What Next?

[wanda]

Firstly, here is my tank, it's approx 190 litres. I have 7 small gouramis, 2 plecs and a molly.

I am looking to plant my tank as it's a bit bare with not many places to hide plus the natural colour can work wonders. What plants are best. I have kept plants before but none have ever lasted more than 6 months. I have used liquid plant food and nothing else. What is the best way to care for planted aquariums so the plants flourish?

Also, how would i go about removing my gravel and introducing sand? The reason I ask is because if the bacteria in the gravel. The tank has been established for a few years and I'm a bit worried that removing the gravel may un-balance the bacteria in the tank? Should I perhaps remove the gravel and rinse it in the water as i take it out, leaving the 'dirt' in the water (turning filters off so they don't suck it all up!!)

Many thanks

Mike

 

[wanda]

Anyone?

 

[CatfishAttack]

I am not so sure about the plants, but as for sand. I used sand for one of my aquarium awhile back and be honest with you, I didn't like it because once I was changing water, some sand accidently got sucked into the filter and it messed up my filter, but this is just my opinion, someone might be able to tell you sand is better than gravel.

 

[catfish_mad]

The will work well in the tank as you said about the colour, you get a few different coloured plants in as well just to break up the greenness.

As for sand, i say go for it as i did a whiule ago and i'd never go back to gravel. The sand in much more cleaner, the food stays on the top so the fish get it, it doesn't hide away in the bottom of the gravel and rote away. It also makes the tank a bit brighter.

CatfishAttack when changing the water just turn all the filters off til you have finished the water change and none will get sucked up through the filter.

 

[pinkdolphin_113]

if you change to sand, which i did and am very glad and will also never go back to gravel, some bateria will be lost but it will most probably go into your filter so why not just clone the tank? it would be really easy. i found it easy, its what i did and i have nothing wrong with my water stats x