Argentis

I'll consider the Excel, but that's why I got to wondering about the DIY, since that seems cheaper than the Excel. It appears, like most things, there's more here than it seems. Ah well, a bit of algae wouldn't be such a bad thing, at least it'd keep the BN pleco busy :P. Argentis

That's what I have so far. A bunch of crypts, java fern, a couple sword plants. I just thought if the CO2 would help, the DIY setup looks pretty simple and easy to set up.

Hi guys, I'm getting itno this planted tank thing, but I was wondering how neccessary CO2 is? I'm seeing a wide range of opinions from "you *need* it" to "don't bother", and just about everything in between. It seems, after some research, that I could manage a DIY CO2 system using a 2L pop bottle, but with 0.75 WPG, is it worth it? Thoughts? Thanks, Argentis

Good to know. Thanks for the info. Argentis

Hi guys, I managed to find some zebra loaches in town :thumbs: . They seem pretty nervous in the quarantine tank, running all over the place. I've got a few hiding spots in there, and they are checking out the area by the filter where there might be a bit of a gap. My wife reported that after the lights went out, she heard some splashing last night. Are these guys jumpers, or jsut nervous in the new tank, and will calm down at some point? Any and all help/advice welcome. For now, I have covered the holes in the lid (I hope). Anyone know where to get a large block of foam that I can trim to block the gaps in the lid on a more permanent basis? Thanks, Argentis

I picked up a bunch of plants, and had a good time even though I had to leave early. Hopefully I can meet a few of you guys at the next one, or at a CAS meeting. Argentis

Thanks for the replies guys. Well, a little natural population control wouldn't be such a bad thing, since I have swordtails in my tank, and no real desire to keep the fry. What do the zebra and dwarf loaches usually go for in Calgary? And does anyone in Calgary breed either?

I'll be there. Been looking forward to it for awhile .

Well, I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for the loaches then. I don't have anywhere else for a puffer if he isn't a team-player.

I thought puffers need a brackish tank to thrive. Are there some true freshwater species? If so, that might be a neat addition.

Anyone in Calgary know where I can find these guys? Also would they possibly be at the CAS auction in a couple weeks?

Well, looks like the zebra loaches would be a good fit for my tank. Are these guys seen at the CAS auction at all? If not, which Calgary LFS stock them? Thanks, Argentis

Hi guys, I'm getting into the plant thing, and I was wondering what low light plants are usually seen at the CAS auctions? I'm planning on going, and I'm not sure what is commonly seen at these events, since it's my first one. The only things for sure I want are some java moss, and a few more java ferns. Beyond that, I'm not too sure. I've heard that valisneria does well, and the anubia sp., but I'm suffering from some major information overload looking at the plant sites.

Hi guys, I've got a 20g tank that I'm getting stocked, and I got some snails in my latest batch of plants. I was planning on cory cats for bottom dwellers, but now, I'm wondering if loaches might work. Are there any species that stay small and not spend the majority of their time burried in the substrate? If loaches won't work, are there any other small species that eat snails? Thanks, Argentis

Thanks for the reply NatureNut. That's the sort of info I'm looking for in this topic. I've done a bit of browsing on this and other forums, and it seemed to me that plants can't be kept unless you have 2+ watts per gallon for light, using an extensive fertilizer regime, and CO2. I'm not sure if I have a green thumb or not, and wouldn't mind finding out. I'll have a go with some low light plants, and see how that goes.

Jason, I can see where you're coming from, but I don't have an extra $250-350 right now. I also don't have the space for a 4' tank right now. I appreciate your enthusiasm about plants, but I guess that's what I'm trying to find out if I like plants before I go and shell out a bunch of cash.

Thanks for the replies guys. Now I've got some stuff to go through. With this tank, I don't know if I'll be upgrading anything, but I'm looking to get my 60g tank repaired and another 75g+ tank in the next year or two. I've gotten to thinking, what is the "path" of upgrades with plants? I've read that you don't have to worry about CO2 until you get more lighting. Where does fertilizer fit into this? I can see the trace elements being useful, since the plants may not get some of that stuff otherwise. But, it it a waste unless you're using a regular fertilizer? My tank is going to be well stocked with fish, when I have them all in there, so I think I'll have the major plant food covered.

Hi guys, I'm curious about live plants. I've been keeping fish off and on for 10+ years, and would like to try them out. In the past, I've kept large cichlids (oscar & friends), so live plants weren't really something I thought about, since I assumed they'd become the salad bar. Now, I'm restarting with a more peaceful setup, and want to see if I can keep a few plants. I have a few java ferns, and some watersprite in my tank right now, that seem to be doing ok, but it's only been about a week. Now, can I add a few more java ferns, some moss, and some other low light species to my tank without too much trouble? I have a 20g tank with the standard 15w bulb (I think it's a power glo, but can't remember for sure). What other plants will do well in my tank without more light CO2, etc. I don't mind investing some cash later on if this goes ok, but right now, I don't have too much money to sink into this. Also, I'm going to the March 9th auction, are there any plant species I should keep an eye out for? Thanks in advance, Argentis Edit: Are there any "Plants for dummies" books or websites out there? Most of the sites I see seem to be pretty advanced and technical.

Thanks Poobah, but I'm looking for something a bit smaller than a BN. I understand the clowns only get to 3-4", while the BN usually gets to around 6". I'd gladly get a BN if it doesn't make that much difference, but I'd prefer the smaller species if possible.

Hi guys, I was wondering if I could get some help/ideas on other dwarf pleco species that are about the same size as a clown pleco? They seem to be harder to find than I thought. I'm in Calgary btw. Thanks, Argentis

Sounds good.

Thanks guys, I do realize that I'll have to subsidize the pleco's diet. I've already got some algae tabs, and there are a bunch of veggies in the fridge downstairs for some variety . Edit: I just thought I'd check, since I have heard that some fish need a mature tank, and I just wanted to make sure that none of the fish I'm adding fall into that category.

Hi, I've got a stocking list figured out for my 20g as per my thread in the bottom dweller's sub forum, and it is: 6 Dwarf Cory Cats 1 Clown Pleco 6 Dwarf rainbowfish 4 Swordtails (already in the tank) Now, do I need to worry about what order I add these guys? Or can I just add 1 group as I find them. If it comes down to whatever I find first at the LFS, it will probably be either the rainbows or the pleco. Any issues with this? PS: The fish in question will of course be quarantined first.

Well, I checked their site, and the price does look good, but we don't have one here in Calgary (as far as I know), and bogwood is one thing, I'd like to see before I buy it, just so I get the right shape.

Almost a step ahead of you guys :P. I'm hoping to find some bogwood this weekend.