museeumchick Posted September 17, 2008 Report Share Posted September 17, 2008 So i'm setting up a new tank, my first real endevour into native keeping I hope to have a koura and some shrimp, or something along those lines. What sort of water testing gear do I need? sooo many choices....pH? Nitrite? co2? iron? ammonia? ammonium?.... the list goes on. and what sort of lighting will i need? (Stella, any thoughts?) there wont be any plants (as i hear Koura like to destroy them) and the tank can be placed to get some sunlight if i so choose, the room it will be in already has the basic fluroescent lighting (although if light quality is important these bulbe prob wont do the trick). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidb Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 dont place the tank anywhere near where it will be getting sunlight or it will be a constant battle against algae. If you are not having plants then simple flourescent lighting would be the easiest. On our native tanks we just have a single t8 bulb, not even aquarium specific, Java moss will do fine under this too. In terms of water testing, I would definatly get Ammonia and Nitrite for when the tank is maturing. When the tank is fully cycled and stocked it will not be as necessary to test these two but I would test pH and Nitrates every couple of weeks, Water testing really isnt that important once a tank has been established for a while and you are doing decent sized, regular water changes, and you dont notice any problems. Its probably excessive to test Iron and CO2 particularly in an unplanted tank. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Hi there, David has some good advice for you there. My light tubes are not aquarium ones either. I also tend to use much less light that most would for a tropical tank. Mainly because I think they look better slightly dimmed, just seems a lot more natural than a stark tank. My tanks actually have different light levels according to what sort of environment I am trying to show. It also seems fairer on the fish, and without plants you don't need heaps of light. You can also get testing done at Wet Pets for a dollar or two. (those kits can be expensive). The offer still stand for you (or anyone else for that matter) to visit my tanks sometime..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidb Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 ... and mine if you are ever up this way. Yes low lighting helps reduce stress on the natives, many of which are not used to bright lights (especially if they are wild caught). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 What about wild-caught tropical fish? NZ apparently has particularly bright natural light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
museeumchick Posted September 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Thanks guys I have now constructed my budget, now i can start buying things!!!! fun! Stella, I would love to visit your tanks sometime (super unorganised of late), will PM methinks. :bounce: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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