Tank Ideas

[mhancock]

I'd appreciate some creative advice please!

I have two tanks, and am happy with the smaller one which has red+black gravel (there is some sand underneath for the plants), white rocks and a mixture of plants:



The larger one, I put white and black gravel in on top of the sand, and am really unsure whether or not it was a good idea. I've also struggled to get decent plants, several "grassy" ones have died, and some of the purple ones (I like not just green) have turned green quite quickly.



Would love some thoughts - would it look better with blue or black gravel, are there any plants you'd recommend, or other ideas? I am hoping that soon the bogwood will stop releasing tannins and the water will be clear!

Thanks,



Mark

 

[mhancock]

Bump - has anyone any thoughts?

Thanks,

M

 

[`Peter]

Would suggest black gravel, you can't go wrong with that. Would make the colors of your cardinal tetras, platies and angelfish really look better.

Plantwise you can try getting some more foreground plants that are smaller such as dwarf hairgrass, baby tears or just stick to anubis which are very hardy. Could try some smaller sword plants as well. Good luck

 

[mhancock]

Would suggest black gravel, you can't go wrong with that. Would make the colors of your cardinal tetras, platies and angelfish really look better.

Plantwise you can try getting some more foreground plants that are smaller such as dwarf hairgrass, baby tears or just stick to anubis which are very hardy. Could try some smaller sword plants as well. Good luck

Thank you, will look into the plants you have suggested.

When I change the gravel, would it be OK to put the fish and some tank water into a big bucket, and leave the stuff in the external filter so that the bacteria are OK? Do you know how long the bacteria would last in the sealed external filter for, presumably if I took a couple of hours to re-scape the tank and refill with previous and some new water would they stay alive that long?

M

 

[Xraymark]

Your bacteria should be fine as long as the media does not dry out, which it shouldn't in an external.

Transferring the fish into a bucket should be fine. If you have an airstone place that in the bucket as well.

Black gravel is nice. I'm a fan of sand, any colour.

 

[mhancock]

Thanks, I do have an airstone and am looking forward to seeing it with the black gravel!