Starting from Scratch - sort of

U

Uncle Albert

Medium Fish
#1
Apr 4, 2009
53
0
0
#1
I would like to seek some opinions on a few things. My previous post outlines what has recently taken place:

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/freshwater-general-discussion/56776-mayhem-tank-help.html

I've now returned all 3 cichlids and am left with the 1 tetra and 1 loach.

I'm seeking opinions on what to re-stock with ... and ... how many fish max can I have in the tank? What about goldfish (the larger ones)?

In a previous post, I admired another members flowers and so have purchased flowers at AC Moore and 4 very small (2") clay pots. I plan to cut the stems to size, and place in the pots filled with gravel. Any concerns out there about the eventual rusting of the wire (where the cut will be -- but it will be in about 2" of gravel). :eek:

Finally, I saw some tanks today that had a low floor of gravel at the front of the tank which stays level about halfway back, then gradually slopes up quite a bit. It would be a good way to hide the pots I reckon. ;) Any other advantages?

Thanks in advance.

UA
 

jo3olous

jo3olous

Large Fish
#4
Aug 6, 2008
909
1
0
Philadelphia, PA
#4
Uncle Albert said:
I would like to seek some opinions on a few things. My previous post outlines what has recently taken place:

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/freshwater-general-discussion/56776-mayhem-tank-help.html

I've now returned all 3 cichlids and am left with the 1 tetra and 1 loach.

I'm seeking opinions on what to re-stock with ... and ... how many fish max can I have in the tank? What about goldfish (the larger ones)?

In a previous post, I admired another members flowers and so have purchased flowers at AC Moore and 4 very small (2") clay pots. I plan to cut the stems to size, and place in the pots filled with gravel. Any concerns out there about the eventual rusting of the wire (where the cut will be -- but it will be in about 2" of gravel). :eek:

Finally, I saw some tanks today that had a low floor of gravel at the front of the tank which stays level about halfway back, then gradually slopes up quite a bit. It would be a good way to hide the pots I reckon. ;) Any other advantages?

Thanks in advance.

UA
Click to expand...

What kind of loach do you have. Loaches are generally known for their barbels by their mouths (they use these to help find food and stuff). Loaches like Dojos, khulis, and even clown loaches do better in tanks with a smoother subtrate that they can dig through (sand). Large gravel is bad for them because it can damage their barbels, which leads to a hard time for them finding food.

I do not recommend a clown loach for your tank, they get too big.

I would stick with tetras, guppies, maybe some platys or mollys. I would also recommend corys or ottos for your bottom feeders. Maybe get a gourami as a nice centerpiece fish.

I do not recommend any fish that exceeds 6'' in adult size.

I do not recommend live plants for you. They require proper lighting fixtures, and are a bit more work in my opinion. It seems you've got a handful trying to right all wrongs now, simplicity is probably the best route, for now.

As for decor, I would add some fake plants and a few pots/caves to give your fish cover/hiding from each other. All is important!
 

B

BlueStraggler

Large Fish
#6
Mar 13, 2009
314
0
0
Poconos, PA
#6
Uncle Albert said:
I would like to seek some opinions on a few things. My previous post outlines what has recently taken place:

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/freshwater-general-discussion/56776-mayhem-tank-help.html

I've now returned all 3 cichlids and am left with the 1 tetra and 1 loach.

I'm seeking opinions on what to re-stock with ... and ... how many fish max can I have in the tank? What about goldfish (the larger ones)?

In a previous post, I admired another members flowers and so have purchased flowers at AC Moore and 4 very small (2") clay pots. I plan to cut the stems to size, and place in the pots filled with gravel. Any concerns out there about the eventual rusting of the wire (where the cut will be -- but it will be in about 2" of gravel). :eek:

Finally, I saw some tanks today that had a low floor of gravel at the front of the tank which stays level about halfway back, then gradually slopes up quite a bit. It would be a good way to hide the pots I reckon. ;) Any other advantages?

Thanks in advance.

UA
Click to expand...
I'd steer away from goldfish for now because they are a coldwater species. And the larger ones require the most space.
They would be incompatable with what you have and can even eat the tetras that are small enough to fit in the goldfish's mouth.

I like jo3's stocking suggestions... only I'd recommend an apple snail or two instead of the cory's and ottos.
I'm not too keen on loaches and plecos etc. But the apple snails are cool looking and do a great maintenance job.
 

unwritten law

unwritten law

Superstar Fish
#9
Sep 2, 2008
1,471
0
0
36
DC
#9
They are loud and as long as your filter is good enough you should have enough agitation to keep up on aeration... I don't have any air stones anymore in my tanks. Right now just add to your tetras to about 6 and add two more loaches... From there you might be able to add a center piece fish or two like a smaller cichlid or gourami.
 

B

BlueStraggler

Large Fish
#11
Mar 13, 2009
314
0
0
Poconos, PA
#11
Sure you can remove the airstone/s if you'd like to. I'm just not sure why you want to after spending $ on the pump and accessories.
I like the look of bubbles...well not the really slow ones like the treasure chests that produce one every few seconds.
I prefer the bubble screens (the long ones with steady bubbles).

Re-reading your posts, I can picture what you are planning to do with the pots and plants and it sounds like it will come out realllly nice. I really hope you post some pics :D
 

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