Planning a 30 g aquarium and looking for input... - Aquarium Advice

03-27-2006, 03:58 PM

Hi everybody! I'm new around here, and looking for advice...

I'm not a complete beginner as far as aquarium fish are concerned and have had several different tanks over the years (mostly 10 gals), but I'm considering taking the next step and am looking for some input.

I'm planning on moving up to the next level this summer and starting a 30-gallon tank and, for the first time, live plants. I've done some research and am probably a few months away from actually starting the tank (something about having to study for the CPA exam between now and then), but I've got a fairly good idea of what kind of fish I'm interested in.

Please take a look at what is a very preliminary thought process and see if you have any guidance about the possible mix of fish and any suggestions for plant species - or, basically, anything else that might be helpful as I start to move towards this project.

Here are the fish I'm considering:

2 German Blue Rams (the "feature" fish)
3 Otocinclus catfish
6 Purple Emperor Tetras
3 Kuhlii loaches

Let me know if you think that might be over-crowded or otherwise an unfit mix for any reason. I was considering a couple shrimp, though I haven't really looked into it - any advice there?

Beyond the fish, I'm completely open to plant and substrate suggestions, and am leaning towards canister filtration.

Basically, consider me a sponge for any and all types of advice, pointers, soapbox rants, recommendations, or anything else.

Thanks in advance for the help!

severum mama · 03-27-2006, 05:04 PM

Your stocking plans sound great to me, and it seems like you have already done some research into compatibility. As far as shrimp, I hear that cherry shrimp are out because the rams will eat them. I keep 7 amano shrimp with my Bolivian rams without issues. Well, I have to assume there are no issues because I've only ever seen one shrimp at a time, and sometimes I don't see any for weeks. Don't expect them to be a focal point in the tank LOL.

A canister filter is a great choice for a planted tank. I use a Fluval 104 on my 20 gallon and a Rena Filstar XP1 on my 29 gallon and I would recommend either brand. I've also heard good things about the Penn-Plax Cascade filter, and have been told by many that Eheim canisters are top of the line (with a price tag to match).

As far as plant recommendations, do you plan to upgrade your lighting to grow medium or high light plants (which would require CO2 injection), or stick with low light plants? Either way, I would recommend looking for a 30 gallon long instead of the 30 gallon high tank. The 30 gallon long is 3 feet long, but because it is shorter it will be easier IMO to get the light to your plants. Just a thought. Have you checked out the planted tank forum for ideas? There are lots of stickys there to read. Also, have you read the article on fishless cycling? It says it is for saltwater but it works the same way for fresh.

Good luck on your CPA exam.. oh, and WELCOME to AA!

03-27-2006, 05:12 PM

I haven't gotten far enough into plant research to decide whether I'm going to get any medium or high light plants, but my going assumption is that I will have to upgrade the light. I'm almost certain I'm going to get the 30 g long tank, so I'm glad that meshes with the planting well.

I'll be sure to read the planted tank forum, and I'm definitely planning on fishless cycling.

Speaking of light issues - if I do upgrade the lighting for med or high light plants, will this adversely affect my kuhlis, or should it be ok so long as I provide plenty of hiding areas for them during the day?

With them being nocturnal and otherwise light sensitive, it is a question I haven't found the answer to yet.

Thanks for the tips and the welcome

It's good to be here.

toddnbecka · 03-28-2006, 01:14 AM

Kuhlis will be fine as long as they have good cover to hide under. Tetras, purple or otherwise, are schooling fish; the more, the merrier. WIth a 30 long, you could do 10-12 with no problems, as long as you don't put all the fish in at once. After you cycle the tank, add a few fish, say the oto's and kuhli's, then wait a week to add more. That will allow the biofilter time to adjust to the load, avoiding ammonia/nitrite spikes. For a planted tank, eco-complete substrate is very good, and will help cycle a new tank faster.

BrianNY · 03-28-2006, 06:08 AM

With kuhlis the substrate is very important as they will burrow. The grain size should be no more than 2 cms and have no sharp corners.

FreshwaterJeff · 03-28-2006, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the input, everyone. FYI, I've changed my handle to FreshwaterJeff - Jeff in Chicago was too generic

03-27-2006, 03:58 PM	#1
Guest Posts: n/a	Planning a 30 g aquarium and looking for input... Hi everybody! I'm new around here, and looking for advice... I'm not a complete beginner as far as aquarium fish are concerned and have had several different tanks over the years (mostly 10 gals), but I'm considering taking the next step and am looking for some input. I'm planning on moving up to the next level this summer and starting a 30-gallon tank and, for the first time, live plants. I've done some research and am probably a few months away from actually starting the tank (something about having to study for the CPA exam between now and then), but I've got a fairly good idea of what kind of fish I'm interested in. Please take a look at what is a very preliminary thought process and see if you have any guidance about the possible mix of fish and any suggestions for plant species - or, basically, anything else that might be helpful as I start to move towards this project. Here are the fish I'm considering: 2 German Blue Rams (the "feature" fish) 3 Otocinclus catfish 6 Purple Emperor Tetras 3 Kuhlii loaches Let me know if you think that might be over-crowded or otherwise an unfit mix for any reason. I was considering a couple shrimp, though I haven't really looked into it - any advice there? Beyond the fish, I'm completely open to plant and substrate suggestions, and am leaning towards canister filtration. Basically, consider me a sponge for any and all types of advice, pointers, soapbox rants, recommendations, or anything else. Thanks in advance for the help!

03-27-2006, 05:04 PM	#2
severum mama Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 2,771 Images: 22	Your stocking plans sound great to me, and it seems like you have already done some research into compatibility. As far as shrimp, I hear that cherry shrimp are out because the rams will eat them. I keep 7 amano shrimp with my Bolivian rams without issues. Well, I have to assume there are no issues because I've only ever seen one shrimp at a time, and sometimes I don't see any for weeks. Don't expect them to be a focal point in the tank LOL. A canister filter is a great choice for a planted tank. I use a Fluval 104 on my 20 gallon and a Rena Filstar XP1 on my 29 gallon and I would recommend either brand. I've also heard good things about the Penn-Plax Cascade filter, and have been told by many that Eheim canisters are top of the line (with a price tag to match). As far as plant recommendations, do you plan to upgrade your lighting to grow medium or high light plants (which would require CO2 injection), or stick with low light plants? Either way, I would recommend looking for a 30 gallon long instead of the 30 gallon high tank. The 30 gallon long is 3 feet long, but because it is shorter it will be easier IMO to get the light to your plants. Just a thought. Have you checked out the planted tank forum for ideas? There are lots of stickys there to read. Also, have you read the article on fishless cycling? It says it is for saltwater but it works the same way for fresh. Good luck on your CPA exam.. oh, and WELCOME to AA! __________________ WE CAN STAGE A RUNAWAY GOLF CART MARATHON 5 gallon, 45 gallon, and 55 gallon planted 75 gallon SA/CA cichlids 8 gallon Oceanic BioCube nano reef

03-28-2006, 01:44 PM	#6
FreshwaterJeff Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 42	Thanks for the input, everyone. FYI, I've changed my handle to FreshwaterJeff - Jeff in Chicago was too generic __________________ Planning a 55 gallon planted tank, due sometime in July... Draft Stocking Plan (Subject to change at any moment, all advice welcome!): 3 Boesemani Rainbows 9 Rummynose Tetras 4 German Blue Rams 1 Siamese Algae Eater (or 2 American Flagfish) 3 YoYo Loaches (or Zebra or Burmese Border) 1 Bristlenose Pleco (or Rubbernose) The Maybes: 1 Leopard Frog Pleco (L-134) (if I can find it)

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03-27-2006, 05:12 PM	#3
Guest Posts: n/a	I haven't gotten far enough into plant research to decide whether I'm going to get any medium or high light plants, but my going assumption is that I will have to upgrade the light. I'm almost certain I'm going to get the 30 g long tank, so I'm glad that meshes with the planting well. I'll be sure to read the planted tank forum, and I'm definitely planning on fishless cycling. Speaking of light issues - if I do upgrade the lighting for med or high light plants, will this adversely affect my kuhlis, or should it be ok so long as I provide plenty of hiding areas for them during the day? With them being nocturnal and otherwise light sensitive, it is a question I haven't found the answer to yet. Thanks for the tips and the welcome It's good to be here.

03-28-2006, 01:14 AM	#4
toddnbecka Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cumberland, MD Posts: 750	Kuhlis will be fine as long as they have good cover to hide under. Tetras, purple or otherwise, are schooling fish; the more, the merrier. WIth a 30 long, you could do 10-12 with no problems, as long as you don't put all the fish in at once. After you cycle the tank, add a few fish, say the oto's and kuhli's, then wait a week to add more. That will allow the biofilter time to adjust to the load, avoiding ammonia/nitrite spikes. For a planted tank, eco-complete substrate is very good, and will help cycle a new tank faster.

03-28-2006, 06:08 AM	#5
BrianNY Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 4,259 Images: 18	With kuhlis the substrate is very important as they will burrow. The grain size should be no more than 2 cms and have no sharp corners.