Hello Melly,
Looks like you are starting from scratch, almost.
Let me start by answering your questions.
Sucking Loach. This fish grows to about 10 inches (25cm). It gets aggressive as it gets older.
It also gets less inclined to eat algae as it grows.
CO2 is not necessary. You don't need it. >>>the plants will grow faster and healthier if you have CO2.<<<
Filter....as you have been doing the bleach treatment, I would leave the carbon in for now (about 1 week).
After a week, remove the carbon only from the filter. Leave the sponges that are in there. Fill in the open space with the floss pads or add more of the same sponge. The floss pad and sponge is another place for the bacteria to colonize. This will also save you money as you won't need activated carbon (expensive), just the floss pads.
I usually replace my floss pads every two weeks. You may have to do the same. It all depends on how much waste your fish makes. You'll have to monitor your filter for a while so you'll know how long it takes.
Nerite snails...forgot to mention. They reproduce like rabbits. I only have one for my tank because of this reason. I'd go with the Otocinclus affinis (dwarf cat fish) and the Amanos. The cleaning crew usually eat algae in their early stage of development. That is how it is kept in check. If you notice any large algae, remove it immediately (trim it off or scrape it off or remove the infected item completely).
Book....I can't really suggest a good one right now. Unfortunately I am in Japan. I am sure there is someone here in the forum that could suggest a good book.
There is something I missed on my last post.
Lighting...8 hours to 10 hours is sufficient for the plants. 12 hours can sometimes bee too much. This you have to decide based on observation.
If you notice algae, reducing light time always helps.
Please read this. This will help. You may have read this already so please ignore if you have.
http
/www.fishforums.net/lofiversion/index.php/t96754.html
After viewing your photo, I noticed a plant that may not be a true aquatic plant.
You do need to do some research. I'm sure someone in this forum is bound to say something about it.
Your tank is bare and because of that, your tank will go through another round of cycling. It should be quick this time though.
Once you get the plants in, you must follow a strict schedule. You need to focus on water change, cleaning the filter, controlled feeding, vacuuming the gravel and ferts. Depending on your plant load, maitenance will be reduced.
Once your tank is settled, do not remove plants and do not disturb the lower layers of your substrate. The trick here is to allow it to balance itself. Once balanced, you cannot simply remove a plant as it is part of the equilibrium already. You can add but you cannot remove. If you do remove a plant, make sure you have a replacement for it. When the plants do mulitply, that will be considered as an addition so removing a plant will be possible then. Disturbing the balance can be as simple as removing a plant, wood or rock (bacteria do grow on these). Remember that an aquarium is mimicking mother natures natural eco system.
With that said, we need to recreate the food chain in an eclosed environment.
I have experienced problems when I remove plants without adding or replacing the ones removed. If you can get 90% of the tank covered with plants like I do, maintenance becomes very easy.
Your fish have gone through a lot already so at this point, it would be wise to get things done in one shot if possible.
Water....I was once using tap water and with tap water, I always had issues with algae. Not bad but had some problems with it.
I now use filtered water (RO water). RO is reversed osmosis. If you can get one, that will do you a lot of good. It's expensive but a worthy investment. UV sterilizers are good also but again they are expensive. If you have the money, then go for it. If not, you'll still be fine without them so it's not necessary.
Hope it all works out. I don't know all the answers but these are all based on my own experiences and research. I hope others in the forum here will throw in their ideas, advice, and opinions too. Am waiting to see from them as well.
Melly, do read the other threads as there are some great answers and ideas there.
To reddeerhobbiest,
I'd have to agree with you on dwarf gourami. They are beatiful looking fish too and great in a community tank.
If you have other ideas, advice, opinions to add, that would be great.
