Remodeling the Zeb Tank

PlecoCollector

PlecoCollector

Superstar Fish
#1
Aug 21, 2005
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Clinton, NY
#1
My fish-related project for the summer is currently remodeling my Zebra Pleco tank and I'd like either some opinions or someone to talk me out of it :eek:

The layout is really barren and bleh looking. It's impossible to clean the sand and the little structure in the middle needs redone. I'd also like to add some (not many) plants to the tank, along with a small piece of driftwood.

I was thinking of either putting in more sand (how thick should a sand bed be?) or some very fine gravel, planting some plants here and there, and then adding the driftwood. Cave-wise, I was thinking about buying a few of those rectangular ones from aquabid and then siliconing them to my slate that I have now (obviously rearranging the slate immensely).

The tank looks similar to this right now, since I've had to rearrange the slate a bit after a cleaning I did a few weeks ago:


And a close-up shot of the cave stucture and the cute little Zebs eating :)


I was looking at how this person did their tank and I really liked it, so I'm looking for something similar to that: http://www.zebrapleco.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1814


Then my other questions arise:
Would this totally and completely stress out my Zebs?
Would adding new/more sand/gravel cause a mini-cycle to occur that could hurt them? (FYI- Adding any new sand/gravel would happen gradually, I wouldn't just dump in a new bag of it or anything like that.)
Is it really a good idea at all? (If not, please talk me out of it, I'll listen :eek:)
And lastly, does anyone know the Zebra Pleco growth rate? Just trying to figure out when they're going to grow a bit more ;)

Thanks a bunch! *thumbsups
 

Pure

Pure

Elite Fish
#2
Nov 1, 2005
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Jacksonville, FL
#2
Would this totally and completely stress out my Zebs? NO just make sure to remove them to temp housing like a bucket with an airstone n a heater.

Would adding new/more sand/gravel cause a mini-cycle to occur that could hurt them? (FYI- Adding any new sand/gravel would happen gradually, I wouldn't just dump in a new bag of it or anything like that.) No not at all, If you want a gravel go with eco complete for plants. It is soft and moves very easily. My plecs dig in it all the time.

Is it really a good idea at all? (If not, please talk me out of it, I'll listen ) Yes it is. You should really try and duplicate their natural surroundings. Plants are not part of it. They are more of a rock and drift wood local species. your current setup wile nice needs some work for long term housing.

And lastly, does anyone know the Zebra Pleco growth rate? Just trying to figure out when they're going to grow a bit more. They grow pretty slowly. Look for them to be spawning size in about 1 to 1 1/2 yrs. :(

My question time...Did you get the bulbs for your 90??
 

PlecoCollector

PlecoCollector

Superstar Fish
#3
Aug 21, 2005
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#3
Yay! My Zebs will be very pleased, they've been asking for a renovation ;)

Would it hurt to add a *few* plants, like 3 small ones, just for some color? That tanks makes me depressed to look at because it's so bare.

I was actually expecting spawning size in 3 years, so I can wait that long. My one has actually grow a decent amount since I got him, but the others are still fairly small. Oh well, they need a new habitat to grow in :)

And no, the person I was supposed to take over to Big Al's (who told me today that he now has 4 Oscars, 3 Parrot Fish, a Plec, and 2 bottom feeders that he doesn't know the name of...), was busy on Saturday so I didn't go. I'll definitly being going this weekend though :)
 

Limi310

Limi310

Superstar Fish
#5
Nov 30, 2005
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Charlotte, NC
#5
I was thinking of either putting in more sand (how thick should a sand bed be?)
Click to expand...
Assuming this is playsand? You shouldn't have a thick layer because it compacts really easily and creates dead anaerobic spots that can release toxic gas if not kept properly stirred and such and it can be stinky. When I made my F8 tank I made the mistake of using a ton of sand so I constantly have to stir it around during water changes. I'm moving soon so I will probably take a lot of it out when I tear the tank down.
And I've come to the conclusion that, while nice, sand it just a big P.I.T.B

Anyway wanted to compliment your little zebs, they are super cute. That tank you posted in the link is very nice looking, I like the black gravel.
 

MOsborne05

MOsborne05

Superstar Fish
#7
Oct 3, 2005
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Gibsonburg, OH
#7
I vote for eco complete too, its similar to sand and is good for plants. And it will really make the zebs stand out. I wish I would have used eco-complete when I brought that queen arabesque home :(

That tank arrangement looks neat, but I don't know anything about zebs. Are you planning on breeding them? I've also seen people use pvc pipe and bury it under the gravel so that only the entrance is showing, but I don't know if that would work for you. It serves its purpose yet doesn't take away from the tank so the tank would still look nice. Keep us posted with pics :)

I found this and thought you might like to see it http://www.scotcat.com/articles/article28.htm, it's got some info on breeding them and some tank pics.
 

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PlecoCollector

PlecoCollector

Superstar Fish
#8
Aug 21, 2005
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Clinton, NY
#8
Thanks for everything guys, my little guys are going to be sooo happy when I finish this! :D

And yes, I plan on breeding them if I end up with both genders *crosses fingers*, but they're still way to small to be thinking about that right now :eek: Thanks for the article, it was very good :)
 

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