Substrate

[watchoutplecosabout]

I have a couple of questions the first is what is the best substrate for community tank with plecos, I was think sand or natural stones?

Second question is when I turn up my tank light (Fluval Vicenza 180) the lights come on nice and bright then about 30 mins later they dim right down, should I replace the unit and if so with what type (budget of £60-80) Also I have a 205 external filter but was thinking of putting a small internal filter is it worth it.

 

[smegforbrains]

Fine gravel, as long as the grains are rounded and not sharp, will be fine for Plecs.


Not sure about your lighting problem. When did you last replace the tubes? They should be changed about every 12 months so this may be the problem.


I don't think the 205 will be enough for a Vicenza 180. I would suggest either upgrading to a 305/405 or adding a 3+ internal filter. Adding a 3+ is the cheaper option (peteramos1 on eBay does them for about £21 delivered - that's who I buy from).

 

[watchoutplecosabout]

So sand is no good then.

I replaced one of the bulbs because it went but they both come on really bright and then really dim down.

I was thinking that with the 205, it just doesn't seem to be good enough for a tank of that size.

 

[smegforbrains]

You can use sand but it's a bark to clean properly IME.


The 205 should be really used on tanks up to a maximum of about 125 litres.