Biotype Tanks

[unspoken930]

Okay, i posted this earlier in Chit Chat, so Ill quote it here so you know the fish

Alright, I am getting two 55 gallon tanks once we move house, which should be within the next 2 months or so, depending on when the new house is built. Anyways, I am going to create two biotypes; one asian one, and one south american one. I am going to post my plant questions on the plant forum, so if you want to help out there as well, it would be greatly appreciated.

Anyways, on to the fish! I'll start off with the South American biotype. Basically, what i want to know is how many you think i should stock of each species, and if you have any suggestions for better species to keep. I would also like to make sure they are all compatible. This goes to the Asian Biotype as well.

Fish in South American Biotype:
+Schooling Fish
--Cardinal Tetras
--Rummy nose tetras
--Red/Blue Colombian Tetra
+Bottom Feeders
--False Juli Cory Cat
--Sterbas Cory Cat
--Otocinclus
+Centerpiece fish
--Pair of German Blue Rams
--Pair of Bolivian Rams

Keep in mind, these are just species I liked, and I havent really worked out stocking yet, however i would like to have as many of each schooling fish as possible, and i know the corys and the oto's need groups of atleast 5.

Now for the Asian Biotype

Fish in Asian Biotype:
+Schooling Fish
--Harlequin Rasboras
--Cherry Barbs
--Odessa Barbs
+Bottom Feeders
--Khulii Loaches
--Angelicus Botia Loach
+Centerpiece Fish
--Pair or two of Sparkleing Gouramis

Please post all opinions, good or bad, as I would like to know how you think these tanks will turn out before I create them, and begin to dislike how they look and redo it once a month. (this is what my 12 gallon is going through right now... )

Thanks again for everyones help

Anyways, I have made a list of plants for each tank, but im not sure how to put it together, or if i have even chosen good plants. I plan to have around 2.5 wpg in each tank I hope. I also need suggestions on substrate for each tank. Now, for the plants I have chosen already. Please feel free to post your opinions and tell me which plants arent good, and other plants you know of that might be better suited.

Plants for South American Biotype:
+Background Plants
--Creeping Mint (Micromeria brownei/ Clinopodium brownei)
--Stargrass (heteranthera zosterfolia)
--Brazilian Pennywort (hydrocotyle verticillata)
--Telenthra/ Red temple Plant (alternathera reinekiiv rosaefolia)
+Midground Plants
--Chilensis Broad Leaf Sagittaria
--Narrow Leaf Chain Sword (Echinodorus tennellus)
+Foreground Plants
--Microsword Grass (lilaeopsis Brasiliensis)
--Narrow Leaf Drawf Subulata

Now, I need some help on this one, as i dont think i have enough midground and foreground plants. Ive been through a few websites, and this is all they seem to have. I am trying to stick with somewhat common plants, so I can get them from websites without spending a fortune.

Okay, Asian Biotype time.

Plants for Asian Biotype:
+Background Plants
--Cardamine (cardamine Lyrata)
--Rotala Wallichi
--Temple Plant (Hygrophila corymbosa v. stricta)
--Wisteria (hygrophila difformis)
--Italian Vallisneria (vallisneria spiralis)
+Midground Plants
--Dwarf water Onion (zephyranthes candida)
--Dwarf Lily (nymphea stellata)
--Dwarf four-leaf clover (marsilea crenata)
--Japanese Fan (Acorus Pussilus)
--Tiger Lotus Jade (nymphea zenkeri)

Alright, i really need help on foreground here as i cant find any plants that would word for this.

Thanks again!! i hope i get some good replys!

 

[handsomeboy]

id say for asian: HC or glosso or riccia. thats like my Big Three.

 

[Themuleous]

You planning on having CO2 in these to tanks? With that much light I would certainly recommend it.

As to substrate all the common ones would be ok, but if you're really wanting the best ADA do substrate for both these biotopes. I know this is a UK website but checkout aquaessentials for these substrates.

Sam

 

[MoreCoffee]

If you decide on ADA substrates, then the Amazonia and the Malaya Aquasoils would seem to fit with your South American and Asian themes.

I'd agree with Sam about the need CO2 and you'll also need to think about what ferts you plan on using.

I know from experience that Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis can be difficult to grow and as a slow grower it can have problems with algae. It also does best with very high light levels.

 

[unspoken930]

Thanks for your replys

I do plan on using CO2, and Im comparing prices on pressurized systems right now. However, i was wondering if I could supply CO2 to both tanks from one system, or would it be more efficient to buy two systems? Im completely new to the pressurized CO2 thing, all i have right now is a nutrafin system on my 12 gallon.

I have also found that Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis grows very slow when i used to have it, but I also only have a smudge over 1 wpg in the tank I had it in.

Thanks for your replys

 

[MoreCoffee]

Thanks for your replys

I do plan on using CO2, and Im comparing prices on pressurized systems right now. However, i was wondering if I could supply CO2 to both tanks from one system, or would it be more efficient to buy two systems? Im completely new to the pressurized CO2 thing, all i have right now is a nutrafin system on my 12 gallon.

I have also found that Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis grows very slow when i used to have it, but I also only have a smudge over 1 wpg in the tank I had it in.

Thanks for your replys

Yes, you can run 2 tanks from a single pressurised CO2 system, although I've never done it.

You need something like this ..........
CO2 Splitter - Ebay (From Singapore, but I've bought from them before with no problems)

You may get some problems depending on how far apart the tanks are and you'd need to ensure the tubing was out of the way and can't get damaged if running it any real distance.

You'd also need to ensure that you have a decent sized CO2 tank, otherwise you'll be forever getting it filled.

Al

 

[unspoken930]

Well, I planned to have my tanks right next to eachother becuase oh how the new house is layed out and where the major walls are. This leads me to another question. In my new room, there is a huge window facing one of the walls that i can put the tanks on. Now, we have a garage apartment infront of that window about 10-15 feet on one side, and also, the window isnt facing the way at the sun directly shines into it. My room is only dimly lit on the brightest of days from that window, so I was wondering if I could put my tanks there without having algae problems. The other spot is on the same wall as the window, but it will be a pain to do water changes, becuase my python wont reach from the bathroom sink all the way over to that wall, as it is on the complete other side of the room. In the area where the window might pose a problem, the bathroom is maybe 2 yards away.

I hope that didnt confuse anyone, I can go take pictures if needed.

Thanks for your help