PearlTigress
New Member
Hi all! So long story short I have a 60g that was well established with two huge Oscars and a convict, which have now been rehomed. I wasn't the one that had them in there so don't judge! Anyway they're gone and I'm worried about losing the cycle so I think I'm going to at least get a small amount of stock soon, possibly tomorrow, to keep that bacteria trucking along. I can't afford to go crazy with a full stock even if it was a good idea. My idea is, grab a half dozen endlers OR swordfish trio, and one or two fast growing plants. The fish should help help the tank at least stay cycled even though the bacteria won't be as robust with such a small stock, and the plants will help keep things clean as well.
Ultimately I'm going for a fully planted, fully stocked tropical community. I'm focusing on boesmani Rainbowfish, swordtails, and probably corydoras. A little school of endlers to add variety, maybe a pair of kribs if I feel the mature tank has room for them and they'll be okay in my moderately hard water. We'll see. I was originally thinking a school of tetras but I worry my harder water will be tough for them.
As for the filter, I cleaned it for the first time (for me; previous owner did I'm sure). I was surprised to find both ceramic rings and bio balls in the trays. From the bottom up there's coarse foam, bio balls, bags of carbon, and ceramic rings. I rinsed the foam and carbon in tap water and the bio balls and ceramic rings in tank water. I also added some poly fill to the carbon layer because I heard that can help keep things really clean. Do I need to change anything with that set up?
Looking forward to any responses. Hoping to do things the easy way for once and not the "Well, now we know" way. Hehe
Ultimately I'm going for a fully planted, fully stocked tropical community. I'm focusing on boesmani Rainbowfish, swordtails, and probably corydoras. A little school of endlers to add variety, maybe a pair of kribs if I feel the mature tank has room for them and they'll be okay in my moderately hard water. We'll see. I was originally thinking a school of tetras but I worry my harder water will be tough for them.
As for the filter, I cleaned it for the first time (for me; previous owner did I'm sure). I was surprised to find both ceramic rings and bio balls in the trays. From the bottom up there's coarse foam, bio balls, bags of carbon, and ceramic rings. I rinsed the foam and carbon in tap water and the bio balls and ceramic rings in tank water. I also added some poly fill to the carbon layer because I heard that can help keep things really clean. Do I need to change anything with that set up?
Looking forward to any responses. Hoping to do things the easy way for once and not the "Well, now we know" way. Hehe