New 36 gallon bow front aquarium

fishboy7

Amazonian Specialist
Jun 12, 2010
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I have a 36 gallon bow front aquarium. Its dimensions are 30 in. long, 15 in. wide, and 21 in. high. I just bought sand that doesn't affect water chemistry. I plan on heavily planting it with a pH of 6.5 that I will modify the water too. I plan on getting 4 angelfish, 4 clown loaches, and 12 black phantom tetras. Any comments or suggestions on this idea?
 
Do you know what type of sand it is exactly?

What is your current pH right now? Having a stable pH is better than having a pH that changes and lowering pH is a lot harder than raising it up.

As for your fish, I'd re think the clown loaches idea. They grow to over 12" long (though slowly) and will need to be in a bigger tank. They are schooling fish so they need to be in a group of 5-6 loaches. The recommended size tank for them would then be around 125 (I think).

The rest sounds fine. You might want to look into Corydoras spp. since they stay smaller and you can have a semi big group of them.
 
Yeah, you may want to rethink the clown loaches. If you want loaches, I'm sure there are other species that will be just as interesting and more appropriate for your size tank.
 
First of all, sorry I posted this twice by accident. Second of all, any ideas for bottom other than corydoras?
 
Kuhli loaches ftw! They're the bottom dwellers in my 36. :)
 
I think 4 angels are too much for a tank that size. clown loaches will get MUCH too big but i like the phantom tetras

and how exactly are you planning on "modifying" your water?
 
I plan on modifying my water by using proper pH 6.5 since my present pH is 8.2 and I plan on getting fish that need soft water. How about I find a happy medium and get 2 angelfish, one of each gender, 12 black phantom tetras, and what type of corydoras do you suggest because I could make a biotope.
 
Also, sorry this is late for my first response, but the sand type is unknown although it is for use in aquariums and is tan in color.
 
I wouldn't use chemicals to lower your ph. It isnt that simple. Google the internet as to how GH KH and PH all work together. You cant just lower ph...well at least keep it stable with chemicals. Try a piece of driftwood to lower your ph.
I think the 2 angels would look great in there. Problem would be sexing them. Practically impossible till they hit a mature breeding age, even then it is tough. You could try 4 angels like you said earlier and if a pair mates up take the other 2 back to your lfs. I know some people dont agree with this method but it is better than keeping an overcrowded tank with angels that want to kill each other.
 
and i just saw your second post on the general forum...so they have you pointed in the right direction...
 
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