Lot's of new newbie questions.

[Zagz]

Have you considered pool filter sand? It is natural colored and most fish show up really well against it. Also a black background will bring out the fish's colors.

Prime doesn't speed up your cycle Bio spira does if you can obtain it. Prime is a dechlorinator that you add to the water for water changes.

[toddnbecka]

Given the shape and dimensions of the tank, as well as the fact you want to use natural shells for decorations, I'd recommend some colorful mollies to entertain your 2yo. Mollies thrive in hard, alkaline water (which is what coral and/or shells will produce, even if it doesn't come out of the tap that way.) A bristlenose pleco would be helpful to keep algae growth under control, as well as the diatoms that seem to turn up in all new setups.
Aside from being a bad idea for cycling, most cichlids aren't a good choice for that type of tank. One possible exception would be some Tanganykian shell-dwellers like N. multifasciatus. They would also appreciate the water chemistry and get along well enough with mollies, but the proposed BN pleco may have territorial issues.

[spittinfly]

If I seal the shells with varnish or some other means would that fix the hardness issue or would it just create a whole new set of problems?

Ok, not doubting anyone but, why wouldn't cichlids be a good choice for my tank? I will have lots of rocks with a good amount of floor space. I also expect my plants to add cover probably all the way up the tank. I was thinking they would be a better match with my higher ph if I use the shells. Would African or Central American (?) be better?

[toddnbecka]

Most species of cichlids will claim a larger territory than a hex tank bottom. Dwarf species would fit better than larger ones, but Apisto's aren't particularly fond of liquid rock. African cichlids are the best suited to very hard, alkaline water conditions, but most tend to be even more territorial/aggressive than CA species. Multi's are colony fish, a pair or trio will gradually increase to several dozen w/out killing each other off.
They're also much less likely to bother live plants, unless they get dug up (they're small, but they're srill cichlids, and like to arrange the tank their own way.) Many CA species will eat live plants.

[spittinfly]

Sorry, what exactly are Multi's? And can I mix Cichlids with any other fish maybe clown loaches? Also what about invertibre's? Would they be safe? Liquid rock? Do you mean just all the rock that I do have (sorry for the newb questions)?

[theotheragentm]

Neolamprologus multifasciatus.

http://images.google.com/images?um=1...multifasciatus

[toddnbecka]

In a hex tank, you have a very limited "floorspace" for any territorial fish. Even relatively peaceful/social fish like Corydoras need some swimming space, so your stocking number is limited by that consideration.
Invert's are generally best kept separate from fish, at least regarding shrimp and crayfish. Snails are a different matter, much less likely to be eaten in general. Even large shrimp or crayfish are soft when they molt, and cichlids will pick them to pieces if they don't have sufficient hiding places until the new shell hardens.
By liquid rock I meant very hard water, a by-product of having coral or shells in an aquarium. Most species of CA or SA cichlids come from softer water, (rivers or streams) while the African rift lake fish live in liquid rock naturally. Limestone is a very common element in that region, and it creates water chemistry completely different than flowing water.
Livebearers like mollies, swordtails, etc. also prefer hard, alkaline water. They aren't territorial or bottom-dwelling fish, are generally colorful, active, and inexpensive.
In any case, that size tank is entirely too small for clown loaches. They need to be kept in a group to be happy, and will eventually grow to well over 12" if they are properly cared for.

[spittinfly]

Thanks for the great info. I will definitly look in to the Livebearers, would inverts be ok in a more communal tank with the livebearers? Would Tetras be a good tankmate also?

[theotheragentm]

Tetras can be nippers, especially the ones that are larger. If you are looking into Tetras, I suggest Harlequin Rasboras based on personal preference. They are schooling fish that are quite peaceful.

Just be aware that livebearers breed like crazy. The fact that they give live birth means a higher survival rate of fry. It's often a concern of population explosion with these fish. Be aware what sexes you are buying the fish in as all males will sometimes become aggressive towards each other, a mix will result in a population boom, and females are often already pregnant when purchased, so you may end up with population boom anyway.

Invertebrates work well with community fish. Ghost Shrimp are a very inexpensive way to go. I also like Golden Mystery Snails, but I've read the most common reason for death for them is starvation so keeping on top of feeding these guys, while not trying to overfeed the fish is tough sometimes.

[spittinfly]

How about crawfish? I was thinking about a couple of those on the bottom or some type of cat. And if I go with some crays can I get them from a local pond or river? And would some rocks or something from a creek be a good seed source for bacteria? My LFS (local FOOD store) has cooked shrimp, can I use some other type of seafood if I go that route for cycling?