first aquarium

Dick wrote:

On Wed, 12 May 2004 02:34:28 GMT, "Chris Arnold"
wrote:


I have gotten a ten gallon aquarium for free...I have cleaned it and leak
tested it. I want to use a sand substrate with a simple sponge filter and
plant java moss on 2 cocanut shells on each end, my desired fish are one
male betta, as a top dweller, a zebra pleco on the bottom and a few guppies
to occupy the middle, I was intending to use the guppies as my cycle
fish....any suggestions? I will obtain a small piece of driftwood for the
pleco, and plan on feeding flakes and small zuchinni wedges... I will light
it using natural sunlight in 12 hour cycles (by setting it in a window) I
will make sure the water doesnt get too hot before I put anything in it. Is
this a good mix of fish? I fear the male betta may think the guppies are
other male bettas, and be overly aggressive... but I dont plan on getting
any more than five guppies...it seems like a good fish load, will the java
moss outcompete the algea for neutrients? I also want to have
invertebres...but not sure about compatability.



I have had trouble with Plecos in 10 gallon tank, several have died.
I enjoy Plecos and have 3 in my 75 gallon tank, but only one in a 29
gallon tank, I had 2 in the tank, but one died.

I do not consider Male Bettas as community fish. I consider them "fin
nippers."


Whereas I do think of Male Bettas as community fish, since I've kept
several (not at the same time, obviously!) in community tanks without
problems. I see most problems when the tank is sparsley planted. If
it's well stocked with plants then the betta's territory is smaller
(bounded by plants, typically) and the problems just don't exist.

Mine's quite happy in there with cardinal tetra, harlequins, pearl
gourami, and a breeding pair of angels.

--


Velvet