New to tropical fish - seeking some advice

[jonnyc88]

Programming on the basic is limited to on time, off time and intensity for a single block with a fixed 15 minute ramp up / down.
IIRC the price was almost identical but I decided a KISS approach meant there was less to go wrong

KISS approach is always good
Initially I was thinking about the dual channel V2 but upon research I don’t think it will work with my current light anyway.
I’m happy I get to control the brightness now, fish seems happier too. The 20W Aqua One led light I have is insanely bright on 100%.

One minor improvement is to allow previewing the program without affecting the lights though.
At the moment only way to cycle through program is via setup mode and that might turn light completely off.

edit: the Corydoras seems to be happier with the light being at 30%. They are now out scavenging in the open

 

[mbsqw1d]

Cories and Tetras do well with 'stained' water too which will reduce the lighting, but the look may not be to your taste. This is usually achieved by allowing certain materials to leach tannins into the water.

 

[jonnyc88]

Cories and Tetras do well with 'stained' water too which will reduce the lighting, but the look may not be to your taste. This is usually achieved by allowing certain materials to leach tannins into the water.

I think we have a dried almond leaf in the tank. Not enough to stain though, really just as a hiding place
Not really big fan of stained water unfortunately, but I can see the appeal.

I was looking at red bellied piranhas the other day and was thinking that would be ideal for me second tank lol. I believe they need stained or brackish water.

 

[mbsqw1d]

I was looking at red bellied piranhas the other day and was thinking that would be ideal for me second tank lol. I believe they need stained or brackish water.

Lol, i don't think turning my entire house into an aquarium would be big enough

 

[jonnyc88]

The Odessa Barbs, Cardinal Tetras and Panda Corydoras arrived today and happy to report they are all doing well thus far.
The Barbs and Pandas are definitely an excellent addition to the community tank.

Barbs seems to be very active in all areas of the tank and sometimes very playful. The Panda cories are less shy than the Peppered cories and they are so cute! The spots match the Odessa Barbs too which is a bonus.

Once the tank and plants are more establish we might add some cherry shrimps, maybe a nerrite snail and very tempted to get about 10 Ember Tetras but shall see how things go.

Thanks again all for the excellent advice! Me and my eldest daughter are really enjoying this hobby.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Did you order them online? Who did you buy from if you don't mind me asking?

Lookin forward to seeing pics of your tank...

 

[jonnyc88]

Did you order them online? Who did you buy from if you don't mind me asking?

Lookin forward to seeing pics of your tank...

I got my fish from Tropco (www.tropco.co.uk). Pretty decent company. They use APC which is really good for live fish but they only deliver Wed-Fridays.
If you are planning to order I'd recommend small batches though. If you have any questions, fire away!

Hard to get picture of all the fish in the tank as they are all so active. Might trim some of the plants a little soon to tidy up:

 

[mbsqw1d]

That looks superb pal, well done

Cheers will have a look at tropco

Did you get to choose ratio of male/female with your barbs? If so what did you go for?

 

[jonnyc88]

That looks superb pal, well done

Cheers will have a look at tropco

Did you get to choose ratio of male/female with your barbs? If so what did you go for?

Cheers bud We are fairly new to this but have done lots of research and had wonderful help from members here.

I didn’t request for any specific male/female ratio, just as long as they are mixed which is normally how they are selected anyway.

I could be wrong but I think it’s the live bearers that sometimes require specific sex ratio.

 

[jonnyc88]

@Byron : Not sure if you’ve seen my earlier message but if you are still having “Low Flow” warnings with your Fluval heater try mounting it at 45degree angle.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Cheers bud We are fairly new to this but have done lots of research and had wonderful help from members here.

I didn’t request for any specific male/female ratio, just as long as they are mixed which is normally how they are selected anyway.

I could be wrong but I think it’s the live bearers that sometimes require specific sex ratio.

Barbs do need particular m/f ratio, I've read various ratios but i think I'll probably just go with 1:1 when I get mine. Seems a shame to get so many females as they're the dull ones, but needs must if it keeps the aggression at bay

 

[jonnyc88]

Barbs do need particular m/f ratio, I've read various ratios but i think I'll probably just go with 1:1 when I get mine. Seems a shame to get so many females as they're the dull ones, but needs must if it keeps the aggression at bay

Every day is a school day

Judging from the colouration I think it’s roughly 1:1 ratio here as well, perhaps males outnumbering by one or two. I noticed some chasing but looks playful.

Barbs seen to catch all the food before the tetras lol. Will try to vary the feed.

 

[Byron]

@Byron : Not sure if you’ve seen my earlier message but if you are still having “Low Flow” warnings with your Fluval heater try mounting it at 45degree angle.

Yes, I did see that, and it makes sense because warm water rises vertically so it will naturally impact the sensor.

 

[Byron]

Barbs do need particular m/f ratio, I've read various ratios but i think I'll probably just go with 1:1 when I get mine. Seems a shame to get so many females as they're the dull ones, but needs must if it keeps the aggression at bay

Generally speaking, most of the shoaling species in the tetras, barbs, danios and rasboras, and cories, are fine with relatively even ratio of male/feemale. There are a few exceptions.

 

[Retired Viking]

Nice looking tank, like the plants