My Fluval Ebi

[3l3ctric]

Hello!

I introduced myself and included some older photos in this thread: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/354241-new-to-the-forum/

But I wanted to start a post here to introduce my tank specifically and post some new photos.

I've somewhat recently started a Fluval Ebi tank (7.9 gallons/30 litres) but unfortunately had to do a fish-in cycle as I needed to bring my fish from Kingston, Ontario, Canada to Montreal, Quebec, Canada with no time to fishless cycle beforehand. I used to have a planted 20 gallon tank which slowly decreased in quality because it was back home with my family while I was attending university. I left in two of the sponges that the ebi filter came with, but also added in some old "bio balls" from my previous tank and a small bag of aquaclear carbon/ammonia-remover and some polywool. I think that the cycle is almost over, but I'm hesitant to celebrate too soon. I'm sick of doing water changes!

The tank has one apple snail, one yamato shrimp, two striped kuhli loachs, two brown kuhli loaches, and one "eel loach". I've had all of the loaches for at [i[least[/i] 3-5 years, with the striped ones being the oldest, and the shrimp for probably 2 years. All of the loaches seem to treat each other like they are the same type and they have one piece of wood that they prefer to live under.

The only other addition I want to make to the tank is a glorious male betta... but I'll have to wait until I am positive that the tank is cycled. I would also like to add some carpeting plant to the foreground of the tank, but haven't found anything good yet. The aquascaping is NOT done yet.

Some photos:

 

[nehpets81]

Nice Kuhli , I love the look of those guys! If I ever finish my cycle they are one of the fish I'd like to get. I notice you mention in another that they don't compete well with Corys, is it a definite no-no to house them together?

 

[fishman102]

Those are some nice looking kuhlis!

 

[Joshwainwright]

Great photos, the Kuhlis would have stood out loads more if you used a light sand substrate...

 

[hillmar77]

Hi,
Just wanted to give you a heads up on the problems I've seen on the Ebi on my local forums......
1) the background should have black silicon on there, because it will detach as per link
2) there is also a light issue too.
Just take a look at it and make sure these problems dont exsist
http/www.bcaquaria.com/forum/equipment-talk-section-14/fluval-ebi-warning-photo-added-11634/
http/www.bcaquaria.com/forum/equipment-talk-section-14/fluval-ebi-buyer-beware-12140/

 

[3l3ctric]

I notice you mention in another that they don't compete well with Corys, is it a definite no-no to house them together?

I really don't know what other people's opinions are on keeping them together. I doubt it wold be a definite no-no, but I personally strongly prefer to pick one or the other. Both do well in larger groups, so your tank would need a pretty large footprint to give them much bottom dwelling and rooting around space. Also, all the corys that I've ever had experience with are more boisterous than kuhlis and I think they would win a war over sinking pellets and possibly scare off the kuhlis.

Great photos, the Kuhlis would have stood out loads more if you used a light sand substrate...

Possibly, but I REALLY prefer dark substrate. Maybe the photos don't do it justice but I see them all the time and I think the dark substrate contrasts well with the stripes on some of them. Also, if I add a male betta and/or some cherry shrimp then I think the dark gravel will look best with them.

Hi,
Just wanted to give you a heads up on the problems I've seen on the Ebi on my local forums......
1) the background should have black silicon on there, because it will detach as per link
2) there is also a light issue too.

Thanks for the tips. I had heard of the light problem before I bought it but everything I read suggested that Hagen was really good at replacing the light under warranty and that the new lights were improved. The possibility of having to complain to get a new light wasn't enough to turn me off the tank. The background issue, unfortunately, I read about after I had just set up the tank. I have clear silicone holding it on (not dark) but maybe I will go out and get some other sealant today to add across the top. Thanks again!