[APD] Re: New Set Up

[Christine Bennett <christine_bennett at usa.net>]

Sounds like a great setup!  If you're worried about depth, try looking for a
'long' tank - for example I have a 25 gallon Long tank so it is shallower than
a normal tank but is 36" long (rather than the standard 30").  I would also
rethink the combination of angelfish and cardinals/neons.  Angels often eat
the small tetras in the wild, and while the angels may cause no harm while
small, they will quickly grow and become fiesty (especially when breeding). 
Angels are in the cichlid family remember.  However, this doesn't mean you are
limited to only blue rams however.  You could ditch the angels and keep the
cardinals, and mix with dwarf cichlids (I have Apistos, cardinals and a couple
of bristlenose plecos in my tank), I have seen Discus in planted tanks with
cardinals (although you would have to get a higher tank for these), there are
characins with larger bodies than the cardinals, or you could ditch the South
American biotope idea altogether and get rainbowfish, gouramis, whatever your
heart desires.  Although I don't follow this advice myself, it IS a lot easier
to pick your fish based on your tap water characteristics.  Also keep in mind
that plants will do a LOT better in harder water than in the softer, acidic
water that is normally kept for South American biotopes.  If you do go with
the S.A. biotope, try to use fish that have been captive-bred so they are used
to the harder water, it will make your life a lot easier.

Good luck and give us links to tank photos when you're finished!
Christine Bennett
christine_bennett at usa.net

> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 03:14:09 -0400
> From: "Robert Armas" <rarmas at bellsouth_net>
> Subject: [APD] New Set Up
> To: "Aquatic Plants List" <aquatic-plants at actwin_com>
> 
> In about two months, after moving by the end of August to the new home, I
will finally will fulfill my desire: to set up and mantain a planted tank.
> I need some advice and guidance.
> I will select something between 40 and 75 gallons, if the tank is too high,
I may consider removing the top frame, have it cut down to near 12 inches by a
glass cutter and putting back the top frame with silicone.
> I will use pressurized CO2 and reto-kits of CF light (sold by AH Supplies).
Filter will be canister, probably Eheim( the one with the heater included
inside).
> Now regarding the flora and fauna, I will like(does not mean I will get)a
South American biotope, heavy on the plants side and about 4 or 5 wild
peruvian angelfishes, a shoal of cardinal tetras or black neon tetras, a
couple of siamese alga eaters and a squadron of Cardinia or other specie of
shrimps that tolerate the low PH, low KH and high temp., and of course do a
decent job on the algae.
> Will the angels make a meal of the shrimps or they can coexist together?
> Will my only option as "prized fishes" be limited to blue rams only?
> What plants will you recommend for this tank?
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> Robert
> 



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