alexyay

The right one is most likely not a true aquatic. Note that the emersed plants (leafed ones, at least) will probably rot off - usually they have enough energy to grow back submerged leaves but sometimes you lose the plant all together. I find the best way is to give it enough nutrients to keep it going while the leaves rot and regrow. The hairgrass (assuming that's what it is) might do the same but I'm not sure - I usually find that it rots and goes icky for the first few weeks anyway before thriving. Like mentioned above, planting it by separating it and putting it all over the tank will make it grow faster - I find the hairgrass when left in clumps just grows up and stays in a clump. The right plant doesn't look like cyperus imo RE: tying moss - some use rubberbands but I've heard horror stories about them. Cotton is my favourite as it eventually rots away but it's a real pain when it comes loose and if loose you need to cut it off asap or plants will get stuck on it and spin around and make a mess (and algae loves it). Others cable-tie it, so they can simply cut the cable tie and remove it when it's attached. This might work but you may end up pulling plant off if it's grown around the cable-tie. I usually avoid putting any scissors into the tank because I'm clumsy

Did you end up liking the Finnex/notice any new growth? Thinking about one on a 55L - would you rate it low-high?

Ah, okay! (well, I have to grow out a male now once I find him, but yeah) I wasn't able to source one so I went for white worms instead, I'll have to post asking for a blackworm culture. Would you say they're less likely to be bloated on that? Though I found my female hadn't developed the "eggs" that I wanted her to. But she was definitely ready for breeding - she was very upset when he didn't respond to her lol.

I avoid feeding my fighter bloodworms simply because he overeats and it's hard to control lol. But these guys were on white worms daily as I was trying to condition them (still new to the whole breeding thing)

I've been told they're sensitive to nitrate spikes and ammonia - I think the amount of ammonia they produce in a cycling tank would be dangerous for any fish without very regular water changes (which will probably take longer for the tank to cycle). I guess I just don't see why you'd expose a fish to ammonia that will no doubt burn them (even if in minor amounts) when it would be the same time to do fishless without any need for water changes at all. Most sites say they get to 12cm but I've seen ones bigger than that D:

As far as I'm aware BNs can be too sensitive for cycles (and will most likely get too big for a 50L) - Nutratfin Cycle simply helps to kick it off and you will still have to wait for the tank to cycle. I still think it would be either easiest to do a fishless cycle or to get seeded material from another member D:

It typically won't limit your fish unless they're sensitive low pH fish - but most captive-bred fish are good in pHs that high, you just have to acclimatize them slowly. Otherwise a small amount of peat in your filter or on substrate will work, but you have to be careful during water changes to not cause too much of a swing. Regarding swings, I probably wouldn't let your tank go below 7.6 if you aren't buffering any new water. Driftwood also lowers pH. Note that peat/driftwood can turn the tank water yellow because it's the tannins released that reduce pH your tanks pH will probably drop as it matures anyway too

I will give him two days to respond to treatment - if he's no better then I will have to euth him. Any idea on how long my female should stay isolated until she's in the "all clear" and can go back into the community tank?

How common would you say female honey gourami (Trichogaster chuna, not thicklipped) are and how available are they? I had thought that the one I "babysat" was a female as it showed no black/blue/pointed fin, but it was bright yellow. Can someone confirm for me whether the females of this species are always grey or whether they can show colour just as well as the males? I've been looking for reds of this species for a while, went and saw three in Kiwipetz advertised as reds. However all three were pretty grey and not nearly as colourful as the yellows in the other tank. I had thought that they simply weren't showing colour with no females available, but looking at it now it definitely looks female (not sure whether actually red or yellow) - dark stripe, grey, etc. I had thought they were males as I didn't know females displayed the blue-tinge on their anal fin, and they had slightly pointed dorsals. Anywho, I was just wondering how readily available they were. If they were all female I wish I had gotten the other two >< How common are red strains? Has anyone ever seen the "wild strain" of thicklipped gourami available? Seeing as I have most likely lost my male (what a failed first breeding attempt - I feel so guilty) I had been wanting a wild-strain type for a while, but figured females would be more difficult to find. Now that I might be missing a male it might be a bit easier to find one. However I'll most likely breed it to my red-strain girl so someone let me know if this is a major no-no.

Another option is to get some black plastic from Bunnings which is used as a liner for plants - I've found that it doesn't reflect and thus makes a great black background without destroying the tank (in case you want something different for future use) - you just have to find a clean way to tape it on (I just have mine cellotaped on as I use it mostly for pictures and the cellotape doesn't bother me). RE: Cycling, might I recommend either using another person's filter media or doing a fishless cycle? I know it can quite a few weeks but the only fish that *might* be able to handle a cycle would be the tetras - BNs aren't great in cycles and really skyrocket the ammonia, and honey gouramis can be quite sensitive to bad water. My favourite and imo most hardy are thicklipped - I've never been a fan of dwarfs Dwarfs are good but note that they are prone to disease and sensitive to water quality. Some say Honeys are pretty similar but I have only "babysat" one for a few months and had no issues but haven't had enough experience/input to tell you otherwise. Those three (honey, thicklipped (often called "Red Honey") and dwarf) are probably the only options suitable for your tank size. Another option would be a betta - again they're sensitive too so best added after the complete cycle. A member from here would probably be happy to do a small filter material trade so you can have an instant cycle - add the tetras the next day and keep them only for a few weeks. I personally wouldn't keep a BN in anything under 70L (remember, they can get pretty big! And poop a LOT) but other options would be pygmy corydoras, otocinclus (my favourite, but definitely add at least one month after cycling as they are very sensitive fish) or a small species of fancy pleco (some only get to 10cm - always check the L-number to see whether it's suitable or not) - HFF often have smaller fancy plecos available. Hardscape is good but like Sam suggested some taller rocks would look nice - it's always good to create height in a tank especially when you only have "pup" plants which aren't quite big enough yet. I like the java fern idea etc

I hate to be I insistant lol I just have an emotional attachment to him and have worked so hard to get him breeding etc D:

Do you think a blockage could be the cause? I just know that a diet of white worms can cause constipation & I read that it could cause constipation if i did a cold water change shortly after (which I did)? All of his swelling is in his abdomen. Do you think it's worth treating him for bloat? (The Epsom salts may help with that too)

I've read really conflicting opinions so I would definitely like to try as he was absolutely good (attempting bubblenests, eating etc) before today. I will treat them both in the same tank. Still not sure what salts to use?

I have two thicklipped gourami in a 55L filled 2/3 of the way, been doing water changes every second day (50%) but had the female and male separated and am using a small sponge filter. This means that his side was most likely a dead spot. But he looks to have swelling in his abdomen and *minor* pineconing (looks like they're raised but not to the extent of pineconing). I'm hoping that if I act now I can save him. He was eating earlier today but is now looking lethargic. Should I remove the female? Or will she likely transfer something into my main tank? Should I treat them both together even though she's looking OK? Should I be treating with Epsom salt or Tonic salt? I will try Melafix too. And will be changing 50% of the water tomorrow, the same the day after. They have currently been on a diet of white worms and bloodworms in attempt to condition them for breeding.

It should be OK - I've seen people in the US use them as temporary storage for goldfish (when they found out their bowl wasn't suitable and used them until they could get a proper tank). Water contains very little beneficial bacteria in comparison to filter material but I find that I like to keep it to reduce stress on the fish (especially sensitive fish).

Yeah looks similar to Nutrafin's CO2 system where it has a "maze" to keep the CO2 bubbles in the tank longer - you just stick it inside the tank and hook it up to the canister (with sugar, yeast and maybe baking soda). Not sure how effective they are as I haven't seen much difference in plant growth from when I started using it to now, but I still supplement liquid carbon anyway as one canister is only "effective for about 70L" and it's a 120L tank. @ira AHHH HOLY CRAP. I never ever want to see one of those outside of a glass casing.

I've been hearing about the satellite+ systems - are they any good for growing mid-high light plants? Still not sure what to light this tank with!

One of my female threadfin rainbows seems to have a bent spine - I'm pretty sure it wasn't always like that. What's wrong? The males are also having their fins nipped but I don't believe that's related - just saying to log it for myself. I think it's the American flags but I can't put them in Dad's tank for another 3-4 weeks (I really don't want to get rid of them!)

Great, thanks for the help I think I'll try to find some dwarf sag for now - maybe some star grass for dad's tank to see whether it survives his fish (not many plants do)

Thanks I was worried they'd end up terrorizing the tank but they've been pretty good so far (they like to chase occasionally but no issues yet). For those with dwarf sag and stargrass - what do you prefer as a ground cover plant? Is one better for low light than the other?

Once I set up my 140L I intend on using this method - is sand the only option or will a fine gravel be OK too?

Hi there - I personally wouldn't recommend angels in anything under 200L-300L - it'd have to be reasonably tall too. Bristlenoses also can get to about 20cm so may even be a bit big (I have one in my 70L and wouldn't put it in anything under that) - I'd say find the space and upgrade Haha us here with 5+ tanks have all managed to find space one way or another - but we're also addicts These are our angels - they're probably over 20cm in height, and live with the gourami in a 450L tank - but even then the gourami occasionally get chased! They look big even in our 450L The gourami are probably 15cm long, fully grown. I'd also say over 180L for those - I have two thicklipped (smaller) gouramis in my 120L and they use up as much room as possible swimming and making territories - and they're only about 6-7cm! Maybe a couple of honey gourami would suit your tank better? (Pearls are gorgeous and I understand why you're attached to it!)

Sounds pretty good :thup: Glad you got a good amount to them, and good on the hospice for growing such an awesome amount of plants!

Tanks - I'm hopefully moving in the next 4-5 weeks, so these will all look different when I re-set them up. 70L - is looking pretty sad at the moment. I've discovered my constant issues with stem plants dying is probably because of lighting at the back of the tank. I think the filter is in the way so they don't get as much light as they do when at the front - I put them in the front to thrive, move them to the back where they die, so I have to move them back to the front to revive them again. Anyway, it's pretty atrocious to look at. The Java fern won't take hold so it's floating. All my dwarf baby tears just died (they were thriving, and then they all just withered). The large sword was given to Monzae as it outgrew my tank, so I'm currently trying to grow one of its pups (can't really be seen). The E uruguayensis just came from TM so yeah that isn't established. Cabomba is giving me the same issues as the ambulia where it just grew straggly and raggedy. The only nice looking plant at the moment is the crypt to the left which is growing surprisingly well (not sure on what species it is, was given to me for free) After I move I'll ditch the awful gravel mix and also make the new gravel deeper - there's not enough so plants regularly fall out of place if not rooted properly - 8 Black neon tetras (I had one suddenly have "seizures" after a water change, for a week after it spasmed and never got better. I couldn't find its body but I presume it passed. I then got 3 from animates "on special" which is more expensive than most LFSs anyway lol, but one also has no tail. They ran out of bags so I didn't get to see it until it came home. Didn't bring it back because I figured it'd just be euthanized and felt bad for it) - 7 Pristella tetras - 1 Betta splenden - One regular BN - 2 Calico longin BNs (thanks Adrienne! I'm loving these guys so far!) Do the longfin BNs get as big as the normal ancistrus sp? I just haven't noticed any growth in them so far, and have never seen a large one. 21L Killie tank - looking the same mess as usual. Keep on getting this brown stringy algae though, but it hasn't taken over or anything. Put a java fern pup in there to see how its going - I had this on it and while it grew the ambulia, christmas moss and crypt, the R rotundifolia is looking really really sad. I now have the Beamswork 200 as well as the bulb above on there and will see how it all goes. I can't get the killies spawning - female is getting a belly but seems uninterested, so I'm going to have to look for/make a proper spawning mop (I had hoped the moss would work just the same but oh well). Although I'm thinking of seeing whether the male is OK in the community tank, as the girls can't go anywhere without him trying to breed with them. 3 A Australes, 2 female one male. 120L community - everything looks to be OK. It's currently a big mess however. Crypts are growing out lots of pups but aren't getting bigger as such. I have one sword which I'm reviving for Dad, an amazon sword which I'm reviving from it being in the killie tank (too low of light I presume), one barthii sword which I'm still reviving from the aqua one light killing it in the puffer tank, and the e horemanii which I got given and I plan on keeping in there. But at the moment there's like no room for anything. - 5 american flagfish (1 male, 4 females) - 5 threadfin rainbows (still looking to up numbers - 3 males, 2 females - no aggression issues) - 2 thicklipped gourami (currently in a breeding tank at the moment however) - 3 "Hara jerdoni" - 1 banjo catfish (such an odd fish - often looks dead and I freak out. I made him and the other fish a sand bay but he chooses to bury in the gravel - I don't see him much at all) - 1 L129 - 5 Kuhli loaches - 5 whiptail cats (again thanks Adrienne, I'm really loving these too! Out all day happily chomping on anything they're given, really cool fish) (riccia moss needs to be cut back lol - currently in the process of remembering who it was that wanted to buy some off me from the FB NZFK group) 31L dwarf puffer tank - the water wisteria has grown - it's not a plant I like but I think it looks OK. The DHG is looking quite sad though. Switched from the Beamswork 200 to a Green Element and I'm really happy with it, hopefully it grows out nicely. Still getting a lot of brown algae though. Currently growing mint out the HOB filter but I don't think it has enough light, so is growing very slowly. The puffer still has his pop-eye months later - I don't know how to fix it. He's looking way happier but the eye is still big and he is still blind in it (real pain when feeding him but we're both learning to work around it). Also think he is a she. She's made loads of progress from this to [ur=http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss286/_AalexandraA_/DSC_3429.jpgl]this (in which she was on the brink of death, I didn't think she'd make it but I'm glad she did) to - She still has quite a way to go (especially with the eye) but she's looking MUCH fatter and happier! I'm so glad she's looking so much better. Especially compared to the first pic! I'm thinking of getting 3 otos to live in there, do you guys think the filtration is enough? It's an Aquamanta hfx100. I think that's it. I've got loads of plans for when I move, although at the moment I just want to think about the move which is going to be a right pain Moving from Tauranga to Auckland! I have a 150L holding tank and Dad's 450L but almost all of my fish would get lost in that one. Moving into much smaller space, but should technically have more space for tanks. Excited but very scared!

Update time? Pics first for those who don't want to read the long wordy stuff. Two bad photos of a male american flag fish - he's camera shy Female american flag fish oto - I can never get these guys in focus, I think it's because they don't have enough texture so my lens gets confused Thicklipped gourami Red whiptail cat Male threadfin rainbow - I think my camera also can't get a point of focus on these guys (I have a couple of ideas but it would be a PITA to do) - I can have a clear shot of them with the focal point in the middle and the camera goes "what?" as it's trying to focus on the bodies and gets confused when it's trying to focus on something just grey - so I need to move the focal area to the right or left to get the eye but yeah it's just a pain lol. These guys are bloody fast and it's really hard to get them when they're flaring. I hate hate hate photographing threadfin rainbows. Female - sorry she was close to the top so the flash was quite strong on her and there's particles in the way D: Male a australe "orange" Female (bottom photo gal has always been small and sickly - she was from HFF, top gal was from a TMer from Chch - top gal has only been there for a month but is way bigger than the HFF girl who has always had the very reddened gills and sad looking body - was really disappointed in their killies overall) Hara cat (colour and soft focus is all wrong on these guys, sorry) Bad pic, just some otos hanging out - they danced after this as they usually do after a nice water change Update update post is coming next.