Hi all, I'm new to this world of aquariums, but got involved because my six year old wanted a betta. I've learned so much about cycling, about bioloads, about inverts and clean up crews, and I decided to start reading in these forums to learn more.
well, I got a new-to-me 20 gallon regular (not long) tank. I re-homed the pleco and the goldfish (both monsters! previous owner was given wrong information by their LFS). Anyway, I cleaned the tank (no soap just vinegar and water solution), got a new filter (Fluval 50), put down flourite (I think, can't remember) substrate for the plants - I knew I wanted a planted tank. I did fishless cycling, seeded my tank with the betta filter (squished it in the new tank and poof! big cloud of white diffused throughout). I kept an eye on my water parameters (learned to buy the API Master test kit), put in plants and a raw shrimp (in a media bag) to kick it off. 3 weeks into it, my cycle was done - 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 20 nitrates. I took my water to the LFS (actually two, to make sure) and both of them said it was cycled.
I didn't want to lose the bacteria, so I have put in 6 male guppys (turquoise and lyre tailed - 3 each) and two male red platys. I also have a small rubber nosed pleco, but I have since found out the LFS was incorrect, and it will grow to over 7 inches - which I DO not want).
What I'd like to ask is, can someone help me in deciding what else to stock? I'd like a mid to bottom dwelling schooling fish, and maybe some cory cats or the like. Also, I have black aquarium sand over the substrate and a piece of driftwood which I soaked forever in hot water before I put it in.
Thanks so much from an enthused newbie!!
well, I got a new-to-me 20 gallon regular (not long) tank. I re-homed the pleco and the goldfish (both monsters! previous owner was given wrong information by their LFS). Anyway, I cleaned the tank (no soap just vinegar and water solution), got a new filter (Fluval 50), put down flourite (I think, can't remember) substrate for the plants - I knew I wanted a planted tank. I did fishless cycling, seeded my tank with the betta filter (squished it in the new tank and poof! big cloud of white diffused throughout). I kept an eye on my water parameters (learned to buy the API Master test kit), put in plants and a raw shrimp (in a media bag) to kick it off. 3 weeks into it, my cycle was done - 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 20 nitrates. I took my water to the LFS (actually two, to make sure) and both of them said it was cycled.
I didn't want to lose the bacteria, so I have put in 6 male guppys (turquoise and lyre tailed - 3 each) and two male red platys. I also have a small rubber nosed pleco, but I have since found out the LFS was incorrect, and it will grow to over 7 inches - which I DO not want).
What I'd like to ask is, can someone help me in deciding what else to stock? I'd like a mid to bottom dwelling schooling fish, and maybe some cory cats or the like. Also, I have black aquarium sand over the substrate and a piece of driftwood which I soaked forever in hot water before I put it in.
Thanks so much from an enthused newbie!!
they r bottom dwellers and need sand substrate so u r good. Rainbow fish r mid dwellers and r very colorful, especially the bosemani ones.
