10G Setup

[spudbuds]

Well, a guy at work had an extra 10g tank that he wasn't using, so he gave it to me. I wasn't planning on setting up another tank already, but how could I turn down a tank (no matter how small). Anyway, I went to start setting it up tonight (after an unexpectedly expensive trip to PetSmart for supplies) and I notice it's got some chips in the glass, a scratch on one side and when I was testing it for leaks, the black plastic on the bottom fell off. Nice! So now I've spent a bunch of money on supplies (most of which are already opened) for a tank I wasn't planning on. Lesson learned - check a used tank before you buy anything else! Anyway, tomorrow I'll go get a new tank so I can use all the supplies I can't return. What a great hobby!

I'm thinking of trying a planted tank this time. I was looking at this set of plants to start. [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] I still have some research to do on these, but is there anything in there I shouldn't get without also upgrading my lighting and using CO2? I'm looking for the nice planted look without all the extra work of some of the higher maintance plants (yet). Are there some really easy no brainer plants that are not included that I should consider (I'll be checking out the sticky in the plant forum)?

Next decision is stocking. My 55g is getting a bit full, so I'm thinking of off loading it a bit and maybe making room for a larger centerpiece fish. So, I'm currently thinking about moving the 6 glofish and maybe the 2 platies over and then getting some red cherry shrimp for the bottom. That would be a bit overstocked, but I'll have good filtration, water change schedule, and some plants. I got an AC50 for filtration and I'll do my normal 70%+ water changes weekly. Thoughts?

I finally found some ammonia at an Ace Hardware store, so I'll be doing a fishless cycle.

Comments, ideas, or suggestions are always welcome.
- Bill

[stunner]

Amazon swords and java moss are easy to grow and don't need hi-tech stuff. But the amazon sword plants will get WAY too big for a 10 gallon if that's the size tank you'll be buying. Also if it is a 10 gallon you're getting, the goldfish would overstock it but maybe with your water change schedule you could get away with it...I'm not sure. I would be leery of this, but that's just me.

[Rue]

Well, you're lucky in one way...even if you have to replace the tank itself...it's the cheapest component! :c7:

Your stocking sounds fine...

[squirt_12]

i would say that the stocking is alright...just keep up the water changes.

THe easiest plant IMO is Red Ludwiga. I have had it for a while and it is VERY easy to grow.

[spudbuds]

Amazon swords and java moss are easy to grow and don't need hi-tech stuff. But the amazon sword plants will get WAY too big for a 10 gallon if that's the size tank you'll be buying. Also if it is a 10 gallon you're getting, the goldfish would overstock it but maybe with your water change schedule you could get away with it...I'm not sure. I would be leery of this, but that's just me.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. BTW, they are glofish (genetically modified zebra danios) that I'm putting in, not goldfish. 6 goldfish in a 10g would be a disaster.

I was thinking of adding some java moss and maybe some red ludwiga, but I have more research to do.

I did some research on that package of plants and I have a few questions. I've found some info that make be question why they put a couple of these plants in their low requirements package. I don't really want to buy plants if I know I can't care for them yet.

The info I found on blood stargrass indicate it's a high light plant. Has anyone had this before?

Red-spot ozelot sword seems to need a nutrient rich substrate which doesn't really describe my gravel. True?

Ambulia seems to need good light and a nutrient rich substrate. Again, not what I'm providing. Any thoughts?

Again, thanks for the input.
- Bill

[hpt84]

java fern is also a low maintance plant. Just attach it to a rock or driftwood. Doesn't require strong light.