Tropical Fish Forums

[rales12]

Hmm... Yes. I think I'll go shrimp first. I might decide I like them so much that I don't want a betta in there at all. As far as shrimp breeding... I'm going to have better luck with cherry shrimp than ghost shrimp, right? Ghost shrimp seem to be easier to find around here, but there is one pet store that I haven't even set foot in yet (I've heard its amazing; I'm probably going to go tomorrow).

I could definitely prop it up a few inches... That might look better anyway. Its not an aquarium fixture, so its not going to look very pretty... lol. What are some suggestions as to how to prop it up? Neither me or my husband is very handy... so the easier the better. XD

If I do end up in the medium light range... will I have to dose CO2 and stuff, or is that only in the high lighting? I'd rather keep it as low tech as possible, especially since its my first planted tank.

[Caton]

DIY C02 is what you would need in a medium light range. You could just have low-light plants which would be best as they are easier to maintain.

Best of luck on your new tank.
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[rales12]

I got the light on a couple weeks ago, but I just kept forgetting to upload a picture. My snails are also inhabiting the little aquarium, though I don't think you can really see them in this picture.



Notice how yellow the water is... I think I kind of like it. I'm considering doing it on purpose when I redo my big tank.

[rales12]

I picked up a female betta from Wal*Mart yesterday. She's blue and very pretty - she was prettier than any of the males they had! She seems to be enjoying her new home... I'll take some pictures of her, but my husband "misplaced" (see: lost) my camera chord, so I can't upload any pictures until I find it. *dirty look at husband*

I never did get any glass or anything cut for the top... I just found a piece of Saran wrap and placed that over it, and then taped off the holes around the filter. Seems to be working pretty good, even if it is kind of ugly.

I found a really cool fish store in town, and they've got an entire tank of aquatic plants, which I intend to buy from. I was going to pick some up the other day, but realized that I didn't know what to get. Can I put any old plant in this aquarium, or are some better than others because of the small size of the tank? I was also going to put a stem of Devil's Ivy coming out the top of the aquarium, but I think that'll have to wait until I get a better lid figured out.

[rales12]

Pics:

The newest addition:

Her colors came in nicely after I got her out of the cup, and I'm very happy with my choice. She doesn't seem to care that there are snails in there, and isn't timid and hiding in what little cover I currently have.

Female betta with brown mystery snail:


I thought this was a cool shot.


I dearly need to wipe the algae off the front glass. The snails eat most of it right up, but they definitely don't keep it spotless. I don't mind the algae, it would just be nice to have one clear pane! Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.

And the betta is definitely blue... the water is just so yellow that it makes her look kind of green.

Is there some kind of trick to get the thermometer to stick to the side of the tank? I've just been letting it float around, because I can't get it to stay for the life of me. I have the exact same one in my other tank and haven't had a single issue keeping it stuck, but this one...

[rales12]

Some more pictures, despite the lack of replies.

I just did a water change and added a fake plant, as well as turned the driftwood. So the water is clearer, not everything is brown, and I like the layout better.

I think I'm going to locate some flourite or aquasoil or something and start changing out the substrate and putting in some plants. What are some low-lighting plants that don't grow very large?

Full tank shot:


The betta:


I think she was still stressed from me messing in the tank.


Green/Olive mystery snail:


Ivory (algae coated!) mystery snail:

[ak dylpickles]

a good low light plant is anubias. it grows large but in a very slow rate I have had mine for a few months and it probably grew a little over half an inch.
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46 gallon-reef

[Caton]

Turface works well as a substrate, it may though be harder to plant in but is WAAY cheaper ($3-$5 for 55lb bag). Look at this thread.

I like crypt's but might get too big . Perhaps E. tenellus would look good as a carpet, Ludwigia repens would look good as a backround plant if you kept it trimmed, perhaps Sagittaria subulata in the corner and is think? Anubias is good like Ak dylpickels said.


Tank looks a lot better! I love the betta and the algae covered snail!
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[ak dylpickles]

the cool thing about anubias is that it will grow along your driftwood
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46 gallon-reef

[diademhill]

Gravel is fine for a low light tank.
Crypts come in all sizes and the smaller ones would be worth a try. Anubias too come in tiny to large forms and Windelov java fern stays smaller than the standard variety.