The Wild Fishing Forum

If doing planting and hardscape I would try to create three distinct areas with rocks, plants and wood separating them and smaller rocks and less planting in those area so the Rams, if the Rams pair up, there are distinct breeding areas for each pair. I would also go for a shoal of Tetra that are surface to mid water swimmers or the tank will seem empty. I have been watching this guy for a while and what he does is quite interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/@MDFishTanks

Thanks Jon, great advice there. It's 7 days until the tank is installed so be prepared for more questions. 

Quote from: Wildfisher on Today at 09:55:44 AMThanks Jon. Which vac. would you recommend?

I don't think it matters too much. You just want something to remove as much fish waste and uneaten food as possible. If you don't remove it you increase the risk of bacterial infections and pH crashes. Plus it looks unsightly.

Reading your other thread and understanding that you want Corydoras catfish and rams I would :-

First buy the master test kit I mentioned and measure the pH and hardness of your tap water so you understand what you're working with. If you have very hard alkaline water you'll need to also buy something to lower both.

Then measure again after you have treated with dechlorinator to see if it's made any difference.

Gravel isn't ideal for Corydoras as it can damage their barbels. I'd strongly recommend you use an inert sand. This will help with plant growth also.

Rams are small but they are still Cichlids so think 'territoriality'. When you grow on a group of youngsters you'll see them develop their own territories and if cared for they'll pair off and spawn. The parents may hassle the other fish to the point of death through stress so be prepared to remove the non mating fish.

If it were me I'd use a large piece or pieces of bogwood in the tank to add structure. I'd also tie plant species such as Anubias barteri, Java fern and Java moss to it with a low breaking strain fishing line of cotton. Over time these plants will attack themselves to the wood and give you a natural look.

Also ensure there are some caves in their for cover and spawning sites for the Cichlids. You can use anything, but there are some pretty good fake plastic rock like looking caves. The Cory's will also appreciate these. In fact both species will like the hiding places.

You could also plant a few hardy specie of plants such as the hardier Cryptocoryne species, Amazon swords and Egeria etc.

Maybe a biy of Amazon frogit too. An attractive floating plant species.

Position the hardscape (rocks and wood) BEFORE you fill with water as this will make your life so much easier!

Also consider a shoal of 'dither fish'. In the wild dwarf Cichlids are predated on and so can be very shy. When they see a shoal of tetras etc swimming nearby they presume there are no predators about and so feel safer. In the aquarium this means they'll be out more so you can view them more easier and as they're more relaxed you increase the chance of them spawning.

Plus the fact that a shoal of rummy nose or neon tetras will add colour and movement to your tank too.

Hope that all helps. 

Oh and I'd also add plant fertiliser. Nothing high tech just something with a low NPK dose. Some people think that uneaten fish food and fish waste will do. And whilst it's true this will supply some nutrients, you'll simply get way, way, way better plant growth and healthier looking specimens too.

Also make sure you don't buy any terrestrial plants craftily sold in the aquatics industry such as Draceana or Fittonia. These species will die and rot once submerged. But the industry relies on people replacing these plants sales wise...

Still have not decided whether to plant up the new tank or not. I'm way out of touch with species etc. Any tips for a variety of straightforward plants, best substrate etc?

Quote from: Fishtales on Today at 11:36:43 AMI have kept and bred the Acaras and I would only put two in that tank as they get big.

That was one reason I thought about Rams Sandy, they only grow to a couple of inches apparently.

I have kept and bred the Acaras and I would only put two in that tank as they get big. They also like to move gravel about so the plants need to be well rooted and robust, I used Crypts. They also like big blue head worms, or any when you can dig them up or find them under stones etc.

Quote from: Wildfisher on Today at 09:55:44 AMThanks Jon. Which vac. would you recommend?

Never used one and never seen the need unless you have an unplanted tank and then you might

Quote from: Wildfisher on Yesterday at 07:05:10 PMWhat on earth were you doing on an NC500 group?  Covert surveillance of the enemy?    

am in both the anti NC500 groups, and the ones offering advice to the N500 tourists. It all helps in trying to understand the mindset of visitors to the island. Also, piss taking opportunities abound.

Thanks Jon. Which vac. would you recommend?

I'm going to keep the stocking density low, to start with at least. Say 5 Rams, a few plecs and a few corys. That's not a lot for a 240ltr tank. Allows room for additions.

They say rams are not very long lived, 2 years or so, anyone know about this? Any recommendations?

Not sure whether to go for a planted tank or a wood/rock hardscape. In my Malawi days I dispensed with plants (the buggers ate / dug them up anyway)and created caves with flowerpots which the fish spawned in so they were happy! However this first 4 footer will be in my living room and I'd rather it did not look like shit! 

All hints welcome!