My plan for a new FW planted aquarium, please critique

[cicrush13]

I would bump the sizes of your schools up to atleast 8-10 of each.
The tetras listed may get nippy in a smaller school.

As far as plants go, get some crypts for sure!

 

[Kurious]

Where can one buy black power sand? Hardware stores? I'm on the fence as I'm planning out rebuilding a 40g breeder. Not sure if I should go black or white sand - they both can look really nice and really different!

 

[jpappy789]

Black will make colors pop more and IME the very light sands don't stay that way for long. That being said I prefer more natural looking sand (ie. PFS).

 

[schapman1886]

Thanks for this post, I have a 36 gal. bow front that I want to set up sometime later this year, planted and all, at least I won't have to go through the cycle like you Great info here.

 

[Chuck H.]

Thanks for all of the replies and advice! Tank is doing great so far. I haven't added anything new since before Christmas. To recap my fish stocking, I have:
2 Keyhole Cichlids (2 males I think - tussle with one another every now and then, but no damage)
3 Pairs of Black Phantom Tetras (very fun to watch, the big female seems the most aggressive but the males are growing and starting to look impressive)
6 Green Corydoras and
1 Albino Bristlenose Pleco

So, I have 15 fish. Do I have room for a few more? What would you guys suggest? Something unusual would be cool. Thanks!

 

[jpappy789]

Maybe a couple more corys or tetras. Potentially room for a more top-mid dweller centerpiece like a pearl or dwarf gourami...

 

[Chuck H.]

Here's an updated video I took this afternoon. I've added a male Blue Dwarf Gourami and he's doing great with the rest of the fish. Very active and a lot of personality. If I come across a female I'll consider getting one, or maybe a red Dwarf Gourami female to have some color variety. Here ya go:

[YT]pJgMCw-YV7A[/YT]