Starting Fresh..

[smithyithy]

Hi guys. So I've had my 140L tank running for a couple of months now, bit of a struggle initially to get the levels safe but it's looking good now.

Only got 3 Neon Tetras in there so far that are doing fine.

Here's my concern. I'm not that happy with how the tank looks visually. At first when it was up and running I was chuffed, but after researching a lot of the awesome aquascapes I'm just not that satisfied with mine.

I've got 2 pieces of resin Aztec pieces, a resin rock/wood piece, 3 resin wood pieces, 2 real pieces of bogwood and 3 varieties of plant.

I don't know what it is really, when I first bought the decor I was chuffed with it (they weren't cheap!) but now I just feel like I've got the inspiration to redo it properly and make an awesome aquascape, rather than what I feel is currently more of a mediocre 'space filling' arrangement.

Now, time and money aside, how realistic would you guys say that a 'redo' is?

As I said, the water parameters have been steadily dropping to good levels, filter media should be mature enough by now, and the fish have been fine, no problems with them at all.

Could it be a case of planning and gathering the resources, then emptying the tank for a redo and keeping the fish quarantined until it's done? I 'may' be able to borrow small tank for a while (think it's around 15L?) but will that suffice for the time it takes to do the change?

I'm at a kinda cross-roads between leaving the tank and increasing the stock now that it's safe to, or refitting it all while I've only got 3 tiny healthy fish in there...

Thoughts, suggestions, experiences, advice - all welcome!

Thanks, Chris.

 

[fluttermoth]

No, do it now before you have too many fish to catch! Any container will do for holding your fish for the few hours it'll take you, it doesn't have to be a tank. A plastic storage container might be cheaper (and bigger!) than a tank.

Just make sure your filter media doesn't dry out

 

[smithyithy]

Ah thanks. I was concerned about keeping the fish out of the tank for that long as it may end up taking a whole day to get it emptied and refitted...

I'll have to hand, a small spare tank, probably the easiest thing to keep the fish in, then my bucket to carry the water up and down the stairs (tank is in the loft ) and 2 plastic jugs to transferring fish / water.

Right, I'm in the middle of a water change at the moment so I'm gonna finish that, then start researching and planning.

Is it worth building the setup around the type of fish I plan on keeping, or concentrate on the 'scape then get fish that are suitable once it's finished?

 

[fluttermoth]

If you have any particular fish that you would like then yes, do plan around them. If your not that fussed on what you want next then add fish that will fit with what you do; either way works

 

[Salam]

Nice to see you here again, been wondering how you have been.

I know what you mean. I was chuffed with my first tank and when I look back at it now I can't believe that I actually liked it.

Have you decided what fish you definitely want? If you want something like rams for example, some coconut huts would look nice.

BTW, I found a new LFS in Walsall, will pm you the details, because I don't think we are allowed to post them here. Absolutely brilliant, great service, advice and very healthy fish!

 

[smithyithy]

Got your PM Salan, thanks! I'll check them out Saturday if I get out of work in time

I want a Betta, it just has to be done, I love them

I've started another thread in this section about compatible tank mates? But tank-wise I'm hoping to build a good aquascape similar to the picture I posted there, like these..

I know it'd be impossible to 'replicate' any of those, but they're definitely a huge inspiration

So yeah, I'm thinking 1 Betta (still researching variations, although they're all amazing..) increase my Neons to 10-15 if they're compatible, then add a couple others for variety, maybe a couple of bottom-dwellers? But I'd like something different like frog(s) or shrimp(s)..

 

[fluttermoth]

Frogs don't tend to do very well in tanks with fish, as they have very poor eyesight and are easily out-competed for food, but shrimps (red cherries are the easiest) would be a nice addition.

You do get some bettas that will eat cherry shrimps, so if yours turns out to be one of those, then you'd need to get bigger shrimps, like ghosts or amanos.

 

[smithyithy]

What would be some ideal tankmates for the Betta do you think? Would it be worth increasing my Neon count if they're going to be a hassle for the Betta?

 

[fluttermoth]

Neons aren't nippy in larger numbers, and look better, plus you have plenty of room, so yes, up their numbers; 15, or even 20, would look lovely.

If you're going with a sand substrate then corydoras would be good choice. One of the smaller species, like pandas, would go well; you could add 6-8 of those, or 10-12 of one of the pygmy species, but they're not so exclusively bottom dwelling as other cories are.

 

[Salam]

What flutter says, cories would go well. Although, if you really want to go for an aquascape like in the pics don't expect it to stay this way for long. The cories will constantly be rummaging around and mess up your plants. The stocking would be great - 1 betta, 10 neons and 6 cories - but as I said, they'd mess up your carpet plants.

 

[smithyithy]

Hmm, swings and roundabouts!

I like the idea of Corys, I've read on a few Betta sites that they're a very compatible species. But yeah, I don't want them ruining the scape lol..

On that note, how are Bettas with their environment in terms of rummaging etc?