House-Warming gift to myself >.<

**Wiggs** · 11-13-2008, 03:58 AM

Well, I'm bored, just moved some more stuff into the condo so i figured I would type this up while i have the time :)

As a gift to myself(corny :P) I'm going to be setting up my first aquarium once i am moved in and get the money this week to go buy the stuff. I figure that its the perfect opportunity since I will be able to cycle the tank while I finish up the last small details of the move. (fishless cycle)

I will be getting a bigger tank then i would have been using before. It looks like it will be put together using a 40 gallon tank. I want to go with a community tank for my first for a few reasons.

1. I want something that is going to be simple yet pleasing to the eyes. I don't want to have to worry about anything being incompatible down the line and eating everything else in the tank.

2. I personally like the look of community tanks :P Watching the fish school is relaxing and I think it will make a good display in the new living room.

3. I've always loved how fish interact with others of their own species, as well as other species. This is why I chose to go with a bigger tank to support multiple schools of different species.

Now, for the juicy details.

I plan to use a sand substrate. I think it will be easier on the fish, as well as the plants I want to have in there. I also feel it has more aesthetic value then gravel (IMO). Lastly, I see it as being a bit easier to maintain assuming i take the time at first to properly clean it and make sure I get the smaller particles out that are more prone to clouding a tank and free-floating.

I want to have a large piece of driftwood as not only the centerpiece of the tank, but something to build off of with various plants. I want something that is going to resemble a cave, with a tall bow allowing fish to swim under and over it.

As for plants, this part is a bit up in the air as I haven't researched them as much as everything else. I know that I do want a few Java Ferns in there, but like I said I need to do a bit more research on the topic.

Now, as for the fish, here is my pending list. I chose these fish based on their compatibility, their schooling, as well as their hardiness. Please let me know if you feel there are changes to be made:

Neon Tetra 5-6
Zebra Danio 5-6
Cherry Barb 5-6
Panda Cory 4-5

Of course, I won't be adding them all at once, most likely one species a week as to allow the tank to adjust itself.

So, what do you all at AC think about this? I know it is my first tank, but I'm enjoying the research, planning, and the challenge of it all. I would greatly appreciate any info or advice you could give on this idea.

Thank you :) I'll be checking back in hopefully with a tank and such early next week.

**Sharkman** · 11-13-2008, 04:02 AM

that sounds great. Props to you for researching and not jumping right into this. It appears that you have the patience to succeed in this hobby. Your stocking looks spot on.

**Wiggs** · 11-13-2008, 04:04 AM

Originally Posted by Sharkman

that sounds great. Props to you for researching and not jumping right into this. It appears that you have the patience to succeed in this hobby. Your stocking looks spot on.

Thanks for the kind words :)

Us Eagles fans have to stick together these days.....

**terrapin24h** · 11-13-2008, 04:06 AM

that sounds good, but i think you could do a few more neons too. Also, consider some inverts for a nice slow moving different type of life. They're aren't for everyone but i fond them as soothing as the fish

--chris

**Wiggs** · 11-13-2008, 04:08 AM

Originally Posted by terrapin24h

that sounds good, but i think you could do a few more neons too. Also, consider some inverts for a nice slow moving different type of life. They're aren't for everyone but i fond them as soothing as the fish

--chris

I'll have to look into it :) Thanks for the info.

haven't heard of an "invert" is that a type of tetra? just trying to guess by how you worded the post.

**Gemini** · 11-13-2008, 04:24 AM

Inverts are invertebrates. Like shrimp.
Your stocking looks good to me too. I would maybe bump the corys to 6 as I have found with mine that the more there is the more active they are.
Good luck!! You should do well if your prepared to read before you start.

**teach** · 11-13-2008, 04:25 AM

Originally Posted by IRuncities

I'll have to look into it :) Thanks for the info.

haven't heard of an "invert" is that a type of tetra? just trying to guess by how you worded the post.

An invert is an invertrabret(i think i spelled that ok) things such as snails or shrimp. things without a backbone. Sorry gemini I didnt know you were writing too

**Wiggs** · 11-13-2008, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by mollielover

An invert is an invertrabret(i think i spelled that ok)

Originally Posted by Gemini

Inverts are invertebrates. Like shrimp.

>.< I knew that haha.

Thank you very much for the advice everyone. This is the first thing in my life i have ever had this type of patience with. although I must admit that I've had about enough reading already! I see it as the more I do now, the less I'll have to learn on the fly later when it could mean the fishes lives.

**Northernguy** · 11-13-2008, 04:43 AM

Great planning!

Nice to see someone doing all their homework first.

Just between you and me,women take a thousand times more patience!
Don't tell anybody shhhhhhhhhhhhh!