I'm really distracted right now (my Marine son just got his first posting, to Iraq) and I'm probably looking for something to occupy me more than anything else. And I'd like to reduce the work & number of tanks/lives that are depending on me. Anyway, I know I'm not thinking totally clearly and I don't want to harm the fish in this tank, esp the Betta.
I have a 10 gallon low light, Excel tank sitting on my desk. I dose KNO3 and KH2PO4 a couple times a week, Excel and Seachems Flourish and Iron. It's got an Aqua Clear HOB filter, gravel, lots of misc plants. It's done well for a year, with a red Betta, 6 neons, a couple of surviving cories/algae eaters. It takes up more room than I'd like on my desk, and I'm seriously considering moving the betta to a 2 1/2 gallon tank (same 18 watt pc light). The other fish could go in my 46 gallon bowfront but the betta needs to either move to the 2 1/2 gallon or go to a friend of mine who might take him for her 10 gallon Mollie tank. (Would Black Mollies hassle a Betta?) I'd appreciate any comments on my plans.
I'd probably use laterite, or could I wash and reuse the gravel I have? I'd reuse the smallest plants (I don't remember the names but I have some sag and several foreground plants that have stayed small for a year.) Can I use the Aqua Clear I have or should I look for a nano filter? Or can I get away with nothing? I can reuse the filter media, of course. Is this light going to be too much? I suppose I can use a pc desk lamp, if I need to.
If I do this, I need to transfer everything at once, I don't have room/time/energy to cycle another tank. Is that possible, or should I call my friend and ask her to take the Betta?
I have a 10 gallon low light, Excel tank sitting on my desk. I dose KNO3 and KH2PO4 a couple times a week, Excel and Seachems Flourish and Iron. It's got an Aqua Clear HOB filter, gravel, lots of misc plants. It's done well for a year, with a red Betta, 6 neons, a couple of surviving cories/algae eaters. It takes up more room than I'd like on my desk, and I'm seriously considering moving the betta to a 2 1/2 gallon tank (same 18 watt pc light). The other fish could go in my 46 gallon bowfront but the betta needs to either move to the 2 1/2 gallon or go to a friend of mine who might take him for her 10 gallon Mollie tank. (Would Black Mollies hassle a Betta?) I'd appreciate any comments on my plans.
I'd probably use laterite, or could I wash and reuse the gravel I have? I'd reuse the smallest plants (I don't remember the names but I have some sag and several foreground plants that have stayed small for a year.) Can I use the Aqua Clear I have or should I look for a nano filter? Or can I get away with nothing? I can reuse the filter media, of course. Is this light going to be too much? I suppose I can use a pc desk lamp, if I need to.
If I do this, I need to transfer everything at once, I don't have room/time/energy to cycle another tank. Is that possible, or should I call my friend and ask her to take the Betta?