Hello. My name's Benton.
I actually used to be a very active user on this site back in 2009, but eventually stopped using this forum and got advice from local fish clubs.
However, I remained in the hobby continuously from 2009 through early 2014...and then life backhanded me in the face. Haha!
Now, almost exactly a year since I had to part with my 13 aquariums (3 to 150 gallons), I am returning to the hobby with a lovely thrift store find, a 20G tall (which I got for $5
erv: ).
I've already purchased the following items for the tank:
Odyssea 24" T5HO 2x24w
Perfecto 24" Glass Canopy
Penn Plax Cascade 200 GPH Filter
20 Pound Bag - Eco Complete
Via Aqua 100 Watt Heater
Plus: thermometers, Prime, nets, siphons, stand, etc.
Not exactly the best products or brands, but they are at least items I'm familiar with. As soon as everything arrives in the mail, cycling will begin.
As mentioned, I've had quite a few aquariums in my possession...and I have cared for various kinds of critters, from danios to Mbuna, and everything between including many plants.
However, my heart was always with my cichlids, and their tanks were the last to be parted with.
So, not being able to get a tank larger than my 20G tall (my place is very small), I obviously can no longer keep Jack Dempsey's, various varieties of Labs or Zebras, etc....
I am finding it hard to figure out my stocking arrangement, which is preventing me from buying my live plants, rocks, woods, etc... since I try my best to make sure the flora and fauna match. I guess you could say I prefer biotope aquariums.
I actually used to be a very active user on this site back in 2009, but eventually stopped using this forum and got advice from local fish clubs.
However, I remained in the hobby continuously from 2009 through early 2014...and then life backhanded me in the face. Haha!
Now, almost exactly a year since I had to part with my 13 aquariums (3 to 150 gallons), I am returning to the hobby with a lovely thrift store find, a 20G tall (which I got for $5
erv: ).I've already purchased the following items for the tank:
Odyssea 24" T5HO 2x24w
Perfecto 24" Glass Canopy
Penn Plax Cascade 200 GPH Filter
20 Pound Bag - Eco Complete
Via Aqua 100 Watt Heater
Plus: thermometers, Prime, nets, siphons, stand, etc.
Not exactly the best products or brands, but they are at least items I'm familiar with. As soon as everything arrives in the mail, cycling will begin.
As mentioned, I've had quite a few aquariums in my possession...and I have cared for various kinds of critters, from danios to Mbuna, and everything between including many plants.
However, my heart was always with my cichlids, and their tanks were the last to be parted with.
So, not being able to get a tank larger than my 20G tall (my place is very small), I obviously can no longer keep Jack Dempsey's, various varieties of Labs or Zebras, etc....
I am finding it hard to figure out my stocking arrangement, which is preventing me from buying my live plants, rocks, woods, etc... since I try my best to make sure the flora and fauna match. I guess you could say I prefer biotope aquariums.
- So I'm looking for stocking suggestions, in regards for both the fish and the plants. I'm looking for fish that would place well in a planted aquarium, with similar personalities to my cichlids. I am not a fan of schooling fish like tetras, cories, etc.
- I would like to know if I should place gravel or sand over the eco-complete after I finish planting, or is that not necessary? I always used other brands as they were cheaper, but they had to be covered to prevent them from shifting.
- As for backgrounds, what is your preference? Paint, 3D, the rolled up kind?
Sorry for the wall of text, grammar mistakes, spelling, etc.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
