I am looking to re-do a tank that I've had for a while: an Oceanic 40g Cube (24"w x 20" front-to-back x 20" h).
Here's what I am looking at:
-- a Jewel Cichlid planted tank (riverine set up). I've only found 1 example so far.
-- a Killiefish approx. 40% planted tank:: 60% paludarium
Any advice or examples of each would be MUCH appreciated.
Background:
So far this tank has had 2 different set ups:
a) Anabantoid supporting / focus
b) Angelfish supporting / focus
'A' - the first - had lots of plants and wood.
'B' had mostly plants and some rocks.
Both times I experimented with:
i) creating mounds
ii) substrates (types and heating)
iii) viewing the tank from 3 of its 4 sides
iv) water conditions, ferts, and selection of plants
Substrates used were: 'A' = eco-complete and 'B' = AS Amazonia. 'iii' is a non-negotiable/must have for this tank since it sets helps to set off the dining room from the living room.
I felt the first - 'A' was most successful in 'iii' and 'iv', and least successful in 'i'. On the other hand 'B' was more successful in 'i' and equally successful in 'iii'. But I was not happy that I fought BBA (Black Beard Algae) the entire life of the tank, making its upkeep a chore instead of a given. And, I was less happy with the Angelfish as the living centerpiece of the tank than I was with the wood and plants with the various wild betta, gouramis, etc. of 'A'. The only problem with Anabantoids is that they like tannin water (making it trickier for the plant management, but fun).
Here's what I am looking at:
-- a Jewel Cichlid planted tank (riverine set up). I've only found 1 example so far.
-- a Killiefish approx. 40% planted tank:: 60% paludarium
Any advice or examples of each would be MUCH appreciated.
Background:
So far this tank has had 2 different set ups:
a) Anabantoid supporting / focus
b) Angelfish supporting / focus
'A' - the first - had lots of plants and wood.
'B' had mostly plants and some rocks.
Both times I experimented with:
i) creating mounds
ii) substrates (types and heating)
iii) viewing the tank from 3 of its 4 sides
iv) water conditions, ferts, and selection of plants
Substrates used were: 'A' = eco-complete and 'B' = AS Amazonia. 'iii' is a non-negotiable/must have for this tank since it sets helps to set off the dining room from the living room.
I felt the first - 'A' was most successful in 'iii' and 'iv', and least successful in 'i'. On the other hand 'B' was more successful in 'i' and equally successful in 'iii'. But I was not happy that I fought BBA (Black Beard Algae) the entire life of the tank, making its upkeep a chore instead of a given. And, I was less happy with the Angelfish as the living centerpiece of the tank than I was with the wood and plants with the various wild betta, gouramis, etc. of 'A'. The only problem with Anabantoids is that they like tannin water (making it trickier for the plant management, but fun).
You wouldn't happen to have front on pix as well would you?