redsea's 20g Freshwater Build

[redsea]

Here it is.

[Rivercats]

Plants look to be growing very well!

[redsea]

Thanks Rivercats!

Is it normal for some of the leaves on the Bacopa to kind of lose color and become smaller? Maybe this is the "melting" I have heard people talk about when dealing with plants.

I remember you saying that the stems were a bit close together, maybe this is a cause of that? I suppose it is also possible that the plants came that way, not sure, however.

[Rivercats]

You'd have to post a picture so I can see the leaves up close.

[CorallineAlgae]

Originally Posted by redsea

Here it is.

Looking good. I'm way more of a single guppy fan than a whole school of guppies. They often end up fighting in a group of just males and the females reproduce so much. I wish I had gone with something like a guppy or sparkling gourami instead of a betta in my 5.5. He loves munching on the shrimp.

[bud29]

Tank is looking good! I think you can add a guppy if you want

[redsea]

Originally Posted by bud29

Tank is looking good! I think you can add a guppy if you want

Thank you! I added a Guppy to this tank yesterday, it is a beautiful dark Orange. I will do my best to get a picture up tomorrow.

Originally Posted by CorallineAlgae

Looking good. I'm way more of a single guppy fan than a whole school of guppies. They often end up fighting in a group of just males and the females reproduce so much. I wish I had gone with something like a guppy or sparkling gourami instead of a betta in my 5.5. He loves munching on the shrimp.

Yeah, I am just planning on the single Guppy. I had thought about purchasing more than one, but I am definitely happy with this one for this tank. Thanks for posting!

Originally Posted by Rivercats

You'd have to post a picture so I can see the leaves up close.

Thanks, I plan on posting that picture tomorrow too .

[bud29]

Originally Posted by redsea

Thank you! I added a Guppy to this tank yesterday, it is a beautiful dark Orange. I will do my best to get a picture up tomorrow.

Cool! I thought I saw something resembling a guppy in that FTS

[redsea]

Here is a video of the aquarium I took tonight! Can you spot the new additions?

20g Long 3/18/13 - YouTube

[Ian086]

Originally Posted by redsea

Here is a video of the aquarium I took tonight! Can you spot the new additions?

20g Long 3/18/13 - YouTube

Hey Redsea, next time will you make a shorter video please. I don't have all night to watch videos

[redsea]

Hold on, I will re-upload it after speeding it up a little bit! Just kidding!

It is funny, I was wondering if my filter could actually hurt my fish. It is so strong that it pushes them around when they go near where the water flows out, and they sometimes get pushed along the Eco-Complete/sand bed. I worry they are going to mess up up their spines or scratch themselves.......

[Ian086]

Originally Posted by redsea

Hold on, I will re-upload it after speeding it up a little bit! Just kidding!

It is funny, I was wondering if my filter could actually hurt my fish. It is so strong that it pushes them around when they go near where the water flows out, and they sometimes get pushed along the Eco-Complete/sand bed. I worry they are going to mess up up their spines or scratch themselves.......

Yeah me too, seriously though, make a 2-3min vid next time and get the whole tank in. I was looking forward to it and it was over before it started. My broadband is slow and it didn't even buffer....haha.
I don't know anything about those filters but i'm sure it won't do them any harm. Some fish love swimming in the strong current, my guppies do. If your worried, start a thread in the DIY section. I'm sure some of the creative people there would be able to help....

[redsea]

Here is a longer video!


http://youtu.be/otmu_4_lPnA

[redsea]

Sorry for the furniture creaking by the way!

[CorallineAlgae]

I know it's an added expense but putting two small HOB filters on either side would provide better circulation with a much more gentle flow. Either that or a canister filter. A Rena XP1 has a pretty small media area but it works great for my 20H, even with the return split to a separate reactor and inline heater line. I'm a big fan of using multiple small HOB filters. They're cheap, and if one ever dies you aren't in a bind because you'll always have an active backup. Just an option.

You could also try to modify the output of the filter you have. Some people add a piece of clear plastic strip from a glass hood under the output of the filter. You can also make a cut in the center of the strip and bend it up in the center to make an inverted "V". That sends more water current to either side of the tank, which reduces dead spots at the sides of the tank and still stops the flow from being to harsh in any one area.

[FishingMouse]

If you put a piece of quilt batting in the outflow that helps create bubbles while lessening the force of the flow, and it's pretty cheap at most craft stores.

[thomasina]

Originally Posted by FishingMouse

If you put a piece of quilt batting in the outflow that helps create bubbles while lessening the force of the flow, and it's pretty cheap at most craft stores.

Agreed! Have that done in my 10g that has a betta that doesn't like the water movement strong. Plus if you want to start a new tank, its great media!! Good luck Redsea, would love to see it when your done! Thomasina!!!

[redsea]

Thanks everyone for your input on the filter, I have a lot to think about!

I had a quick question tonight......

I have been noticing that my Panda Cories seem to look thin. Is it just part of their overall body composition to appear that way, or do I need to change my feeding habits?

[Rivercats]

Can you post a picture of them? Are they eating well and acting normal?

[redsea]

Sorry it was very difficult for me to get a picture of the fish (they just wouldn't stop moving, LOL). I will attach a video in a few minutes and see if that helps at all.

Thanks!