A new guy looking for some help? maybe?

[evilaim]

Well, today is my first time on this site, and I love it so I had to register. I'm buying an aquarium. It will be a 55 gallon. I love salt water, a lot, but at the end of the day I just don't think I have enough experience with water ph levels and all the chemical side of things.

So, as I know when I'm beat, I'm going freshwater, with a natural theme, meaning full live plants and that style of setup. I'm just deciding on what type of fish I should get. I'm madly in love with the Blue Diamond Discus, was thinking a couple of those, with about 10-15 schooling fishes (small of coarse).

The question is, does anyone have any ideas for what I can setup to achieve this? I love vibrant fish. Neons are pretty tight if you can get them to move in a large school together, with a black light(???) that illuminates them.

I'm also wondering about lighting, and how to make the life in the tank bright and full of color.

Thanks, and yes, I'll say it... MFK is an amazing site! Great jobs Admins, Mods and of coarse the members.

 

[Dillingerescaped]

good ideas. I see no problems with keeping BDDs with a schooling fish like tetras.
If you have live plants, your going to want a plant specific light. I dont know about black lights, but you probably wont be able to use them.

 

[evilaim]

good ideas. I see no problems with keeping BDDs with a schooling fish like tetras.
If you have live plants, your going to want a plant specific light. I dont know about black lights, but you probably wont be able to use them.

I think you call them 'lunar lights' just for night time. I'm kind of a night guy so I really do love watching fish at night.

 

[Yanbbrox]

An LED setup works well with moonlighting effects

 

[ajangled]

I bought a string of blue led xmas lights yesterday at Walmart. I just sat them on top of the center brace under the other lights on my 240. Left them bundled up. They made excellent moonlight. They cost $7.00.

 

[MonsterMinis]

1) check out the planted tank forum, a sticky or 2 at the top about lighting. was very useful for me.
2) unless you can get the 55 at a steal. I'de seriously consider a 75. the depth will make planting/aquascapeing really nice. and the wider water chamber will likely make your fish happier. The stock would work fine in a 55 though as well.
3) WELCOME!
4) not a discus person but do love my cardinal tetras =D