New 36 gallon bow front aquarium

fishboy7

fishboy7

Amazonian Specialist
Jun 12, 2010
623
0
0
I just bought a 36 gallon bow front tank and stand. The dimensions are 30 in. long, 15 in. wide, and 21 in. high. I also bought sand that doesn't affect water chemistry. I plan on heavily planting the tank with artificial plants. I will make the pH of the water 6.5 by the means of proper pH. I plan on getting 4 angelfish, 4 clown loaches, and 12 black phantom tetras. Any comments or suggestions on this idea?
 
Proper ph will only keep it at that temporarily. You could use peat
Or add some driftwood. Clown loaches get too big for a 37
They need way more space.
 
I would not go messing around with chemicals to lower your ph. Ph swings can do more damage than a higher ph and the fish you listed should be fine with tap water treated with prime. The plants should lower your ph some as it is and unless it is a wild specimen I don't see a problem. What is your source waters params at that make you think you need to alter your water chemistry?
And yes your clowns will get too big for that tank. I would look into a smaller species unless you plan on rehoming them to a bigger tank as they grow.
 
My pH is 8.6 now, I have to do something! Any other ideas because my mom wont let me get peat or driftwood?
 
You can buy (i think) an RO unit. But it cost much more money that peat and driftwood.

How about stocking it with African Cichlids? They'd be perfect in your water!
 
First of all, I have no idea what a RO unit is or where they sell them, second of all, I have decided to make an amazon biotype with 2 angelfish, 12 black phantom tetras, and 6 corydoras catfish, but thanks for the suggestion!
 
Is your water's pH that high even after sitting out 24 hours? That's really, really high. It's not uncommon for pH to drop after sitting out, and that's truly the baseline pH of your water.

Driftwood can be bought at your pet shop...and it looks great in a tank. Could you mom simply be against finding driftwood and adding it to your tank? Peat can also be put in nylon bags in a hang on back filter...it's not messy and easy to change out periodically. Again, best bought at a local petstore to ensure it's not contaminated with chemical (some peat in plant stores is chemical free, but you have to be careful).

I'm just wondering if your mom needs to be educated on driftwood and peat...they may sound really messy, but they're not. Peat will stain the water a tannish color depending on how much you have in there...but that is natural and the fish will look good in it.

However, if despite talking with your mom and maybe having her read some information on peat and/or driftwood and she still says no...well, she's your mom and you have to respect her wishes.

Eric
 
Yes it is that high, I live out in the country, and yes my mom didn't want me to because she thought it would be too messy, but maybe your post could change her mind, Thanks!
 
parents are just such debbie downers arent they :) ...........
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom