Log of a future (ok...quite far in the future) 50 gallon!

[dskidmore]

Originally Posted by fishygurl

For the filter im thinking RENA XP3....Thats rated for a 175 I think, but i want to overfilter. :P

I personally am a fan of underfiltering planted tanks, but it's a choice. The Rena has a pretty good reputation.

Originally Posted by fishygurl

Im not usre if i need any airation as ive only used HOB filters so far, which aerate the tank by themselves. Could someone fill me in on this?

The plants should provide all the needed oxygen. If this is going to be a medium to high light tank, you'll want to inject CO2, and areation will be counterproductive, letting the CO2 back out.

Originally Posted by fishygurl

For a heater, either two 100 watts or two 150's.

When using two lower powered heaters, be careful to either spread them way apart, or calibrate them to be exactly in sync. Otherwise one heater is going to do most of the work.

[JustOneMore20]

i cant find a single link about cardinals being hardier, someone give me a link

I don't have a link...I'm just going by what experienced people have told me on other forums. You will always have someone saying either of the 2 are hardier. There are weak batches of both. IMO neons are just weak...maybe not too sensitive, but they are pretty weak. I've had mine die from various diseases and I will not buy any more. Cardinals are rare in my area and pretty expensive for tetras.

IMO give it a try with the cardinals. Only add a small group at a time to make sure you don't get a weak batch. If all goes well, slowly bring the school up to the number you want. I'd make sure the tank is cycled.

My neons did live in my 10g with about 2-3ppm of ammonia for about a week. So mine weren't sensitive at all. I have never kept cardinals though, so can't really compare the 2. I just go by what experienced people have told me.

[hc8719]

i havent kept cardinals either, as they are kinda pricey, a school of 5 for me would cost $20 + tax

the weaker batch theory is a good one, im sure someone somewhere interbred neons

[fishygurl]

I actually have 2 neons in my rescued tank which are both perfectly happy.... I also had one that lived for 2 years in a 2 gallon hex with no filter and a corie.....It was in their right from the beginning....I didnt know anything abotu cycle, but hey, i was 5....So...my point..Right. Mabye it is just the batch. Or luck.