Hi :) Beginner In The Hobby Here

[DeanoL83]

Thanks for the information - I was never quite sure about how much to feed.  Everytime I do feed the food goes pretty quickly, but if you only do it once a day I guess maybe I am feeding too much.
 
From the pictures you provided yeah it does look like a CAE Hopefully it's a peaceful one - so far so good.  Will see how it goes for a while, but will have re-homing plans in mind if needed.
 
I have a quick question about testing the water parameters.  I have just purchased one of the API Freshwater Master Tester kits that I've seen mentioned on here.  I bought it on ebay and should get it in a few days time.  What I was wanting to know is do I need to buy a separate GH/KH tester as well, or does the master kit cover everything I need?
 
Thanks

 

[Ninjouzata]

The master test kit does not come with gh/kh tests, unfortunately. I have no idea why it's called master test kit and doesn't include those
 
Keep in mind even if the CAE remains peaceful it will eventually get too large for the tank.

 

[DeanoL83]

Thanks for the info - I have now also purchased a gh/kh tester which is also on its way.....and yes the name 'Master' kit is a bit misleading.
 
Any recommendations for the type of live plants to be in a community tank with livebearers, tetras etc?.  Also, how many plants should I have for a 200L tank?  I have 6 live plants already, but have just found out some aren't actually aquatic plants.  Thanks LFS haha.

 

[Ninjouzata]

No such thing as too many plants I don't think
 
What type of lighting is on the tank?
 
Some low light & hardy plants are: Amazon sword, certain aponogetons, cryptocorynes, anubias, java fern, bolibitis, dwarf sagittaria anacharis/elodea, vallisneria, hornwort, dwarf water lettuce.

 

[DeanoL83]

Thanks for the information - I'll have a look at my LFS and see if they have any of those plants.
 
The light I have is:
 
http/www.petbarn.com.au/fish/aquarium-lighting/tubes-globes-reflectors/aqua-one-reflector-light-unit-t8-double-tube-1.html
 
It's the 30W light.  Has one 'Sunlight' bulb and one 'Tropical' bulb in it.