Fluval Flex 15 gallon build thread

[PheonixKingZ]

How are the barbs and shrimps together?
After finding a juvenile cherry barb in my main tank I decided it was safe to get cherry shrimps, a mixed colour group like yours. I now have a lot more shrimps than I bought, the fish leave the newly hatched shrimps alone, and like your tank they have lots of hiding places.

i haven’t noticed any aggression between the barbs and the shrimp which is really good because that was something i was worried about when i first got stock. i actually saw a baby cherry shrimp last night so that’s a really good sign

 

[MattW30 146]

I love build threads. Especially this one. They need a bit of loving too

i think it might be some sort of tiger variety but she sure is big!

I love that tiger shrimp reminds me of a more colourful Amano

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I love build threads. Especially this one. They need a bit of loving too


I love that tiger shrimp reminds me of a more colourful Amano

thanks! that’s definitely my favorite shrimp out of all the shrimp i have. i have the male too so hopefully they’ll breed sometime and i’ll get more tigers? who knows!

 

[CaptainBarnicles6 4]

I'm interested! The plants have gone bananas! Looks lovely, I appreciate a wild looking tank, it must feel so natural to fish living in that kind of environment. I think cherry barbs are underrated, the males especially can get such a vibrant shade of red and they're definitely the most peaceful of the barb family.

 

[Essjay30 145]

I agree - I have 2 fully grown males which are bright red. The fry I found is also male - he's not as big as the others yet but he's red and chases the females. The 8 females have their own beauty - mine are almost gold under the tank lights.



I haven't posted in this journal until yesterday but I have been reading it since the day it was started

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I'm interested! The plants have gone bananas! Looks lovely, I appreciate a wild looking tank, it must feel so natural to fish living in that kind of environment. I think cherry barbs are underrated, the males especially can get such a vibrant shade of red and they're definitely the most peaceful of the barb family.

exactly! i just love how natural and lush it looks and i know the fish and shrimp appreciate it environment.

definitely underrated, i was kind of nervous getting them because i’ve never kept cherry barbs before, but they’re super fun to watch! i do need to get more soon though because i had 2 that died the day i got them (most likely from stress) so i only have 4 now.

I agree - I have 2 fully grown males which are bright red. The fry I found is also male - he's not as big as the others yet but he's red and chases the females. The 8 females have their own beauty - mine are almost gold under the tank lights.



I haven't posted in this journal until yesterday but I have been reading it since the day it was started

that’s awesome! yes, the coloring/marking on the females is really pretty too

 

[PheonixKingZ]

another macro shot of one of the black shrimp

 

[MattW30 146]

It's amazing to see your shrimp doing well! I on the other hand have lost many to WROD. Out of 15, 8 are left

 

[PheonixKingZ]

It's amazing to see your shrimp doing well! I on the other hand have lost many to WROD. Out of 15, 8 are left

im so sorry, i luckily have never had to deal with that, but i know its a horrible thing to have to see your shrimp go through

 

[PheonixKingZ]

man i really love these shrimp

 

[PheonixKingZ]

got the tank moved a few weeks ago, it was a massive headache but all the fish survived. i had a pretty bad shrimp loss but i expected that, they’re fragile creatures

 

[PheonixKingZ]

been forever but the tank is still up, had a pretty major fish and shrimp loss. pretty sure right now i only have 1 barb and 1 shrimp left


i’m considering giving them to my LFS, tearing down the tank, and starting a saltwater nano tank. if i did FOWLR (fish only with live rock) i could definitely pull it off. 2 clownfish and a scarlet skunk shrimp would be really cool.

it probably wouldn’t be anytime soon but if i do end up doing it i’ll definitely start another journal

 

[PheonixKingZ]

another quick update, i got rid of all the livestock save the snails, just didn’t have the time to care for it anymore. it’s still setup and running but it just has a few plants left.

i’m about to move apartment in the coming month so maybe after things settle down i can start that nano saltwater tank i’ve been keeping in the back of my mind.

 

[MuddyWaters1 1]

another quick update, i got rid of all the livestock save the snails, just didn’t have the time to care for it anymore. it’s still setup and running but it just has a few plants left.

i’m about to move apartment in the coming month so maybe after things settle down i can start that nano saltwater tank i’ve been keeping in the back of my mind.

I would like to do a small saltwater tank also. I'd like to do a BIG saltwater tank, but don't have the room.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I would like to do a small saltwater tank also. I'd like to do a BIG saltwater tank, but don't have the room.

saltwater is definitely more difficult and high maintenance but the pay off is worth it. IMO, if you’re new to saltwater get a bigger tank because the parameters and salinity are a lot easier to keep in check with a higher volume of water.