500 Gallon Journal Input Accepted

[Ryan_R]

Indeed, each fish is different! I did fine with larger tetras (Colombians are lovely!) for years with my chocolates. Wasn't until the last year that they've gotten into eating everything. Hard to believe that my chocolates are 6-7 years old now!

As for UV's, I've personally had good luck with my Turbo Twists, but I'm no expert and haven't had experience with other makes. I'd research the costs of replacement bulbs, and the flow rates needed for killing parasites. Algae and bacteria are much easier to kill, parasites take quite a bit more exposure (AKA slower flow) to knock them out.

-Ryan

 

[axs377]

If you are concerned about quality with the UV sterilizer go for an aqua or emperor, they are both top notch. I've run turbo twists both the 18x and 36x and while they are good for algae destruction, the distance from the bulb to water makes them suspect for being good at killing bacteria and parasites. Though to be honest, if you take good care of your tank and don't have any hyper sensitive stock a UV is probably not needed for more than keeping the water crystal clear.

 

[Paulbearer]

If you are concerned about quality with the UV sterilizer go for an aqua or emperor, they are both top notch. I've run turbo twists both the 18x and 36x and while they are good for algae destruction, the distance from the bulb to water makes them suspect for being good at killing bacteria and parasites. Though to be honest, if you take good care of your tank and don't have any hyper sensitive stock a UV is probably not needed for more than keeping the water crystal clear.

I'm glad you brought this up because after 35+ years of this hobby I have never used a UV. I'm one to always be on schedule with water changes and maintenance so I guess that's why I've not used one. I don't loose fish from disease that I know of....mostly is aggression that I just didn't catch in time while I was at work or overnight.

Thanks for the input everyone, keeps me thinking and researching until the tank arrives . I wanted to start the stand this week, but with subzero temps and 8-12" of snow possible tomorrow I might have to put it off for another week or so.

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[Paulbearer]

Thinking of getting another fx6 or two Rena xp4's.....decisions lol

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[stingray keeper]

Just noticed that the tank glass thickness all around is 1/2".. Don't know why so thin but those dimensions in my experience merit much thicker glass. More like 3/4 and bottom should be like 1". Just pointing it out.


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[Paulbearer]

Just noticed that the tank glass thickness all around is 1/2".. Don't know why so thin but those dimensions in my experience merit much thicker glass. More like 3/4 and bottom should be like 1". Just pointing it out.


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If it was 30" then yes, but at 24" the half inch has a 3.8 safety rating and most now are below 3 that are built.

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[Rafini]

Sounds like an exciting project.

Can I recommend Panda and clown barbs? clown barbs grow to around 5" and have nice color and activity.
unfortunately if you want to keep a chocolate with schooling fish you will probably have to get something at least 4" and not too skinny.
I recommend flagtails they are awesome, perfectly peaceful and do a nice job eating algae, Mine would always spit out pellets though and only eat flakes or sinking algae pellets. Can I also recommend kissing gourami? they have the same temperemant and general behaviour as a flag tail only they max at about 6"-8" in aquaria

 

[Ryan_R]

Thinking of getting another fx6 or two Rena xp4's.....decisions lol

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I love my XP4's.....

-Ryan

 

[Paulbearer]

I love my XP4's.....

-Ryan

I love my xp3....however found fx6 below $300 shipped and got another.

So, I have:

(2) FX6
(3-4) AC110's
Eheim 2262
(2) Wavemakers

Think this will be enough for now....I don't want to blow the fish to the sides of the tank lol.

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[Paulbearer]

Sounds like an exciting project.

Can I recommend Panda and clown barbs? clown barbs grow to around 5" and have nice color and activity.
unfortunately if you want to keep a chocolate with schooling fish you will probably have to get something at least 4" and not too skinny.
I recommend flagtails they are awesome, perfectly peaceful and do a nice job eating algae, Mine would always spit out pellets though and only eat flakes or sinking algae pellets. Can I also recommend kissing gourami? they have the same temperemant and general behaviour as a flag tail only they max at about 6"-8" in aquaria

I have thought about clown barbs and will look into their temperament with others. Flagtail is already on my list...live them. Thought about kissing or snakeskin gourami also. Thanks for input!!

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