Tippytrampoline
Aquarium Advice Activist
I've been tossing around the idea of graduating my tank up to a planted aquarium, but have been avoiding it because after trying a nano, I failed. But now I have a pair of GBRs and a couple of angels, and I know they will benefit from a little extra help in the water quality department.
So anyway, I'm thinking of changing over some of the gravel To either sand or another substrate, and planting the tank. I'd like to set up a detailed plan ahead of time before diving into it, so as to get it done as quickly as possible with the least amount of stress to the fish.
I have two issues: one being that I do not have another tank to keep the fish in while the changeover is in progress, and having no idea how long this could take I'm afraid to put them in a bucket. I have six gold neon tetras, a yoyo loach, two GBR and two small angels. A bucket does not seem feasible. I do however have a 10 gallon with a filter in my basement, would that be okay as long as the changeover doesn't take more than a day? I'm guessing not. Actually, that's a bad idea, I'm just fishing (literally) for options. Maybe do the changeover while they are in the tank? I'm afraid they would be super stressed. One of the angels is already fairly sensitive.
The other issue is if I change over the gravel, would this cause a mini cycle? I have two filter pads in the filter, and I know those contain the most BB. So, from what I've read and learned on here, even if a mini cycle occurs I'll just have to check water params daily and change water as needed. Yes?
I'm exhausted just thinking about this project, haha! But I know it'll be worth the effort in the end.
As for plants, as I'm just starting out in that department, I'd like to stick with low or moderate light and moderate to quick growth if that's possible? I don't want to go through all of this just to fail miserably, so something rather low maintenance.
I'd also really love some advice on chemicals, especially CO2 as I'm in no way comfortable trying to install a CO2 system. I know for a fact I will screw that up.
I know this is very long-winded and a lot to answer, but any help, big or small, will be greatly appreciated!! I'm looking forward to working with everyone, and I really hope to get started with this when the ground starts to thaw, as I've read that's preferred over winter for plant shipment.
Okay if I can think of anything else I'll update Thanks in advance everyone!!!
So anyway, I'm thinking of changing over some of the gravel To either sand or another substrate, and planting the tank. I'd like to set up a detailed plan ahead of time before diving into it, so as to get it done as quickly as possible with the least amount of stress to the fish.
I have two issues: one being that I do not have another tank to keep the fish in while the changeover is in progress, and having no idea how long this could take I'm afraid to put them in a bucket. I have six gold neon tetras, a yoyo loach, two GBR and two small angels. A bucket does not seem feasible. I do however have a 10 gallon with a filter in my basement, would that be okay as long as the changeover doesn't take more than a day? I'm guessing not. Actually, that's a bad idea, I'm just fishing (literally) for options. Maybe do the changeover while they are in the tank? I'm afraid they would be super stressed. One of the angels is already fairly sensitive.
The other issue is if I change over the gravel, would this cause a mini cycle? I have two filter pads in the filter, and I know those contain the most BB. So, from what I've read and learned on here, even if a mini cycle occurs I'll just have to check water params daily and change water as needed. Yes?
I'm exhausted just thinking about this project, haha! But I know it'll be worth the effort in the end.
As for plants, as I'm just starting out in that department, I'd like to stick with low or moderate light and moderate to quick growth if that's possible? I don't want to go through all of this just to fail miserably, so something rather low maintenance.
I'd also really love some advice on chemicals, especially CO2 as I'm in no way comfortable trying to install a CO2 system. I know for a fact I will screw that up.
I know this is very long-winded and a lot to answer, but any help, big or small, will be greatly appreciated!! I'm looking forward to working with everyone, and I really hope to get started with this when the ground starts to thaw, as I've read that's preferred over winter for plant shipment.
Okay if I can think of anything else I'll update Thanks in advance everyone!!!