I'd say about 90% of my tank's current inhabitants were bought when I lived in a more neutral-to-soft water area, but since moving to a hard water area I think it might be time to admit defeat and give up the South American fish I prefer.
Likely setting up a new tank in the new year - OR considering rehoming as many fish I have at the mo as possible to good homes and housing the remainder, older ones in a slightly smaller tank, and adapting my current tank.
I want to do it on the cheap and source things second hand, I'm in no rush, so have plenty of time to look at fish options.
My water readings are:
pH from tap: 8
pH of aged water in tank: 8-8.5 (and that's even with four bits of bogwood in there so potentially higher without all that)
Gh: 200 mg/l
Kh: 130 mg/l
Whether I use my current Rio 180 or get a new tank, I really only have about a gap of about a metre in length to play with in the house.
I don't really want a tank of just rocks and fish although I appreciate naturally harder water areas can have little greenery.
I'm thinking main feature fish with maybe a shoal of one other species to add a bit of movement. Maybe an oddball loitering at the back.
Enjoy cichlid-type behaviour - ie territories, caves, substrate shifting, defending eggs/fry etc - but open to non-cichlid suggestions.
As this will be in a family area, the only stipulation is "nothing too ugly or bland" so colourful fish would be a bonus.
There must be other hardwater fish available? Any unusual suggestions? Would like a challenge.
Likely setting up a new tank in the new year - OR considering rehoming as many fish I have at the mo as possible to good homes and housing the remainder, older ones in a slightly smaller tank, and adapting my current tank.
I want to do it on the cheap and source things second hand, I'm in no rush, so have plenty of time to look at fish options.
My water readings are:
pH from tap: 8
pH of aged water in tank: 8-8.5 (and that's even with four bits of bogwood in there so potentially higher without all that)
Gh: 200 mg/l
Kh: 130 mg/l
Whether I use my current Rio 180 or get a new tank, I really only have about a gap of about a metre in length to play with in the house.
I don't really want a tank of just rocks and fish although I appreciate naturally harder water areas can have little greenery.
I'm thinking main feature fish with maybe a shoal of one other species to add a bit of movement. Maybe an oddball loitering at the back.
Enjoy cichlid-type behaviour - ie territories, caves, substrate shifting, defending eggs/fry etc - but open to non-cichlid suggestions.
As this will be in a family area, the only stipulation is "nothing too ugly or bland" so colourful fish would be a bonus.
There must be other hardwater fish available? Any unusual suggestions? Would like a challenge.