Recent content by black udder

little late, but I would have suggested rinsing the new substrate first...it'll be murky water for awhile otherwise.

I'm starting a new 65g and am trying to get a nice "bushy" plant growth. I've seen many aquarium shots where the plants cover almost the whole aquarium; however, in my 45g the plants just seem to grow straight up and never get that "bushy" look. If I plant them close together to try and create...

don't forget that the quote above says that 40-50 pounds of the aquatic would do your tank - that's about $50 vs the Eco's $140. Great post - lots of fantastic info. Although now I want to start all over again too... and I just finished putting it all together.

my condolences. I have a big angel as well (only 1) and feel for you.

thanks for the clarifications everybody!

ok - that's closer to the answer I was looking for... to be more precise - Do I dose every day regardless of the reading? Or do I wait until it reads 0, then dose again. Wait until it reads 0, then dose again, etc. until I dose and it reads 0 in 24 hours? Then check nitrites. I'm not sure about...

the ammonia has no additives, just water & ammonia. The tank is still showing ammonia after 24 hours though, so I don't think the tank is cycled. Nitrites are at .5 on the chart, so they're up a little. My guess is that the Aquarium Pharm test is the more accurate of the two tests.

ok...can't stand the mystery any longer and need some experienced information. I've got a new 65g. Filled with water, dechlorinated, put in rocks (hard) and plants (it's freshwater for tropicals). I've read several articles on fishless cycling, so figured I'd give it a try. I took the ceramic...

eggs Awesome folks! Thanks for the replies. Now the wife can rest easy that it's not some "horrible thing" :) I suspect, however, that the clown loach will take care of these guys before they get too big... Any way to keep them safe?

I have two of them in my tank - outside the water. One on the glass and one on the T-bar supporting the light. I have snails, and a variety of fish, but this is just weird...

they're dwarves - 4" or less.

I'm still fairly new to fish keeping (about 2 years) and I'd side with getting a little larger tank to start (29 vs 10/20). Also, I'd add what nobody else has said - make a deal with yourself to give it a couple years or that you won't quit. Setting up the aquarium will require some work and...

Here's a link to some really big fish (pacu is first). Explains why you'll want some space. http://s9.invisionfree.com/Canadian_Aquatics/index.php?showtopic=31 This guy has grabbed some photos of fish that are sold which no doubt shouldn't be.

My clown loach has a ton of personality and my golden wonder killie - unfortunately, they're more than 2" - killie is only about 4" and I think there are other dwarf loaches that might fit the bill. I hear loaches are a very personable lot in general. Lots of folk have a real affinity for otos...