hey new to forums.

[xmattlongx]

Just wanted to say hi and ask for some ideas. I'm getting a 55g tank with everything I need. Im going freshwater and I am set on getting a few kuhli loaches (4-5). So what are some stocking options? Any suggestions on a nice and natural looking substrate? Possibly even good plant ideas.

Please and thank you.

-Matt

 

[Cichildlife]

Welcome to AA! you will get all the advice u need!

 

[Cichildlife]

Cichlids? Kenyi, yellow lab, peacocks?!

 

[xmattlongx]

Well I was planning on adding some high fin blue rams.

 

[Cichildlife]

Those are cool. You could have 2 pairs in there!

 

[xmattlongx]

The guy at my lfs recommended that. As for setting up my tank how would I go about cycling my tank?

 

[Cichildlife]

Ooooo um its been like 3 years sinse my last cycle, well i remember you rinse the gravel, put decor in, nd start your filter and put your water conditioning stuff in to get ride of chlorine nd everything a fish need to live, then let it sit for a month. Somone correct me if im wrong or missed a step

 

[librarygirl]

Ooooo um its been like 3 years sinse my last cycle, well i remember you rinse the gravel, put decor in, nd start your filter and put your water conditioning stuff in to get ride of chlorine nd everything a fish need to live, then let it sit for a month. Somone correct me if im wrong or missed a step

Almost, not quite. You'll need an ammonia source as well such as pure ammonia. There's a link to a guide in my signature: new empty tank. It'll tell you what you need to do. Good luck.

 

[Cichildlife]

Thx for correcting me girl

 

[xmattlongx]

Thanks both of you. I'll take a look at the link shortly.

 

[xmattlongx]

And as for a smooth and natural substrate. Any suggestions?

 

[Cichildlife]

Do you mean sand, or do you mean gravel/crushed coral? I had gravel with my rams and they did just fine

 

[George9]

Black sand looks sick (cool) in a planted tank, but if your going for the real natural look go for just plain white sand. Or you can mix white and black sand.

Theres also tons if different type of gravel, from larger pieces to fine.

 

[xmattlongx]

Wonderful. Black sand sounds nice perhaps I can mix in some white. Any live plant recommendation?

 

[Cichildlife]

Rams are good with plants! Swords, or ferns would look cool

 

[xmattlongx]

I'm gonna come back on tomorrow while at work and jot most of this down. Thank you again guys.

 

[librarygirl]

I have black sand (Caribsea) and I love it, looks very nice and the fish and decorations pop against the dark color.

 

[NoFishingAllowed]

Welcome! Good luck.