New tank ideas.

[alexmsw]

I am planning on purchasing a new tank next month. The last time I kept fish was when I was 16(28 now). The differenece 12 years makes and knowing now that the lfs I used was about as helpful as the plague...poor fishies

I have learned and done some research so here is the plan and please tell me what you think

I plan on getting a 75 gallon tank. It will be a planted community tank. I am planning on getting a getting an eheim canister(not sure which one would be the best for that size...any ideas?) It was also suggest that I get a EMP 400 as well, but not sure if that is the best with the planted tank.

Tap water specs:
ph:7.6-7.8
gh:11
kh:6

I am planning on getting a pressurized co2 system(does anyone have a system the recommend?) If I understand it correctly does the co2 system lower the ph and kh?

I plan on fishless cycling so after it's done the fish I am thinking about so far are:
1 black ghost knife
6-8 cories
5 kuhli loaches
1-2 angel cats
dwarf gurami (how many would u suggest for that tank read that the can get aggressive with one another)
I am up in the air about what to get for the middle of the tank. Rainbows were recommended but I am not sure if I can get them where I live (Northern Virginia area, hiding from sniper as I type )

Sorry for all the questions it's just that I don't want to cause any fish the torture I put them through the last time.

 

[William]

Lots of questions here B) Livebearers and snails are my expertise
but I'll try and give the basics.

Well first off 75gallon tank - nice!. Second off I don't know if the ehiem canister is external? But I would definately recommend external for a tank that big.

As for CO2 system perhaps repost that two sentances in the "planted tanks" forum, get more replies that way

Fishless cycle-I've only ever used one with fish but it is a good idea especially if the fish you intend to have are valuable and not just the run of the mill platies .

You seem to have pretty much everything sorted out, I'm not quite sure about the compatability it would be best to wait for another member about that.

As for the sniper I'm praying for you guys and the people in Bali

 

[Great Lakes]

Hi Alex. I always advocate the 350 MAgnum pro system for a tank your size. Has bio-wheels with the system and works real well for the money.

I would try silver dollars for your mid tank fish. They are lively swimmers, and are not aggressive, and tend to get big enough to discourage others from bothering them, without getting too big.

And if you want to have a planted tank, the light system that one typically gets from the lfs is slightly inadequate. It will probably come with two 18" stip lights, and you will want about 160 watts for best plant growth.

 

[semper fi]

personally i would not reccommend the ghost knife except in a tank with other ghost knifes. from what i have heard from others who have kept them they are rather vicious. can wipe out a whole tank. they like to hide in the day and come out at night. also beleive these are a schooling fish? cichlidmaster would know better.

maggie