Time For A Change

[blackers92]

Hi guys

Its been a while but I have finally finished school (until next year) and I have decided that it is time for a massive change in my tank.

I currently have 12 Harlequin Rasboras, 1 Keyhole Cichlid, 2 Bolivian Rams and one SAE (Stocked Pretty Light)

pH 7, Temp 26 Everything is absolutely stable, 37 US Gallons


I have a fine grit substrate that I cannot stand anymore so I was planning on replacing it with sand. I have done a little bit of research and have read some terrible nitrite gases that can build up but either way I want some corries so I am going to do the change A massive piece of bogwood dominates my tank at the moment which was a novice mistake I made when I started. It has finally stopped leaching massive amounts of tannins. Should I cut it up into small pieces to open the tank up? I also want to create more hiding places for my fish as it is really the only thing in my tank.

I have had terrible success growing plants. Originally they grew like weeds when I first got the tank but since then I have struggled terribly to grow anything. I have 2 T5 Lamps that are each 13 Watts 14000K White. Would upgrading the lamps help the plant growth? My tank is an all in one (another mistake) where the filter is built into the back of the hood which makes me think there is an uneven distribution of light in the tank. I cannot access TPN+ in Australia so I used Excel and Flourish which did not enhance plant growth.

When I finally decide to do this makeover how should I go about it? Should I get a 20 Gallon Bucket and put my fish in it? (with a heater and filter of course) what type of filter should I use?

Cheers

Adam

 

[moochy13]

with the gas in the sand thing, from reading this forum it seems to be a bit of a split of opinion. some say it happens, so they turn tehir sand every other day or whatever. some say it doesnt matter. im in the latter camp, i dont turn my sand as part of looking after the tank, and have experienced no ill effects. if i have my tongs out to get dead plants or other debris out, i will jab them in the sand a few times, but only because im there anyway.

i dont think anybody is saying the gas doesnt build up, but i watch my fish dig, particuarly a plec i have and when he does little bubbles come up and to the surface - and thats the point. the bubbles of gas dont dissapate into the water, they act like any gas bubble, rise to the top and pop on the surface, releasing into the air above the tank, not harming my fish. some people may think different, its one of those things.

as for the wood, i'd be tempted to see if i could sell it on. if its as large as youre making out, it may be exactly what somebody is after. its a lot easier to buy small bits than massive chunks. it will also avoid you having ugly straight cut marks on the wood.

 

[ian]

Moochy is correct regarding the sand turn-over, it's one of those myths that doesn't want to go away.

As for the plants growing, 26w over 37g isn't much in the way of light. You can grow stuff, but it will grow really slow. I personally wouldn't bother with any C02 addition in a tank with that low light. Thats not to say you can't grow anything. The light will dictate on how the uptake of ferts and C02 are taken by plants. I could probably say that you didn't experience little or no algae in the tank?

If you are gonna up your lighting, don't take it up to a stupid amount. Then you will struggle with algae and trying to get the balance right in the tank becomes more of a challenge, this is where many throw the towel in. In the end we all know a planted tank looks a 100x better

 

[blackers92]

After doing a little bit of research I stumbled upon another forum with a user who had the same tank as me, he said that the lighting was restricting his plant growth so he installed a new system. There was replies from other people who claimed to have the same tank and the same problem.

do you think it would be worth installing a new system, he used and recommended the "Hagen T5 HO Twin Remote Ballast Kit 2 x 24w"

http/www.aquariumproducts.com.au/catalogue_products.php?prodID=4316&catID=86

opinions?

 

[Biulu]

I cannot comment on the brand or the hardware, but this light would get you to 1.3 wpg and that is decent enough to grow plants, albeit slow and not having to add CO2. I have the same amount of light and am able to grow stemplants, as well as crypts, anubias, ferns etc.

Regarding the sand: if you have plants you don't need to worry about toxic gases as these only occur in anaerobic conditions. Your roots will ensure that these conditions are non-existent in sand.

 

[BigC]

There are some really good substrate and substrate additives about these days without using sand which I find washes out fish colouration especially if your using higher powered/spectrum lighting for the plants. Other things to consider are substrate additives, CO2 injection and additional plant nutrients. Growing plants sucessfully is an art in itself and I recommend you to look up Oliver Knott and visit our very own Plant section on this forum led by lljdma06. She will keep you right when it comes to plants and planting methods.
Temporary fish housing can be performed as you describe but instead of the bucket I would go for a large rectangular plastic storage container available from most good DIY stores.
Regards
C