cichlid-gal
New Member
OK...looking for input and ideas folks. With the demise of my 72G bowfront tank (alas) I have decided to use it's stand for my 33G long tank and start a new project. I have had this 33G long tank in the wings and have been planning to set up a planted tank with it. If I get this done this would be my first "truly" planted tank (with lots of plants not just sporadic stuff and all low maintenance) preferably without CO2.
I have read the threads on the soil substrate tanks as well as spent some time looking at other forums (like PlantedTank) for ideas and information. I'm still not sure which way to go on the substrate.
Questions:
From a maintenance standpoint, how easy is it to work with the soil su bstrate?
I was thinking if I did this I would want to cover the soil with something else like sand. Does that create more problems when planting...i.e. disturbing the layers, etc.?
It's now getting down to the low 40's at night here....is that too cold for the two week soil prep outside or does it make a difference? I read some things about outside temps so I'm a little confused.
Has anyone used Eco-complete? Is this a good alternative to the soil method?
I have that big piece of manzanita wood that came out of the 155G tank along with some seiryu stones for landscaping basics. I will need ALL plants as I really don't have any for the tank. I was thinking of rooting a plant like the miniature peace lily onto the wood, say right above water level and letting the roots hang down into the water.
I would like to stock some fish in the tank eventually when it is stable and ready. I like CPD's (Danio margaritatus), blue tetras (Boehlkea fredcochui), Ryan's beautiful strawberry bettas (Betta albimarginata), and rainbow fish (Melanotaenia) so far...: I'm looking for something that is not a cichlid. I would prefer a CARES fish as that is what I like to keep but I also like these others. There are a couple of Melantoaenia that are CARES species. I just don't know anything about livebearers really and because the tank is not that big, I don't know about stocking them.
So..here's the tank...please feel free to share ideas and thoughts with me. I would welcome them.
I have read the threads on the soil substrate tanks as well as spent some time looking at other forums (like PlantedTank) for ideas and information. I'm still not sure which way to go on the substrate.
Questions:
From a maintenance standpoint, how easy is it to work with the soil su bstrate?
I was thinking if I did this I would want to cover the soil with something else like sand. Does that create more problems when planting...i.e. disturbing the layers, etc.?
It's now getting down to the low 40's at night here....is that too cold for the two week soil prep outside or does it make a difference? I read some things about outside temps so I'm a little confused.
Has anyone used Eco-complete? Is this a good alternative to the soil method?
I have that big piece of manzanita wood that came out of the 155G tank along with some seiryu stones for landscaping basics. I will need ALL plants as I really don't have any for the tank. I was thinking of rooting a plant like the miniature peace lily onto the wood, say right above water level and letting the roots hang down into the water.
I would like to stock some fish in the tank eventually when it is stable and ready. I like CPD's (Danio margaritatus), blue tetras (Boehlkea fredcochui), Ryan's beautiful strawberry bettas (Betta albimarginata), and rainbow fish (Melanotaenia) so far...: I'm looking for something that is not a cichlid. I would prefer a CARES fish as that is what I like to keep but I also like these others. There are a couple of Melantoaenia that are CARES species. I just don't know anything about livebearers really and because the tank is not that big, I don't know about stocking them.
So..here's the tank...please feel free to share ideas and thoughts with me. I would welcome them.