3g tank

[_newbie_]

I have an 3g tank which i currently use as an observation tank. Sometimes i cover it with a cloth so the fish isnt so exposed.

Question is should i leave it bare with just the substrate or if not what is a good plant for it?

Someone said I should put a betta and a ghost shrimp in it. Don't betta swim around much?

Maybe just just adding a plant and a ghost shrimp would be best?

[fishcatch22]

i'd say you could fit a betta in there with a ghost or cherry shrimp, or maybe 3-4
least killies or endler's livebearers.

[tetramoon13]

yeah, least killies! I want to get some for my 5 gal.

[fishcatch22]

or a dwarf puffer, though some say they need 5g minimum, or 2 bumblebee gobies if you feel like doing brackish water.

[jm1212]

you could try 2 or 3 neons or a platy

[fishcatch22]

both of those need bigger schools that that. you need at least 3 individuals for platie snad 5 for neons, neither of which there's room for in a 3g.

[jm1212]

oh... to bad (platys rock!) lol
neons arent so bad either :thm:
but then i guess a betta and some shrimp as mentioned before would be best

[BettaBugg]

That's more than enough room for a betta, and I highly recommend them. ^.^ They're great little fish with such personalities. They come in all different sorts of colors and shapes, halfmoons and crowntails and giants. You can put in some plants, which do a lot for a little tank. Bettas don't need a filter or aerator as they can breath air. Read up on them, and see what you think.

[Ms.Bubbles]

It's good to have a spare tank for quarantine and medicating purposes. If you have another spare tank that you can use as a quarantine/hospital tank, you could put a few small fish in this 3 gallon--male endlers would work well (but a little too small for bettas IMO). If you have appropriate lighting for the tank (6-9 watts of fluorescent lighting would be good) you could grow a few plants.

[Shelby_Tempo_GT]

I'll second the neon tetra reco.

And a small plastic plant for decor. I think this tank is too small to be messing around with live plants

[graphicdesign_r]

Live plants work great in a small tank and help with (usually inadequate) biofiltration and removal of nitrates. Plants help stabilize, no small thing in a tank in which water conditions are inherently unstable due to the size.

Bzzt. Wrong again ford boy (see that, you've even earned yourself a nickname).

I recommend anachris to start with BTW, it will grow well with minimal care, can float or be planted, and shouldn't really need added ferts and nutrients. Great beginner plant, and readily available.

(edit) actually I see some people recommending neons. I wouldn't put them in a tank that small because for one thing they enjoy schooling (6 or 7 is a good minimum number), and for another they are semi-sensitive fish that would do better in a more stable environment (i.e. larger tank). I'm not saying it can't be done, just that I wouldn't do it.

People tend to reccommend neons for small tanks because they are small fish, but there would be other choices that would be better suited.

[Shelby_Tempo_GT]

Bzzt. Wrong again ford boy (see that, you've even earned yourself a nickname).







still being a tough guy?

does being an internet bully make you fell better about yourself?

You get picked on out in the real world so you retreaat to your computer to be a tough guy.

Let me guess. You're 240, 6'4, a black belt and a real ladies man.

[graphicdesign_r]

still being a tough guy?

does being an internet bully make you fell better about yourself?

You get picked on out in the real world so you retreaat to your computer to be a tough guy.

Let me guess. You're 240, 6'4, a black belt and a real ladies man.

Are you still here? :rolleyes:

How about you forget about me, and just go back to giving poor advice and working on your cars.

Does being judgemental and picking fights with your betters make you feel like more of a man?

You're close, I'm 6' tall 225 lbs. I have more of a linebacker build than a black belt, but I'd rather not compare martial arts skills, online I prefer to rely on my grammatical ninjitsu. You've already lost that fight. You likely lose most fights, after all, you don't even know how to spell "retreat" (which is what you should be doing right now). I have been dating the same girl for six months (I'm really more of a monogamous ralationship guy).

I'm also a Leo, my favorite color is navy blue, and I love very sharp cheddar cheese. You want to know anything else sweet cheeks? I think he has a man crush guys, how cute. Sorry, I don't Zander around buddy, but don't worry you'll find someone eventually. Though last I checked women and men both frown on belligerent idiots with low self esteem, so you may want to work on that.

[TheZoo]

That's more than enough room for a betta, and I highly recommend them. ^.^ They're great little fish with such personalities. They come in all different sorts of colors and shapes, halfmoons and crowntails and giants. You can put in some plants, which do a lot for a little tank. Bettas don't need a filter or aerator as they can breath air. Read up on them, and see what you think.

Regardless of thei ability to breath surface air, bettas still need clean water, so a filter is really needed. Those of you who keep bettas in bowls and such without filters can get by with very frequent water changes, but a filter would really be nice. An aerator in a tank that size isnt necessary though.

[TheZoo]

I'm also a Leo....

Ha! I should have guessed!


Leo
July 23 - August 22
Leo is the fifth Sign of the Zodiac. These folks are impossible to miss, since they love being center stage. Making an impression is Job One for Leos, and when you consider their personal magnetism, you see the job is quite easy. Leos are an ambitious lot, and their strength of purpose allows them to accomplish a great deal. The fact that these folks are also creative makes their endeavors fun for them and everyone else. It's quite common to see a Leo on stage or in Hollywood, since these folks never shy away from the limelight. They are also supremely talented and have a flair for the dramatic. Warmth and enthusiasm seems to seep from every Leo pore, making these folks a pleasure to be around. They do love pleasure!

It's the Lion which symbolizes Leos, and the king (or queen) of the jungle is a most appropriate mascot, since these folks consider themselves the rulers of their universe (and the Zodiac at that). Like Lions, Leos tend to be dignified and strong, and it is this sense of their power which allows them to get things done. A Leo on your team is a good thing, since Lions are eager to see their projects through to completion. Putting these folks at the helm is a good thing, too, since the Leo-born are natural leaders. They may ruffle a few feathers along the way, however, since they can also be overbearing and somewhat autocratic. This may be in keeping with the Fixed Quality assigned to this Sign -- Lions are indeed opinionated and set in their ways. That said, they are well organized, idealistic and have a knack for inspiring others. http://www.astrology.com/allaboutyou/sunsigns/leo.html (bolding is mine)

:p:

[graphicdesign_r]

:laugh:

[mrgrudge]

Someone said I should put a betta and a ghost shrimp in it. Don't betta swim around much?

Maybe just just adding a plant and a ghost shrimp would be best?

I have an Eclipse 3G in my kitchen with a male betta and a ghost shrimp. The betta has a little cave he sometimes sits in and a few plants for cover (red ludwiga, water wysteria). They both seem content with it.

If you keep plants in a 3 gallon, be prepared to do a lot of frequent pruning as some plants grow fast enough to fill up the entire tank in no time.

[Shelby_Tempo_GT]

You're close, I'm 6' tall 225 lbs. I have more of a linebacker build than a black belt, .



why am I not surprised. Im sure thats the description you give all the kids on myspace


also doesnt change the fact that you are another internet bully. I read newbies coming here and you pounce on them


Does this make you feel better about yourself?

[graphicdesign_r]

Well I'm better than you so I guess yeah, I'm happy with that.

You really need a hug don'tcha big fella? Get out from under your car and go see your mom or hire a hooker or something.

[Rowangel]

Ha! I should have guessed!

http://www.astrology.com/allaboutyou/sunsigns/leo.html (bolding is mine)

:p:
Hey, now! We aren't all bad-I'm a leo! And a designer...and...oooh...never mind...

Anyway, a 3g would be PERFECT for a planted nano. Check out plantedtank.net and they have a nano section that is a good read.

[graphicdesign_r]

I'm not bad at all, I just won't take any crap from turbo jock trying to pick a fight he can't win. It's not my fault I run circles around someone who has a wooden brain... I ain't about to slow down on account of some no account.

:shark:

[Rowangel]

lol, I didn't mean to say your bad at all...but it is funny that you do design, I do design and we are both leos...I think your often right, if maybe lacking tact sometimes... :D

[jwddboy]

Personally i'd say 5gal minimum for a beta. With good filteration, gravel, heater, plenty of oxygen and light. Because people sell them in a cup doesnt mean they are happy there! I know I wouldn't like living in a wardrobe where I had to go about all my days buisness in that confined area! That's a cup to a betta and no filteration or bad water quality makes it worse. If you do however keep it in a 3gal I reccomend frequent water changes and the above mentioned things as standard.

[_newbie_]

I think I'll keep it as an observation tank but put some live plants in it. BTW anacharis sounds good. Would the tank be too small for Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae?

[_newbie_]

probably have to trim the anacharis pretty often.

im planning to aquascape my 10g (once the goldfish move to their new home). fake plants are so blah.

IMO a betta in a quart would be like a person living in one room. its big enough to move around but itd get soooooo boring.

[Ms.Bubbles]

I think I'll keep it as an observation tank but put some live plants in it. BTW anacharis sounds good. Would the tank be too small for Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae?

Good idea. But without fish in the tank, you'll need to feed the plants on a regular basis--either fish food or a tiny drop of fertilizer like Flourish.

Also, hopefully you have a filter for the 3g. Otherwise, you'll need to circulate the water from time to time to get the nutrients around to all the plants. You didn't mention your lighting, so I'm assuming you already have some for the tank.

[jm1212]

an underwater terrarium would be interesting :)
it would be even more interesting is there were a couple of ghost shrimp on the bottom, creeping around :)

[_newbie_]

is 3wpg and a bubbler enough for those two plants? i try the plants first before adding ghost shrimp.

[Sammie7]

You wouldn't want a bubbler as it would drive co2 from the water and the betta wouldn't need it either as it breathes from the air.

[Emg]

If you want to keep this tank as a quarenteen tank....I wouldn't put live plants in it..some meds you may have to use will kill the plants. I don't know if I would add any fish to it or not....if you QT'd a fish in there that ended up being sick with something, your healthy fish may end up getting it too..or..you would end up treating a healthy fish for an illness it doesn't have when you have to treat the sick one. :huh:

A basic bare bottom tank with some hiding areas is usually good for QT tanks because you want to be able to clean it out easily.


EDIT: Great ! lol....another incident when I reply..not being aware there is more than ONE page to this thread... :rolleyes:

[Native American]

I've been keeping a pair of Eclipse 3 gallon tanks for over a year for tossing in the occasional gravid ghost shrimp. I have sponge filters over the filter inlets, and they're covered with pantyhose to keep the newly hatched shrimp safe. No substrate.

My observations:

1.) Plants: I just keep Java Moss in them, and it grows like a champ when the shrimp are in there, and I'm doing small daily feedings. When I remove the juvenile shrimp to a bigger tank (after they've grown a bit), the Java Moss remains static (no extra food input).

2.) Temperature: Hard to control in this small of a tank with a sealed hood and light system (it gets a bit warm, can't get it below 82F).

3.) Stability: The plants help a lot. If I'm doing feeding (introducing nutrients into the water column indirectly through waste production by the occupants), I end up having to trim back the Java Moss regularly. This is good for nitrate control.

As I've learned from everybody else on this forum, you work harder to maintain stability of water parameters due to the small size of these tanks . I'd still get a 10-gallon kit from Wal-Mart for that Betta. That's where my son's Betta lives.

v/r, OF

[_newbie_]

ok latest update. ive decided not to use it as a QT tank but to aquascape it instead. its home to buggy the blackmoor. he was rescued after he was attacked by a 6" comet and got his fins torn up. noone (ie lfs) will take him because of his damaged fins so he might get the 10g to himself till he heals up.

im importing a nano filter.
i managed to find some freshwater shrimp on trademe. theyre scuttling around the tank. its funny watching peoples faces :eek: :thud: when they spot them.
ive put in some dwarf sag grass.
java moss is on the way.
i have a couple of plants that need identifying though. will post pics soonish.

i hope im doing ok.

[kjr928]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

This is the funniest thread I've ever seen!!!

[jm1212]

IME, small tanks, i.e 3 gall, do not need heaters except if the temp of your house is lower than 60 degrees at night, and if you leave the light on during the day that should be enough if not a bit to much heat