Noobie advice

[cartisdm]

I've been thinking of how I'd like to get my new tank running once I start that project. I'd like it to have an attractive "theme" not just a bunch of rocks and plants. If I want to use a sandy-like bottom how do I vacuum that with the usual siphon hose? Doesn't it pick up and stir the sand all around? Would small crushed gravel be easier/better to maintain?

Do any of you know of some good sites that will give me some ideas?

 

[Greenaveli]

Do any of you know of some good sites that will give me some ideas?

MFK!!!!!

I have seen some of the most amazing tanks here. We will be ready to help you and offer advice. All you have to do is ask. The search function is pretty good to. Im sure anything you need you can find it

 

[Greenaveli]

If I want to use a sandy-like bottom how do I vacuum that with the usual siphon hose? Doesn't it pick up and stir the sand all around? Would small crushed gravel be easier/better to maintain?

I used the tiniest gravel made for alot of years. I was wrongly under the assuption that sand wouldnt work out in my fw setup. i know use sand in all my tanks. I love it. Of course there are advantages and disadvantages with it as with anything.What kind of filter are yoou using or planning to use?

 

[Merbeast]

Sand is a PITA. All the poop sits on top, staring you in the face. When the fish swim, they swirl up poop. I have 1 tank with sand, and I will not have another.

Polypterus are an addiction. I have 12 What I think go well with them are silver dollars, jewel cichlids (for some reason they seem to ignore the bichirs), angel fish, clown loaches and anything else too big to be eaten. Good luck with you bichir!

 

[cartisdm]

What kind of filter are yoou using or planning to use?

I'm not sure, my Mom actually got me the tank setup last week so next time I'm back home I'll pick it up. I'm pretty sure it already came with a basic filter but that's all the details I have for now. What are the pros/cons of sand?

 

[sour_girl]

Good luck with your tank.. although I would stay away from Oscars at that size. Kudos to you for doing your research before buying anything. Make sure you post pictures!

 

[cartisdm]

Good luck with your tank.. although I would stay away from Oscars at that size

Fair enough...but I'd like to have maybe just one more good fish. Something that isn't your everyday fish that most people have (also limited budget though). The bichir was perfect, $5 and...well....you all know how awesome bichirs are I don't have to explain haha. Maybe I'll see if I can find another color or species. More ideas!


Edit: I'm guessing a snakehead would probably be out of the question, huh? Would I be biting off more than I could chew?

Edit 2: Or maybe a gar?

Edit 3: (sorry for all the edits, I'm googling haha.) Or a wolf fish?

 

[chase45]

haha 10g. your kidding me. i suggest 55 gal or higher. im in the process of making an 12 ft tank

 

[cartisdm]

haha 10g. your kidding me. i suggest 55 gal or higher. im in the process of making an 12 ft tank

Yeah I know it's only a 10gal now but I'm willing to upgrade on an "as needed" basis. And I already have a 40gal lined up

 

[Greenaveli]

Everything you named gets pretty big. Are you planning on going bigger than the 40? Wolves are gars get pretty big. I know they have dwarf snakeheads but I am not sure how big they get. I am not sure if they are legal in va either.