120g Brackish Cichlid Build - Advice Needed

[rajzynger]

synspilum can tolerate some salt.. I've raised many over the years to an adult. The main concern is a pair in only a 120 gallon tank. Most of my males were 12" plus and females around 10" ... I've had males up to 15".. to grow to true potential I wouldn't recommend any less than 180 gallons.

 

[VPBassist]

Everyone seem to have covered the fish so let me comment on the scape.
You said you plan on anubias and java fern. You also said you were planning on Co2.
If these are the only species of plants your planning I wouldn't bother with Co2.
Its just not necessary. Save yourself the hassle.

If you plan on getting more into planted tanks you could add it later.

The reason to run Co2 is simply because I have a $300 Co2 system laying around the house from a high-tech planted tank I ran back in 2012 so I feel obligated to use it.

 

[VPBassist]

Everyone seem to have covered the fish so let me comment on the scape.
You said you plan on anubias and java fern. You also said you were planning on Co2.
If these are the only species of plants your planning I wouldn't bother with Co2.
Its just not necessary. Save yourself the hassle.

If you plan on getting more into planted tanks you could add it later.

The reason to run Co2 is simply because I have a $300 Co2 system laying around the house from a high-tech planted tank I ran back in 2012 so I feel obligated to use it.

 

[BIG-G]

The reason to run Co2 is simply because I have a $300 Co2 system laying around the house from a high-tech planted tank I ran back in 2012 so I feel obligated to use it.

Got it. But the plants wouldn't really need it and you will be introducing Co2 to your tank unnecessarily. Just something else to think about and another thing that could possibly fail or cause you or your fish undue stress.
But hay man you want to use it, use it

 

[VPBassist]

Got it. But the plants wouldn't really need it and you will be introducing Co2 to your tank unnecessarily. Just something else to think about and another thing that could possibly fail or cause you or your fish undue stress.
But hay man you want to use it, use it

Solid point, if the plants aren't using the Co2, it's likely to crash the pH. Thanks for the food for thought

 

[BIG-G]

Solid point, if the plants aren't using the Co2, it's likely to crash the pH. Thanks for the food for thought

Yeah , that's all I'm saying is even though you already own the equipment in this case it's just not needed. Ph crash or swings from day and night cycles. Or even equipment failure and gassing your fish are all unnecessary risks.
If you were to start adding more plants that would benefit from the added Co2 you can always add it later.