Old man from scene 3

I was thinking about this and came up with an idea. My thought was that using the "hook" part of a velcro strip on the intake, perhaps a thin strip of it on each side, would allow you to attach the filter pad to it as a pre-filter and still allow easy removal for cleaning? I haven't tried it yet, but seems as though it would work. I love the Seachem Tidal series, but ended up swithcing to a Aqua Clear because of the baby shrimp. I'll use the Tidal on a bigger tank down the road - it's tough to stop with just one or two or... Lol. Good luck with a solution in any event!

Loved reading about your experience with them! I have 3, what I was told are "zebra" otos that look just like your tigers. I'm guessing just another adjective for them? Another Betta shot and one of my Blue Stiphodon Goby, as well as, a more recent wider shot of the 20L with the 10g below.

That's quite a few Otos! Are you breeding them? My understanding was that most are wild caught due to difficulty with tank breeding.

Beautiful planted tank and beautiful Betta!

Those tetras make a nice display in your tank I'm sure! What type of Betta do you have? I have a 10 g with a 1/2 moon mustard. I'm thinking of a adding a schooling fish to the mix to dilute his attention from the zebra otos and two gobys he seems to have taken a keen interest in. Don't you just love plants. So many benefits to a tank!

Thank you. Lots of options with the 20L. I'm with you on that. I had a minor problem early too. Between the Otos, shrimp and the Salvinia I have floating, my problem went away. I love that Octopus too. I have some growing in both tanks - great at absorbing the nitrites too!

Thought I'd give an update photo since it's been almost 2 1/2 months since setup. This is a little more of an in close shot so you can see the baby shrimp on the repashy ball in front of the cholla wood (They look orange). I have two sets of juvenile shrimp, as well as, 3 more berried females - all Bloody Mary Neos. 7 pygmy corys, 7 otos and 14 neon tetras. Evertone is thankfully happy and healthy thus far.

Nicrew UFO mini aquarium pump. Ultra quiet and looks like a oversize white egg. What more could you want? Single outlet and pushes a fair amount of air. Comes with tubing, an air stone, in line tee and check valve. Cost ~ $14 available in a double outlet configuration for $1 more. Love it! Best of luck with your choice - Cheers!

Considering adding botanicals to my 20L once I get some Neocaridina for my tank. I have a ready, steady and free source of mango/avocado leaves in my backyard. Anyone know if they would be suitable? I never see them advertised or talked about as botanicals. Thanks in advance. Cheers!

I'm a newbie to hard/aquascaping myself. I'm with Guppysnail in that I love the wood element as well. Just seems to complete the look a bit more - adds something almost warm to the overall vibe. I'm also a huge fan of planted aquariums. Plants add so much aesthetic as well as many other benefits to tank health. Best of luck on your build! Looking forward to seeing the completed project. Cheers!

Thank you PineSong. I plan to start with some Pygmy Corys and Otocinclus cats. Gradually add a school of Neon Tetras and thinking some Bloody Mary Neos.

First aquascape effort. This is about two weeks in. Just plants and a few Nerites.

Beautiful tank/stand setup! I'm just starting out where you were two years ago. I see many hours/days/weeks of enjoyment ahead of you! Cheers!

Very much appreciate the time and thought put into your response nabokovfan87. I'm using the Imagitarium aquatic substrate (black) which I believe is quartz based. I've already purchased nearly everything I need so will make do with what I've got currently (for now at least). I'll watch your modification videos a few times to get it seated in my elder brain, lol. I also will be using a small sponge filter in the main tank that I will use to aerate my quarantine tank when needed hoping that the sponge will be more or less cycled and give me a good headstart.

Hi there! Appreciate the welcome! I remember many hours spent on a shallow ledge with a slurp gun trying to bring some of Fla's incredible wildlife back to my living room!