11 replies to this topic

[Semurphy]

Hey Everyone, 

 

I'm still in the planning stages of the set up and wanted to know what people would recommend. 

I currently have a 5 x 2 x 2.5 set up. I've got 2 Eheim professional 2 filters and an internal Otto 1200 filter running. I have a 600w eheim heater and standard lights for cichlids (1 blue and 1 white). 

 

I'm wanting to change over my cichlids to a mostly native tank, keeping a few  catfish. I would like a few schooling species that will get along with each other. 

 

I'm also not quite sure what to use as substrate, was thinking a simple 3mm gravel but is there anything better? 

In terms of plants as well, i would like some pretty hardy type plants that will be able to still grow with the 2.5ft depth. 

 

Any help/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Westie]

Amazon sword plants to grow nice and tall

Swap blue tubes for a pink/white mix for plant growth

School of Boesmani rainbow fish

You can get some cool looking catfish like rendahls?

[malawiman85]

600w heater would scare me in a medium size tank. If it stays on through a fault it would turn the tank into soup in pretty short order.

 

Sand is definitely the fashionable substrate to have but I prefer the look of natural gravel as long as keeping it clean isn't an issue.

 

I really like

- Pacific Blue Eyes

- Empire Gudgeons

- Streets Creek Rainbows

- Parkinsoni Rainbows

- Goyder Rainbows

- Boesmani Rainbows

- Barcoo River Rainbows

- Desert Gobies

- Freshwater Crabs... Probably not great for plants though and definitely not great for desert gobies. 

[Semurphy]

The Amazons sound good. I've had them growing in my pond so I have a constant supply of them.

The Boesmani rainbow fish are really nice, I quite like them. How are they in terms of hardieness?

 

The heater i have i've had for years and hasnt been a problem, i regularly monitor the temperature and adjust as required.

I was thinking about a 3mm gold gravel, It's not too dark and so it will be easy to clean. 

 

Is there any aquarium store that regularly stocks rainbow fish that anyone would recommend going to?  

[malawiman85]

Give Paul at Morley a call. He usually has some nice ones there.

[Semurphy]

I have 3 Mono Argents in with my cichlids, would i be able to keep them with rainbows?

[malawiman85]

Should be fine if not ill buy them off you :-)

[Semurphy]

They're quite large that's why I thought is ask, I love them, they're such funny fish.


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[malawiman85]

Should be good. A big school of rainbows will be all right... Wont get hassled I don't reckon.  

[Semurphy]

Ok awesome. Thanks for your help

[Valkeris]

Try Aquagreen in the NT for the rainbows. Just Google it. You will need to collect from the airport but might be worth it for some more variety.

[cpayne2336]

I'm also in the planning stages of a planted tank with some rainbows and some more variety I'm thinking some German blue rams anyone else have any other recommendations of cool fish that will go with them ?would like some natives but other fish are ok also just want some nice variety. Cheers