atatjacob1

:gopo: Thanks a lot, yes I was referring to the clown loaches, I have seen the big ones at HFF Albany, I live close to it so I can go regularly. Thanks for all the advice NZCookie I think I'll look into a low tech, low-light tank as suggested. I was aiming for a temp of 25-26 degrees and a pH of somewhere between 6-7. I am studying pH in biology at school so it is good to learn that way as well.

Not to sure on everyone's definition of little and big, I am aiming for fish that'll grow to about 10cm and maybe 15cm. So things like rams, sharks and just some schooling fish like some cardinals, phantoms or those little orange and black stripey guys that move like a carpet along the bottom, tiger loaches was it?

:gopo: I know 400l will be big and expensive but It could be more expensive. I think I am leaning towards things like rams (Bolivians, Standard Blues, Golds and Electrics, not sure which) and other things like cardinals, phantoms, sailfin plecos and maybe angels. Out of the two links I posted earlier I really liked this viewtopic.php?f=29&t=61885 one and it looks very feasible (economically and skill wise). Any recommendations?

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=62533 viewtopic.php?f=29&t=61885 I really like both of these tanks, the second one from sheer simplicity and the first because of it's natural look with vines anf what-not. I am still unsure of what fish to put in though...

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and relatively new to keeping fish, I have since purchased a tank (400L, 1600x500x500) and have had trouble with conceptual ideas. I would like plants but it is not a must as I have heard they can be costly and I don't want to make a beginners mistake and botch the lot. I have yet to decide what I should stock the tank with, currently in my possesion I have the aforementioned tank, an Eheim proffesional 2220 external canister and 4 UV tubes. I am looking for a relatively cost effective fish tank though since it's so big I could raise a lot of funds while it cycles. I would also like to look into breeding so I was thinking of getting some Leopard Fish to start and breed to get into the routine of feeding the fish and cleaning the tank and filter(s). All advice appreciated. Thanks.