[ProtoxxPaintball]

Yeah I use the pool filter sand for substrate. If you want black, theres also black diamond blasting material (or something to that affect, its black sand) they sell it at Tractor Supply. About 5 buck for 50lbs.

Just rinse both of them really well. Get yourself a pillow case and just keep washing it. You really can't wash it enough to be honest. Your tank will look like crap for a day or so, and then it will be clear again.

I don't like sharks, so I'd say no go on those. I like everything else though.


And when they say lids are required for the eel, you're really going to want to get as close to a sealed top as possible.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/black-d...50-lb--3905403

Theres the black sand.

[Imnothungry]

Originally Posted by pbmink

More like in the thousands.

Then again they grow kinda slow.

Depends on the species but yea, 1k plus probably for the smallest species. Ive seen them on mfk befor in semi-modest tanks.

You probably also need a chiller and ****. A chiller for a huge tank would cost an *** load.

[akward silence]

Originally Posted by ProtoxxPaintball

Yeah I use the pool filter sand for substrate. If you want black, theres also black diamond blasting material (or something to that affect, its black sand) they sell it at Tractor Supply. About 5 buck for 50lbs.

Just rinse both of them really well. Get yourself a pillow case and just keep washing it. You really can't wash it enough to be honest. Your tank will look like crap for a day or so, and then it will be clear again.

I don't like sharks, so I'd say no go on those. I like everything else though.


And when they say lids are required for the eel, you're really going to want to get as close to a sealed top as possible.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/black-d...50-lb--3905403

Theres the black sand.

Is that stuff safe for fish? I'd love to get some of that to try out in my 55g. If it doesn't work out, I'll just change it out. Maybe I could mix in some, what is it, fluorite? That plant fertilizer substrate.

Yeah, the sharks are kind of meh. I think I'll give mine away with my current tank. I'd rather save the space for the botias when they get bigger.

I definitely like this line up. Downside. It's like $250 - $400 of fish sure, that may not seem like a lot but it's what my tank costs!

Yeah, I've heard some awesome escape stories about the eels and Bichirs. I'll keep the kids tight and a small water gap.

[JC Nor7]

Originally Posted by XshockadoctaX

Does anyone have recommendations for a tall thin looking plant that would grow high in my 15g tall tank? I would like for it to wave around with water motion.

i'd say some amazon swords.



or maybe jungle val.



some of the more veteran aquarists in here probably have more suggestions.

[Imnothungry]

val would be a better option, the amazon sword takes up a ton of real estate.

also look at stem plants like bacopa, ludwigia or hornwort (grows like crazy)

[JC Nor7]

i really like this little 12 gallon here.



i think an all zebra pleco tank would be a neat thing. from what i read, they usually house best in a species only tank because of their high requirements, at least in regards to breeding. i'm pretty sure you could throw some rummy-nose tetra since they can tolerate the temperatures and probably won't stress the zebras out. it's something i'm giving thought to.



male and two females is probably what i'd go with.

[johnnybravo60025]

Originally Posted by akward silence

I'll probably order one of those, definitely seems worth it.

Yeah, plecos don't seem as appealing as Siamese algae eaters.

Damn, that is ****ing cheap for sand. Did you use it as a substrate? How did the fish like it? I've got quite a few bottom dwellers.

AQadvisor ****ing rocks. I've got my 180g all planned out Everything seems to be compatible. 26 fish and I'll only be at 56%



What do you guys think of that lineup? I don't have, obviously, most of them yet. They are all compatible as far as temperament, water conditions, and other tank requirements.

The notes are hilarious.

I'd be a little worried about the Eel and the two lobsters. Eels spend most of their time in the rockwork and same thing with the lobsters. When the lobsters molt, they'll need a place to get away from everything to stay safe.

[akward silence]

Originally Posted by johnnybravo60025

I'd be a little worried about the Eel and the two lobsters. Eels spend most of their time in the rockwork and same thing with the lobsters. When the lobsters molt, they'll need a place to get away from everything to stay safe.

Well I figure with a tank that large they can get away from each other. I can always quarantine him when that time comes.

Lobsters/crays are ****ing awesome. 24/7 he's walking around the tank cleaning stuff. Best $3 ever.

[ProtoxxPaintball]

Originally Posted by akward silence

Is that stuff safe for fish? I'd love to get some of that to try out in my 55g. If it doesn't work out, I'll just change it out. Maybe I could mix in some, what is it, fluorite? That plant fertilizer substrate.

Yeah, the sharks are kind of meh. I think I'll give mine away with my current tank. I'd rather save the space for the botias when they get bigger.

I definitely like this line up. Downside. It's like $250 - $400 of fish sure, that may not seem like a lot but it's what my tank costs!

Yeah, I've heard some awesome escape stories about the eels and Bichirs. I'll keep the kids tight and a small water gap.

If you're going to be doing a planted tank, never mind on the sand.

A Lot of people on monsterfishkeepers use that stuff, and they say it works great.

[ProtoxxPaintball]

Theres my Flowerhorn, currently in fish jail for this class to be over. The flash is making his spots weird.

[akward silence]

I definitely want a planted tank. I guess gravel is still my best bet so expensive

Damn, he's awesome!

[pbmink (Banned)]

Walstead meathod

Use it.

[akward silence]

That sounds incredibly complicated and not really worth the gains.

[pbmink (Banned)]

I don't think it's complicated at all.

[akward silence]

Controlling the subsequent high nitrate and hardness levels for the following few months while still retaining the nutrients sounds annoying. That, and none of my fish like hard water.

[Imnothungry]

Originally Posted by akward silence

Well I figure with a tank that large they can get away from each other. I can always quarantine him when that time comes.

Lobsters/crays are ****ing awesome. 24/7 he's walking around the tank cleaning stuff. Best $3 ever.

Sooner or later crays will eat your fish. The can and will actively hunt live fish so be careful. If you have live plants they will shred tbose too



Walstad method is incredibly easy. Much cheaper than ADA and its not complex at all

[akward silence]

Yeah, I might gift this guy so I can go with a much smaller variety. I figure a 3" cray won't do much against fish bigger than him. The emeralds are the smallest fish in my tank.


I'm still looking for a decently priced shrimp that gets about 2" or bigger. Ghost shrimp wouldn't last an hour.

[Imnothungry]

Mexican dwarf crays are what you probably want. They max out at like an inch and a half. I think they still eat your plants, though. I would suggest flower, wood or vampire shrimp

[akward silence]

Probably. Eating my plants is fine

[ProtoxxPaintball]

I wish we could have Rays in Florida/GA. They have some teacup rays at this LFS for like 60 bucks.

[akward silence]

I wish I could take care of them, they have them at my LFS too.