zpayne10
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Posts posted by zpayne10
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On 12/17/2022 at 6:33 PM, Brainsponge said:
That's whats in my 75g. Wash it, then wash it three more times but it works great and it allowed me to spend the difference on other stuff
That looks great! My concern, too, is that if I went with something like stratum how it'l be when it breaks down. I don't want it to be something that I need to replace or cap regularly to compensate.
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On 12/16/2022 at 10:48 AM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:
@zpayne10 yes Stratum sure isn't cheap. Honestly the only reason I'm trying it now is because it's in a Nano tank so it's much more affordable when you don't have to buy the big bag- or multiple bags for that matter.
You'll be just as happy with any of the other alternatives I'm sure
I think I might take a page out of all the comments here - do a layer of stratum of 1-1.5", and then cap with a sand. I think a white sand would look great to contrast the green plants (since I will go pretty heavily planted).
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On 12/16/2022 at 8:39 AM, xXInkedPhoenixX said:
I've used gravel (probably my favorite) and Eco Complete. I'm just now playing with Fluval Stratum uncapped and some capped with sand. Personally I think it all works and it's more about preference and maybe even sometimes what you're keeping (for example some say Cory like to root around in sand, but they have been succesfully kept on gravel and other substrates).
Thanks for the insight! I definitely want to do what will give me the most success, but also doesn't break the bank (i.e. is it really worth $200+ for Stratum)!
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On 12/15/2022 at 11:40 AM, Mmiller2001 said:
You 100% don't, nor do you need root tabs. Pick the one that looks best to you. Keeping the size on the pebble/grain smaller helps by creating more surface area. But it's definitely not necessary.
Can I easily get away with something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-0-5-cu-ft-Bagged-Pea-Gravel-Pebble-Landscape-Rock-54255/202523000
I like the natural look, and for $5 a bag you really can't beat it. I'll wash anything before it goes into a tank.
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Is there a hard-and-fast rule about the use of planted substrate or not? I intend on having some vals and crypts, and of course anubias and mosses, but not worried about them as much. Should I be looking at a true planted substrate, or can I get something inert and add root tabs?
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On 12/15/2022 at 9:02 AM, JettsPapa said:
I've only kept angelfish as singles, but it's my understanding (from many sources) that with multiples bioload isn't the issue, it's behavior. If two of them pair up they will likely terrorize the other(s). I'd suggest just one.
If you want a group as a centerpiece instead of a single fish I can't recommend pearl gouramis highly enough. I have eleven of them in a 40 gallon breeder and am very happy with them. Rainbowfish would be another option. I have ten turquoise rainbows in my 65 gallon tank and like them very much also.
That's helpful re: the angelfish...thanks! If I went with the pearls, what's the minimum school size to prevent any aggression? I'd like to pair whatever show fish with either a massive school of something, or two larger schools for some variety.
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On 12/14/2022 at 9:29 PM, nabokovfan87 said:
I see. Which was your favorite? My big tank was stuffed with tiger barbs and corydoras. I would suggest getting 2+ massive schools of something you really enjoy and a good centerpiece fish. This size of tank is also great for 3-4 SAEs and will actually be big enough for them. (They get the same size as a RTBS).
If you go with tetras, I'd also add a few bolivian rams or maybe even an Apisto.I've always wanted to keep angels, but not sure how many I can realistically fit without overdoing the bioload. Maybe 3x angelfish, a handful of cherry barbs, and maybe a large school of tetras?
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On 12/14/2022 at 8:37 PM, nabokovfan87 said:
What have you kept before, what fish are interesting to you? @zpayne10?
If it was me, First thing I would get would be a RTBS 🙂I've done all your very basic tropical fish. Liverbearers, gouramis, corys. Which I'm all fine keeping again...just never had anything on this scale (previously was 30 gallons years ago) so I'm excited at the opportunity to really have a nice community.
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I originally posted asking for fish suggestions for a Fluval Flex 32.5, and you all gave wonderful suggestions!
However, things have changed and I'll instead be getting the Fluval Siena, a 72 gallon system (35" x 22" x 22"). I know with this water volume dramatically changes my stocking options, and would love to hear the suggestions my fellow hobbyists have!
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Bump in case others have opinions on a stocking list!
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@JettsPapa I love the recommendation! I had never considered the rams, but a quick search...wow! They look incredible. Is it pretty easy to sex them to get a pair?
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@cavdad45 could I get a pair, or would it be best advised to do a single one?
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Thanks for the initial input! What's the "max" amount of fish I could look to add? I understand the 1" to gallon rule, but it's a loose rule. Just to give myself an idea!
I had an initial list of:
M/f pair of pearl gouramis
8x phantom red tetra
8x harlequin rasbora
6-8 panda cory
I do know this would be overstocking, but maybe not? I thought about removing the corys and putting in shrimp instead, especially if I wanted something like dwarf hairgrass in the tank.
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I've recently ordered a Fluval Flex 32.5 gallon and am FINALLY thinking about my stocking options. I do intend to go fairly heavy on the low- to medium-level plants, but I do want to make sure I have plenty of swimming life, too. Do people have recommendations on stocking options? I'd love some schools, or maybe one big school or something, and of course a show fish. Thanks in advance!
Do I really need planted substrate?
in Plants, Algae, and Fertilizers
Posted
Yup, I know that even the "best" of the planted soils eventually run out and you need to supplement. Since I play to fertilize and supplement from the start, I wasn't too concerned. Maybe I'll look at a "compromise" option of getting Seachem Flourite or Caribsea Eco-Complete. I know they're also inert, but maybe being a more clay-like material gives me a higher beneficial bacteria?