Recommendations

[ASA23]

I currently have a 10 gallon Top Fin corner tank, but am looking to upgrade. It's heavily planted with freshwater fish & shrimp.
Which tank brands has anyone had a good experience with? I've tried researching on my own, but just get overwhelmed by contradictory reviews, etc. (I prefer something with a lid.)
I went with an employee recommendation for substrate, and it's been okay, but I'd be interested in what has worked best for those here.

 

[Byron]

I've never had problems with the tanks themselves, so others can comment specifically on this. As for the tank cover, some brands have a specifically-designed cover, and this usually includes the light fixture which is where it can get problematic--you may or may not be able to get a decent light to fit. Another option is a glass cover set that sits down on the inside lip of the tank frame. The lighting unit (whichever type you get) sits on the frame itself, across the tank length.

Substrate is important for some fish. If you want substrate-level fish like cory catfish or loaches, sand is needed. In relatively small tanks, meaning anything under 40 or 50 gallons, the fish selection will tend to be small forest fish, and sand is your best option as it does not restrict your options for fish. You can get aquarium river sands, or something considerably less expensive but equally good is a quality play sand.

I don't know what substrate the store recommended, but I will say that so-called plant substrates are a waste of money. Plants will grow just as well in inert sand or fine gravel, plus you can have serious issues with substrate fish using these "enriched" substrates.

Welcome toTFF.

 

[ASA23]

I've never had problems with the tanks themselves, so others can comment specifically on this. As for the tank cover, some brands have a specifically-designed cover, and this usually includes the light fixture which is where it can get problematic--you may or may not be able to get a decent light to fit. Another option is a glass cover set that sits down on the inside lip of the tank frame. The lighting unit (whichever type you get) sits on the frame itself, across the tank length.

Substrate is important for some fish. If you want substrate-level fish like cory catfish or loaches, sand is needed. In relatively small tanks, meaning anything under 40 or 50 gallons, the fish selection will tend to be small forest fish, and sand is your best option as it does not restrict your options for fish. You can get aquarium river sands, or something considerably less expensive but equally good is a quality play sand.

I don't know what substrate the store recommended, but I will say that so-called plant substrates are a waste of money. Plants will grow just as well in inert sand or fine gravel, plus you can have serious issues with substrate fish using these "enriched" substrates.

Welcome toTFF.

Thank you so much!
Where can you find the glass cover sets? Are they sold by the individual brands to go with the tanks?
The substrate was a gravel-type plant substrate, which seriously clouded the water in the beginning, even with heavy rinsing.
How do you care for the sand? Is it possible to vacuum for cleaning without getting sucked up? Or do plants & snails, etc, create a more natural environment that requires less maintenance? Does the play sand require any special treatment before use?
I appreciate the help. I'm obviously a newbie, but my tank seems to be happy, with fish reproducing & cherry shrimp creating a colony. It's getting a little crowded though, lol. (Don't worry, I'm checking parameters & everything's good.) Just want to do things a little better with the next setup.

 

[Byron]

Where can you find the glass cover sets? Are they sold by the individual brands to go with the tanks?

In North America, most tanks are standard sizes, like a 29 gallon is 30 inches (length) by 12 inches (width), and a 40g is 36 by 18 inches, etc. So a glass cover set that is intended for one of these will usually fit. Odd-sized tanks and bowfront are different. Photos below. Some stores carry them, I got mine online.

How do you care for the sand? Is it possible to vacuum for cleaning without getting sucked up? Or do plants & snails, etc, create a more natural environment that requires less maintenance? Does the play sand require any special treatment before use?

You can run the water changer over the surface just above and stir up detritus; I do this in one or two tanks. In the others I leave it alone. It depends upon the fish and feeding. Snails and/or shrimp help. And if you have live plants, leaving it alone is best as the decomposition of the organics provides nutrients like CO2.

Play Sand needs a good rinse, but I never carry this to excess. A bit of dirt won't harm anything.

 

[ASA23]

In North America, most tanks are standard sizes, like a 29 gallon is 30 inches (length) by 12 inches (width), and a 40g is 36 by 18 inches, etc. So a glass cover set that is intended for one of these will usually fit. Odd-sized tanks and bowfront are different. Photos below. Some stores carry them, I got mine online.



You can run the water changer over the surface just above and stir up detritus; I do this in one or two tanks. In the others I leave it alone. It depends upon the fish and feeding. Snails and/or shrimp help. And if you have live plants, leaving it alone is best as the decomposition of the organics provides nutrients like CO2.

Play Sand needs a good rinse, but I never carry this to excess. A bit of dirt won't harm anything.

Thanks so much!