54 litre freshwater aquarium diary

[Helina21 2]

Just wanna watch it all the time. View from the laptop workspot on couch.

 

[BlaiseinLondon]

It fits so well with the rest of your decor - looks great.

 

[Innesfan53 15]

Just wanna watch it all the time.

And that's what it's all about, isn't it. Beautiful.

 

[Helina21 2]

And that's what it's all about, isn't it. Beautiful.

Thank you! Yes, together with good fish keeping morals and practises. So my conscience will rest as well. I especially enjoy the fact that there's no fighting in the aqua!

@BlaiseinLondon​

Thank you!

Sky went cloudy so I got even better pic with less reflecton.

 

[Helina21 2]

For those enjoying to see the aquarium in action:
Increase quality to max from top right!
(sorry my hands were really shaky trying to hold the phone steady)


I do wish it would look more stylish though, after moving some plants around. But at the same time I feel like I need to let the plants catch up and grow big on the right again before I re-evaluate it...

 

[Helina21 2]

Peaceful aquarium, looks pretty much the same as above. Increase quality to max.

Not getting tired or fed up by looking at this! <3

 

[Helina21 2]

Evening picture of the tank in its surrounding.

 

[Fishmanic55 171]

If I were a fish, I would want to live there.

 

[Helina21 2]

Aquarium life, close-up.

Am really satisfied with this stock. I've had them now for nearly 2 years. From a local private person.

 

[Helina21 2]

Most recent water test results:
Checkup at Helsingin Akvaariokeskus fish store
Results: Low, Right, High compared with store recommended levels.

Test: (recom.)	NO3 (15-20)	NO2 (<0.1)	PO4 (0.1-0.2)	GHd (4-8)	KHd (2-4)	pH (6.5-6.9)	CO2 (5-15)	Fe (0.4-0.8)	K (8-12)	Mg (5-9)	Conductivity (under 450)
22 July 2026	10	0	<0,02	5	3	7,6	2,2	0,3	5	3	204
24 September 2026	15	0	0,05	5	2	7,5	1,9	0,1	12	5	247

Summary: Hardness is still stable (KH, GH). Fertilization state is much better than before (NO3, K, Mg) except for Iron (Fe) which I need to add more often now than the general fertilization liquid. Phosphorus (PO4) is still bit low, which is though a good prevention of algae growth and means that I'm most likely not over feeding. Rather low than high. PH high still and CO2 low, but the delivery of the aquarium water lowers CO2 somewhat and accordingly rises PH somewhat. Nothing to much worry about but can add some dried leaves to aquarium to lower PH in the future.

 

[Helina21 2]

Wonder... wonder

Wonder if I could keep a pair of Zebra plecos L046 in this tank. With increased tempereature to 26c. I've adored those over a decade, every now and then. A breedin pair would maybe be nice to have.

Does anyone have any experience in this species being with Neocaridina shrimps? Can broth of them thrive?

Hypancistrus zebra (Zebra Plec)

The zebra plec, Hypancistrus zebra (L046), is a small loricariid catfish from the Rio Xingú basin in Brazil, named for its zebra pattern. Brazil banned its export in 2004 and captive-bred fish are expensive. Shy and easily outcompeted for food, it needs warm water of 26 to 30 °C, high oxygen...

www.seriouslyfish.com

 

[Helina21 2]

Have you ever seen a more beautiful aquarium setting than this? Now I want to get this as second aquarium to my flat for these special Zebra plecos!

I already measured, it should fit next to my existing one! Yiippee! Can imagine some vallisnerias to the back sides.

 

[MattW55 171]

Those are very desirable fish, so watch your wallet! I have never kept them before, but I have followed Nick's story over the years on KeepingFishSimple. I'm pretty certain he's kept them with small dither fish and neo shrimp.

Forum-wise, certainly ask TTA. They are very experienced with zebs and breeding them.

 

[Jennet35 93]

Lovely piece of furniture, and one you can keep some beautiful fish in. I wish you well with it and them.

 

[Helina21 2]

Thank you guys!

I know zebra plecos are very expensive, but I intend to make them like it here so much that they could breed the price back, ideally.

I was thinking to also add a pair of pearl gouramis, if I get that new tank. I've always loved those peaceful fish too, but they've needed more space than what I could provide.

Maybe I move the smaller tank to bedroom, so the tanks don't compete with eachother...




Wonder what else peaceful mid swimmers should I add. The temperature would be around 28c so that doesn't suit all fishes.
A pack of Pearl Tetras maybe? And I read green neon tetras can handle a bit more warmth too. Wonder if those pearl tetras especially would eat the small plecos? And am wondering would this be too "plain" combination of fish.




Yeah I think this is what I'll do. Except that I'm unsure about the diamond tetras.