Central American tank

[Bertie07]

Wanted to start a thread to show how my Central American tank changes and grows. As of now the stock is 8 meeki, 6 Xiphophorus helleri and a pair of Herotilapia multispinosa which I’m on the fence about keeping. I just added the leaf litter about 10 minutes ago so many of them are floating about or lodged in a corner, once they sink I can place them where I want, I also have some ash branches soaking in my pond. I got them yesterday, how long should I soak them for and do I have to disinfect them.

 

[dan518]

How come your not sure about the multispinosa? For the branches I put them in a bath of hot water for a few hours, Scrub the bark off then pour boiling water over them and then just weigh them down with stones for the first couple of weeks.

 

[Bertie07]

How come your not sure about the multispinosa? For the branches I put them in a bath of hot water for a few hours, Scrub the bark off then pour boiling water over them and then just weigh them down with stones for the first couple of weeks.

Okay thanks will do that, the multispinosa are tearing up my plants and I really wanted to have plants in the tank, they are growing on me though. Will have to decide which I prefer

 

[Gourami Swami]

Look like a great start! I am a huge fan of rainbows. Hopefully they can learn to live with the plants; if not, the meeki should be more tolerant. Will be watching this tank!

 

[Bertie07]

Look like a great start! I am a huge fan of rainbows. Hopefully they can learn to live with the plants; if not, the meeki should be more tolerant. Will be watching this tank!

Yeah thanks, they’re really interesting fish and have already started moving the leaves around to their liking but I really want the plants. Hopefully overtime they stop picking at them

 

[Belly up]

When I set up one of my hillstream tanks I just stuck green branches in my tank. My thinking was you see this in nature all of the time. As a trout fisherman I can tell you there are live trees falling into the rivers I fish all the time. It took years for them to decay and no harm ever came to my fish from it. Makes for a very natural appearance too.

 

[Bertie07]

When I set up one of my hillstream tanks I just stuck green branches in my tank. My thinking was you see this in nature all of the time. As a trout fisherman I can tell you there are live trees falling into the rivers I fish all the time. It took years for them to decay and no harm ever came to my fish from it. Makes for a very natural appearance too.

Okay thanks, that’s helpful as it means I can chose peices I want over just the ones on the ground

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Okay thanks, that’s helpful as it means I can chose peices I want over just the ones on the ground

Just be aware some branches carry toxins. I would also avoid soft woods like pines. They are very sappy trees that contain lots of sugar and proteins. Over time in a concealed system like a fish tank they can cause problems.
Most hardwood trees are safe but I would only use completely dead ones.
Oak , beech, hawthorn, apple are safe, there are many more that are safe but don't just pick up anything as some can cause harm.

 

[Bertie07]

Just be aware some branches carry toxins. I would also avoid soft woods like pines. They are very sappy trees that contain lots of sugar and proteins. Over time in a concealed system like a fish tank they can cause problems.
Most hardwood trees are safe but I would only use completely dead ones.
Oak , beech, hawthorn, apple are safe, there are many more that are safe but don't just pick up anything as some can cause harm.

I’ve only got oak and ash as of now. Is ash safe for use, I haven’t put the branches in yet

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I’ve only got oak and ash as of now. Is ash safe for use, I haven’t put the branches in yet

Yes Ash should be fine.
You could also use birch or maple.
Don't use walnut as it is toxic.