First off, do not feel obligated to answer all of these questions. Even if you only know the answer to one of these, I will be forever grateful.
Some info on my upcoming setup:
STOCKING:
Please note that I will probably respond to your responses with more questions. Sorry, I'm a total newbie like that:goldfish:
Some info on my upcoming setup:
- 10 or 20 gallon tank (still deciding)
- Will end up stocking with dwarf gouramis and either snails or ghost shrimp
- Will do 50% water changes weekly (correct me if this is not a good ratio)
- Will get some form of box filter
STOCKING:
- Will the dwarf gouramis and the snails or shrimp get along. I believe they are supposed to be peaceful community fish, but correct me if I am wrong.
- I am hesitant on the idea of snails. It is my knowledge that they will climb up the sides of the aquarium. Would they attempt to escape (intentionally or not) by climbing up to the hood and escaping through the hole where the filter sits, or perhaps where wiring/tubing exits the aquarium? Or will they only climb out of the water for air?
- When feeding the gouramis, I would prefer to feed a staple diet of flake variety food. I can supplement it if necessary (please inform me if I must do this). Will the snails and or shrimp be ok with eating these leftovers? Or must I find a specialty food for them? This will be the basis for deciding between the two...
- I would like to do a fish-in cycle. I have read up about it and heard that hardy fish are good for this kind of cycle. There has been some controversy on the internet of whether gouramis are hardy fish or not. Could I get a final answer? Are these fish OK for a fish-in cycle or do I need to use some other kind of fish? If so, what kind would you recommend?
- After the tank is cycled, how long until I add the gouramis (if I can't use them for the cycle)? And can they be compatible with the fish for the cycle?
- I know that using live plants for the cycle will speed things up. Is this true? What kinds would be best that are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible?
Please note that I will probably respond to your responses with more questions. Sorry, I'm a total newbie like that:goldfish: