Drew's_Fish_99
02-04-2017, 06:06 AM
Hi everyone!
Some might remember me, many likely do not. But I was rather active on here and in the hobby over a year ago, probably close to two. But I had to set anything that wasn't a top priority aside for awhile. Now... although I'm still busy and will be busier come august when I finish high school and start a career, to remain sane I need to return to one of my favorite hobbies.
I'm ready to get my 37 gallon setup again. Unfortunately I have forgotten much of what I had learned about plants and etc. So I need some advice.
I would like to make this tank a heavy planted peaceful community tank with sand substrate, grey stones (seiryu likely) and manzanita driftwood.
Something like this without the valley in the center is the loon I'm going for. 50456
I really want to avoid the more intricate stuff like co2 systems and dirt/soil substrate, but have no issue dosing whatever ferts or supplements I need to. My lighting is currently considered low. Fixture is the "Current Satellite Freshwater LED+" and tank is about 20 inches substrate to light and from what I can find online, my PAR is around 23-25. I'm taking all of this into account when choosing my plants. I am planning to purchase a second LED+ fixture, but at the time I don't feel comfortable spending the $$. Later this year I'll be in a better position to do so.
On to the plants... Definitely doing java fern, anubias nana and crypt wendtii. Other plants I have considered on the premise I have read they do well in lowlight and I like them aesthetically (if anyone has any other suggestions that you believe would work and give me the look I'm going for, please suggest!) are as follows... Crypt undulata, crypt pontederiifolia, rotala rotundifolia (who names these?!?), monosolenium tenerum, bacopa caroliniana, african water fern, and I would love sunset hygrophila polysperma, but I've read it's illegal and have seen that it's hard to find. I believe my LFS has some in their tanks that they don't "sell" of advertise, but it's been over a year since I saw it and I never confirmed that was it. I'll have to call tomorrow and ask. If anyone has any negative experiences with these plants or for some reason or another recommend for or against, I would love to hear your opinion!
As far as stocking on this tank, red cherry shrimp colony and a oto catfish school are a must! Some sort of tetra or rasbora school is also the plan, 15-20 Rummynose, harlequins or bloodfins. I'm undecided. Also would like to do a (small but larger than the schooling fish) centerpiece fish. Considering a couple Gourami's or a Betta. I know bettas can be hit or miss but I'm willing to try. I'm also reading conflicting opinions on gourami's. Pearl or dwarf are the ones I'm looking at, but I've read dwarfs are hard to keep alive and pearls are either the most peaceful fish ever or absolute serial killers. Opinions appreciated!!!
That's all I can think of for now... I'll be making a journal soon! Thanks for all advice a head of time!
Some might remember me, many likely do not. But I was rather active on here and in the hobby over a year ago, probably close to two. But I had to set anything that wasn't a top priority aside for awhile. Now... although I'm still busy and will be busier come august when I finish high school and start a career, to remain sane I need to return to one of my favorite hobbies.
I'm ready to get my 37 gallon setup again. Unfortunately I have forgotten much of what I had learned about plants and etc. So I need some advice.
I would like to make this tank a heavy planted peaceful community tank with sand substrate, grey stones (seiryu likely) and manzanita driftwood.
Something like this without the valley in the center is the loon I'm going for. 50456
I really want to avoid the more intricate stuff like co2 systems and dirt/soil substrate, but have no issue dosing whatever ferts or supplements I need to. My lighting is currently considered low. Fixture is the "Current Satellite Freshwater LED+" and tank is about 20 inches substrate to light and from what I can find online, my PAR is around 23-25. I'm taking all of this into account when choosing my plants. I am planning to purchase a second LED+ fixture, but at the time I don't feel comfortable spending the $$. Later this year I'll be in a better position to do so.
On to the plants... Definitely doing java fern, anubias nana and crypt wendtii. Other plants I have considered on the premise I have read they do well in lowlight and I like them aesthetically (if anyone has any other suggestions that you believe would work and give me the look I'm going for, please suggest!) are as follows... Crypt undulata, crypt pontederiifolia, rotala rotundifolia (who names these?!?), monosolenium tenerum, bacopa caroliniana, african water fern, and I would love sunset hygrophila polysperma, but I've read it's illegal and have seen that it's hard to find. I believe my LFS has some in their tanks that they don't "sell" of advertise, but it's been over a year since I saw it and I never confirmed that was it. I'll have to call tomorrow and ask. If anyone has any negative experiences with these plants or for some reason or another recommend for or against, I would love to hear your opinion!
As far as stocking on this tank, red cherry shrimp colony and a oto catfish school are a must! Some sort of tetra or rasbora school is also the plan, 15-20 Rummynose, harlequins or bloodfins. I'm undecided. Also would like to do a (small but larger than the schooling fish) centerpiece fish. Considering a couple Gourami's or a Betta. I know bettas can be hit or miss but I'm willing to try. I'm also reading conflicting opinions on gourami's. Pearl or dwarf are the ones I'm looking at, but I've read dwarfs are hard to keep alive and pearls are either the most peaceful fish ever or absolute serial killers. Opinions appreciated!!!
That's all I can think of for now... I'll be making a journal soon! Thanks for all advice a head of time!