Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'setting up aquarium'.
Found 2 results
-
Right now I have a fairly small tank that I'm using to make as many mistakes as possible so that (in theory) I don't make those same mistakes with my big tank. I'm still at least a month out from actually seeing it up and I want to take my time so I can get it right. Over the last few weeks I've gone through a few different iterations of what I want to do. This is my 40 breeder that I'm taking my time setting up. I bought the tank and filter (new fluval 407) second hand, the rocks are basalt with quartz that I gathered from my yard (and broke up some with a sledge hammer), and the wood is old weathered drift wood that I boiled and am currently soaking (after taking this picture). I'm going to pile aquasoil under the wood with plants poking out and then sand to the right with the rocks as a barrier. I'm planning on stocking at least 3 honey gourami (1 male & 2 female), 6 otos, guppies (from our existing tank), 6 corys, cherry shrimp, and probably ramshorn snails (because I have them and they will probably find their way in anyway). I plan on adding the substrates and some moss to dry start for a few weeks (maybe some plants too but not sure what would benefit from a dry start). Then I'll add the rest of the plants, flood the tank, seed bacteria from other tank, and add snails. Wait a week or two doing frequent water changes. Then add corys. Wait a week or two then add shrimp and otos. Wait again before adding guppies. Then finally I'll add the gourami. Now my questions: I like pigmy corys but do they actually sift around in the substrate and help clean? Would julii corys be better? Is that filter too big? I thought it was a 207 when I went to buy it from the guy online but it turned out I read it wrong somehow. Could I potentially add another school like ember tetras or just leave room for inevitable guppy fry? What about a bristle nose pleco or two instead of otos? I like the idea of having fish that are fairly easy to breed. Last time I rushed in so I want to try and take my time on this one but is this plan too overly cautious? Any suggestions for plants? The only things I'm firm on are dwarf lilies, water wisteria, and Java ferns. -
Have a 10 gallon that is purely gravel and fake plants. I decided I wanted to get a bigger tank and found sales. I currently have a snail, a few male guppies, and some corys. I have looked into substrates somewhat, but still slightly overwhelmed on it all. As for plants I've read that Amazon sword, java fern, and anubias are great plants to start with. I would like to find plants that would pair with those fish and potentially a dwarf gourami, school of tetras, and maybe a very small pleco (like a clown.) As for the substrate, inert or not. Am I able to use a few inches of a substrate like eco complete and then a thin layer if gravel over for the corys to sift through? Also, what is a good beginner substrate to look into that won't overly complicate water parameters. I did watch co-ops video where he mentions recommending crushed coral, so I would use roughly 5lbs at his 1:10 ratio. Lastly, was reading about c02 injection and etc. If I used an oxygen stone with a outside filter would that provide enough natural flow to inhibit my need to go that route?
