Stocking Ideas

[chris_mcr]

So I'm in the proccess of collecting bits for my tank. I'm quite happy with the current look but its time to change and try and push it on a bit. I have a 3ft tank of about 230L and 2x 30w lights which I believe are t5's in the hood.

I plan to replace gravel with 'play sand' which Ive had as excess for my kids but was unsure of Its use in the tank. I've also read cat litter is a good cheap option for my plants to root in to? And most likley compressed co2 within the next few months.

I've got plenty of plans to plant medium to heavy, but none really for stocking with fish. I want to keep shrimp and assasin snails which I already have but I'm unsure what else to keep in with them?

Could you also recommend a complete water testing kit? I have only ever had tests done by my lfs

 

[BETTY BOO]

i use the api liquid freshwater testing kit.check out ebay you will get it cheaper there than from a shop.
finding out what your ph is will help with your fish selection

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Having snails that you want to keep alive means you can rule out many Loach species (except small serpentine ones like the various "Kuhli" varieties, there will be other types too... run by any proposed loaches by forum members) and Lionhead Cichlids (I was shocked almost two years ago when mine started nipping at a Rabbit Snail, since then I've witnessed Pond Snails as regular dietary supplements).

Planting into the substrate will realistically rule other other fish that like to heavily root around... or test your patience! It also means you can rule out African Rift Valley fish (Malawi, Tanganyika, Victoria), or any specialist needs fish that need a strong current, unless your plants were very carefully selected.

Zebra/Leopard Danios are off the menu, they would do much better in a longer tank, enabling them to use their hyperactive energy.

What species of shrimp do you plan to add?

Only you know what is your "musty have fish" for this tank... As long as it is appropriate for a 3-footer, you can then chose the right tankmates and furniture (plants, bogwood, pebbles etc.) to go with the one fish type you want above all others.

 

[chris_mcr]

Thanks for the replys, the shrimp I have added where sold as algie shrimp, I was told they would go well with some cherry red shrimp at a later date... i suppose the shrimps and plants are my must haves for this tank. I'd like a shoal of 10+ tetras which I have had before in smaller numbers.

There are a few pictures of its current state in my thread in the newbie/welcome section

I'm putting some cash aside for a longer second hand tank for "my wife and kids", 4-6ft ish should do them..... haha!