Planning a new 29/30 Gallon

[stormomi]

Currently I'm housing a pair of GBR, 4amano shrimps, 1 wood shrimp, 2 platys in a 10 gallon tank. I'm planning to buy a 29/30 gallon.

I'm thinking of using black sand instead of black gravel that I have in the 10 gallon. Is there anything different I have to do to clean/set up before use? How do I maintain it? Gravel vac?

If I just transfer everything except for the platys into the 30 gallon after cycling it, can I add a schooling fish? If so how many? Maybe cardinals, rasboras, or rummy nose. (hard to decide which one)

I'm also running out of room so I plan on putting the tank to the side of a couch. That way you can sit and look at the tank. Maybe have the tank be double sided. Maybe a mid/high plant down the middle, with short/low plants in the front and back of the tank?

[Lupin]

I'm thinking of using black sand instead of black gravel that I have in the 10 gallon. Is there anything different I have to do to clean/set up before use? How do I maintain it? Gravel vac?
I'd hover it above by an inch or two and in diagonal position to minimize sucking power thus preventing the sand from being sucked up completely.

If I just transfer everything except for the platys into the 30 gallon after cycling it, can I add a schooling fish? If so how many? Maybe cardinals, rasboras, or rummy nose. (hard to decide which one)
There are lots of tetras that you can try. What species are you going to try? Maybe 15 green fire tetras and 10 rummy-nose tetras or cardinal tetras? It makes a stunning sight.;)

[stormomi]

I'm also worried about feeding. As of now, the platys are much faster than the rams. How would they compete with a school of fish?


I was thinking of rummy nose and harlequin Rasboras.

[Star_Rider]

feed the rams sinking pellets. i use tetra colorbits ..

[jm1212]

hikari and other food compaines make some pretty good cichlid pellets that will sink while the platies are eating flakes at the surface.

you amy want to check out lemon tetras. in a school of 15-18 or so, they could look pretty good in your tank.

[stormomi]

Thanks for all the great tips. I'm feeding them tetra color bits right now. I guess I'll go get some flakes as well.