Hello -- I'm A New Member. Finally -- Real Experts!

[The Blue Bell]

I retired last year, and always wanted to have a small aquarium. I tried to set up a 20 gallon long, it was great for 3 weeks, then . . . Well, in those days i realized it was not a good thing to learn by doing things wrong. After 6 decades, I decided to get out of the rat race, and to go back and start well I left off -- at the beginning. I am wanting to set up a Betta tank for my start, preferrably one with live healthy plants. I also want a healthy environment for my betta. Well,
i'll be asking questions along the lines of this goal, so forgive my ignorant questions -- I do not know what I don't know, and I doubt what I think I know about fish.

 

[Tolak]

Welcome to TFF! Ask any & all questions you want, that's why we're here!

 

[The Blue Bell]

Very nice! I have been think about getting a biocube and setting it up for a Betta Splendens, but I wanted the plants to thrive. Yet I couldn't figure out if I should use a CO2 reactor. Has anyone done this? Flluval flora is 30L or 7.9G, but I like the looks of the Biocube -- it would help keep out the cats. I was thinking if using a dremel tool on the Boicube and adding a CO2 cartridge-type accessory. What do you folks think? Be kind, I'm new at this.

 

[FishAreFriendsNotFood10]

I dont think you would need CO2 for a tank that small? im no expert on this but maybe just some plant feed... i have low tech plants though and alot of fish poop lol
Im sure the CO2 plant nuts will be along to help hehe
welcome to TFF

 

[nicklos]

Very nice! I have been think about getting a biocube and setting it up for a Betta Splendens, but I wanted the plants to thrive. Yet I couldn't figure out if I should use a CO2 reactor. Has anyone done this? Flluval flora is 30L or 7.9G, but I like the looks of the Biocube -- it would help keep out the cats. I was thinking if using a dremel tool on the Boicube and adding a CO2 cartridge-type accessory. What do you folks think? Be kind, I'm new at this.

You don't need a CO2 reactor in order for your plants to thrive. I have many live plants in my 75 gallon and they do fine in regular gravel substrate with a plant bulb. Depending on what type of aquatic plants you choose, the roots could easily outgrow a 7.9 gallon. You mentioned you are new to this, A lot of people make the mistake at first by thinking that a smaller tank means less hassle and easier to get in the hobby. In fact, it is the other way around. The larger a tank you have, the less maintenance and issues you will have in the long run. Like you, I started out with a betta about 5 years ago. Now that I have come down with multiple tank syndrome, I have 3 tanks. The smallest being a 30 gallon tetra tank.

 

[The Blue Bell]

Very nice! I have been think about getting a biocube and setting it up for a Betta Splendens, but I wanted the plants to thrive. Yet I couldn't figure out if I should use a CO2 reactor. Has anyone done this? Flluval flora is 30L or 7.9G, but I like the looks of the Biocube -- it would help keep out the cats. I was thinking if using a dremel tool on the Boicube and adding a CO2 cartridge-type accessory. What do you folks think? Be kind, I'm new at this.

You don't need a CO2 reactor in order for your plants to thrive. I have many live plants in my 75 gallon and they do fine in regular gravel substrate with a plant bulb. Depending on what type of aquatic plants you choose, the roots could easily outgrow a 7.9 gallon. You mentioned you are new to this, A lot of people make the mistake at first by thinking that a smaller tank means less hassle and easier to get in the hobby. In fact, it is the other way around. The larger a tank you have, the less maintenance and issues you will have in the long run. Like you, I started out with a betta about 5 years ago. Now that I have come down with multiple tank syndrome, I have 3 tanks. The smallest being a 30 gallon tetra tank.

Yes, I thought about a larger tank. Must discuss this with Millie, and need a room addition and more gold from the Swiss account. Maybe build it into the wall or the old television. Actually, perhaps I should go ahead with the biocube and see if I can make a go of it. Haven't heard great things about many of these factory-built systems, but perhaps pick the best and replace buggy accessories. Thanks for your comments, I'll take them to heart.

 

[OldMan47]

Welcome Blue Bell. I intend to join you soon among the "voluntarily unemployed". I expect to retire within the next few months myself.

There are many approaches to plants that each have their advantages and disadvantages. I personally prefer the NPT approach in my tanks where a fertile substrate is mixed with a well lit tank and results in a low maintenance fast growth arrangement. For a biocube that would mean a serious lighting upgrade though. Other approaches are the low tech approach, using easy low light plants or high tech high light approaches that require some artificial plant nutrient additions and CO2. Depending on your willingness to add to your lighting and your desire to perform fertilizer additions, a method that suits you can probably be chosen and advice given.

Please let us know your desires and how we can help.

 

[TigerJack]

Hello! Good luck deciding on your new tank. I'm pretty new to fish myself but I find them very rewarding Be sure to add pictures once you get set up!