Starting Again

[scvrs]

I used to have a 120l tropical community tank about 3 years ago and had to sell it due to lack of space. Then about 5/6 months ago I set up a small 25 litre tank with a couple of tetras. I have just been given the chance to buy a Fluval Venzia 190 corner tank at a good price, so jumped at the chance!!

I intend to have a few plants and mainly tetras, gouramis and some live bearers to start with.

As I want to keep a few plants in this tank (not too many) I have been looking into substrates. I have been recommended JBL Aquabasis plus as a base layer for nutrients etc and then i intend to put about 2 inches of Silica Sand on the top of it. Would this be OK for plants? Also is this any good http/www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9273147&fh_view_size=10&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=silica+sand&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&isSearch=true

Suggestions and comments welcome.

 

[scvrs]

Sorry didn't mean to ask questions in here, but can't seem to start a new topic in any of the other sections!

 

[KittyKat]

Firstly, please do fish-less cycle the tank

Secondly, most of us use playsand for sandy substrates.

More about the substrates.. I just use a single substrate of gravel or playsand without problems, but it does depend on how you plan to grow your plants.

Sorry didn't mean to ask questions in here, but can't seem to start a new topic in any of the other sections!

You need to click the "validate" link you got by email, to do that

 

[scvrs]

Firstly, please do fish-less cycle the tank

Secondly, most of us use playsand for sandy substrates.

More about the substrates.. I just use a single substrate of gravel or playsand without problems, but it does depend on how you plan to grow your plants.

Sorry didn't mean to ask questions in here, but can't seem to start a new topic in any of the other sections!

You need to click the "validate" link you got by email, to do that

Thanks for your help there. All sorted now. Without reading this I went out and bought some of the kiln dried sand which is now in the tank (fingers crossed)

I put a layer of JBL Aquabasis down first.

Unfortunately my filter seemed to spring a leak from its main o-ring (Fluval 204) so I have been unable to run the filter overnight yet. I will get a new one today and see what happens. I have a few plants in the tank and thats it at the moment but it looks great.

I will be doing a fish-less cycle don't worry


I look forward to using this forum.

 

[KittyKat]

Unfortunately my filter seemed to spring a leak from its main o-ring (Fluval 204) so I have been unable to run the filter overnight yet. I will get a new one today and see what happens. I have a few plants in the tank and thats it at the moment but it looks great.

Oh dear, Fluvals can be a bit of a pain sometimes.. I hope a new o-ring will fix it