I wasn't able to edit the above, but I meant to say that I returned the bloodfins yesterday but got the additional gouramis today.
Hey! Apparently Ms. Hidey does feel better with friends because I see all 5 gouramis out together! Yay! The Boss is definitely doing his border collie thing. He's patrolling mid-water while the "sheep" are up in the floating plants. I'll have to make sure he's not bullying them and that they are not afraid. He isn't nipping at them though. He does touch them with his long fins and his nose, but he does it gently, not fast. Also, they aren't running away from him. It looks more protective, but then again, what do I know? I would love to hear some opinions from people who have kept this species before. All 5 are staying relatively near each other (and the floating plants). One gourami just nibbled a seed-thing from a plant. I wonder if they are plant eaters. I don't really care if they are. Plants are cheap enough (except for that blasted anubias).
Oh. Oh my. Apparently the flame tetras really like the hornwort. I mean, REALLY like it. There's, ah, a lot of activity in one of the batches right now. Um ... subject change...
I am not planning on using co2. I know that many do, but frankly, it scares me. I read that it can kill the fish at night if it is done incorrectly and I just do not feel competent to attempt it. I am open to liquid carbon though. A lfs employee said he has used it for years and swears by it. Anyone else have experience with it? I'll look it up as well, but if anyone has actual experience, I would love to hear it.
I'm also going to have to look up how to make sure I don't get anaerobic spots in the sand. It is easy with gravel to vacuum, but I am worrying about the sand. I've read that a certain kind of snail is what some people use but I already have pond snails by accident and I just can't imagine introducing any others on purpose.
Hey! Apparently Ms. Hidey does feel better with friends because I see all 5 gouramis out together! Yay! The Boss is definitely doing his border collie thing. He's patrolling mid-water while the "sheep" are up in the floating plants. I'll have to make sure he's not bullying them and that they are not afraid. He isn't nipping at them though. He does touch them with his long fins and his nose, but he does it gently, not fast. Also, they aren't running away from him. It looks more protective, but then again, what do I know? I would love to hear some opinions from people who have kept this species before. All 5 are staying relatively near each other (and the floating plants). One gourami just nibbled a seed-thing from a plant. I wonder if they are plant eaters. I don't really care if they are. Plants are cheap enough (except for that blasted anubias).
Oh. Oh my. Apparently the flame tetras really like the hornwort. I mean, REALLY like it. There's, ah, a lot of activity in one of the batches right now. Um ... subject change...
I am not planning on using co2. I know that many do, but frankly, it scares me. I read that it can kill the fish at night if it is done incorrectly and I just do not feel competent to attempt it. I am open to liquid carbon though. A lfs employee said he has used it for years and swears by it. Anyone else have experience with it? I'll look it up as well, but if anyone has actual experience, I would love to hear it.
I'm also going to have to look up how to make sure I don't get anaerobic spots in the sand. It is easy with gravel to vacuum, but I am worrying about the sand. I've read that a certain kind of snail is what some people use but I already have pond snails by accident and I just can't imagine introducing any others on purpose.