Drop of freshwater in an ocean life

Discussion in 'New members' started by Green Fingers, Jan 13, 2018.

  1. Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    Hi everyone,

    I am new to the forum and am in need of some much needed guidance. As the title states, I have a few marine tanks but have opted to setup a freshwater tank for my kids. Its been a while since I have dabbled in freshwater and would like some advice. My tank details are the following:

    Tank Setup:
    Size: 60cm x 30cm x 30cm
    Filtration: Cascade 150 hang on filter
    Substrate: Black fine gravel
    Decorations: Spider wood, small to medium rocks and live plants
    Lighting: Brights purchased down lighter (6500k)

    Fish Stock:

    1 x Veil Angelfish
    1 x Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami
    1 x Upside Down Catfish
    1 x Pearl Gourami
    2 x Swordtails
    4 x Harlequin Rasboras

    Maintenance:

    50% water change weekly
    Dosing of Plant Pack Fundamentals (Flourish, Excel & Iron)

    I have lost a few fish here and there, not entirely sure as to why. I am excited about the possibilities that freshwater has to offer. I have had some difficulties in getting my plants to thrive too so I am not sure if I stay with this option or if I move to a more substrate, rock and wood type tank.

    Looking forward to sharing experiences and seeing your tanks in the future :)
     
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  3. Christiaan Duvenage

    Christiaan Duvenage

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    Hi.Change gravel to a aqua soil.I use Scape ferts.

    Adding co2 is necessary for certain plants.Read up on the needs of the plants that you have.
     
  4. Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    Agreed on the substrate.
    It is major surgery on the tank, but you only need to do it once.

    With aqua soil substrate you can place the plants directly in the substrate, and know they will be receiving the necessary nutrients.
    You can use additional waterborne fertiliser like Seachem Excel and Flourish, or Scape Carbon and Complete.

    We always appreciate pics of new setups.
     
  5. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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  6. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    Can I add soil with my gravel and mix? Would my tank have any issues if I remove all the gravel?

    It's a tiny tank but freshwater has gripped me again slighlty
     
  7. Christiaan Duvenage

    Christiaan Duvenage

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    Up 2 u.You can mix or just have aqua soil,the latter being better.Another option if you want to keep you're tank gravel only is to look at using root tabs.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2018
  8. nealos6

    nealos6

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    Those are golden white cloud mountain minnows, not rasboras. Nice looking tank though.
     
  9. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    Hi ans welcome to the forum.

    Nice looking tank and your maintenance regime sounds good

    As for the plants... I am no plant expert... but I think the one problem i see is that you have left all the plants in the containers you bought them in with the wool/fibre they come in
    Its a bit like planting something in your garden in the bag it comes from the nursery.
    That fiber is also toxic to the fish and if it gets into their gills, it will kill them
    The plants roots are in the fibre which will make it very difficult for them to draw nutrients from the soil

    The anubias need to be tied to wood or rocks with their roots out of the soill

    Perhaps some of the guys with planted tanks can chirp in here but... that's one problem i think you are having
     
  10. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Hi, and welcome to the forum

    Re your stocking.
    Up side down cats are sociable fish, and are happier when they have company.

    Also, I wouldn't get 1 Pearl and Dwarf.
    Rather get 1 male and 2 female Dwarfs.
     
  11. Pezulu

    Pezulu

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    The broadleaf plants in the corners are Echinodorus (Amazon Swords) which are heavy rooters.
    They definitely need to be planted in good substrate where they can draw the nutrition they need from the soil.

    The Bacopa right front is also a stem plant, and prefers its roots deep in the soil.
    You can get away with root tabs with the Bacopa.

    Finally the Eleocharis Parvula (Dwarf Hairgrass) has a hidely growing root system, and requires a lot of space.
    It spreads by runners which grow from the newly formed roots.

    As mentioned, the Anubias need to be tied or glued to either driftwood or rocks, with the rhyzome about ground, in order to prevent the plant from rotting.
     
  12. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    I'l try and see where I can get the aqua soil. I saw Seachem has some nice soil. What are root tabs? I have not heard of them before.
     
  13. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    Thank you. I am still in the fiddle stage, I am still trying to get my ideal look :)

    I wasn't aware of that. Really interesting. I'll take them all out and plant them in some soil so they can do well.

    I should of did more research. I bought the plants from a store that doesn't have.names on the plants. Just that they are easy to keep.
     
  14. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    I've had more than 1 gourami but for some strange reason they get big sores and die. Only 1 gets it though. I love the dwarfs as they are really colourful.

    My catfish had consumed a number of my neons before so I'm not sure if he is gonna give me trouble going forth.

    What is my stocking limit in my tank?
     
  15. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    Thank you. I couldn't find them online.

    Thank you so much. Loving the tropical jungle feel
     
  16. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    Thank you so much! That is really helpful.

    Going to make the changes today!!!
     
  17. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    This is caused by a virus to which Dwarfs seem quite susceptible.
    It seems to becoming more and more common unfortunately
     
  18. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    Any way to treat this? I know viral infections are tricky. You have success in treating them at all?
     
  19. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    I think that once they have it that's it.
    From what I have read, the mass breeders temporarily suppress it with antibiotics, but that just compounds the problem
     
  20. crashrun

    crashrun

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    Can we get a pic of the upside down catfish?
    The ones I am familiar with grow quite large....just thinking your tank might be a bit small.
     
  21. OP
    Green Fingers

    Green Fingers

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    My remaining one still looks good and is eating well. I know viral is tricky but I will monitor closely and isolate if that happens and try and apply treatment.
     

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