Planning a planted tank

[alanhill]

*tries to remember GCSE chemistry*

I teach A-level Chem (among other things)
Endler's should be fine in London tap water. Boiling would soften your water, provided you filtered out the limescale produced. I guess the cats would prefer that, particularly for breeding - but I'm no expert about them. A little box filter of peat, and some carbon in another filter would help - and I don't suppose the Endler's would mind too much.

Rainbows are nice and more active than most killies - so they are an interesting alternative. I'm sure you know the brilliant website (very high quality photos) Home of the Rainbow Fish

Alan

 

[Goldfish]

I'm sure you know the brilliant website (very high quality photos) Home of the Rainbow Fish

My main source of rainbow knowledge!

I'm glad to hear that I can put endlers in...

Last batch of questions (hopefully):

1. Does anybody know of a UK aquarium plant mailing company/internet company/etc.?

2. Should I put the plants in before I start to cycle it? (I'd say yes... but still it was worth asking)

3. Should I keep some fish in the 10G so that it stays cycled whilst there aren't any fry in it? If so, suggestions for super-friendly non-small-fry-eating fish appreciated

4. Alan - where did you get your moina from? They look easier to keep and more suitable for bottom dwellers than brine shrimp etc., and I want my fish to have a nice varied diet

Thanks (I'll stop abusing your knowledge very soon!)
James.

 

[Ibn]

My main source of rainbow knowledge!

I'm glad to hear that I can put endlers in...

Last batch of questions (hopefully):

1. Does anybody know of a UK aquarium plant mailing company/internet company/etc.?

2. Should I put the plants in before I start to cycle it? (I'd say yes... but still it was worth asking)

3. Should I keep some fish in the 10G so that it stays cycled whilst there aren't any fry in it? If so, suggestions for super-friendly non-small-fry-eating fish appreciated

4. Alan - where did you get your moina from? They look easier to keep and more suitable for bottom dwellers than brine shrimp etc., and I want my fish to have a nice varied diet

Thanks (I'll stop abusing your knowledge very soon!)
James.

1) I'm pretty sure that Tropica will be able to help you with any sort of planting needs.

2) Yes you should. It's even possible to skip the cycling process if you load the tank with lots of plants (lots of bacteria on the surface).

3) You can add any sort of fish that you're interested in versus something that you cycle with. Just pack those plants in there.

 

[alanhill]

1. Does anybody know of a UK aquarium plant mailing company/internet company/etc.?

2. Should I put the plants in before I start to cycle it? (I'd say yes... but still it was worth asking)

3. Should I keep some fish in the 10G so that it stays cycled whilst there aren't any fry in it? If so, suggestions for super-friendly non-small-fry-eating fish appreciated

4. Alan - where did you get your moina from? They look easier to keep and more suitable for bottom dwellers than brine shrimp etc., and I want my fish to have a nice varied diet

Thanks (I'll stop abusing your knowledge very soon!)

1. I can recommend Greenline - their catalogue is on-line, but you order over the phone, so you can get some advice about availability etc. They have a good range, fair prices and the plants are packed well.

2. I would, particularly if I could help the cycle along with some mature gravel/filter media. But there are some who take a very strict line on cycling and recommend planting afterwards.

3. Looks like the 10 gallon will be an Endler's tank full-time (I've been there).

4. I couldn't find Moina in the UK, so I got mine from Germany, Interaquaristik - but I got a German colleague to help me with the order (my German is dreadful and Babelfish only takes you so far

BTW I don't think you can abuse knowledge - you either use it or misuse it - take your choice :badgrin:

Alan

 

[The Kapenta Kid]

Why don't you take a look at
http://www.plantgeek.net/
Tropica is good for identification and care info, but I don't think it is an interactive board.

 

[Goldfish]

Thanks again everyone

Right. I've been to my local big simple tank seller and they don't have anything suitable, so I was thinking asking a company that deals with glass etc. if they could put one together. Any thoughts on this? Will I end up with something terrible, or is it worth it? If so the dimensions of the tank would be 70cm long x 35cm high x 40cm wide, equalling roughly 98 litres.

 

[alanhill]

I wouldn't buy an aquarium from a company that wasn't experienced in making them and an OATA member (OATA lays down guidelines and tests aquaria made by companies which are members - it's the best guarantee available in the UK at the moment). It shouldn't be hard to find a shop that can get a tank made to your specifications.

Alan