Snippets

I've got an ongoing thread on the Aquarium Advice Planted Tank forum.

Link here.

Meanwhile, here are a few paragraphs from my mentor, Rivercats.

Glad I can help! Most people use Miracle Grow Organic Potting Soil. I use Just Natural Organic Potting Soil from Lowes that I have used in my ponds for years. You have to get what is available in your area. I know the Miracle Grow Organic Potting Soil doesn't leech tannins as badly as mine does. Mind you they still leech but IMO it's not that bad. I do a 1-1/2" of organic soil to 1-1/2 inches of Eco-complete. Be sure to get Potting "Soil" not Potting Mix. The Mix has inorganic material in it you don't want in your tank. Oh a slightly different note check out my newest tank pic's on the 2nd link below the post.

You could do the apisto pair in the 29g and with the stock in the 55g you could easily add a pair of rams.


Another article:

South American Dwarf Cichlids on the other hand, prefer a lower water pH.
This setup is favorable for most plant life. The recommended plants are as follows; Hygrophila, Vallisneria, Echinodorus (Amazon Swords), Cryptocorynes, Rotella, Jave Ferns, Anubias, Java Moss, Xmas Moss and Lotus plants.

Use plants and driftwood to create natural barriers in the tank...this will help the fish establish territories and will prohibit one of them from taking over a large portion of the tank.
If you plan on keeping two species in a medium size tank (30-40 gallon), look for species that do not prefer the same spawning locations. For example: If you choose two cave spawning species, squables and territorial fights may occur.


To sum up what's going through my head right now, I've been asking about stocking the 29. Well, actually, the thread started with me asking about substrate. I read about fluorite black sand, but ended up talking with Rivercats about this organic soil capped with Eco Complete idea. I think it's brilliant. It'll save me a bundle, too, as Eco Complete costs a fortune.

Then the thread evolved into stocking questions. I wondered about angels and rams. I've gotten mixed answers. So I think I'm going to go with it. Just give it a shot. Ideally, they'll inhabit the upper regions of the tank. That leaves space at the bottom for apistos. A pair or a trio.

Meanwhile, Rivercats also suggested putting rams in the 55 gallon. I hadn't even considered that! Rams like a well-established tank, and they do well in a community setup. Mine is 10 years old. My water is pristine. There's literally nothing in it. My plants are huge. The only thing I'd need to add would be more driftwood and rocks. Flat ones. Initially I thought the skirts would have to go downstairs but I think I can keep them where they are. I'd only be adding two more fish to the tank. I'm still planning on rehoming the white skirts, if I can, and maybe the black ones too. So two gone, two added.

My head is spinning. I've been on the forums for hours and hours.