and AGAIN......rescaped but with changes from advice given
Ok so, my happiness with the rescape of the tank was as usual, short lived. I decided that the tank looked too cluttered and the whole reason for the huge quantity of plants etc was, to provide cover for my baby Angels.
Well, they don't want to/need to hide from their bigger couterparts it turns out. They now happily swim along side the 2 larger Angels. The bullying we were seeing has also all but stopped now which, is a huge relief and just proves that getting the extra 3 Angels and extra 3 Clown Loaches did the trick.
It would seem as though the tank has a nice 'balance'.
I took the advice regarding a black/darker background. It turned out that on the back of the blue it wasn't black but a grey colour. I can now see what was meant by the colours of the plants and fish standing out more. I also think that perhaps this is a good 'in between' way to still be able to see my Black Angel, Ghost Knife and Long Finned Bristlenose.
Now, I did say that we had finished stocking the tank as far as fish were concerned however, I am still not 100% satisfied. I find that being such a large tank filled with so many fish who prefer to spend 90% of their time hiding, the tank most often looks quite bare. I had hoped that having 5 Clown Loaches would have encouraged them to hide less and play more. But, this hasn't happened.
I have wanted to put a largish school (approx 20) of a smallish schooling colourful fish into the tank to 'bring it more to life'. My problem however, seems to be in finding appropriate fish that match my requirements.
Neons are out as they will be eaten. Barbs are out as they are nippers. So, what is left? No matter how much time I spend scouring through our many lfs, I continue to come away empty handed.
Is there a schooling fish whom would be ok in with my other fish that would add some colour and activity? Obviously they have to be non agressive and big enough to not be eaten.
Ideas? Suggestions? Anything? I would really love your feedback, be it good or bad.
Here are some photos of the NEWLY rescaped tank with the GREY background. Sorry my photography isn't so great, I am far from a professional photographer as is my camera.
Excuse the state of my plants, I have been treating for Gill Flukes and high Nitrite levels and haven't been able to give the plants a good feed of Flourish for around 3 weeks now.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0909.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0907.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0904.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0903.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0901.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0897.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0895.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0879.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0878.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0867.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0866.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0864.jpg
With the Blue Background.....before rescaping again. Showing off 'Ghosty' and an Angel
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0841.jpg
Feed time.......the only time you will see the Clown Loaches
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/awaitingbaby2/IMG_0837.jpg
OK, I guess I have probably posted WAY too many photos already so I will stop there.
FEEDBACK PLEASE!?