we just set this tank up. pretty excited! I like it's simplicity.
what type of fish would like this environment?
wondering if there are certain types that would enjoy the caves and a tall tank over others… am I overthinking this? currently thinking about a betta and if it wouldn't mind some small tetra's or some kind of schooling fish..
I am going to run it until I come back from a short trip at the end of the month and then will look at purchasing the tenant/tenants at the beginning of May. I added the start up the the other one that was recommended (can't remember what it's called). how often do you have to add the drops to the water? it says follow directions, however it just gives measurements and nothing else.
I have tons of houseplants, are there any that I can clip and stick in that would be good to get it planted? did I mess up the planted option with my rocks?
is there anything I need to do weekly while it's cycling?
with tetras, can you mix and match colors/types?
all help is appreciated and I apologize that I have not capitalized the beginning of my sentences. I have been scared to do this and it's taken 5 months to get the nerve to set up, definitely going to choose what type of fish and learn as much about them before purchasing.
also- when purchasing, is it fine to buy them at pet-co/pet stores? is it better to order online? any suggestions?
thank you!
Posted by Sorry_Impress_5002
3 Comments
do you know what the nitrogen cycle is?
Congrats first off.
Secondly please learn the nitrogen cycle if you haven’t.
Third please learn about real soil and real plants.
You are best suited to a betta or a shrimp tank with this size, and that is provided you meet their minimum requirements for enrichment and health.
Cycling a tank is not an exact time frame, it may happen quickly it may take longer.
You need to cycle the tank before adding fish this can take 3 to 6 weeks bottle bacteria in no substitute. Look up the nitrogen cycle to understand this.
This tank is not ideal for tetra as they need length over hight and most tetra need 20gal ideally. Different types won’t school together either you need all one type. I don’t recommend tetras in this tank especially with a betta that’s a recipe for disaster to put both in such a small tank
Some people do put bettas in a tank like this but it can be controversial on this sub as they also like longer then taller tanks, but 10gal is about the right size for them. I have seen a few tanks like this with 4 or more betta rests going up at various height to combat this problem so they can have a break while surfacing and that really seems like a good solution to me, it’s what I did when I kept betta in a 30gal.
Shrimp and ramshorn snails with the betta can also be a very good option for tank mates.
You will need aquatic plants ideally, not house plants. Pothos can grow out the top with its roots only in the water.
Anubias, java fern, java moss all grow better tied to larger rocks, wood or decor as they don’t like their roots buried.
As for other plants valisnaria, egaria, and cryptocorynes will likely do okay but you will need to add root tabs every 3 months as your gravel is inert