Just an update 12/28
I think the first and third ones are just diffusion methods, much like the reactors that you can DIY. The Fluval CO2 system works, but with a larger tanks (ie >10g) you're going to be flying though the CO2 packs, and those buggers are spendy.
Okay, none.
I went to the other LFS, but their CO2 that included everything plus the can of CO2 was 250+ dollars minimum and w/o the can 150+ dollars, both without tax. No way am I getting CO2 there, overpriced IMO. Do you recommend any places where I can get a cheap CO2 system online?
I also am starting my new tank stocking.
Didn't want to stock too much at once, so I got
X6 Jumbo Cardinal Tetras
They were 4.99 each, so I didn't want to get too many. Figured I could fill the rest of the school later.
X2 Guppies, plus one freebie
One is very pinkish/red/yellow and orange with hints of green, the other blue/purple/hints of green/yellow. I think the first one is a male and the second is a female. The freebie is a baby with no coloration, if it survives I would love to see how it turns out!
X4 Amano Shrimp
Do these really go out of water? I'm open top and don't really want a hood. When the LFS guy was netting them out they were moving around on the net.
The guppies and amanos are getting the regular floating bag acclimation, cards drip acclimated for at least 2 hours, don't wanna screw it up.
Did I stock too much at once? I thought it wasn't that bad since guppies and small tetras don't have a big bioload and shrimp don't constitute much, but am I adding too much? I hope I didn't, that was just my logic to the situation.
They did have pearl gouramis, but there was no orange coloration I could find anywhere to sex them. Will have to order them online if I can get the chance, still waiting for my dad's OK to order online.
Will my lighting affect my CO2? It's a T5HO double watt with 39 watts each bulb, 16 inches deep w/ 3-4 inch substrate give or take. Medium light? Good enough for CO2?
Also, do you still have to dose ferts while dosing CO2?
I will post pics when they are all good and acclimated and swimming around the tank freely.
So far this is how it looks like stock wise:
X6 cardinal tetras
X10 rasboras
X2 guppies, maybe 3
X6 bronze cories
X1 GBR
Planning to get on my next break on MLK day:
X3 pearl gouramis
X4 cardinal tetras
That's it for me, I guess. Nothing else to add except plants I've been wanting.
Unless...
Flying fox? Nah...heard they're aggressive and I thought they needed two to be happy, don't think my tank will support them.
My hair algae problem still isn't going away. I'm finding myself manually removing it a lot of times and even though I am doubling my doses of Flourish Excel and Iron, it's not going away. What do I do?