Trixxter13
Mostly New Member
Byron said:
As for the lighting I have no idea. I do remember it being a very moderate light though. Like i said I'm fixing up an older tank, so I was most likely going to buy a new lighting setup and most likely a new filter too.
We may be able to save you a lot of money, as lighting fixtures are not inexpensive. The present one maybe fine with a new tube/bulb. As to the type, does it take incandescent (screw-in) bulbs, or a fluorescent tube? Or something else? If there is a tube/bulb in, there may be some data printed on one end of the tube or on the bulb stem, let me know what that says if there is.
As for aquascape I don't really have anything yet besides gravel I was trying to figure out what fish i wanted then buy/build according to what they need.
This is a perfect approach. So many build an aquascape they want, without regard for the fish that have to "live" with it. And many fish have specific needs, according to their natural habitats.
First, I would suggest sand for the substrate, as this is something that substrate fish need, and it is a very natural substrate in appearance. Ordinary play sand from Home Depot or Lowe's works fine, I use this in all my 7 tanks, Quikrete Play Sand. You want to avoid white at all cost, and play sand is usually a mix of dark tones. Plus it is very smooth, so no problem for fish. And plants grow fine in sand.
Wood chunks representing tree roots, trunks, and branches will be good for any of the soft water fish. You can buy wood in fish stores, and though not inexpensive it is usually safe. I like the very dark Malaysian Driftwood. Some of the lighter woods can carry toxic fungus.
That's really sad about the dwarf gourami i really liked the ones I saw. I think I might steer clear of the glass catfish for now. There were some Opaline Gourami I was looking at too. How would they do?
The Opaline is a real risk, as this is one of the most aggressive of the gourami. The species is Trichopodus trichopterus, and it occurs in several varieties like the Opaline, Blue, Gold, Cosby, Three-Spot. Regardless of the variety, the species is the same which means temperament and behaviours are identical. This fish attains six inches, though aquarium fish tend to max out around 4 to 5 inches, but that is still a size to be reckoned with when one is dealing with somewhat a feisty fish; I have seen this fish easily eat neon tetra, which tells you that having it in this tank immediately restricts many other fish species.
If you're set on a lovely gourami for a centrepiece, I would suggest looking at the beautiful Pearl Gourami, Trichopodus leerii. Although a species in the same genus, this one by comparison is a pussycat...though cats can be rough at times
The Pearls would be fine with the previously-mentioned rasbora, ideal in fact, and there are other similarly-sized rasbora that would work. Or some of the quieter tetra. And corys are still OK for the lower level.
Byron.
Thanks for all the advice. Once I get home I'll let you know about the lighting fixture. I'm not set on gourami just yet I'm going to another pet shop now to see what they've got but the other pet shop the only thing they really had that I liked were the gourami. Once again i appreciate all the help so much. I'll keep you posted xD