nw 29 gallon planted aquarium

Byron

I saw two identical threads, so I have merged them. This way we will all be seeing the same issues and suggestions, which will allow for a better informed response from everyone.

On the cycling, with live plants you won't have a "cycle" that is discernable. Plants are so efficient at grabbing ammonium (ammonia) they out-comppete most of the bacteria, and with plants you don't have the nitrite/nitrate stage. Once the tank is planted, you can add the tetra with no worries.

On the rams, I would suggest waiting until you find some in the store, and observe how they interact in the store tank. If they are not juveniles, some of the male/female characteristics noted in our profile will be noticeable, plus the male's tolerance of females and intolerance of other males strictly in their behaviours will be obvious. Just a thought.

I would get a decent tube for the light, as I mentioned previously. Plants will not start off well with poor light. Light drives photosynthesis, and that is how plants grow. Algae though is always waiting to take advantage, and being able to use any light and especially in a new tank that is unstable in water for a while, this can be problematic.

Byron.

scooterlady

Thanks! Nice to know that there's a tropical fish store fairly local. It's kinda far, but I'd rather do that than have them shipped. I was planning on waiting to get the Bolivian Rams till last and it would be great if I could be lucky enough to find a bonded pair, but if not, I was going to go with 6 juveniles and let them choose their own and return the ones I don't want. Nice to know that the cycling will be easier with the plants and I'll definitely look into getting the sponge filter and upgrade the light. I think most of the plants I'm getting are low to medium in light requirements. Was trying to stay away from plants with high light requirements, but I know I'll need a full spectrum light. Also, thanks for merging the thread...makes life simpler and I'm always for that.

Christople

youu don't get money back... their return policy is terrible only 24 hours... they do except donations though

scooterlady

I'm sure I can sell them on Craigslist. I never see them for sale, but I see other Cichlids for sale in my area. I'm sure there won't be any problem finding new homes for them...

Christople

also maybe people on this forum would like them.. not me but others.

scooterlady

Exactly! And if I'm successful with the pair, who knows, there could be fry!

scooterlady

It was the fish profiles that won me over. I liked the fact that I could find out which species would tolerate cycling the best and that was how I came up with what I'm putting in the tank. I was first looking at Serpae Tetra, but decided against them because of the fact that a large school of them just wouldn't do for a 29 gallon and I eliminated some of the other tetras because of being too fragile to cycle with. I always figured I could try some of these Tetras later on.

scooterlady

Forgot to comment on your pics. Your tank is amazing and I hope someday to have one that looks half as nice! And thanks for the picture of the sponge filter setup. Does it come that way or am I going to have to build it? I've never seen one before...

scooterlady

Only if I can find someone close. I'd not be willing to ship. I'll definitely let everyone know when the time comes...

Byron

You can buy them in many fish stores, or online. Mine are made by Hagen, in the Elite line (they make air pumps, filters, heaters I think, all under the "Elite" name). That photo was a different manufacturer, but they look the same. Here's the Elite though, below. You will need an air pump and air line tubing, that's all plus this unit.

Thanks for your compliments. Check out my other tanks, some are "former", under "Aquariums" below my name on the left. All are set up the same, that very simple, natural approach.

Byron.

Attached Images

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