Help Before I Start

[8bitcore]

Hi All,

Just joined so this is my first post.

Well done to everybody that contributes, its a great help and much appreciated.

Ok im planning on getting a 330L corner aquarium and would like some advice on a few things before i purchase this and some equipment.

Can i use an all sand substrate and still grow plants ?

The tank is 27" deep and the hood is supplied with 2 30 Watt lamps, is this sufficient for plant growth ?

Do CO2 units fit in the cabinet under the tank out of sight or are the tubes short and you need to place it on the side of the tank ?

How long would you suggest running a planted tank before i add a fish to cycle the tank ?

Id like a peaceful community tank, which fish would you recommend i start with that is commonly available from my local fish shop ?

Many Thanks

 

[teaker1s]

check the forums for cycling-do it the humane fishless way.
ram's are nice fish

 

[Neal]

I never knew about cycling, my fish wouldn't have died otherwise!
At my local fish shop you can get cod and chips, wait... Wrong topic!

 

[Snick]

you CAN use sand substrate and still grow plants, in fact, some plants prefer it that way.

I first started with simple, hardy livebearers (platties, guppies) and added ssome guaramis later... that was pretty cool. oh and cory cats as well!

 

[James007]

Your lfs cannot always be relied upon for the best information when setting up tanks as often their priority is to sell fish asap.

There are plenty of articles on cycling on the internet so do a search and read up on it. The top guys on this forum recommend fishless cycling as the way to go. Its frustrating being unable to put your fish in straight away but worthwhile in the long run.