Starting to plan for a 55, need advice

[JimT]

LFS gets lots of common pleco returns. Monsters.


I need someone to set me straight on UGFs. It seems like the gravel would get and stay pretty dirty if you don't use a UGF. But then if I want vigorous plants, I need some amount of soil-like substrate, don't I? But, soil substrate and UGF don't go together. I guess I'm just boggled by the idea of not having a UGF.

 

[PurpleSmurf]

UGF's aren't practical on anything above an 18g. So long as you siphon off the gunk on the bottom during water changes and have good filtration you'll be okay.

 

[Mako]

I've built a fair amount of furniture in the past, so I think I'll get it strong enough.

Cool. Your design sounds good to me. I'd also add that I'd seal the inside of the cabinet completely (after building it) with cheap lacquer vinyl sealer (providing you have a cup gun and air compressor). Or you can use marine grade spar uerethane and just brush it on, one coat. Will do you wonders for waterproofing the inside of your construction.

 

[saturday]

About fish- there are alot of different kinds of plecos and a 55 would be def. be big enough for alot of them. Lemon spotted green plecos, clown, rubbernose, lots and lots. Corys are great and you could put a big group of them in your 55 with angelfish, plecos and/or whatever kind of other fish you get. They are very peaceful and no one really seems to bother them either.