[dre@ms]

Impressive setups. I am planning to setup one in 3x1.5x1.5 tank.

1. What kind of fishes dwell in a planted aquarium?
2. What kind of soil is recommended?
3. What type of plants for a startup?
4. Any specific filtration setup required? Have Sun Sun canister filter.

[badboyscad]

Originally Posted by dre@ms

Impressive setups. I am planning to setup one in 3x1.5x1.5 tank.

1. What kind of fishes dwell in a planted aquarium?

You can start with small ones such as tetras, barbs.

Originally Posted by dre@ms

2. What kind of soil is recommended?

If you live near a good natural source(fresh water lake or large pond), you may try to use that sand for the bottom layer, however you might need some different sized substrate for the middle(eg: JBL manado) and top layer(eg: small pebble chips)

Originally Posted by dre@ms

3. What type of plants for a startup?

Easiest to start with are Cabomba, vallisneria, hydrilla (hydrilla tend to grow phenomenally given the correct lighting conditions). Regular trimming may be required.

Lighting is a key aspect of any planted tank. (eg: https://www.amazon.in/Eveready-10-Wa..._89%3AEveready)

Originally Posted by dre@ms

4. Any specific filtration setup required? Have Sun Sun canister filter.

Canister filter should do fine.

[dre@ms]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

You can start with small ones such as tetras, barbs.

Need alternate suggestions - sent you a PM

Originally Posted by badboyscad

If you live near a good natural source(fresh water lake or large pond), you may try to use that sand for the bottom layer, however you might need some different sized substrate for the middle(eg: JBL manado) and top layer(eg: small pebble chips)

Easiest to start with are Cabomba, vallisneria, hydrilla (hydrilla tend to grow phenomenally given the correct lighting conditions). Regular trimming may be required.

Need more info - sent you a PM

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Lighting is a key aspect of any planted tank.

Yes have the same setup.

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Canister filter should do fine.

Thanks!!

[ani_meher]

Why does he need to limit to tetras and barb with such a big tank? I think the tank size is good to house even bigger fishes, no?

After toying with plants and wasting more than 1000rs, I have given up on plant setup. It is simply not for me. Fishes at least give you feedback immediately, if there is less oxygen, more or less food, any sickness etc. Plants feedback is very slow and I couldn't get it at all.

[badboyscad]

Few pics of my saltwater setup

[deathwalkr]

@ani_meher: that is by no means a big tank. Tetras are usually the best fishes to have in a planted tank of that size. With a 6*2*2 options would be more like Discus.

Planted tanks require patience love care and investment for it to thrive. And a beautiful setup gives such peace of mind when you look at it.

Remember that there is a difference between a planted tank and a tank with plants.

@dreams: good luck. Badboy knows his stuff

[ani_meher]

6x2x2?! Damn. That's a bath tub!

I agree about the time and monetary investment required for the planted setups. You have to think about getting carbon dioxide to the plants! I always envy people's successful planted tanks, because they really take a lot of efforts and dedication.

[badboyscad]

Speaking of bath tubs, this is my direct sunlight bathtub(pond ) setup. Mostly consist of mollies,red swords and platies.





The old flush tank has layers of large chunks of charcoal and sponge, which acts as external filter





There is an 8 inch ghost knife fish hiding inside the pvc pipe. Will try to get more pics when it comes out to feed

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Speaking of bath tubs, this is my direct sunlight bathtub(pond ) setup. Mostly consist of mollies,red swords and platies.

The old flush tank has layers of large chunks of charcoal and sponge, which acts as external filter

There is an 8 inch ghost knife fish hiding inside the pvc pipe. Will try to get more pics when it comes out to feed

Lovely ingenuity Making maximum use of throwaway items.

The ghost must be devouring a few of those platies and mollies overnight.

@ani_meher: 6x2x2 is a bathtub for sure but for some fishes that's like the bare minimum to be in.

For most of us in the hobby today, if there is space in the water then i can stuff more fishes in there seems to be the logic.

Most fishes like us need the space to thrive in.

Breaks my heart when i see kids buying goldfishes and bowls at the LFS :(

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by -GS-

Some of my aquascapes over the years.

That is just stunning!

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Speaking of bath tubs, this is my direct sunlight bathtub(pond ) setup. Mostly consist of mollies,red swords and platies.

Thats a good DIY.

[wildsdi5530]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Speaking of bath tubs, this is my direct sunlight bathtub(pond ) setup.

Lovely setup. How do you prevent birds from eating the fishes?
I have a drum in which I am growing water lilies and also some hyasynth and vallisneria. I put some guppies and mollies in them to avoid mosquito breeding. It was covered with a chicken mesh. One fine day, there are no fishes and I noticed a bird (egret?) nearby. I increased the level of the water and added some hiding places and added more fish, but same story again.

[badboyscad]

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

Lovely setup. How do you prevent birds from eating the fishes?

The tub is covered with half inch mesh grill. I took it off to click pics.

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

One fine day, there are no fishes and I noticed a bird (egret?) nearby. I increased the level of the water and added some hiding places and added more fish, but same story again

In case of egret, i think it can insert its beak in the mesh gaps. Try using another layer of mesh to minimize the gaps. I only have to deal with kingfishers in my locality.

[ptaneja]

Guys, can you recommend an online store for getting discounted/best priced fish food ? Amazon or something else ?

[deathwalkr]

easypets
indianaquarium
ebay

i check prices on these sites and then on amazon. usually amazon prices are higher even by the same seller.

[beejay]

I have set up a 12mm tank for a thai silk flowerhorn Fish. It is a big tank and bare bottom with a steel heater and box filter.
Tank is being cycled now and I am trying in vain to get the right pet.

I have been searching for a good quality thai silk variety of the flower horn. Please let me know if anyone of you have good source to buy. Thanks in advance.

Benny