Recent content by Cooter

Full tank pics here

That is the pits. Can you still salvage the substrate and other items that might have the bacteria still on it so that when the new tank comes in you do not need to start from scratch?

I must agree that the franchise stores do seem to have a bigger problem in maintaining aquatic life, freshwater, saltwater, and aquatic plants. All of the reasons above are accurate, but do stop to consider what is driving this change, economies of scale. The corporation makes more money by...

I looked around and did not find any specs on your current setup, so I am going to ask a few basic questions. Lights, what and how strong, substrate, what and how deep? I planted my 20H with plants from the get go and did not see any spikes of any kind. It is now going on 7 weeks and no...

Added 1 YoYo loach to my 20H and have seen a dramatic reduction in snails. I am assuming that you now have added live plants to the aquarium. If so, what is the wpg of the tank and what type of plant(s) have you added?

What about some low to moderate light plants? They should not grow too fast, but still allow for some natural filtration. Not sure if Grammy would like to watch plants grow, but my mother always like to watch and try and cultivate plants (terra) no matter how difficult they might be. It gave...

Not to be the odd duck, but I have 1 YoYo and he is always out and about. Very comical to watch as he searches the tank for snail eggs. Doesn't go after the big guys until he is really hungry, but that is also a great show to watch. Seems to be doing well, doesn't bother the SAE, in fact I...

Eggs??? Just did a pwc, and then went down to dinner. Came back up to check on the fish, and low and behold, I have a batch of eggs. I am assuming it is the Gold Ram, since she is chasing everybody away, including me (snail relocation), has been in the tank for 10 days, no male ram, at least...

Just wondering if a Betta Splendens is compatable with a community? 20H, moderate to heavily planted, DIY CO2, 5 Neon Tetras, 2 SAE (Slim and Porky), 1 YoYo Loach, 1 German Gold Ram. SWMBO would like to have something with more color and bigger that she can see from across the room. From what...

What about a Betta. Several sites have mentioned that Bettas will help in the control of snails. Gouramis are also mentioned as snail eaters. If I can, I would like to get 1 snail eating fish that will also act as a centerpiece fish. Am I dreaming for a tank this small?

Stocking question part deux It has been two weeks since adding the 2 SAEs to the tank. What wonderful little fish to have around. I wish I had more room for a bigger school of these little guys. Anyways, I will be passing by the lfs tomorrow afternoon and would like to get a fish that...

Unfortunately I have no idea what the NitrAte levels are. I have been testing everyday or two days for Ammonia and NitrIte and have had 0 readings for both since starting the tank on Dec 26. Right now I have no CO2, but I just purchased a Hagen Natural Yeast CO2 device. I have not set it up...

So, I should probably wait for a couple of days to do a pwc? If I was intelligent enough, I would have done the pwc and pruned the plants on Friday, knowing that I would be coming home with new fish. Oh well, lesson learned. I just like the help from the little guy doing the pwc, he carries...

I have a 20H that has been running for 14 days that is heavily planted with 5 neon tetras. Parameters are 3.25 wpg, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, temp 79°, 100W heater, Liberty 150 HOB, ph 7.2. I did a pwc last Sunday, 7 days since starting the tank, it is due for a pwc today, but I am picking up...

Thanks for the responses. I have Red Sea liquid tests, and so far no measurable ammonia or nitrites. So far water changes have been 25% every 7 days, in fact, I am scheduled for one tonight. I have not dosed any ferts into the tank, just feeding once a day of a small pinch, about 30...