My first fishless cycle is complete - 10g FW

[CatatonicBug]

I started with a simple tank, left over from an old setup my wife had before we met.

 

[CatatonicBug]

I added new gravel and the Magnum HOT filter I had gotten with my 47g tank, and plumbed an airline across my basement rafters and into this new tank. Then, I have gradually added a few plants, and I found 2 old pots laying around and added them this last weekend. I am expecting some Java Moss soon, and will post a new pic when I add that to the tank.

 

[CatatonicBug]

What I would really like to do is make this a breeder tank. GBRs really sound like something that would be nice to try. I thought about Powder blue gouramis, but can't seem to find females around here. If nothing else, I know guppies would work, but I was hoping for something a bit more exotic.

 

[pitt420dude]

That is a nice little tank youve got there. Any thoughts on a background?

 

[CatatonicBug]

I actually have gotten addicted to the idea of a black background. Static cling holds a black trash bag to the tank very nicely, but I haven't gotten around to that aspect of this tank just yet. Maybe once I get the Java Moss from Black Hills TJ.

 

[neilanh]

GBRs aren't a bad idea. They'll likely enjoy the caves, but you might want to plant a little bit heavier, as fry like the hiding space somewhat.

 

[CatatonicBug]

I do plan to plant a LOT more. This will also be my plant nursery tank. I can actually reach the bottom of this one, unlike my 47g tall.

 

[CatatonicBug]

Ok, I have added some Java Moss. I've never used this stuff before, so I don't really know what to expect out of it, but it cinda looks cool as a covering for the pots and a foreground grassy area. What do you think?

 

[black hills tj]

Lookin good

 

[marchmaxima]

I have to admit I am biased on the black background idea. Go for it! And watch out for those blueys who might try to dissuade you

 

[CatatonicBug]

I finally found a breeder on aquabid willing to sell me 2 pairs of longfinned GBRs. I expect them to be delivered on Friday. I'll post pics once they arrive. I'm so excited!!

 

[CatatonicBug]

My GBRs are here!! They really are pretty, even as young as they are. I look forward to seeing them develop and get more color. I also took some pics of the neons I have in the same tank.

 

[An t-iasg]

Very nice GBRs! The neons look nice too!

 

[neilanh]

Gorgeous fish!

 

[mom2reds]

love the GBR's

 

[CatatonicBug]

They finally recognize me as a source of food, and come up to the front of the tank when I walk up. I just got some female guppies for my small tank, and will transfer any fry that I get into this tank as a source of live food for them. I'm told that guppy fry are actually an encouragement to get GBRs to breed. We'll see!

 

[mike47517]

Now how good do the GBR's look?

 

[CatatonicBug]

They are pretty! About 1/2 again as big as they were when I got them. However, the females died... I went to the LFS and got one more young one, but it turned out to be a male too. The java moss is growing like crazy, and I have to trim it back about once a month. Right now, I'm fighting some hair algae in the tank though.