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PMS Woody

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Now that I'm waiting for the tank to cycle its time to start deciding on what to put in it. I don't know exactly what is available in my area but all the well-stocked and competent LFS are over an hour drive away so it isn't as feasible to just swing by and browse what they have.

I would love to add live plants to the tank once it is cycled but at this point know absolutely nothing about planted tanks.

The tank is 30"x12"x18" (75cm x 30cm x 45cm). 28.1 US Gallons (106.37 Litres).

The Mrs. has a pretty big pull in what we stock the tank with (part of the agreement for being allowed a tank). The species we (she) were most interested in are:

- Zebra Danio
- Clown Killifish
- Pearl Gourami
- Dalmation or Sailfin Molly
- and/or maybe Bolivian Rams

Something like 8 Danios, 8 Killifish, and 3 Gourami would definitely but the upper limit on the tank I imagine? Or 6, 6, 3? Would this be a decent spread through the tank or would I have large gaps? (couldn't find any information on who likes to swim near top or bottom so far)

Photos of the tank (I'd love some direction on planting the tank. For now I'll just start reading the planted tank forum...):
tUu6a.jpg

1sO77.jpg
 
How beautiful! I love how you decorated this tank!
During your cycle, have you been putting a bit of fish food in each day? You have to be adding some source of ammonia if youre not adding fish yet.

I really think you should plant this tank, as it makes every aquarium all the more beautiful. Plants also help your fish thrive. But a few tips before doing so: I would highly recomend a good plant substrate as it gives your plants the nutrients they need to survive. It also allows their roots to grow easily and freely. I recommend Caribsea Eco complete aquarium substrate. Im using it and will be getting plants soon. Ive also read tons of good reviews on it on Petco.com. You will also need some sort of plant formula/ fertilizer. Think about it :)

As for the stocking plan...
I would maybe go 5 danios, 4-5 killis, and the three gouramis. Keep in mind though that gouramis will fight and bully eachother. So either do just one or three or more. If you decide to end up just doing two make sure you do your research. :)

Hope this helps some.
 
How beautiful! I love how you decorated this tank!
During your cycle, have you been putting a bit of fish food in each day? You have to be adding some source of ammonia if youre not adding fish yet.
Thanks! Its a fishless cycle that I've been logging over in this thread: http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/403036-fishless-cycle-n00b/

I really think you should plant this tank, as it makes every aquarium all the more beautiful. Plants also help your fish thrive. But a few tips before doing so: I would highly recomend a good plant substrate as it gives your plants the nutrients they need to survive. It also allows their roots to grow easily and freely. I recommend Caribsea Eco complete aquarium substrate. Im using it and will be getting plants soon. Ive also read tons of good reviews on it on Petco.com. You will also need some sort of plant formula/ fertilizer. Think about it :)
So with the eco-complete substrate it would be used as a replacement for the current gravel substrate? The Mrs. won't be happy about losing her Red/White colour scheme!


As for the stocking plan...
I would maybe go 5 danios, 4-5 killis, and the three gouramis. Keep in mind though that gouramis will fight and bully eachother. So either do just one or three or more. If you decide to end up just doing two make sure you do your research. :)

Hope this helps some.
I think I'd go with 3 gouramis instead of just 1. I like the look of groups of fish a lot more than singles swimmin around.

Thanks for your advice!
 
Unfortunately yes, you would have to replace your gravel. Brown/black substrate wouldnt look too good mixed with red and white gravel. :/ But thats only if you want a planted tank.
I agree with you, a trio would look better than just one. ^_^
Good luck with your fish!
 

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