NikkiRae

leopard ctenopoma!!! They would go perfectly and are also from the Congo. Your tetra's get to be about 3 inches and the leopard ctenopoma tops out at 6 and is a gentle fish. They are labyrinth fish just like gourami's.

Thanks 😊. I thought quarantining snails sounded dramatic, but was warned about “hitchhikers”. I agree that there is always a risk but in this case it is a very small risk. They are now in my healthy 55g.

I think the branches in the middle part could be strategically placed to make that scenario unlikely, such as a tall tree that goes to the top the canopy hangs down, but anything is possible.

I got some snails and I have heard that they can carry fish diseases in their shells, so it is best to quarantine. I really don't want snails in the quarantine tank I have set up for potential onboarding fish (which I didn't think about before hand). I would like thoughts on the necessity of quarantining snails.

I can picture what you are describing and it sounds so cool and unique!

My sunset honey Gourami's swim against me when I am doing maintenance and my hand is in the tank. I decided to see if they would let me pet them and they did. Then I put my hand in a cup shape and they took turns swimming in and out of my hand. It was really interesting, but not something I decided to make a habit out of because it isn't reomended. I don't think you are going to hurt your fish unless you are being rough, forcing it against its will, or have something toxic on your hands. It is your personal choice.

I have never heard of an instance where someone was hurt by a tiger barb 😀

If you’re not worried about spending a little more $, I don’t think there is anything wrong with the better safe than sorry method.

I buy pool test kits to use if I am only testing for chlorine. That way I’m not wasting expensive test strips.

Well, even though the excessive de-chorinator isn’t gonna hurt anything, and after using bleach, I always go overboard, that doesn’t mean the more the better. Dechlorinated is pretty expensive so it can be a waste of money. I would just use a little more than the recommended amount for your equipment soak and then test the water to see if there’s any amount of chlorine in it. If you detect chlorine, then add some more.

When I use bleach I go over board with the rinsing and decorator because it’s better safe than sorry. You aren’t going to hurt your fish because you added a ton of prime to your de-chlorination soak. Just don’t dump the water straight into the aquarium. I have started using hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach because there is less risk, but bleach is a good choice to sanitize after diseases.

Thank you.

After more thought, I am worried. How do you know when they are melting? Will the other true aquatic plants help prevent a cycle crash by using the melting plants for nutrition?

Thank you 🙂 There is actually a total of 8 Anubias plants in there that you couldn't see because of the grass LOL. Another valid reason to spruce it up a bit. There is also a large exploding Java fern in the back that you can't see. I did trim some of the grass and moved it to the back last night but I'm thinking it needs more. It is sad that you can't see my beautiful Aubias. The only hardscape I like in that tank is the drift wood. I am waiting for warmer weather and then I am going to head to Lake Superior and find some nice pieces. I want it to make it as natural as possible. I would never have known because they are so healthy and have been in there so long. Thank you for the info. I am going to read up on it more.

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the knowledge and feedback.