got a new tank today :-)

[Gill Passman]

Hi All,

Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I have
been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any more
big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
changed.

I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the heater,
the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the one
that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75 UK
galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine, chloramine
and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap the
filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and move
some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....

I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of ideas
but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
species tank.

Ideas so far include:-

Penguin Tetras
Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
Fantail Guppies
Harlequins
Serpia Tetras
Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would only
go for 3 if I did this)

Any other ideas or comments?

Thanks
Gill

[Elaine T]

Gill Passman wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I have
> been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any more
> big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
> night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
> changed.
>
> I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the heater,
> the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the one
> that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75 UK
> galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine, chloramine
> and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap the
> filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
> about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and move
> some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
> other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
>
> I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of ideas
> but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
> species tank.
>
> Ideas so far include:-
>
> Penguin Tetras
> Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
> Fantail Guppies
> Harlequins
> Serpia Tetras
> Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would only
> go for 3 if I did this)
>
> Any other ideas or comments?
>
> Thanks
> Gill
>
>
Cool! Glad to hear you got your hex tank. Out of curiosity, how are
you lighting it?

A trio of rams sounds risky because if two pair off, the third won't
have much bottom space to get away. Guppies would be good because they
swim at all levels of the tank. They will also pick food off of the
bottom so you don't need a bottom feeder. Danios will stay at the top
and harlequins in the middle so the tank won't look as full.

A small fish I've always wanted to keep in a species tank are featherfin
rainbows (Iriatherina werneri). They're pricey, though. I had a couple
in a community tank once and the male was beautiful when he displayed to
the female.

Are you going to cheat on the species tank concept and add a couple of
otocinclus and/or some shrimp for algae cleanup? Planted tanks with no
cleaning crew are hard work!

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Jim Anderson]

In article >, "Gill
Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
> Hi All,
>
> Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I have
> been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any more
> big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
> night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
> changed.
>
> I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the heater,
> the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the one
> that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75 UK
> galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine, chloramine
> and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap the
> filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
> about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and move
> some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
> other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
>
> I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of ideas
> but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
> species tank.
>
> Ideas so far include:-
>
> Penguin Tetras
> Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
> Fantail Guppies
> Harlequins
> Serpia Tetras
> Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would only
> go for 3 if I did this)
>
> Any other ideas or comments?
>
> Thanks
> Gill

Went to the Minnesota Aquarium Society aquarium show a couple of weeks
ago and saw some fish I had never heard of or seen before, Scarlet Badis
<http://www.diewasserwelt.de/privat/dario-1.jpg>. There was a 2.5usg
planted aquarium with six of these 1/2 inch gems, an amazing sight. I
watched them for about 15 minutes, very cichlid like and always
displaying chasing. I can't get those fish out of my mind.

--
Jim Anderson
( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger

[sophiefishstuff]

In message >, Gill Passman
> writes
>Hi All,
>
>Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I have
>been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any more
>big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
>night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
>changed.
>
>I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the heater,
>the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the one
>that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75 UK
>galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine, chloramine
>and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap the
>filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
>about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and move
>some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
>other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
>
>I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of ideas
>but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
>species tank.
>
>Ideas so far include:-
>
>Penguin Tetras
>Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
>Fantail Guppies
>Harlequins

these are the only ones I have any experience of (though mine are
probably lambchops and therefore **smaller** than the harlequins) and
mine are in an 11 UK gallon tank. imo, they need length of tank and the
one that I have is, I think, as small as they could cope with - they're
about to move into a thirty-two inch tank, where I'll be much happier
about them.

ymmv, as NetMax says...
--
sophie

www.freewebs.com/fishstuff
(under construction. ish.)

[Gill Passman]

"Elaine T" > wrote in message
...
> Gill Passman wrote:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I
have
> > been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any
more
> > big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
> > night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
> > changed.
> >
> > I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the
heater,
> > the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the
one
> > that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75
UK
> > galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine,
chloramine
> > and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap
the
> > filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
> > about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and
move
> > some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
> > other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
> >
> > I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of
ideas
> > but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
> > species tank.
> >
> > Ideas so far include:-
> >
> > Penguin Tetras
> > Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
> > Fantail Guppies
> > Harlequins
> > Serpia Tetras
> > Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would
only
> > go for 3 if I did this)
> >
> > Any other ideas or comments?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Gill
> >
> >
> Cool! Glad to hear you got your hex tank. Out of curiosity, how are
> you lighting it?
>
> A trio of rams sounds risky because if two pair off, the third won't
> have much bottom space to get away. Guppies would be good because they
> swim at all levels of the tank. They will also pick food off of the
> bottom so you don't need a bottom feeder. Danios will stay at the top
> and harlequins in the middle so the tank won't look as full.
>
> A small fish I've always wanted to keep in a species tank are featherfin
> rainbows (Iriatherina werneri). They're pricey, though. I had a couple
> in a community tank once and the male was beautiful when he displayed to
> the female.
>
> Are you going to cheat on the species tank concept and add a couple of
> otocinclus and/or some shrimp for algae cleanup? Planted tanks with no
> cleaning crew are hard work!
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

The light came with the tank - it's a 10 watt Halogen. Seems OK. The light
also gets reflected off the mirrored back. We'll see how it goes.

Quite like the shrimp idea but I know absolutely nothing about keeping them
so some research will be necessary.

Like the featherfin rainbows (did a google) but I don't think I've ever seen
any locally - but it's worth a look.

The Rams are more something I will try keeping again when I have a more
suitable home for them - I tried once before and lost 4 of them.

The Guppies are an easy option - I have 5 really great blue fantails in the
main tank which I could move. My only reservation is that I don't really
like the idea of moving fish that are settled and happy (that led to the
demise of one of my Rams). Mind you, it would get them away from the Ick
treatment. Still thinking on that one...

Still open to suggestions.....

Thanks
Gill

[Gill Passman]

"Jim Anderson" > wrote in message
et...
> In article >, "Gill
> Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I
have
> > been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any
more
> > big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
> > night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
> > changed.
> >
> > I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the
heater,
> > the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the
one
> > that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75
UK
> > galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine,
chloramine
> > and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap
the
> > filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
> > about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and
move
> > some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
> > other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
> >
> > I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of
ideas
> > but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
> > species tank.
> >
> > Ideas so far include:-
> >
> > Penguin Tetras
> > Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
> > Fantail Guppies
> > Harlequins
> > Serpia Tetras
> > Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would
only
> > go for 3 if I did this)
> >
> > Any other ideas or comments?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Gill
>
> Went to the Minnesota Aquarium Society aquarium show a couple of weeks
> ago and saw some fish I had never heard of or seen before, Scarlet Badis
> <http://www.diewasserwelt.de/privat/dario-1.jpg>. There was a 2.5usg
> planted aquarium with six of these 1/2 inch gems, an amazing sight. I
> watched them for about 15 minutes, very cichlid like and always
> displaying chasing. I can't get those fish out of my mind.
>
> --
> Jim Anderson
> ( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger

Nice looking fish - I'll add them to my list of fish to search for when I go
shopping at the end of the week.

Thanks
Gill

[Gill Passman]

"sophiefishstuff" > wrote in
message ...
> In message >, Gill Passman
> > writes
> >Hi All,
> >
> >Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I
have
> >been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any more
> >big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
> >night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
> >changed.
> >
> >I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the
heater,
> >the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the
one
> >that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75
UK
> >galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine,
chloramine
> >and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap
the
> >filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
> >about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and
move
> >some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
> >other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
> >
> >I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of
ideas
> >but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
> >species tank.
> >
> >Ideas so far include:-
> >
> >Penguin Tetras
> >Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
> >Fantail Guppies
> >Harlequins
>
> these are the only ones I have any experience of (though mine are
> probably lambchops and therefore **smaller** than the harlequins) and
> mine are in an 11 UK gallon tank. imo, they need length of tank and the
> one that I have is, I think, as small as they could cope with - they're
> about to move into a thirty-two inch tank, where I'll be much happier
> about them.
>
> ymmv, as NetMax says...
> --
> sophie
>
> www.freewebs.com/fishstuff
> (under construction. ish.)

I think you have a good point here.....the Harlequins in my son's tank seem
much happier since they moved up to the 30gall from the smaller tank

[Elaine T]

Gill Passman wrote:
> "Jim Anderson" > wrote in message
> et...
>
>>In article >, "Gill
>>Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
>>
>>>Hi All,
>>>
>>>Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I
>
> have
>
>>>been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any
>
> more
>
>>>big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
>>>night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
>>>changed.
>>>
>>>I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the
>
> heater,
>
>>>the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the
>
> one
>
>>>that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75
>
> UK
>
>>>galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine,
>
> chloramine
>
>>>and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to swap
>
> the
>
>>>filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is hanging
>>>about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and
>
> move
>
>>>some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
>>>other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
>>>
>>>I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of
>
> ideas
>
>>>but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
>>>species tank.
>>>
>>>Ideas so far include:-
>>>
>>>Penguin Tetras
>>>Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
>>>Fantail Guppies
>>>Harlequins
>>>Serpia Tetras
>>>Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would
>
> only
>
>>>go for 3 if I did this)
>>>
>>>Any other ideas or comments?
>>>
>>>Thanks
>>>Gill
>>
>>Went to the Minnesota Aquarium Society aquarium show a couple of weeks
>>ago and saw some fish I had never heard of or seen before, Scarlet Badis
>><http://www.diewasserwelt.de/privat/dario-1.jpg>. There was a 2.5usg
>>planted aquarium with six of these 1/2 inch gems, an amazing sight. I
>>watched them for about 15 minutes, very cichlid like and always
>>displaying chasing. I can't get those fish out of my mind.
>>
>>--
>>Jim Anderson
>>( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger
>
>
> Nice looking fish - I'll add them to my list of fish to search for when I go
> shopping at the end of the week.
>
> Thanks
> Gill
>
>
Cool idea - they're gorgeous in that pic. They're anabantoids rather
than cichlids so I wonder how territorial the males actually get. Many
anabantoids can be a bit of a handfull. I might look for one of those
for one of my tanks.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Jim Anderson]

In article >, eetmail-
says...
> Cool idea - they're gorgeous in that pic. They're anabantoids rather
> than cichlids so I wonder how territorial the males actually get. Many
> anabantoids can be a bit of a handfull. I might look for one of those
> for one of my tanks.
>
>

I've been researching them today, lots of reports about them being hard
to feed. Some/most only eat very small live foods.

While watching those six, they reminded me of a tank full of Mbuna's.

--
Jim Anderson
( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger

[Elaine T]

Jim Anderson wrote:
> In article >, eetmail-
> says...
>
>>Cool idea - they're gorgeous in that pic. They're anabantoids rather
>>than cichlids so I wonder how territorial the males actually get. Many
>> anabantoids can be a bit of a handfull. I might look for one of those
>>for one of my tanks.
>>
>>
>
>
> I've been researching them today, lots of reports about them being hard
> to feed. Some/most only eat very small live foods.
>
> While watching those six, they reminded me of a tank full of Mbuna's.
>
Hmm...or a tank full of female bettas? Fine as long as things stay
civilized and nobody gets shredded. Live foods only is not my favorite
sort of fish, though.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Gill Passman]

"Jim Anderson" > wrote in message
et...
> In article >, eetmail-
> says...
> > Cool idea - they're gorgeous in that pic. They're anabantoids rather
> > than cichlids so I wonder how territorial the males actually get. Many
> > anabantoids can be a bit of a handfull. I might look for one of those
> > for one of my tanks.
> >
> >
>
> I've been researching them today, lots of reports about them being hard
> to feed. Some/most only eat very small live foods.
>
> While watching those six, they reminded me of a tank full of Mbuna's.
>
> --
> Jim Anderson
> ( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger

I saw the same info - plus widely varying reports on the full-grown size -
going from 3/4 inches up to 3 inches......but they do look quite cool. Plus
I think LFS might have some - I saw very similar fish around 10 days
ago....if the live food thing is really true I'm not sure with my current
work and family life I can cope with that on top of all the tank maintenance
(I have 4 now and my young son has two so I sort of have to monitor those as
well)...

A tank of mini fish with the attitude of Mbunas would be great (far more fun
than the more conventional choices I thought of). I love my Mbunas - they
have such an attitude - you know "this is my cave keep away....and btw I am
very cool and am not really that bothered" sort of thing. Also accidentally
ended up with a couple of OB Peacocks who basically put out "the front of
the tank is ours...we couldn't really care less about your caves". And then
there is the Snowball Pl*co who isn't in the slightest bit interested in
anything anybody else does....Hmmmm, and then I walk near the tank....all
posturing is dropped and they all rush to wherever I am (I guess they want
food)....they will follow my finger or shadow devotedly....

Jury still out....more unconvential stocking ideas would be greatly
appreciated....I've decided I don't want the easy option....he,he

Gill

[Jim Anderson]

In article >, "Gill
Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
> [snip]
> I saw the same info - plus widely varying reports on the full-grown size -
> going from 3/4 inches up to 3 inches......but they do look quite cool. Plus
> I think LFS might have some - I saw very similar fish around 10 days
> ago....if the live food thing is really true I'm not sure with my current
> work and family life I can cope with that
> [snip]

The 3 inch is wrong, that refers to the Badis Badis, the Scarlet Badis
maxes out at 3/4 inch.
I noticed that many of the reports of live food only are older articles
about wild specimens. Some breeders claim captive breed eat anything and
live food conditioning for breeding.

But they all say species tank, no tank mates like maybe mosquito rasbora
would be great, still might try it in a planted eclipse 6. (with the
wifes permission).

--
Jim Anderson
( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger

[Gill Passman]

"Jim Anderson" > wrote in message
et...
> In article >, "Gill
> Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
> > [snip]
> > I saw the same info - plus widely varying reports on the full-grown
size -
> > going from 3/4 inches up to 3 inches......but they do look quite cool.
Plus
> > I think LFS might have some - I saw very similar fish around 10 days
> > ago....if the live food thing is really true I'm not sure with my
current
> > work and family life I can cope with that
> > [snip]
>
> The 3 inch is wrong, that refers to the Badis Badis, the Scarlet Badis
> maxes out at 3/4 inch.
> I noticed that many of the reports of live food only are older articles
> about wild specimens. Some breeders claim captive breed eat anything and
> live food conditioning for breeding.
>
> But they all say species tank, no tank mates like maybe mosquito rasbora
> would be great, still might try it in a planted eclipse 6. (with the
> wifes permission).
>
> --
> Jim Anderson
> ( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger

I've started my quest....you have really sold me on these fish and the more
I research and look at alternatives the more I want these....

Went into my local shop today (uk) and although he hasn't come across them
before he will start looking.....fingers crossed.....

Looked at the alternatives and although some could be quite nice (in fact
having now decided not to go tetra I did like the ghost tetras)....but I
want to try and get these Scarlet Badis if possible.

One interesting thing I've found about myself is that the first few tanks I
just wanted to stock them....the last two I have really wanted to be patient
to get what I want....

Just hope we can get them in the UK

Thanks
Gill

[NetMax]

"Gill Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> wrote in message
.. .
> Hi All,
>
> Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I
> have
> been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any
> more
> big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
> night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
> changed.
>
> I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the
> heater,
> the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the
> one
> that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75
> UK
> galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine,
> chloramine
> and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to
> swap the
> filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is
> hanging
> about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and
> move
> some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
> other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
>
> I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of
> ideas
> but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
> species tank.
>
> Ideas so far include:-
>
> Penguin Tetras
> Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
> Fantail Guppies
> Harlequins
> Serpia Tetras
> Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would
> only
> go for 3 if I did this)
>
> Any other ideas or comments?
>
> Thanks
> Gill


Hmmm, Chocolate gouramis? As Elaine mentioned, Featherfin rainbows go
nicely (I had them in a 30g hex tank), and might prefer your tougher
water. I kept my Chocolates in soft water, CO2 boosted to about 6.8pH
instead of the natural 7.7pH I had at the store. There is always the
Betta/Corys mix, or a few Cardinals buzzing around some Vals. Throw in a
male Apisto for color and attitude ;~). I kept Harlequins in a
half-filled 40g hex (with ADFs) and that worked well. How about a couple
of ADFs? (African dwarf frogs). Or go with rockwork and crayfish.
--
www.NetMax.tk

[Gill Passman]

"NetMax" > wrote in message
. ..
> "Gill Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> wrote in message
> .. .
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I
> > have
> > been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any
> > more
> > big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
> > night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
> > changed.
> >
> > I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the
> > heater,
> > the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the
> > one
> > that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75
> > UK
> > galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine,
> > chloramine
> > and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to
> > swap the
> > filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is
> > hanging
> > about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and
> > move
> > some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
> > other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
> >
> > I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of
> > ideas
> > but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
> > species tank.
> >
> > Ideas so far include:-
> >
> > Penguin Tetras
> > Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
> > Fantail Guppies
> > Harlequins
> > Serpia Tetras
> > Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would
> > only
> > go for 3 if I did this)
> >
> > Any other ideas or comments?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Gill
>
>
> Hmmm, Chocolate gouramis? As Elaine mentioned, Featherfin rainbows go
> nicely (I had them in a 30g hex tank), and might prefer your tougher
> water. I kept my Chocolates in soft water, CO2 boosted to about 6.8pH
> instead of the natural 7.7pH I had at the store. There is always the
> Betta/Corys mix, or a few Cardinals buzzing around some Vals. Throw in a
> male Apisto for color and attitude ;~). I kept Harlequins in a
> half-filled 40g hex (with ADFs) and that worked well. How about a couple
> of ADFs? (African dwarf frogs). Or go with rockwork and crayfish.
> --
> www.NetMax.tk
>
>
I've found some featherfin rainbows that look really cool - thanks Elaine -
but it's the store where the water gave the Clowns the Ich - I suppose in a
new tank they would be isolated but I can't quite yet bite the bullet but
still might. I still have my preferred place out on a hunt for the Scarlet
Badis so figure I owe him a day or two....am going there tomorrow to see
what he has found out - sadly I think that the answer will be not in the UK
yet.

The Betta/Cory mix sounds good but I've got a 5 UK gall tank with the Betta
already so maybe adding some Cory's in with him could be a future plan.

In terms of the amphibians I would really love an axalotyl but it's been
vetoed for now....(hubbie)

Harlequins, we have already....

Saw some nice "ghost" tetras with a lovely colour.....

In fact really I suppose anything that outgrows the tank can probably be
moved ....but I hate moving happy fish....

My feeling at the moment is to go with the Rainbows, not add any of the
water, and be prepared to treat for Ich - afterall I've been through ever
single scenario with this....

Are you sure that the Chocolate Gouramis would cope in such small tank -
they look very nice but I'm not sure I have the space for any more tanks -
pushing my luck at the moment - he, he

[NetMax]

"Gill Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> wrote in message
.. .
>
> "Jim Anderson" > wrote in message
> et...
>> In article >, "Gill
>> Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
>> > [snip]
>> > I saw the same info - plus widely varying reports on the full-grown
> size -
>> > going from 3/4 inches up to 3 inches......but they do look quite
>> > cool.
> Plus
>> > I think LFS might have some - I saw very similar fish around 10 days
>> > ago....if the live food thing is really true I'm not sure with my
> current
>> > work and family life I can cope with that
>> > [snip]
>>
>> The 3 inch is wrong, that refers to the Badis Badis, the Scarlet Badis
>> maxes out at 3/4 inch.
>> I noticed that many of the reports of live food only are older
>> articles
>> about wild specimens. Some breeders claim captive breed eat anything
>> and
>> live food conditioning for breeding.
>>
>> But they all say species tank, no tank mates like maybe mosquito
>> rasbora
>> would be great, still might try it in a planted eclipse 6. (with the
>> wifes permission).
>>
>> --
>> Jim Anderson
>> ( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger
>
> I've started my quest....you have really sold me on these fish and the
> more
> I research and look at alternatives the more I want these....
>
> Went into my local shop today (uk) and although he hasn't come across
> them
> before he will start looking.....fingers crossed.....
>
> Looked at the alternatives and although some could be quite nice (in
> fact
> having now decided not to go tetra I did like the ghost tetras)....but
> I
> want to try and get these Scarlet Badis if possible.
>
> One interesting thing I've found about myself is that the first few
> tanks I
> just wanted to stock them....the last two I have really wanted to be
> patient
> to get what I want....
>
> Just hope we can get them in the UK
>
> Thanks
> Gill


Perhaps my skill was lacking, but I've never gotten Chocolate gouramis to
grow bigger than 2". In theory, I think they can reach 2-1/2", which is
the same as a Dwarf gourami or a Betta.

Chocolate gouramis are the kind of fish which do great until someone
tells you that they are delicate fish ;~). It's kind of like Discus,
intimidating to the beginner, and experienced hobbyists can't kill them.
However my reservation would be your water (typical UK?) which might not
be amiable to these gouramis (or Badis?).

Perhaps I should try to interest you in some Shellies?
http://www.petfish.net/tiny_tangs.htm
--
www.NetMax.tk

[Elaine T]

NetMax wrote:
> "Gill Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> wrote in message
> .. .
>
>>"Jim Anderson" > wrote in message
et...
>>
>>>In article >, "Gill
>>>Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
>>>
>>>>[snip]
>>>>I saw the same info - plus widely varying reports on the full-grown
>>
>>size -
>>
>>>>going from 3/4 inches up to 3 inches......but they do look quite
>>>>cool.
>>
>>Plus
>>
>>>>I think LFS might have some - I saw very similar fish around 10 days
>>>>ago....if the live food thing is really true I'm not sure with my
>>
>>current
>>
>>>>work and family life I can cope with that
>>>>[snip]
>>>
>>>The 3 inch is wrong, that refers to the Badis Badis, the Scarlet Badis
>>>maxes out at 3/4 inch.
>>>I noticed that many of the reports of live food only are older
>>>articles
>>>about wild specimens. Some breeders claim captive breed eat anything
>>>and
>>>live food conditioning for breeding.
>>>
>>>But they all say species tank, no tank mates like maybe mosquito
>>>rasbora
>>>would be great, still might try it in a planted eclipse 6. (with the
>>>wifes permission).
>>>
>>>--
>>>Jim Anderson
>>>( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger
>>
>>I've started my quest....you have really sold me on these fish and the
>>more
>>I research and look at alternatives the more I want these....
>>
>>Went into my local shop today (uk) and although he hasn't come across
>>them
>>before he will start looking.....fingers crossed.....
>>
>>Looked at the alternatives and although some could be quite nice (in
>>fact
>>having now decided not to go tetra I did like the ghost tetras)....but
>>I
>>want to try and get these Scarlet Badis if possible.
>>
>>One interesting thing I've found about myself is that the first few
>>tanks I
>>just wanted to stock them....the last two I have really wanted to be
>>patient
>>to get what I want....
>>
>>Just hope we can get them in the UK
>>
>>Thanks
>>Gill
>
>
>
> Perhaps my skill was lacking, but I've never gotten Chocolate gouramis to
> grow bigger than 2". In theory, I think they can reach 2-1/2", which is
> the same as a Dwarf gourami or a Betta.
>
> Chocolate gouramis are the kind of fish which do great until someone
> tells you that they are delicate fish ;~). It's kind of like Discus,
> intimidating to the beginner, and experienced hobbyists can't kill them.
> However my reservation would be your water (typical UK?) which might not
> be amiable to these gouramis (or Badis?).
>
> Perhaps I should try to interest you in some Shellies?
> http://www.petfish.net/tiny_tangs.htm

Shellies!!! I never thought of those for the tank. Great idea, NetMax!
My faves are the gold N. ocellatus.
http://www.cichlidlovers.com/n_ocellatus_gold.htm I've kept a pair and
they were wonderful until they got their tiny butts kicked a little too
hard by their Julidochromis transcriptus neighbors. Definately a
species tank kinda fish.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Elaine T]

Gill Passman wrote:
> "NetMax" > wrote in message
> . ..
>
>>"Gill Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> wrote in message
.. .
>>
>>>Hi All,
>>>
>>>Actually I blame Elaine - he,he. After seeing her beautiful Hex tank I
>>>have
>>>been determined to get one for the living room - I'm not allowed any
>>>more
>>>big tanks so getting the little ones in is my only way forward.....Last
>>>night hubbie agreed so off I went to get one today before any minds got
>>>changed.
>>>
>>>I've planted it up - loads of plants - filled it and turned on the
>>>heater,
>>>the pump and the light. Changed the filter for a Fluval One Plus - the
>>>one
>>>that came with it hardly looked up to the job. Tank is 40L (around 6.75
>>>UK
>>>galls). Added plant food and chemicals to deal with the chlorine,
>>>chloramine
>>>and heavy metals. Plan is a few minutes before I go get the fish to
>>>swap the
>>>filter medium for mature stuff out of my spare Fluval 4 which is
>>>hanging
>>>about in my son's 30gall at the moment which he wants me to shift and
>>>move
>>>some substrate across - probably looking late next week to do this. One
>>>other thing is that the tank has a mirrored back....
>>>
>>>I'm now trying to decide what to put in this tank. I have a number of
>>>ideas
>>>but would welcome any ideas from everyone else. This will be a single
>>>species tank.
>>>
>>>Ideas so far include:-
>>>
>>>Penguin Tetras
>>>Danios - saw some beautiful silver ones today
>>>Fantail Guppies
>>>Harlequins
>>>Serpia Tetras
>>>Dutch Rams - but I'm not convinced that the tank is big enough (I would
>>>only
>>>go for 3 if I did this)
>>>
>>>Any other ideas or comments?
>>>
>>>Thanks
>>>Gill
>>
>>
>>Hmmm, Chocolate gouramis? As Elaine mentioned, Featherfin rainbows go
>>nicely (I had them in a 30g hex tank), and might prefer your tougher
>>water. I kept my Chocolates in soft water, CO2 boosted to about 6.8pH
>>instead of the natural 7.7pH I had at the store. There is always the
>>Betta/Corys mix, or a few Cardinals buzzing around some Vals. Throw in a
>>male Apisto for color and attitude ;~). I kept Harlequins in a
>>half-filled 40g hex (with ADFs) and that worked well. How about a couple
>>of ADFs? (African dwarf frogs). Or go with rockwork and crayfish.
>>--
>>www.NetMax.tk
>>
>>
>
> I've found some featherfin rainbows that look really cool - thanks Elaine -
> but it's the store where the water gave the Clowns the Ich - I suppose in a
> new tank they would be isolated but I can't quite yet bite the bullet but
> still might. I still have my preferred place out on a hunt for the Scarlet
> Badis so figure I owe him a day or two....am going there tomorrow to see
> what he has found out - sadly I think that the answer will be not in the UK
> yet.
>
Hmm...Scary to buy from that store. I used to keep from getting ich on
new purchases by using 1 tsp/gallon salt and aquarisol.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[Gill Passman]

"Elaine T" > wrote in message
. ..
> NetMax wrote:
> > "Gill Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> wrote in message
> > .. .
> >
> >>"Jim Anderson" > wrote in message
> et...
> >>
> >>>In article >, "Gill
> >>>Passman" <gillspamattaylorpassmanspam.co.uk> says...
> >>>
> >>>>[snip]
> >>>>I saw the same info - plus widely varying reports on the full-grown
> >>
> >>size -
> >>
> >>>>going from 3/4 inches up to 3 inches......but they do look quite
> >>>>cool.
> >>
> >>Plus
> >>
> >>>>I think LFS might have some - I saw very similar fish around 10 days
> >>>>ago....if the live food thing is really true I'm not sure with my
> >>
> >>current
> >>
> >>>>work and family life I can cope with that
> >>>>[snip]
> >>>
> >>>The 3 inch is wrong, that refers to the Badis Badis, the Scarlet Badis
> >>>maxes out at 3/4 inch.
> >>>I noticed that many of the reports of live food only are older
> >>>articles
> >>>about wild specimens. Some breeders claim captive breed eat anything
> >>>and
> >>>live food conditioning for breeding.
> >>>
> >>>But they all say species tank, no tank mates like maybe mosquito
> >>>rasbora
> >>>would be great, still might try it in a planted eclipse 6. (with the
> >>>wifes permission).
> >>>
> >>>--
> >>>Jim Anderson
> >>>( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger
> >>
> >>I've started my quest....you have really sold me on these fish and the
> >>more
> >>I research and look at alternatives the more I want these....
> >>
> >>Went into my local shop today (uk) and although he hasn't come across
> >>them
> >>before he will start looking.....fingers crossed.....
> >>
> >>Looked at the alternatives and although some could be quite nice (in
> >>fact
> >>having now decided not to go tetra I did like the ghost tetras)....but
> >>I
> >>want to try and get these Scarlet Badis if possible.
> >>
> >>One interesting thing I've found about myself is that the first few
> >>tanks I
> >>just wanted to stock them....the last two I have really wanted to be
> >>patient
> >>to get what I want....
> >>
> >>Just hope we can get them in the UK
> >>
> >>Thanks
> >>Gill
> >
> >
> >
> > Perhaps my skill was lacking, but I've never gotten Chocolate gouramis
to
> > grow bigger than 2". In theory, I think they can reach 2-1/2", which is
> > the same as a Dwarf gourami or a Betta.
> >
> > Chocolate gouramis are the kind of fish which do great until someone
> > tells you that they are delicate fish ;~). It's kind of like Discus,
> > intimidating to the beginner, and experienced hobbyists can't kill them.
> > However my reservation would be your water (typical UK?) which might not
> > be amiable to these gouramis (or Badis?).
> >
> > Perhaps I should try to interest you in some Shellies?
> > http://www.petfish.net/tiny_tangs.htm
>
> Shellies!!! I never thought of those for the tank. Great idea, NetMax!
> My faves are the gold N. ocellatus.
> http://www.cichlidlovers.com/n_ocellatus_gold.htm I've kept a pair and
> they were wonderful until they got their tiny butts kicked a little too
> hard by their Julidochromis transcriptus neighbors. Definately a
> species tank kinda fish.
>
> --
> Elaine T __
> http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
> rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

Bit the bullet and went and got some Peacock Gobys - 5 of them. Really
pretty orange striping. They are busy getting used to their new tank.....I
understand that they might be a bit tricky on the food front but I've got
quite a selection of stuff to try them on.

Now, I'm plotting the next one (if I can sneak one in). I like the idea of
the Shellies....it'll need to be rockier than this one which is planted- the
appearance would kind of like the Malawi tank in minature - hmmmm - great
idea ;-) - but maybe this will be after the pond (next project on the list).

I love the big tanks but I've really enjoyed setting up the little
one....think there might be more on the horizon - especially with all the
great ideas everyone has come up with.

Thanks everyone.....

Gill