New Tank in progress, more questions!

[candygrrl]

Hello all,

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions and offered advice!

I have set up my 75 gallon tank and am running the fishless cycle at the moment. Things are progressing nicely so far. I have planted my tank with some Java fern (which I read doesn't like to be planted in gravel. Is this true?) and a couple of other nice plants that I don't have the names of here at work :D I will be adding more plants today or tomorrow. My cycle is progressing very quickly. My nitrite spike is already on the way down. I am surprised, but excited. So I am beginning to think about types of fish.

My LFS has a beautiful square aquarium set up with rainbowfish of several kinds, and tetras, including cardinal, rummynose, black neon and black phantom. He also has a couple of corys (not sure which type) as well. It's a gorgeous tank. I was planning to create something similar, but hate to let go of my desire for some mollies. Can mollies exist with these types of fish? Or should I wait and perhaps get another tank for the mollies (I can't believe I just said that...) :eek:

Also, I was considering bidding on some plants and fish on aquabid. Have you guys had good results with plants purchased there?

Thanks for all the assistance, I really appreciate it! :D

Candace

[NJ Devils Fan]

The mollies will be fine with those other fish.

As for your question about the aquabid, I cannot help because I don't have live plants yet and have never ordered any before.

[OrionGirl]

Mollies will be happier if they have their own tank, setup to meet their needs. The reason is that mollies do best in harder water conditions, a tad on the brackish side; most community fish won't do well in the same water. Mollies can be found in FW, BW and even adapted to marine conditions. They can mix with community type fish such as rainbows, cardinals and cories, but they won't be at their best. I'd wait and setup a system just for them.

As for the java, it prefers to have roots exposed to the water column. If you have any driftwood or rocks in your tank, use some thread, fishing line, or a small rubber band and attach it. It will get a good hold in a few weeks, and will soon cover the peice.

Plants will speed the cycling along--make sure to keep adding some fast growers like anachris to head off an algae bloom.

I've purchased plants and killifish eggs from aquabid and been very satisfied. Make sure to read the seller's profile, and communicate them if you are interested. I always emailed the seller before bidding, to find out how flexible they are about shipping and such. Plan on being able to pay right away after the auction closes, or have arrangments made with the seller.

[superstein61]

As long as you buy from reputable sellers on Aquabid (check their feedback), you will be fine.

I have bought plants and food from various Aquabid sellers with no problems. Also have bought fish from a local breeder who sells on Aquabid - but I just went to his place and picked out what I wanted