New 125g on the way

[Insidiac]

Got a sweet deal on a 125g tank today, $200 for the tank, a wood cabinet/stand and matching canopy, and tons of decorations as well as a Marineland 280 & 400, picking it up tomorrow!

Only reason I got it is because I've always wanted Piranhas, and when I saw this guys tank: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412685 I fell in love with it.

Im trying to aim for that same type of natural look, and had a few questions. It doesn't look like his lights extend over the entire length of the tank, and numerous piranha setups Ive seen only have a light that covers about a third of the tank, kept in the middle. Is this what I should be looking for as well, or would it be better if I got something to go over the entire length of the tank?

Also, that threadstarters tank looks like it has blackwater extract or something in it, or maybe its just the black background that makes it look dark. Is it something thats absolutely necessary, or mostly aesthetic? I realize its to keep the pH low and acidic, but right now my tap is about 7.0 pH and very little hardness, wouldn't that suffice?

Also if you guys have any recommendations on what types of plants to get (should I/could I keep live plants in with pygo nats?), any websites that youve used for plants, or anything in general pertaining to the tank and the setup. Its my first piranha tank, so I would love all feedback!

 

[BRUNER247]

Why don't you just ask jp your questions about his tank. I don't believe he uses blackwater extract. Its probably leaching from his driftwood & black background. Lights are personal preference. Shorter light makes sides lil darker. For that fade to black look.

 

[AngryWretch]

The last batch of plants I bought came from:

http://www.bobstropicalplants.com/store/catalog/login.php?osCsid=34cf89af72e4d8d3d67c9ef13371663f

I was really surprised at how healthy they were and how fast they got to me. The shipping was by far the cheapest I have seen on the net. I have ordered from most of the big name online retailers and Bob's was great compairable prices and cheap shipping.

My reds did OK with plants but you should count on them ruining at least some of them.

 

[BRUNER247]

I've tryd many times to plant my rbp tank.they've never lasted more than a week or two before rbp chewed em up.

 

[jp80911]

what kind of lighting to use is really a personal taste thing when it comes to cover up the entire tank or just part of it, it also depends on the plants you want to have in your tank.
for starter go with low tech plants like crypts, anubias, jave ferns, moss, etc they are not very demanding and don't require too much light.
plant the tank first before you get the rbps so you can play with the aquascape a bit without freaking out all the fish, when the tank is being cycled the plants should start root themselves pretty good.
you can post here or pm me if you have any other questions.

 

[BRUNER247]

You don't use blackwater extract do you jp?