Tom P Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 (edited) About time I became a more active member of Aquarium Co-op's forum. Too easy to just sit back and watch everyone else contribute. I am rejoining the aquarium hobby? after a 45yr absence. And wow, it has changed during my absence. The last tank I had was a 120 gallon freshwater tank that I had built into a divider wall, complete with all the necessary plumbing. I had everything from Clown Knives, Silver Dollars, Bala Sharks, Red Tail Sharks, Pleco (no idea what kind), Halfbeaks, Hatchets, Angels, and more. And somehow, they all got along. I wouldn't dare attempt that community today. We currently live in a senior facility that has a lot of restrictions, one of which is being restricted to a 20 gallon tank. However, due to my past experience and our being on the ground floor, they have made an exception and allowed me to have a "larger" tank. They haven't placed any restriction but the only wall space available and practical will only fit a 45 gallon - or a tank that is no more than a length of 36" with a width of approx 12". Anything longer interferes with thermostat/light switches and wider makes it difficult to walk past. I also have a 20g and 10g in another room that I have setup in smaller spaces. So, one of my main questions going forward will be what kind of fish I can have in a 45 gallon - currently a community tank. There are 12 Golden White Clouds, 2 German Gold Rams, 1 Koi Marble Angel, 2 Zebra Nerita Snails, & 1 Honey Dwarf Gourami. The biggest issue I am dealing with is tap water with hard tap water (300+, pH 8.2-8.4). I was able to acclimate all of these fish and they have survived from 4-8 wks. Where do I go from here? I would love to add something that would occupy the middle space. Do I try to acclimate other Rams? I did have Apistogrammas surviving in the 20g until I added Algaefix. I lost that pair plus 6 Otocinclus that I'd had for over 3 months. Lesson learned. I also realize that the Apistos love the bottom 1/4 of my tank but I did love the color that they added. Any help or ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks. 45 Gallon , Fluval 307 Canister, Fluval UVC, Hygger 36" LED 20 Gallon, Tidal 35 HOB, Hygger 24" LED 10 Gallon Hygger Dual Sponge Filters, Hygger 18" LED PS: I'm not paid by, receive any merchandise from, or advertise for Hygger - but I really love the quality of their products. Edited September 9, 2021 by Tom P 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griznatch Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome back to the hobby! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tihshho Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome back and welcome to the forum! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppysnail Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome…I’m with you my hygger lights I have on all 6 tanks are awesome perfect. I use multiple other hygger products as well. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atitagain Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome to the forum, glad they made an exception so you could get the 45G. Maybe for the middle you go with tetras I’m a big fan of rummynose and cardinals. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 better late than never. welcome tot he forum. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom P Posted September 9, 2021 Author Share Posted September 9, 2021 Thanks for all the Welcomes! I probably spend way too much time watching Aquarium Co-op videos and this forum! So much to learn that wasn't available a long, long, long, long time ago 🤪. Looking forward to being a participant and not just a spectator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colu Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome to the forum 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GameCzar Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome Tom! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome Tom! It seems like you might do better in the long run with hard water, higher ph fish. I think some Rainbow Fish would look great as a mid level fish in a 45, and they’re suited for higher ph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalmedByFish Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 Welcome! You have more experience than I do, but I'm thinking livebearers would work with that water. I just got some dwarf red coral platies, and I like how easy they are to see from a distance. That's a nice perk. I think endlers are among the hardiest livebearers, and some colors of male are really pretty. A lot of us have limitations on tank size for various reasons. You're not alone there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommygourami Posted September 10, 2021 Share Posted September 10, 2021 I think you are going to have a lot of visitors from the other residents at the retirement community 😉 I think Cory frequently recommends rasboras for the middle of the tank. I think mollies like hard water too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentFishFanUK Posted September 10, 2021 Share Posted September 10, 2021 Welcome fellow Tom! You've come to the best place on the internet (Well best place unless you're some weirdo who isn't interested in fish!) 😄 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now