What Freshwater Biotope?

[zmazza]

I'm getting ready to start my first tank that's not cichlids or saltwater / reef due to my incredibly hard water. 8.3-8.4 out of the tap with no additives.

I'm going to be getting the 24 GPD PURE-FLO TFC R.O SYSTEM here within the next few weeks. It's the best Ro system that I can afford, and I think if I get the flush kit as well, it will work just fine.

I'm wanting to set this up in a 29 gallon, 30 gallon, or 37 gallon tank. I had originally wanted to go with a discus or two and a few tetras, but I'm wanting to start with something a bit easier until I can get the RO + additives down.

I'm wanting to start a really unique biotope, but I'm not sure where to start, really. I'm giong to be ordering a Current USA Satellite Powercompact Lights that comes with a 10,000K and actintic bulb. It's rated at 65 watts, so I'm figuring I can grow a decent number of plants. I'm going to be using the Plant Gro CO2 System to make things easy.

I'm looking for some good ideas for a biotope. The tank sizes are listed above. Let me know what you think!

Perhaps a pair of angelfish with some pengiun tetras, or cardinal tetras. Lots of plants. Lots of plants is going to be a must. I've really wanted a nice, planted tank for a LONG time. 8.4 pH doesn't allow for much as far as plants go.

Also looking for some small catfish. My wife loves the corydoras, but perhaps there is a bigger one that will work for my tank? Nothing plecostomus sized, but maybe similar species that only gets to 6" or so.

 

[wataugachicken]

the "emerald green cory" brochis spendens looks like a bronze/aeneus cory but isn't one. they get about 4" and fat, and a group of 3-4 of those would look pretty impressive. there are all kinds of plecos - maybe a bristlenose pleco, they don't get bigger than 6", are pretty bold, and can be brown or albino. rubberlip plecos also stay small (though they can be aggressive). if you go with angels, you might want to look into a larger tetra- cardinals will eventually all become lunch, dinner, and midnight snacks. penguins will probably be fine. i just got some very small angels, and they have spent the last 3 days hunting down all the feeder guppies in their tank. pretty ruthless.

 

[zmazza]

Wow. And angels look so innocent. Those cories sound like an awesome idea. Sounds like a great tank. Here's what I'm planning as far as equipment / decorations...

Appropriate Sized Tank - Probably a 29 gallon or 30 gallon

Rio Aqua Pump 2500 Plus
2 Bags of Flourite
1 8"-10" Piece of Malaysian Driftwood
1 10"-15" Piece of Malaysian Driftwood
CO2 Natural Plant System
Pure-Flo 24GPD RO System
2 200watt Stealth Heaters
25lb Bag Shallow Creek Gravel
Pure-Flo II Float and Shutoff Valve Kit
250g Power of RO Right


You know, I think I've got a heater that came with my 29 gallon, so I might wait on the extra stealth heater. It's 100-150watts I believe, so I'm sure that will heat a 55 gallon trash can, right? If not, I've got another 50 watt submersible heater that I can throw in there as well.

I'm hoping to sell a breeding pair of parrots and some car audio equipment, and if I can do that I'll get the Satelite 65 watt fixture.

Is the above equipment pretty good? Am I missing anything?

PS I forgot to add that I will be using a RENA XP2 for filtration.