New guy here

[spamn]

Hey everyone. I am new to this site, and pretty new to aquariums as well. I'm always looking for info and advice and google has led me here several times.

I had a 20 gallon freshwater for about a year and just a few weeks ago I upgraded to my 60 gallon Uniquarium.

Here are some pictures. Please let me know what you think.

 

[Rbishop]

Very nice!

 

[spamn]

There are 2 huge Tiger Barbs
1 Angelfish
6 Neons
2 Balas
1 Pleco

Lighting is T5HO with one blue actinic and one white bulb
Moonlights that come on at night
Built in Uniquarium filtration with sponges and bioballs
Fake plants all around but real driftwood

Sorry about the blurry pictures. The fish don't like to pose too much

 

[Rbishop]

you will have issues soon. the 20 is much to small for the angel, balas and pleco.

 

[spamn]

you will have issues soon. the 20 is much to small for the angel, balas and pleco.

I only had two tiger barbs and the angel in the 20. This is my 60g pictured. Just added those guys a few days ago.

Also, I know the lights are too much, but I plan on going marine eventually and I didn't want to have to buy twice. I'm sure they are contributing to an overgrowth of algae though. The only algae I have is brown though..

 

[rsanz]

Brown algae appears in all new tanks. It's caused by the silicates that new glass and sealant releases into the water. It will go away on its own after a few months.

The tank hardware looks great. I love complete sets with stand and matching hood. Really pulls the presentation together. Have you considered trying your hand at live plants? They are a joy once they've grown in.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

I only had two tiger barbs and the angel in the 20. This is my 60g pictured. Just added those guys a few days ago.

Also, I know the lights are too much, but I plan on going marine eventually and I didn't want to have to buy twice. I'm sure they are contributing to an overgrowth of algae though. The only algae I have is brown though..

A 20 is too small for an Angel and Tiger barbs shoould be in a schoal of around 8+ and are too nippy to keep with angels. Min tank for a schoal of Tigers is really a 29 and their tankmates are limited. That said... great tanks and welcome to AC!

 

[spamn]

...Have you considered trying your hand at live plants? They are a joy once they've grown in.

I have tried that before when I used the 20g. I'm sure my lighting could support some and I know they are beneficial. I keep my substrate really shallow for one, and for two, wouldn't my pleco uproot them all?

Thanks for the compliments. I really enjoy this new setup I have. I appreciate any criticism as well.

 

[red_wall]

I have tried that before when I used the 20g. I'm sure my lighting could support some and I know they are beneficial. I keep my substrate really shallow for one, and for two, wouldn't my pleco uproot them all?

Thanks for the compliments. I really enjoy this new setup I have. I appreciate any criticism as well.

Does your pleco uproot the fake ones? If he does, then I wouldn't put them in there, if he doesn't then give it a try :]

Your substrate doesn't look THAT shallow. Plants don't need that much to root into.

 

[wataugachicken]

as far as i have heard, lights slowly wear out/change output and for best performance need to be replaced every 6 months to a year. it may be better for you to buy a cheaper freshwater-specific light for this tank, and save the 'fancy' bulb until you actually set up for saltwater. otherwise you're going to have to buy another saltwater style bulb. i don't really know if there is much of a price difference between those made for fresh and those made for salt, but it's something to look into.