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Re: small plant tank inhabitants? and heating?
> I'm going to look at very small filters this weekend. This tank has >a
>little UGF with it, but I don't want to use that. I'm thining sponge >filter
>may be about my only option.
If you don't have a lot of fish in it you can probably do OK with no
filter. Just use an airstone to provide some water movement. This works for
me with some *heavily* planted 20 gallon tanks that have low fish loads.
> My biggest question is: How do I heat this thing??? The hood fits
>"seamlessly" so I can't use the heater I have which hangs on the back of a
>tank from a clamp. Heating ideas please?
Well, you might not need a heater if the space around your tank won't ever
get so cold as to cause problems. I have had good luck with the little
Hagen submersible 25 watt heaters for small tanks (they are OK on really
small tanks too -- they just won't stay on long when they cycle before
clicking off again). They have a "Thermal Compact" heater that is 6" long
that I use in 2.5 gallon tanks. It has a really good thermostat too, very
sensitive and easy to set and holds a tight temp. I'd make a little notch
in the back of the hood on your tank to accomodate the cord. If it's just a
plastic hood you could use a file to cut the notch.
> My other question is inhabitants. Other than a beta, what might you >guys
>put in this mini planted tank? I thought of White Clouds if I can't heat >the
>tank, but they are rarely available here.
> I await suggestions.
Maybe Neon Tetras or one of the other permanently-small tetra varieties?
You'll probably want a shrimp or algae eater and a few snails to keep
things clean too.
-Bill
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Waveform Technology
UNIX Systems Administrator