Piranhas and plants? Substrates? New to this!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Here are some old pix and vid.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?431988-pygo-picture-update
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...s-update-wild-reds-terns-cariba-feeding-video

here are some recent ones
DSC_2567.jpg

DSC_2571.jpg


here's pic of the tank
DSC_2327.jpg


Plants do ok with pool sand just need a longer period of it to start have nutrient build up under it, but there are better substrate out there that would be more suitable if you are very key on plants. I just didn't have the budget to spend $150-$200 on substrate, so at the time $40 for 200lb pool filter sand seemed more appealing to me. if you have the money then go with eco complete or similar substrate.

you can google "pool filter sand for plants" and see what other says
here are two the links that came up
http://www.aquascapingworld.com/forum/substrate/3330-pool-filter-sand-substrate.html
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...lants-discussions/47321-pool-filter-sand.html

I got mine from my local Leslies' pool supplies. so check with your local pool supply stores and see what they have. some might be darker color some might be lighter color.

as for trimming plants in a piranha tank, it's really not too dangerous unless you happen to have a crazy mental piranha like the ones in Hollywood films. They are more skittish than most people think and whenever I work on my tank they always try to stay as far from me as possible. if you concern then just keep an close eye to them or use long trimming tools if you don't feel comfortable of putting your hand in water.

THat looks so freaking awesome man. But My tank would be more heavily vegetated. So I guess pool filter isn't for me. I'll have to go with the next best substrate.

Im thing, which is flourite ig uess
 
This is my 125 planted tank with presurized CO2...I used minerlized soil, and capped it with 3M color quartz, which i've come to find isnt being made anymore. Usually the "planting" substrate absorbs the nutrients more then regular sand. You can use regualr pool sand but will have to put nutrient pills under the sand every so often.

Fronttank2.jpg
 
^^^^ awesome :headbang2
 
Wow some really nice setups. I use to like the black substrates, but no longer a fan. But your tank does look great! Hmm...makes me wonder if in nature, black substrates exist, or is it just for aquariums.
 
I don't think there's black sand in nature, at least I haven't seen any.
 
you talking about the black sand beach? isn't it man made beach with Arizona black sand? I guess if you dig into a mountain you could find black or dark color sand from mining, but I don't think you'll find those in most rivers and lakes, natural rivers and lakes, not man made ones.
I could be wrong tho, I haven't been to every single water bodies in the world so...
 
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