So Where Is It All Going To Go Wrong?

[miniman]

Okay, I think I'm about ready to start my tank and want to give a quick run down of my plan and see if anyone can spot somewhere it might go a bit pear shaped!

Tanks size approx 60cm long x 35cm deep x 40cm high

First off buying tank and planting some java fern (or something similar.. go on lfs advice) and getting ready to start some moss. Lfs says it can sell the filter ready with bacteria some I'm gonna get that but still not with fish. Get the tank ready and how I want it to look, plants ok etc. Practice cycling for about a week and checking levels to make sure the mature filter has worked and everything is perfect. Add some bog wood and rocks etc...

Then add approx 3 platys first. Cycle and check water and fingers cross they are happy as larry and everything is going well.

Then add approx 8-10 tetras. Cycle ... as above

Then I have ben told that this size tank is fine for a BN Plec so he can go in last when eveyone else is settled. Cycle....

(I have also been told I'd have room for corys but I dont want to stock the tank to the max and then have to cycle every few days - plus its difficult as lots of people seem to have two or three and say they are happy but people on Planet Catfish seem to say 7 min)

So how does this sound... Stocking ok? any potential problems? I am hoping for a zero death rate!

 

[TerraDreamer]

I'd say you're taking a level-headed approach to this. Patience is always a virtue.

As for fish, if I did my conversions corrrectly, you have roughly a 20 US gallon tank. I'd say your ultimate fish count, with excellent filtration, is within reason, but may well be over after the plec matures. Also, you didn't say what type of tetra so that may well impact your chosen number of those. Have you thought of shrimp, or a snail instead on the BN? Their bio-load is less than that of a plec, I believe. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I think 2-3 on the cory count is adequate.

You're definitely at the stop sign as far as fish count goes.

 

[miniman]

I like the neon or cardinal tetras .. perhaps if i reduced to 6-7 of them and two platy?
I know the BN can be a bit of a poo machine but I was hoping the plants may help with him... I just love the plecs and would love to accomadte one, but if thats not going to happen then I would probably go for corys instead!

 

[dixaisy930]

Would you be willing to get a different type of plec? I had a candystripe plec that stayed small (by plec standards - only 3-4inches I believe is the max). Shrimps are also a good replacement. There are some real colorful shrimp available, and the are much more entertaining than a plec, in my opinion.

Cories like to be in group of atleast four or five. Kuhli loaches are also fun. These too like to be in groups. The more you have, the more you'll see them. Comfort in numbers....

With the platys, either do all females, or have two or three females to one male. Those males have only one thing on their mind....

 

[puddle_inc]

never expect the zero death rate. i'm nto trying to say that your fish will die or anything. but when your first getting fish and a new tank and all, you gottas be prepared for thw worst.

are you going to get some aquarium salt, melafix, chlor out (guessing and hoping you got that already), and maby some quick cure?

otherwise, you look like you have been planning and reading for a bit.

 

[miniman]

Would you be willing to get a different type of plec? I had a candystripe plec that stayed small (by plec standards - only 3-4inches I believe is the max). Shrimps are also a good replacement. There are some real colorful shrimp available, and the are much more entertaining than a plec, in my opinion.

I dont really mind what plec but the reason I was thinking the BN was becasue when I put the plec question to Planet Catfish everyone recomended it for my size tank and as being the easiest to look after for a first timer and one of the smaller plecs. But it is very difficult to know which advice to take!

are you going to get some aquarium salt, melafix, chlor out (guessing and hoping you got that already), and maby some quick cure?

otherwise, you look like you have been planning and reading for a bit.

I have nothing yet but I will be getting something like chlor out (i take it this is to treat tap water to get rid of the chlorine) and some quick cure. Not sure what aquarium salt and melafix is for though!?

 

[ICEEGRL]

I have found prime to be the best water conditioner. I had alot of problems and have tried many different kinds. This one really works.
Also if you are getting filter material that is already colonized the bacteria will die running it in a tank with no fish. It kind of defeats the purpose. The bacteria in the filter needs something to feed on. The idea is when you add mature filter you go ahead and add a few fish to keep it mature. That is how it was explained to me. I could be wrong though. I have learned that I have learned a few wrong things. lol
I am just saying check into it.