M H's 55 gallon planted journal

Mean Harri

It says not to rinse it. Straight in it shall go. I wished I had ordered my plants Sun or Mon so I could do this this coming weekend. But the shipping was 5-7 business days and I figured it would get here Monday next week. Oh well. I can decide if I want to put the tank where it is now or in front of the window about 3 feet in front of it. I know you're supposed to keep them away from windows and heater vents and should I put it in front of the window there will be a heater vent on either side of it but a few feet away on either side. If I keep the tank 3 feet in from the window it should be ok and I can keep the blinds drawn to keep direct light off of it. I will likely put air diverters on the the vents to steer it away from the back of the tank.

LisaC144

I'm considering getting it because I like the gravel size and it got great reviews, but it is extremely expensive just for some gravel. I understand the benefit of using it in a planted tank but I feel simple root sticks will give the plants the same benefit. I'm torn right now.

Mean Harri

It is expensive compared to regular gravel. I will be using fert sticks too eventually. Perhaps get gravel and save some money. The trick to gravel is getting a color that you like. Or more importantly, a color the fish will do well with. Usually darker colors are better. Since eco complete comes in black and it has plant nutrients and good bacteria in it as well as doesn't need rinsed I chose it.

Angel079

I wouldn't....Danio's are extremely active fish to say the least, they're like the ADD person of the fish world...that with the calm and mellow Tetra's I'd not like this mix long term.

I just cycled my Tetra's tank fish-less and then started by adding the Rummy Nose & Cory Cats. That's what I'd suggest for you too, do a fishless cycle; then pick the "hardiest" Tetra from your stock to start with.

LisaC144

Yeah, the biggest perk about it too is that it doesn't need to be rinsed! That's worth a few extra bucks to me as well! I am only looking for black substrate. The only gravel I am finding just seems too big to me. I'm going to check my LFS this weekend then make a decision.

stephanieleah

I have danios and tetras, and i like the combination. Probably diff ones that you are planning on getting, but the calmer tetras handle the activity of the danios pretty well. The tetras were a very rowdy bunch until the danios arrived. Now they are calmer and just float around watching. Waiting for food. I digress.

The cycling could happen with or without fish in a planted tank, but you want to add fish slowly, check your water params daily, and just do necessary water changes. You'll have plants in there so if you want to go fishless, you'll at least have something to look at while you're waiting. Can you get some seed bb? From the LFS or a friend?

In a heavily planted tank, you probably won't even see an ammonia spike (I never did) and with regular water changes your nitrates will remain low. I've never ever gotten traceable nitrite in my 29 gallon. Thank you green.

stephanieleah

Yay! I was hoping you wouldn't go for bright turquoise or neon pink.

Angel079

Can you imagine Mean Harri with a hot pink tank set up....if he thinks he's got troubles now 'speaking his mind' he'd come undone for that kinda stuff ofr real and post stuff here that'd be totally ************************************* start to finish of his sentences

Kelso

I'm excited Harri! You better get us some good pics!

LisaC144

LOL, that's hilarious!