180l tank journal

[Fishkeeper123]

I have recently bought a 180l tank(1m long, 45cm high, 40cm wide). It’s a second hand tank and is currently home to my 8 long finned leopard danios and a panda garra(9’d of my panda garras unfortunately got killed by the filter in the new tank. A few days ago I bought a pair of Bolivian rams( the LFS thought she got a male and female less sure as they have started to fight) and a BN pleco they are currently in my old 75l and will be quarantined for 3-4 weeks. Here’s some photos of the new tank and new fish. Any ideas on plants that are easy to grow few a beginner would be helpful and here’s the outcome after all the help I’ve had with stocking( probably not done tho).

 

[Fishkeeper123]

The other garra has now died not sure why but could be because of many different factors( new tank, maybe lack of oxygen, not eating) not sure but will continue keeping the Danios in the tank to make sure it’s okay for when I add the rams and BN in a few weeks.

 

[Fishkeeper123]

I have just done a test and have 1 on the nitrite test and 20 on nitrate so need to keep it low now. My plan is to add my 2 Anubis in my driftwood to the 180l

 

[MattW]

Any ideas on plants that are easy to grow few a beginner would be helpful

Hygrophila polysperma
Rotala rotundifolia
Vallisneria
Limnophila sessiliflora
Hornwort
Bolbitis heudelotii
Java Fern
Java moss
Bucephalandra & Anubias
Cryptocoryne (crypt melt will occur)

Remember to follow cycling guides. A non-cycled tank can be detrimental to fish especially those that are less hardy. If you have any other issues with parameters do post a thread so experienced members can help with your situation

 

[Fishkeeper123]

I am hoping it’s now okay but my tank was second hand so assume cycled and did all the same things I did with my 75l. However I am beginnning to believe as the filter was part of a 3 pack of cartridges and received 2 i think it was running for one month and then changed. The tank has no ammonia and the readings I have posted for the nitrite and nitrate. I am now doing tests every day and did a 40 percent water change today. Also I was concerned the filter wasn’t producing enough oxygen so moved it higher so there is more bubbles and current produced. To anyone new I would not recommend the interpret CF3 it wants replacement things( one for algae and not to sure what the other does) in every month and isn’t great and pumping lots of water and will cost a lot in the long run and if you do get one make sure you seal any holes. I’ll have a look at all those plants and see what will look best in my aquarium.