tetra.

Canister is perfect for what I'm looking for, ordered.

I have a T8 bulb. Have to admit, the one thing that I can't get my head around is the ridiculous amount of info regarding light bulbs, lol.

I'll probably just drop in some root tabs, I was also planning on laying pool sand over the substrate. I kind of like the look a lot better than the darker earthy look that the substrate will give me. Also won't need to clean it like my ole' aquarium gravel crap that I used to have and hated lol.

I've got a few weeks before I really start seriously looking at fish to put into this thing, first I need to get the plants in and get let the tank go through it's cycle. So plants will be first, remembering names is such a pain though, gonna have to write them down and then track them down locally around here as best I can.

Thanks for all the help Scape! I'm sure I'll come up with more questions through the process.

Originally Posted by jrtcbmw

thanks Aaron. now that i have been looking at these planted tanks, now i want to start one. thats all i need another tank...

You're rescaping anyway, just do it! **** looks so fricken cool, and it's so much better for the fish.

[jrtcbmw]

Originally Posted by SovXietday

You're rescaping anyway, just do it! **** looks so fricken cool, and it's so much better for the fish.

Yeah i know im rescaping the tank. I would love to put plants in that tank, but it is part my girlfriends tank, which is located at her house. I also dont want to experiment on her tank and possibly kill off the fish.

Plus I want a tank at my house. I gave up my tank to my parents a couple years ago and now i want one back in my room. So this would be a great start and good for experimenting with different kinds of tank. My original plan was to learn salt water, but i like this idea better. Ive always liked the look of a planted tank but never really looked into them until now. i dont know why but im kinda glad i did because i was either a small cichlid tank or a salt water tank. this is so much of a better idea.

Now im off to craigslist to hunt down a tank. Im gonna try to keep it between 20-30gallons. and id really like to go brimless or acrylic. but we will see what i find.

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by SovXietday

Canister is perfect for what I'm looking for, ordered.

I have a T8 bulb. Have to admit, the one thing that I can't get my head around is the ridiculous amount of info regarding light bulbs, lol.

I'll probably just drop in some root tabs, I was also planning on laying pool sand over the substrate. I kind of like the look a lot better than the darker earthy look that the substrate will give me. Also won't need to clean it like my ole' aquarium gravel crap that I used to have and hated lol.

I've got a few weeks before I really start seriously looking at fish to put into this thing, first I need to get the plants in and get let the tank go through it's cycle. So plants will be first, remembering names is such a pain though, gonna have to write them down and then track them down locally around here as best I can.

Thanks for all the help Scape! I'm sure I'll come up with more questions through the process.

don't bother capping w/ sand if you use that fluval stuff, over the course of time the sand will work its way through the fluval substrate and you'll have the opposite of what you're looking for.

the chart here is bitching

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/li...t5-t12-pc.html while the guy preaches that 2 t5ho's on a 20 gallon long tank is WAY to much light, i must be doing something right since i don't have any algae issues. But the tank does have co2, ferts and a plethora of plant growth. however, my 55 also has 2 t5ho's and is getting significant growth as well.

the t8 is probably fine for low light. the distance from light on his chart is for the substrate to bulb distance, so you're def in the low light category. enough to grow simple plants, slowly. also, multiple bulbs would effectively double his readings, so two t8's at 15" would still be low light

planted tanks are amazing when done right. mine are ok haha. there has been no thought put into layout or leaf size/color/texture. so it's really not all that impressive... i'll see about getting a picture tonight of both tank's current state.

[SovXietday]

Kind of realized today that only one bag of the fluval isn't going to be nearly enough to get 2" formed, and at $40 a bag (yeah, WAY expensive) I'm not sure I care to buy another one. So what I think I'm gonna do is mix it with miracle grow organic for the bottom layer and then cap it with 1.5 - 2" of sand. I may not have to use root tabs if I go this route also. I think this will be a fairly good way to do it, should have just waited to buy the expensive substrate but that's what I get for being in a rush lol.

I will look into updating the hood/lighting setup once I get things moving. Ideally I would like a bright system for during the day to feed the plants, and then some form of blacklight or moonlight system so I can still see it at night but not really have an "overlighting" issue. That being said, slow growing plants isn't necessarily a bad thing for me. I will be off to college in like 6 months so I'm going to try to keep maintenance down for my dad/brother to take care of for the weekends that I don't come home.

...still waiting for my stand anyway, which is rather annoying lol.

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by SovXietday

Kind of realized today that only one bag of the fluval isn't going to be nearly enough to get 2" formed, and at $40 a bag (yeah, WAY expensive) I'm not sure I care to buy another one. So what I think I'm gonna do is mix it with miracle grow organic for the bottom layer and then cap it with 1.5 - 2" of sand. I may not have to use root tabs if I go this route also. I think this will be a fairly good way to do it, should have just waited to buy the expensive substrate but that's what I get for being in a rush lol.

I will look into updating the hood/lighting setup once I get things moving. Ideally I would like a bright system for during the day to feed the plants, and then some form of blacklight or moonlight system so I can still see it at night but not really have an "overlighting" issue. That being said, slow growing plants isn't necessarily a bad thing for me. I will be off to college in like 6 months so I'm going to try to keep maintenance down for my dad/brother to take care of for the weekends that I don't come home.

...still waiting for my stand anyway, which is rather annoying lol.

you don't have to run lights during the day. if you're not around the tank during the day then why waste the viewing hours? run the lights at night. mine go on around 5pm and off around 1am.

return the fluval if you're not going to get more. maybe look for eco-complete instead, it can be had for under $20/bag. I'm using sand on my 20 and not really enjoying it... it compacts a lot and make it easy to hold in fresh clippings, but has resulted in roots being suffocated and rotting for some of my plants :/

[92awdtsi]

Just acquired a new pleco. It's about 2ft from nose to tail and I'd say at least 6" wide. Its a monster. Pics will be coming soon

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by 92awdtsi

Just acquired a new pleco. It's about 2ft from nose to tail and I'd say at least 6" wide. Its a monster. Pics will be coming soon

what size tank is that in??

[SovXietday]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

you don't have to run lights during the day. if you're not around the tank during the day then why waste the viewing hours? run the lights at night. mine go on around 5pm and off around 1am.

return the fluval if you're not going to get more. maybe look for eco-complete instead, it can be had for under $20/bag. I'm using sand on my 20 and not really enjoying it... it compacts a lot and make it easy to hold in fresh clippings, but has resulted in roots being suffocated and rotting for some of my plants :/

Would love to, but I went and lost my receipt. If I'm stuck with it might as well use it. I think I'm pretty much determined to get sand at this point. I just like the way it looks, and I'll have to work around all the issues that come up with it. I spent all last night looking at substrates and honestly they all have their own issues so it's whatever.

Oh, another question. Where do you typically buy your plants?