New Bargain Project - What Would You Do With It?

[Bluesandtwo]

In answer to the questions regarding cork bark, it will break down very slowly over time... but we are talking years. Perhaps not as long lasting as some aquarium suitable woods but also not the worst! It does however leak tannins and can be a nightmare for algae growth due do its deep groves and general surface 'make up'. On a side note it is also extremely buoyant and no amount of soaking or boiling will ever get it to sink. But I love it and will be using it again in the future. I hope that helps?

 

[Bluesandtwo]

Thanks for the fish recommendations. However this will be a temperate tank with 18c temp in winter and going up accordingly with the seasons here in the UK. So temperate stocking is my limit.

Reason being... I currently have another open top planted tank that is tropical...and the water loss through evaporation is high! Check out my other topic for that tank on the planted section

 

[jjohnwm]

Thanks for the fish recommendations. However this will be a temperate tank with 18c temp in winter and going up accordingly with the seasons here in the UK. So temperate stocking is my limit.

Reason being... I currently have another open top planted tank that is tropical...and the water loss through evaporation is high! Check out my other topic for that tank on the planted section

The shrimp would do great at those temps. So would White Clouds or Celestial Pearl Danios in a small group. A single Paradise Fish would be another choice; beautiful, but likely too aggressive for tankmates in such a small space.

It's not just the actual temperature in this case, but the fact that the temperature could change fairly rapidly in such a small volume of water. Careful placement in the house to try to avoid rapid swings in temp would be a good idea.

That's good info on the durability of cork bark. You've just removed one more excuse I was using to not try a project like this. Thanks a lot.

 

[Bluesandtwo]

Probably 8-12 would work.

The shrimp would do great at those temps. So would White Clouds or Celestial Pearl Danios in a small group. A single Paradise Fish would be another choice; beautiful, but likely too aggressive for tankmates in such a small space.

It's not just the actual temperature in this case, but the fact that the temperature could change fairly rapidly in such a small volume of water. Careful placement in the house to try to avoid rapid swings in temp would be a good idea.

That's good info on the durability of cork bark. You've just removed one more excuse I was using to not try a project like this. Thanks a lot.

I think I'll looking at acquiring 12 to go with the 3 currently in there as you've suggested Deadeye . Maybe a mix of 'zebra' and 'leopard' danios? I might even be tempted by a few salt and pepper Cory's too as I've read they'll take the cooler temps well (was just reading about someone keeping and even spawning at sub-temperate temps)! I've noticed the 3 danios in there now, lose interest in food once it hits the substrate.

jjohnwm I like the idea of a paradise fish a lot.. however the turbulence in the tank is surprisingly high from the U3, even with the spray bar outlet. Even the danios currently in there swim against a bit of a current. Re tank placement, great advise and ahead of you. Its no where near a radiator or in direct sunlight. Temp changes are subtle thankfully.