Author Topic: My 180L (Read 6151 times) 22 replies

Alex_N · « **on:** March 12, 2016, 12:20:34 AM »

For the hardscape: John Innes #3 compost, small sized gravel substrate, 3x bogwood pieces.
Plants: Amazon Swords, Goldfish Weed, Java Fern, Christmas Moss, Cryptocoryne Beckettii.
There is a few more in there but I lost a lot of them due to bad cuts. I also lost a lot of 'red plants' due to the ballast blowing up in the lighting unit.
Any stocking ideas are welcome, I keep going round in circles lol

Littlefish · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2016, 08:59:04 AM »

I like the way your planted tank looks.

Well done.

Paddyc · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2016, 09:44:12 AM »

Very nice, what are your plans, fish-wise?

Matt · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:00:17 AM »

Hi Alex_N,
I would suggest you start with a favourite species, probably a larger one and work from there. For example, Bosemani Rainbows would look excellent in this set up imo.
Also then think about what bottom dwelling species you want, including something like a plec or otocinclus to eat algae, and a cory or loach which will grase off the substrate etc
Do you want surface dwellers like hatchetfish?
You then need to decide on your shoaling species - tetras barbs rasboras and danios - take a look on the fish profiles main page on this website and pick a few

If you list your thoughts here I'm sure you will get many varied opinions and tips about compatibility/suitability to guide your choices.

Your planting looks great and should fill out nicely over time

Alex_N · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:08:58 AM »

I had considered the Rainbow Boesmani but they are well above my price range, my local P@h stocks them but they price them around the £5 mark each.

I'm currently looking at: Harlequin Rasboras, Otinoculous, Bronze Corries, Swordtail/Sailfin mollies, maybe platys and a couple of Gourami (banded or moonlight)

This tank is in my front room so peaceful, slow moving fish is more what I'm looking for.

Fiona · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:14:25 AM »

I'd avoid the otos if its a new set up Alex, they need a mature tank. It is possible to keep them still but you'd have to be prepared to put in blanched courgette every day until the tank grows algae for them

Matt · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:17:37 AM »

What is your water hardness Alex?

Alex_N · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:22:06 AM »

Indeed, the otos will be a later addition to the tank.
My water is hard with a PH of 7.8, I'm hoping that the bogwood has lowed the PH level to a more neutral level.

Fiona · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:27:57 AM »

I love the moss on the bogwood, did you do that yourself?

Alex_N · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:45:32 AM »

I did

Along with the java fern.
I have found a few snails that were hiding/hatched that must have come from the moss as it came from my dad's tank.

fcmf · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:52:07 AM »

Quote from: Fiona O'Mahoney on March 12, 2016, 11:14:25 AM

I'd avoid the otos if its a new set up Alex, they need a mature tank.

Likewise with cories (ie they need time for the biofilm to have developed), as you probably already know. That possibly could have been an explanation for the early demise of my cories (along with other theories I came up with at the time).

Otherwise, sounds a nice collection of fish you have planned / are planning.

Fiona · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2016, 11:54:03 AM »

How did you attach the moss?

Alex_N · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2016, 12:09:57 PM »

Thanks for that FMCF, I didn't realise they needed the bio film as well. With them being relatively omnivores I assumed they would scavenge on sinking foods and any flake that makes it to the bottom.

With the moss I kinda wedged and molded it into the bogwood nooks and crannies and hoped for the best lol
There was a few irritating mornings when it would be floating lol.

Sue · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2016, 12:13:48 PM »

Some fish need biofilm but not to eat. Biofilm grows a whole host of micro-organisms which perform a number of tasks concerning water quality in ways we can't measure. Some species like cories and neon tetras do much better if the biofilm has matured before they go into the tank.

Golden pencilfish are nice calm shoaling fish and they should be OK unless your water is exceptionally hard.

Alex_N · « **Reply #14 on:** April 04, 2016, 01:17:40 PM »

Ahhh I see.

Just thought I'd give a quick update on the growth.
It's gone well, I've taken a few cuttings and replanted the stems. Some did well, some not so well.
With regards to fertiliser only one bottle of LoveFish liquid fertiliser has been used, 200ml I think it was. It lasted 3 weeks/ 3 doses due to the size of the bottle and the dosage needed for the size of the tank.

Extreme_One · « **Reply #15 on:** April 04, 2016, 01:53:11 PM »

200ml in 3 weeks!?! Sounds expensive!

How much did it cost?

Alex_N · « **Reply #16 on:** April 04, 2016, 02:21:59 PM »

About £4.
I won't be using it again lol
I'll be looking into a more economical fertiliser very soon.

Fiona · « **Reply #17 on:** April 04, 2016, 07:06:36 PM »

Stuff like that can be very expensive!

Extreme_One · « **Reply #18 on:** April 04, 2016, 07:53:07 PM »

I use 4ml ProFito daily (6 days a week) @ around £7 for 500ml

Lasts me about 5 months.

Alex_N · « **Reply #19 on:** April 05, 2016, 12:15:29 AM »

Indeed Fiona.

That sounds better Simon, I'm assuming it's going to be a lot more concentrated hence the long life and better price.

My 180L

My 180L

Author Topic: My 180L (Read 6151 times) 22 replies

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