[KookScape]

Well, right when i got my 55 gallon just about how i wanted it, I found a 140 gallon tank with stand and some misc. accessories for 200 bucks on CL... It took some elbow grease to get it cleaned up, but I took the day to get it ready and start cycling it.
I have a pressurized co2 setup that runs 12 hours a day, while my lights run approx. 11 hours a day, w/ daily ferts.
DAY 1!

 

[2in10]

If you plant the tank in bunches with open spaces around the bunches the tetras will swim around them in schools.

 

[KookScape]

ANy other advice on getting the tetras to school? I haven't had them in a while, but last time i did they kinda just all hid separately.

 

[KookScape]

Still pretty cloudy, and that isnt the lighting setup I will be using.

 

[2in10]

ANy other advice on getting the tetras to school? I haven't had them in a while, but last time i did they kinda just all hid separately.

A few larger sized fish will encourage them to school.

 

[KookScape]

A few larger sized fish will encourage them to school.

Ok, but I assume angels wont work?

 

[2in10]

They would be risky at best. Discus would do and they love planted tanks.

 

[KookScape]

They would be risky at best. Discus would do and they love planted tanks.

Really? How many discus would be recommended to keep them schooling?

 

[150EH]

I like Rummynosed Tetras because they alway school in tight formations, Angels plus have nice fish at a good price but the do ask that you follow strict quarantine rules but the fish are beautiful.

Now discus are hard to keep, way more of a pain, from what I know 5 or more to prevent fighting, very clean water that is 84 degrees, and you need to have the parameters they need as well. I'm not trying to scare you off and people buy them everyday but they are more trouble than Angels.

I can't wait to see your tank.

 

[devlyyn]

what about some bala sharks? I always thought they look cool, and once they get big I'm sure that'll entice the neons to school nicely.

 

[Seedreemer]

I don't know how they'd do with smaller tetras but Puntius denisonii barbs are GORGEOUS.

 

[fuzz_16]

discus are easy...just gotta do waterchanges and not slack on tank care. you could do 7-16 discus if you wanted if you kept up with water changes...ive seen people do 20 in a tank this big. all the amount of time your willing to put into the tank. get 7-9 and be simple just get them from a good breeder. hans is a great guy to talk to via email ro phone and his prices are very good for the quality

 

[KookScape]

discus are easy...just gotta do waterchanges and not slack on tank care. you could do 7-16 discus if you wanted if you kept up with water changes...ive seen people do 20 in a tank this big. all the amount of time your willing to put into the tank. get 7-9 and be simple just get them from a good breeder. hans is a great guy to talk to via email ro phone and his prices are very good for the quality

Alright sounds like that might be fun . Ill read up on some discus info and see whats up.
Whats the easiest way to change water with well water that runs through a water softener? Carrying a 5 gallon jug to the other side of the house was ok with the 55 gallon, but it might be a little much with this behemoth!

 

[Kathyy]

I did the same thing! Tank looking great and there is that bargain just a few miles away and I just went to look at it............

Cannot see your photo!

I added a school of grown congo tetras and the black neons went into hiding rather than schooling more. Just this week they are out and about again. Could be because I removed half the java fern they were hiding in, don't know for sure but it is nice to see them again. They aren't zooming from one end of the tank to the other yet, hope they start that up again, love to see it.

I view my tank from about 6 feet away most of the time. Tiny critters like otos and shrimp are not as much fun to watch as corys and platies at that distance. I am a little too close to use my binoculars or I would have them next to the chair. Don't go too crazy on numbers of bitty fish, stick to 1.5-2" ones if you usually are sitting a ways off.

I wouldn't have a tank larger than 20 gallons without a long hose and siphon. Mine happens to be a python with an extension so I can water the front or back gardens with the drained water. Then I put an adapter on the kitchen faucet to refill the tank putting water treatment in as I refill the tank.

 

[KookScape]

I did the same thing! Tank looking great and there is that bargain just a few miles away and I just went to look at it............

Cannot see your photo!

I added a school of grown congo tetras and the black neons went into hiding rather than schooling more. Just this week they are out and about again. Could be because I removed half the java fern they were hiding in, don't know for sure but it is nice to see them again. They aren't zooming from one end of the tank to the other yet, hope they start that up again, love to see it.

I view my tank from about 6 feet away most of the time. Tiny critters like otos and shrimp are not as much fun to watch as corys and platies at that distance. I am a little too close to use my binoculars or I would have them next to the chair. Don't go too crazy on numbers of bitty fish, stick to 1.5-2" ones if you usually are sitting a ways off.

I wouldn't have a tank larger than 20 gallons without a long hose and siphon. Mine happens to be a python with an extension so I can water the front or back gardens with the drained water. Then I put an adapter on the kitchen faucet to refill the tank putting water treatment in as I refill the tank.

I think ill be adding a bunch of rummy nose tetras. And the tank is about 3 feet away from the end of my bed so i'm fairly close. I think im going to invest in a long hose for WC's

Just stopped by the LFS today and picked got an AMAZING deal on some beautiful Vals, there were about 4-6 bunches in each bundle, and EACH little bunch had 1-2 runners. Whats the deal with propagating these guys, do i just cut the little runner off? Also temporarily threw in some anacharis to help speed up the cycling.

So far:
Echinodorus tenellus
Amazon sword x1
Vallisneria x3
Anacharis x2
Anubias barteri Nana
Java moss

Ohh, and i'm looking for some L-XL driftwood to get in here if anybody knows a reputable dealer.

 

[aXio]

pics!

 

[KookScape]

Excuse my noobishness, how do i attach pics on a post w/o you guys having to click a link? Do i have to be a premium member?

 

[nikonD70s]

Excuse my noobishness, how do i attach pics on a post w/o you guys having to click a link? Do i have to be a premium member?

upload it from a hosting site that host pics like photobucket/imageshack etc...just to name a few. then copy the img link and paste it on here. and to make sure it shows up without clicking, preview ur post before submitting.

 

[TactusMortus]

+1 On the rummynoses you will not regret it my favorite tetra by far. They stay in such a nice tight pack all the time and not very shy either.

 

[KookScape]

upload it from a hosting site that host pics like photobucket/imageshack etc...just to name a few. then copy the img link and paste it on here. and to make sure it shows up without clicking, preview ur post before submitting.

Im doing that but it doesnt seem to work! Still just shows the link! Is there a guide on the forum i could read to learn how?