New tank scape design

[danielp]

I'm wanting to go in a direction I've never gone before.

I'm wanting to convert my 75 to a river estuary type design i guess is the best way to describe it.

I have 7 or 8 clown loaches that will be part of it.

I'm seeing a lot of cool pleco postings as well.

I haven't messed with any drift wood in years but know i'll need quite a bit for my new design.

What type of fish best work with something like this? I'm thinking different types of Tetras or such.

I do want some unique schooling fish with a few odd ball individual fish to break it up.

Bring on the suggestions.

[eklikewhoa]

I have a pair of hujeta pike if you're interested.


But to list some that would look nice
Rainbows
Neons
Hatchet fish

[mnemenoi]

Hmmm, if your going for a biotope set up... Malaysian driftwood, Some Filament/Roseline/flying barbs. Use some Crypts to accentuate the wood and they don't mind low light. Nandus and Chaka Catfish are both found in the same locations they are caught in. Honey Gouramis and Pearl Gourami are bothe caught nearby and some wild type Betta species are caught with them. Pikeheads are caught in their softer water areas, but are tough to keep in hard water tanks, so I'd avoid them. halfbeaks and some of the newer danios (Choprae) would look nice in the upper portions.

[troy tucker]

A school of Elephant Fish.
I really like the Red Piranha but I don't think you can have them here. I also like glass tetras.

[mnemenoi]

I also like glass tetras.

Very cool idea, maybe some Humphead Glassfish... They look interesting and are not seen in schools very often

[danielp]

Nice two hours after posting and some awesome suggestions have been made.

After being so involved with Tanganyikan's for so long i'm looking foward to stepping outside the box.

My 1st move is removing the sand and replacing it with Caribe sea Peace river or Amazon 1-3mm substrate.

Keep the suggestions rolling.

What's the best wood that won't give off tannins?

[mnemenoi]

I'd use Malaysian root wood as its specific to your tank theme, but Manzanita looks good as well. Tannins will always be an issue. Always use Purigen in your canisters and it will never be a problem. Just have another for swap out and recharging and you'll be set and never use the word tannin again. Magic little beans....

[danielp]

Tomorrow I'm going to City Pets for new substrate.

Where can I look for manzanita or Malaysian wood?

Anybody here have some they want to sell?

[armthehomeless]

Re: New tank scape design

I have a pair of hujeta pike if you're interested.


But to list some that would look nice
Rainbows
Neons
Hatchet fish

Mmmm... hatchet fish. Good idea.

Malaysian and manzanita have slightly different design aesthetics. I find manzanita to be more versatile.

[eklikewhoa]

Very cool idea, maybe some Humphead Glassfish... They look interesting and are not seen in schools very often

Having seen these in person... omfg! It would be beautiful!
First time seeing them was at Navarros place and it was beautiful

Mmmm... hatchet fish. Good idea.

Malaysian and manzanita have slightly different design aesthetics. I find manzanita to be more versatile.

I agree, manzanita is easier to work with.

[danielp]

Hatchet fish are a go.

Hump head glass fish. Very cool looking. Where do you find such a fish?

Will start looking for manzanita wood. I want to stage it like a tree branch with lots of limbs fell in the water.

[eklikewhoa]

I think I saw some of the hump heads at fish gallery

[mnemenoi]

Yeah, FG was the place I saw them at awhile ago. I'm sure you could talk to Don and see about getting some in. On the positive side, you'll be one of the few in town who has them....

For Manzanita, you could hit up HAW or ADG. I think they both have some in stock

[danielp]

I definately plan on stopping at FG today and talking with Don.

[danielp]

Fish gallery had 4 hump heads left. Unique looking for sure bigger than I imagined them to be.

Bought 4 Tapajos from Don instead. Will pick up some hatchet fish on Monday.

Want to add a few more Tapajos.

Found some really nice manzanita wood. Kind of pricey have to go back for it.

Switched my substrate out this afternoon. Need to clean my canister filter tomorrow.

What kind of schooling fish is going to work with the Tapajos?

Don had some Von rio tetras that ive always liked.