The first timer progress thread - proposed stocking

[MichiganMan]

Time for an update... things are progressing on the "craigslist special" 29g tank (part one is located here)

I have a line on an Aquaclear 50 HOB filter, lightly used, for $20. Should be picking it up tonight. Been doing some research on substrates as well, but that will be a thread of its own. Now to the fun stuff - proposed stocking!

Here's what I'm thinking, based on reading I've done here and elsewhere (all names are links):

• 1 Pearl gourami
• 4-6 Blue Platies
• 8-10 Harlequin Rasbora (or possibly Neon Tetras?)
• 1 Bristlenose Pleco (CUC)
• X number of Red Cherry Shrimp or Ghost Shrimp (CUC)
• 1 Snail (CUC)

The tank will be light-medium planted, with driftwood and rocks, sand or small gravel substrate, heated to 78 or so degrees (just a swag, help me out here...)

Thoughts? Comments? My intent was to have a darker substrate and very colorful fish and plants to really "pop" - thus the blue platies and pearl gourami.

 

[Hurley]

I think the stocking looks pretty good. Any plans on keeping the platy population in check?

 

[krytan]

Sounds good. I would have an all male population of platys otherwise you will be overrun with fry, unless you have something to feed them to.

 

[MichiganMan]

Thanks for the tip on the platys - I'll have to get an all-male population (the males are supposed to be smaller and more colorful in any case)

 

[jm1212]

there acctually really isnt any color differenc ebetween males and females with platies. they are the only livebearers (guppies etc.) where the males and females are almost exactly the same (except for the obvious)

the stocking sounds good, but i would stick with 4 platies so you can get more harlequins.

 

[evelyn80]

sounds good! go with harlequins though to add more color as the blue gouramie + platy give ya enough blue. post pics when its up with fish

 

[MichiganMan]

Well, I got the filter tonight. Any idea how big of a heater I'll need for a 29g tank in Michigan? After that, it's just substrate and water!

 

[DarkDH]

If it's indoors, I would just get a 150 watt. The ones that are preset to 78 degrees work for me.

What part of MI are you in?

 

[MichiganMan]

Macomb Twp, about 70 miles north east ish from you...

 

[gmh]

Harlequins are great, more hardy than Neons and better schoolers. I agree 150 watt heater is good. I use the Visitherm Stealth. Cannot go wrong with them. And of course you need a thermometer. Don't trust any heater to have an accurate temperature scale.