Ok so I have a new 29 gallon tank starter kit I bought from petsmart. I know I need to replace the filter and I was going to go with an aquaclear 70 and keep all the other equipment for now. I also have a running 10 gallon tank with sand and a few wisteria plants in there along with one lonely cory all of which is going to be moved to the 29 gallon. So first question is, if I move all the sand, the plants and seed the 29 gallon with the filter media from the 10 gallon, should I expect a relatively quick cycle? I was also thinking about ordering an active sponge filter from angelsplus.com to help speed up the process.
I'm also a little worried about my tap water conditions, the ph is about an 8 although I've read that many fish can adapt to a wide range of ph. I plan on getting a large piece of driftwood for the center of the tank and putting some more low light plants that can grow in sand. As for the fish stocking, well this is where I was hoping for suggestions. I have a general idea of the types of fish I want but not sure on the exact species and number but here's what I got so far...
Bottom--School of 5-6 small cories(probably pandas)
Mid/top--School of 6-8 small tetras or rasboras
Centerpiece--A angelfish or a pair of rams or other dwarf cichlid (I'm not a fan of dwarf gouramis though)
(?)And maybe another small group of 3-5 fish--platys, cherry barbs, another small schooling fish. I wouldn't mind a live bearer like platys or mollies especially if other tank mates eat most of the fry but if not those might be iffy for me.
So does anyone have any comments, suggestions or any other general tips?
I'm also a little worried about my tap water conditions, the ph is about an 8 although I've read that many fish can adapt to a wide range of ph. I plan on getting a large piece of driftwood for the center of the tank and putting some more low light plants that can grow in sand. As for the fish stocking, well this is where I was hoping for suggestions. I have a general idea of the types of fish I want but not sure on the exact species and number but here's what I got so far...
Bottom--School of 5-6 small cories(probably pandas)
Mid/top--School of 6-8 small tetras or rasboras
Centerpiece--A angelfish or a pair of rams or other dwarf cichlid (I'm not a fan of dwarf gouramis though)
(?)And maybe another small group of 3-5 fish--platys, cherry barbs, another small schooling fish. I wouldn't mind a live bearer like platys or mollies especially if other tank mates eat most of the fry but if not those might be iffy for me.
So does anyone have any comments, suggestions or any other general tips?
