to cycle, hmm?

[Killing my fish]

I like a low effort tank, feed the fish once or twice a week, dump 5 gal of water in about twice a month. Clean the canister filter maybe once every 18 months. Fish seem to do OK, but plants look nice for a bout 2 weeks or so than go into stunted mode. The tank sits next to an eastern exposed window, so no light needed. Can one have a plant and fish tank or just one or the other? Also I'm really getting tired of silver based fish; boring..........



40 gal long
gravel base
bout 15 fish mostly barbs and tetras

 

[hendrixpujols11]

Yup, you can have a tank of both. I think a plant tank would be kind of boring . Look at the aquatic plant section. Under the MEMBER TANKS AND SPECS subforum, you can see pictures of planted tanks. Also, You should definately think about feeding your fish more than once or twice a week.

 

[Rbishop]

I'd start by reading all the stickys at the top of freshwater newbie forum, followed by those in general freshwater.

 

[nipped-out]

Also I'm really getting tired of silver based fish; boring........

Have you considered saltwater tank? It will keep you busy though!

 

[Magpen]

If Killing my fish is into low effort tanks a salt water tank is not the tank for him. They are extremely far from being a low effort tank. I would never suggest a salt water tank for someone not wanting to put a lot of effort into taking care of something.

 

[nipped-out]

If Killing my fish is into low effort tanks a salt water tank is not the tank for him. They are extremely far from being a low effort tank. I would never suggest a salt water tank for someone not wanting to put a lot of effort into taking care of something.

I did mention that it would keep him busy, correct? For someone that is "bored" of the "silver based fish," a saltwater tank would be a great alternative. The excitement of having very colorful fish can sometimes produce a new interest and motivation. I have often said that I would never do this, or that, only to find myself happily engaged in something I thought would never interest me.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

there are many colorful freshwater fish. i always feel there is more to do in salt water. if he wants a low effort tank salt water isnt the answer.

 

[Dwarf Puffers]

If hes feeding his fish once a week and changing his filter every year and a half, should he even HAVE fish if hes too lazy to take care of them?!

 

[mobilecow]

If you're bored of silver looking fish - try cichlids - almost as colourful as marine and once you figure them out - they are easy enough - I saw a planted tank with them this weekend...

 

[Coler]

If you're bored of silver looking fish - try cichlids - almost as colourful as marine and once you figure them out - they are easy enough - I saw a planted tank with them this weekend...

Absolutely agree re colours. You could do a nice job with some africans in your 40 long.

They're messy - regular gravel vacs, water changes and filter maintenance. Worth it though.