New 55g setup

[ProjectMaro]

Hello,
I'm new to the forum, my name is Eric. I am setting up a 55g; it's about 2 weeks old. I created a Lava Rock background and plan on add java moss to the top quarter of the lava rocks. Any ideas, tips, or opions would be appreciated.

 

[jm1212]

very cool!

is it going to be saltwater or african cichlids?

 

[ProjectMaro]

Not sure yet. Need to do more research. Its going to be freshwater but I don't know if I want Cichlids or not. I couldn't help but buy two corys and three pictus. The danios are left over from my cycling setup. I still need to stabilize my ph before adding any more fish. I've heard adding driftwood would stablize it; is this true? I think I want to get some dwarf gouramis.

 

[Germanman]

thats going to be an awsome tank when its finished! great job:clap:
just java moss or more when u get farther along? as for the wood it depends on the type but generally it will but it will also stain the water kinda yellowish with time.

 

[ProjectMaro]

Thanks,
I plan to change the first couple inches of foreground substrate to plant this.

 

[KingOfTheDeep]

nice tank!

glossostigma needs at least 3.5 watts of light per gallon..

 

[Rbishop]

Very nice! Why would you need to "stabilize" the ph?

 

[jm1212]

a pH that is stable is better than one that is always jumping around. i keep "soft" water fish in a pH of 8.0 and they are fine. unless you are getting wild caught fish, the fish that you will find in an every-day LFS will do fine in the water you have as long as it is consistent

 

[Mgamer20o0]

looks like a good start.

 

[ProjectMaro]

Does anyone know of African Cichlids that arent as aggessive and will not destroy plant life? I also don't want any fish larger than 5-6". I was using proper ph 7.0 but my ph goes backup or even stays at 8.0. Thats why i wanted to try some drift wood; but i want to keep my water clear. Would regular water changes and plants help keep the water from staining?