[audioholic]

Originally Posted by anoop.u

I will be getting the tank assembled from a local glass vendor. The dimensions I am thinking of going for are: 40cm high, 60cm wide and 40cm deep. The glass will be 6mm toughened.

1. Will this size be enough? I don’t want a large tank as I still learning all there is to about fishkeeping.
2. Any issues in going for a locally assembled tank? Or should I look out for a pre-assembled / ready-made acrylic one?
3. If I go for the locally assembled tank, can I use a removable glass sheet of 50cm x40cm with drilled holes as the top covering?
4. Any issues if I stick a vinyl covering at the rear panel of the tank? For visual purposes only.

I would suggest you go for 8mm glass, at least for the bottom. Regarding the size, as long as you dont get an itch to go for a bigger tank, this is fine. However, if you can accomodate more space, consider going for 75cm * 45cm * 60cm. Since you are interested in a planted tank, the 45cm width will allow you to plant a line of background plants, and still allow enough space for landscaping and for the fish to move around. The height will allow the plants to grow high instead of spreading out in the bottom itself.

I would suggest you to leave the top open. I had a cover earlier, but removed it this summer to implement DIY cooling but now I prefer the open top. It looks more natural to me. Go for locally assembled since it will be lot cheaper and you can use the overall budget for other stuff like equipment, fish and plants.

Originally Posted by anoop.u

II.Fish:

Goldfish, mollies and neon tetra / tetra based on availability. No more than 10 in total.
Questions:
1. Are the selected fish easy to maintain? Any special care required?
2. Any aggressive behavior to look out for? Are the selected fish compatible?

In my opinion, Goldfish are a no no for planted tanks. Mollies are ok but a varieties of tetra are the best suited. I currently have neon tetra, glowlight tetra, cardinal tetra and two pairs of Angel fish. Along with this I have a couple of algae eaters as well. Cardinal tetras are expensive compared to Neons, and though both look similar, the cardinal stands out due to its stronger red, and the neon tetra looks like a Chinese imitation of the cardinal. They all are schooling fish and pretty peaceful. Though my angels are monstrous in size compared to the tetras, they mind their own business and dont harm the tetras.

Originally Posted by anoop.u

I have shortlisted the following from Aliexpress:
LED Light with Extendable Brackets (link): LED300 - US$ 30.77

I am not sure how bright these lights are. I was running a DIY setup all the while with close to 5meters of LED strip arranged into my tank in arrays. I am not sure of the technical light output, but it should be as bright as daylight. However, recently I had an unused ADA Aquasky lighting unit which I used, and its brightness has spurted the plant growth like anything. Looking for a second one similar to it since it covers only 60% of my tank.

Originally Posted by anoop.u

V.Temperature Control / Heater:

Shortlisted this product here : link

I am not sure if you need a heater for a planted tank. I dont use one since the water temperature hovers around 24-25 deg C all the time. During the summers, it increases and I cool it using a fan that blows air over the water surface, bringing the temperature down to 24 deg C. And be very careful with the brand of the heater since if the thermostat fails for some reason, you are going to cook the fish slowly. It happened to a friend and he lost eight of his dads well kept parrot fishes when they were out of station which was a really heartbreaking scene.

Originally Posted by anoop.u

I have shortlisted 3 options below :
1. Filter pump: link
2. Water Pump: link
3. Air Pump: link

None of the above options will work for a planted tank. The Filter pump which is a submersible filter will create too much current in the tank and disturb the plants. Go for an external hang on filter or an external canister filter. Internal filters IMO are not suitable.

Originally Posted by anoop.u

VII. Plants:
I haven’t decided which plants to go for as of now. Strictly no artificial plants.

I never used an automatic feeder until recently when one of our members gave one to me. I find it useful since I keep travelling and miss out on feeding the fish regularly. Though my family members used to do their bit, there are times when there is no one at home. It helps that way. But it is not a must if you are at home and feed the fish at least twice a day.

Do read about various aquarium plants and how difficult/easy their maintenance is. What you have missed out is the substrate in the tank. Plants wont grow well or rather wont grow in the common substrates like gravel, sand, pebbles etc. Hence, get a specialised substrate like ADA Amazonia etc(I have no relation with the company, just a suggestion) or a similar brand. Along with this, some soil additives are also available for a first time setup. It has helped the plants a lot and they grow insanely in my tank.

Here is a picture of my tank, not in its best form though since the plants need some pruning:

[deathwalkr]

Audioholic has summed it up perfectly.

Since you are in Kochi, you can buy plants from this amazing guy

https://www.sreepadma.com/

They are based out of Aluva.

And buy your equipment from Indian sites. indianaquarium.com, easypets.in etc are trustworthy sites. Also look in ebay as well. Amazon generally has the highest prices.

Stick with tetras. Get an aquaclear hang on back filter. Have fun.

[ani_meher]

Automatic feeder makes life very easy. No more tension to remember to feed the fish daily. I use it continuously and suggest the same to everyone.

[shashank.nk]

audioholic has all pints covered, i'd just like to add regarding the tank material. If you're working towards a planted tank, its better to just get regular glass, acrylic scratches easily and so with all the algae scraping etc your tank might end up looking dull in a few years compared with glass.

Also if your budget permits, get a Canister Filter. I did this 8 years ago and its paid me off very well. The models from Sunsun are good and VFM so you don't have to spend too much.

[ritz3645]

Originally Posted by anoop.u

Anoop

Hi Anoop,

Tank : Please find this link for size and glass thickness, or for comparison of glass vs acrylic tanks. Usually we all buy locally assembled float glass fish tanks.
Link :
http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com...icone.html?m=1

Fish +Temperature Control / Heater:
Gold fish is a strict no in planted tanks.Neon Tetras & mollies are easy to keep. Just make sure you have ideal size of food pellets as Tetra mouth is small. If keeping Neon Tetras then they need 21–27 °C, so no need for a heater.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_tetra

Lighting: Ideal wattage of led light for fish tanks is 2-5 w per gallon of water in a planted tank.

https://pets.thenest.com/size-led-li...ium-13098.html

Plants : For plants
https://aquaswild.com
https://www.bunnycart.com/product-ca...?orderby=price

If from finsnflora.com then read link below

http://spec-tanks.com/transitioning-...rsed-immersed/

[audioholic]

I ordered plants from FinsNFlora and they are pretty VFM. The delivery takes some time due to their weekly schedules but since I am in Bangalore, once it is despatched it reaches me the next day.

[anoop.u]

Originally Posted by audioholic

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Originally Posted by deathwalkr

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Originally Posted by ritz3645

...

Originally Posted by shashank.nk

...

Originally Posted by ani_meher

...

Thanks a ton guys for all the recommendations. Based on this, I have finalized on the following my first planted setup:

1. Tank

I will be going for 80cm(l) x 50cm(w) x 50cm(h) tank (approx. 200L) with 8mm glass (not acrylic) locally assembled. Have dropped the idea of a top cover for now.
Questions:
a. The tank will be placed within a wall shelf with around 10cm gap on the left, right and 15cm gap at the top, back. Is this fine?

2. Fish

As suggested by audioholic and deathwalkr I will be starting out with tetras. A couple of months down the line, I shall be looking to add more varieties to the tank.
PS: I might also get a couple of guppies to go with the tetras. Depending on what is available at the local pet store.
Questions:
a. Any pointers for algae eaters? Are shrimps/snails available at local pet shops?
b. How many tetras can I start out with? Assuming I will be adding 3-5 new fishes to the tank 6 months down the line.

3. Lighting

Have decided to buy this 27W LED light (US$30) which should be sufficient for a tank of this size. Description mentions that it should be fine for tanks of 60-90cm length. Plus it comes with adjustable brackets so it should be a perfect match for a 80cm long tank.
Questions:
a. Any advantage in having a blue + white LED color combination? Is it purely for aesthetic aspects?

4. Filter

I have shortlisted SunSun HW - 302 External filter which has a capacity of 300L (tank is 200L) as suggested by shashank.nk . This filter will require bio-media, activated carbon, ceramic rings which are to be bought separately.
a. Any suggestions for the bio-media, activated carbon and ceramic rings?
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

5. Heater

Skipping this as suggested by audioholic and ritz3645.

6. Feeder

Will be going for an automatic feeder for the days when we are out of town. Yet to decide on the model.

7. Plants & Substrate

Big shout out to deathwalkr for pointing me towards sreepadma.com . They are located within an hours drive from my home in Cochin.
Shall be starting out with Cryptocoryne Parva. Will decide on other varieties while buying.
As for the substrate, will be going for a specialised one like ADA Amazonia mixed with sand.
Questions:
a. Can I mix the specialised substrate with sand? Or should I stick with the latter only.

8. Cycling the tank & Introducing the fish:

I am still reading up on this and will get back to you with questions once I have a better understanding of things.


Apologies for bugging you guys with all these questions on a Monday morning. I believe in doing things right the first time around, which makes it imperative that I consider all options before making the plunge.

I will start procuring the items this week onwards starting with the tank. Shall get back with pictures once the tank is ready (might take a month or two as some of the items will be procured from aliexpress).

Further suggestions are always welcome.

Regards,
Anoop

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by anoop.u

Questions:
a. Can I mix the specialised substrate with sand? Or should I stick with the latter only.

Not my preference, since it will get a grainy texture to the substrate due to colour difference and will steal the looks. Keep the substrate clean and uniform so that the plants and fish grab all the attention. I did the mistake of mixing Amazonia with dark gravel and hated the spotted looks.

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by anoop.u

Thanks a ton guys for all the recommendations. Based on this, I have finalized on the following my first planted setup:

1. Tank

I will be going for 80cm(l) x 50cm(w) x 50cm(h) tank (approx. 200L) with 8mm glass (not acrylic) locally assembled. Have dropped the idea of a top cover for now.
Questions:
a. The tank will be placed within a wall shelf with around 10cm gap on the left, right and 15cm gap at the top, back. Is this fine?

2. Fish

As suggested by audioholic and deathwalkr I will be starting out with tetras. A couple of months down the line, I shall be looking to add more varieties to the tank.
PS: I might also get a couple of guppies to go with the tetras. Depending on what is available at the local pet store.
Questions:
a. Any pointers for algae eaters? Are shrimps/snails available at local pet shops?
b. How many tetras can I start out with? Assuming I will be adding 3-5 new fishes to the tank 6 months down the line.

3. Lighting

Have decided to buy this 27W LED light (US$30) which should be sufficient for a tank of this size. Description mentions that it should be fine for tanks of 60-90cm length. Plus it comes with adjustable brackets so it should be a perfect match for a 80cm long tank.
Questions:
a. Any advantage in having a blue + white LED color combination? Is it purely for aesthetic aspects?

4. Filter

I have shortlisted SunSun HW - 302 External filter which has a capacity of 300L (tank is 200L) as suggested by shashank.nk . This filter will require bio-media, activated carbon, ceramic rings which are to be bought separately.
a. Any suggestions for the bio-media, activated carbon and ceramic rings?
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

5. Heater

Skipping this as suggested by audioholic and ritz3645.

6. Feeder

Will be going for an automatic feeder for the days when we are out of town. Yet to decide on the model.

7. Plants & Substrate

Big shout out to deathwalkr for pointing me towards sreepadma.com . They are located within an hours drive from my home in Cochin.
Shall be starting out with Cryptocoryne Parva. Will decide on other varieties while buying.
As for the substrate, will be going for a specialised one like ADA Amazonia mixed with sand.
Questions:
a. Can I mix the specialised substrate with sand? Or should I stick with the latter only.

8. Cycling the tank & Introducing the fish:

I am still reading up on this and will get back to you with questions once I have a better understanding of things.


Apologies for bugging you guys with all these questions on a Monday morning. I believe in doing things right the first time around, which makes it imperative that I consider all options before making the plunge.

I will start procuring the items this week onwards starting with the tank. Shall get back with pictures once the tank is ready (might take a month or two as some of the items will be procured from aliexpress).

Further suggestions are always welcome.

Regards,
Anoop

1) Tank dimensions look good. Placing it in a shelf could prove to be a pain when you have to do maintenance. Think about that. How will the hoses from the filter be fixed?

2) Stick with Tetras, Corydoras, A bristlenose pleco or a few otos for your algae control. Shrimps if available.

Remember in a planted tank, the fishes are secondary. Plants must be king Don't add too many fishes.

3) For lighting, i reckon for plants, you would need lights in the 6k-8k spectrum. SunSun has a few lights specifically for planted tanks.

4) HW-302 is ok. Skip the carbon. Get more bio media in there. Seachem matrix is one of the best.

6) Fishes can survive without food for many days at end. Overfeeding is more dangerous. Never used an automatic feeder so i leave the choice to you.

7) Glad. I regularly buy from him [Vincent] and has always been prompt and professional.

Check out JBL sand series as well. Could mix a few of their substrates. Or ADA. They have a site based out of Bangalore. Bought river gravel from them a year back.

8) Cycling is key and even more in a planted tank. You need the plants to settle in and the beneficial bacteria to start building up before you add your actual fishes. Could also try products like quick start or filter start from seachem, API etc to fast forward the process.

Advice you to buy Seachem Prime. Best water conditioners around.

Remember for plants, it is substrate, light and co2. in no particular order.

Have fun.

[wildsdi5530]

Always better to go for a top cover. 3 advantages -
1. Fish will jump. A cover will prevent loss of precious pet.
2. Water evaporation. you have a top area of 4000 sqcm of agitated water.
3. Contamination. house dust, spills, etc.

[anoop.u]

Dear All,


Thank you for all your valuable suggestions.



My tank is now up and running with the cycling process going on (3 weeks complete).



Shall post a detailed review once fully cycled and i have introduced the fish.


Regards,
Anoop

[ritz3645]

Here is an update of my feed and forget it, sand planted Tank. 10w led morning to evening, without pump / filter / artificial CO2 / Fertilizer / test strips or any liquid, just 75% overnight kept water used to change every weekend. 20G with four Angels, four Neon Tetra & a Plecostomus.

[W.A.G.7]

My goldfish tank of 75 lts has a single goldfish in it. Suddenly since yesterday the water has turned murky and there is soapy foam floating on top. The fish also is swimming slowly and not really eating like normal. I have stopped feeding him temporarily.

Today morning I changed 50% of the water, but when I checked just now the foam has again appeared on the top. What's the cause of this foam? Is the fish on it's last legs and releasing something that is causing the water to be murky?

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

My goldfish tank of 75 lts has a single goldfish in it. Suddenly since yesterday the water has turned murky and there is soapy foam floating on top. The fish also is swimming slowly and not really eating like normal. I have stopped feeding him temporarily.

Today morning I changed 50% of the water, but when I checked just now the foam has again appeared on the top. What's the cause of this foam? Is the fish on it's last legs and releasing something that is causing the water to be murky?

Bad water conditions lead to foam. Deadly for fish [obviously].

What is your usual water change schedule and what filtration do you have?

What is your feeding pattern?

And if the source water itself is bad, then you might want to get some water treatment pre/post using it for the fish tank.

[W.A.G.7]

Originally Posted by deathwalkr

Bad water conditions lead to foam. Deadly for fish [obviously].

What is your usual water change schedule and what filtration do you have?

What is your feeding pattern?

And if the source water itself is bad, then you might want to get some water treatment pre/post using it for the fish tank.

I change 1/3rd of the water every week. The 75 ltr tank came with an inbuilt filtration system and light. But when this soapy water came up, i immediately changed 50% of the water. Just now when I checked, the foam has reduced a lot. Also, the fish is now swimming in the tank, albeit slowly.

I generally feed him 15-20 dry pellets, soaked in water for a few minutes. I feed him only once a day, so I am pretty sure he has not over-eaten.

Regarding the water - I take the tap water, and add the de-chlorinator + anti-ich and rest it for a day before using it in the tank.