Hello,
I have had African cichlid tank for 15 years that I am converting to small community tank (never had one of these my whole life).
I am setting up my 36 X 12 X 16 inch tank with a sand substrate (white petco brand - I had black gravel, but wanted sand for cory's, and what's more different than black). I would like ground cover to at least 50% of the sand. Penguin 350B aquarium (rated for 50 or 60 gallons I think).
I have Hard Alkaline water, but I decided to give this set up a try.
AgAdvisor says my planned stocking is good, it is:
5 Adolfo cory
6 Black Neon Tetra
12 Cardinal Tetra
2 Bolivian Rams
1 Bristlenose Pleco
Filtration capacity at 128%
35% recommended water changes weekly (Tetra's I am sure)
It has my stocking at 97%
I am adding a large piece of driftwood and some rockwork. I currently only have a 20 watt hood strip light, but would like to grow Java Moss or something similar as a ground cover and other low light plants. I know the tetra's want low light, so maybe I can get away with the one strip light.
Is sand and low light going to ruin my plans or can I someone give me some planting ideas/suggestions?
Also would three rams work (I would take out a couple cardinal tetras). I heard they pair up, so I am not sure if three would be a good idea.
Anybody have any similar set ups?
I have had African cichlid tank for 15 years that I am converting to small community tank (never had one of these my whole life).
I am setting up my 36 X 12 X 16 inch tank with a sand substrate (white petco brand - I had black gravel, but wanted sand for cory's, and what's more different than black). I would like ground cover to at least 50% of the sand. Penguin 350B aquarium (rated for 50 or 60 gallons I think).
I have Hard Alkaline water, but I decided to give this set up a try.
AgAdvisor says my planned stocking is good, it is:
5 Adolfo cory
6 Black Neon Tetra
12 Cardinal Tetra
2 Bolivian Rams
1 Bristlenose Pleco
Filtration capacity at 128%
35% recommended water changes weekly (Tetra's I am sure)
It has my stocking at 97%
I am adding a large piece of driftwood and some rockwork. I currently only have a 20 watt hood strip light, but would like to grow Java Moss or something similar as a ground cover and other low light plants. I know the tetra's want low light, so maybe I can get away with the one strip light.
Is sand and low light going to ruin my plans or can I someone give me some planting ideas/suggestions?
Also would three rams work (I would take out a couple cardinal tetras). I heard they pair up, so I am not sure if three would be a good idea.
Anybody have any similar set ups?
