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19 Posts
I've been wanting to get a fish tank for many years and now I'm finally able to. The idea that I have been having for a layout or landscape was all natural from a certain region and googling for it is when the discovery of biotope was made and my research started. Been reading a lot from different forums (including this) and wikis on species of plants, fish and items used to give it a more natural look such as wood and rocks/stones.
Seized the oppourtunity of the Aqueon 36g Bow and stand being on sale at my local PetSmart and purchased it last week.
I'm a total noob and maybe a biotope is an agressive attempt on my part, but I like challenges and learn very fast.
A friend that is knowledgeable and has experience in aquascaping and biotopes has been helping out a bit and telling me where what I can add/remove in order for it to a well balanced environment. But insight and opinions from others is helpful as well, the more the input the better the outcome
As the title states, I'm aiming for an Amazon River Biotope with this first set up. If all goes well then I might go for another region, maybe Korean or African biotope... we'll see
So far the list that I have compiled for filter, plants, fish and landscape is the following:
Filter
Light
24" 17-watt T8 full spectrum fluorescent lamp (included wtih the hood), it doesn't specify the amount of k
Substrate
?
Plants and Location in tank
Amazon Sword Back
Pygmy Chain Sword Middle/Front
Amazon Frogbit Surface
Roseafolia Mixed in with Amazon Sword but more to the front
Java Moss (maybe, invasive species:roll
Covering some driftwood and rocks
Fish and Quantity
Green Fire Tetra x10
Neon Tetra x10
Otocinclus x5
Cockatoo Cichlid x6
Hatchetfish x10
Shrimp and Quantity
?
Landscape/Decor
Malaysian Driftwood
Rock
Dead Branches (Maybe)
I've looking for shrimp from the region but apparently they're not that common in the trade due to restriction on the export of them. What species can replace them or which ones are used instead? I'm looking for a good waste (uneaten food and dead plant matter) eater and maybe algae, though that might be covered with the Otocinclus.
Is there a type of moss that is from the Amazon's that could be used in biotopes and is found easily online?
As for substrate, no to sure on which type to use. I've seen many different suggestions on what to use, mix and don't mix, etc... Any insight as which type and quantity is ideal would be greatly appreciated.
I'd like to get it set up with the substrate and let it cycle for a few days and then order the plants, cycle for bit and let them settle in and then get the fish.
Is it ok to have two species of tetras, I couldn't decide on neon or green fire since both look great. I've read that they do ok together... I'm open to opinions and suggestions, feel free to tell me if I should add/remove something or change the quantities.
Still need to see if I can find an online store(s) that ship over to Puerto Rico and if the shipping charges are reasonable.
Thanks in advance!
Seized the oppourtunity of the Aqueon 36g Bow and stand being on sale at my local PetSmart and purchased it last week.
I'm a total noob and maybe a biotope is an agressive attempt on my part, but I like challenges and learn very fast.
A friend that is knowledgeable and has experience in aquascaping and biotopes has been helping out a bit and telling me where what I can add/remove in order for it to a well balanced environment. But insight and opinions from others is helpful as well, the more the input the better the outcome
As the title states, I'm aiming for an Amazon River Biotope with this first set up. If all goes well then I might go for another region, maybe Korean or African biotope... we'll see
So far the list that I have compiled for filter, plants, fish and landscape is the following:
Filter
Light
24" 17-watt T8 full spectrum fluorescent lamp (included wtih the hood), it doesn't specify the amount of k
Substrate
?
Plants and Location in tank
Amazon Sword Back
Pygmy Chain Sword Middle/Front
Amazon Frogbit Surface
Roseafolia Mixed in with Amazon Sword but more to the front
Java Moss (maybe, invasive species:roll
Fish and Quantity
Green Fire Tetra x10
Neon Tetra x10
Otocinclus x5
Cockatoo Cichlid x6
Hatchetfish x10
Shrimp and Quantity
?
Landscape/Decor
Malaysian Driftwood
Rock
Dead Branches (Maybe)
I've looking for shrimp from the region but apparently they're not that common in the trade due to restriction on the export of them. What species can replace them or which ones are used instead? I'm looking for a good waste (uneaten food and dead plant matter) eater and maybe algae, though that might be covered with the Otocinclus.
Is there a type of moss that is from the Amazon's that could be used in biotopes and is found easily online?
As for substrate, no to sure on which type to use. I've seen many different suggestions on what to use, mix and don't mix, etc... Any insight as which type and quantity is ideal would be greatly appreciated.
I'd like to get it set up with the substrate and let it cycle for a few days and then order the plants, cycle for bit and let them settle in and then get the fish.
Is it ok to have two species of tetras, I couldn't decide on neon or green fire since both look great. I've read that they do ok together... I'm open to opinions and suggestions, feel free to tell me if I should add/remove something or change the quantities.
Still need to see if I can find an online store(s) that ship over to Puerto Rico and if the shipping charges are reasonable.
Thanks in advance!