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I recommend (from my very limited experience) the CO2 method via Alka Seltzer. I've needed to use it only twice, and both times the fish expired quickly with no signs of distress.

Since moving from the MidWest (KC) to the SouthEast (SC), I've been dealing with the soft water problem; my API hardness kit (unspecified,, which I now know I should chuck and get a kH/gH kit) measures <20ppm. I find it difficult even with weekly water changes to keep a reasonable pH in my...

I have 4 otocinclus and a rubberlip plecostomus in my 55. The otos do well on plants, bogwood etc., but weren't persistant on glass. I added the rubberlip, and he has been one busy little bugger constantly working his way 'round.

Had I read your post closely enough, I would have realised you already had the neons. Shouldn't have impuned your LFS's stock, but Sarcasm was my first language. English I learned later.

Clown loaches certainly appear to sleep.

I bought a used 40 gallon long from a closing pet store >12 years ago, and have had no problems with it.

Meaning, I assume, his neons are so unhealthy thay won't live long enough for the Angels to grow up... If you buy them all as juveniles, the Angels may never realise the neons (who seemed so large once) are prey. If they do, however, figure it out, your neons are just a quick meal.

For the fish you can breed in captivity. Many aren't suitable or will not cooperate.

Buy young and keep them longer. Also less expensive. Why spend big $ for an adult fish with few years left?

You could use it for a single betta. Mine lives in a 5.5 gallon home with a black mystery snail for company (and bottom cleaning). Betta seems to appreciate having real room to swim.

I have a school of 9 serpaes in a 55 gallon with 5 otocinclus, 2 opaline gouramis, 2 kribensis and 2 medium (4-5") clown loaches. No problem of aggression with any of their tank mates. Try Tim's Tropicals or Elmer's for compatibility or community suggestions.

ThatFishPlace has the Perfecto replacement frame for >$20 US. Seems the most economical way to go, but not a simple one evening project. FWIW, if I do go to that much trouble to replace the frame, I would HAVE to reinforce the center brace during the job. Thanks to both for the prompt replies.

I have a 55 gallon tank with a broken top center brace. I repaired it with an aluminum strap spanning front to back, shaped to the brace, RTVd to front and back surfaces, and super glued to the existing brace. While this seems to be holding OK, I can't help but think it would be better to...

I have been running a 55 gal freshwater w/ UGF on powerheads for years and am considering going reverse flow (tired of the periodic deep gravel syphon to get out the gunk from the plates). Has anyone here used a RUGF for any lenghth of time?

Snails also would be good. Sensitive to Nitrate levels and prefer neutral water or slightly alkaline. Highly acidic or very soft water can lead to shell erosion.

Otocinclus, AKA Otto Catfish. Eats algae constantly and gets only 2" long. Small and peaceful fish.

I have a lightly planted 55 (US) gallon tank and currently have: 2 medium clown loaches 6 otocinclus 6 serpae tetras 2 opaline gouramis I would like to add a central focus fish, and am considering Kribensis. I have no interest in breeding (no place to keep more fish and no interest in selling...

I have a 55 gallon tank I'm restocking gradually. Currently holds 2 medium (3 1/2" - 4") clown loaches and 6 otocinclus. Would like to add tiger barbs (6), cherry barbs (2) & maybe three-spot gouramis (2). I also am considering a pair of Kribensis, which I read do OK in an active community...

The red tail is a definite maybe, included mostly because my wife really likes them (I do think they're OK, but not my favorite). Thanks for the tiger input.

I recently got a black mystery snail to scavenge my betta's 5 gal tank, and also recently found a reference stating that snails can have minerals leached out of their shells in very soft water, leading to shell erosion and snail death. I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in South Carolina...

I have been thinking of getting some tiger barbs to go in my lightly planted 55 gal, currently holding just 2 medium clown loaches (3 1/2 - 4") and 6 otos. Tim's Tropicals compatibility listings say otos and tiger barbs don't get along, though they list many other fish that can live with both...

Just to introduce myself to forum. New to forum, have had freshwater tropicals and goldfish/koi for 20 years.