Suggestions for a 10G tank

[JG]

I have a 10G lying around and was looking for some suggestions on what to put in it.

 

[Jayhawk]

Tanganyikan dwarf shell dwellers are great for a 10 gallon. You could get a pair of Neolamprologus brevis or 4 N. similis or N. multifasciatus.

Eric

 

[JG]

I was thinking more along the lines of a SA or WA species.

 

[Jayhawk]

I've not kept SA or WA in a 10. I know it's possible - from what I've heard from others A. borelli likely would work well.

Eric

 

[cootwarm]

Most apistos would do fine in a 10 gallon as a pair. It's best to start with young ones. I like to start with 2 or 3 pair of juvies and let them pair off naturally. You can always sell the extra pairs afterwards.

I currently have 2 pair of adult wild caught cacatuoides on a 10 gallon. There is no trouble until they spawn, but it's suprisingly mild. Only 1 pair spawn though. I've got another 10 gallon that I'll be setting up tomorrow so both pair have their own 10 gallon.

Other apistos I've spawned in 10 gallon tanks are: borellii, trifasciata, Maulbruter, cacatuoides OF & TR, and viejita.

I also have 2 pair of Fresa in a 10 gallon, but I haven't spawned them yet. Also tomorrow I'll be setting up a 10 gallon so each pair of Fresa also have their own tank. After that I'll be lowering the pH over a couple weeks so they can spawn. I think they'll do fine.

Michael

 

[JG]

How do you lower the pH? Do you use chemicals, pH, CO2, etc.?

 

[cootwarm]

Hi JazzyB,

I only use peat water to lower my pH. My tap water is already fairly soft so peat water is very effective. My tap water is pH 7.5; GH8; and KH5. I put a 5 gallon bucket of peat moss into a 30 gallon plastic barrel then fill it with dechlorinated tap water and airate it for a few days then skim the peat moss off the top. At this point my pH is 4.5; GH4; and KH2. If I want the hardness even lower, I'll probably need to use RO water instead of tap water.

There is some tiny peat particles in it for a few days and the water is slightly tinted. The filter removes this, but if you prefer, you can strain it through some cheese cloth to remove suspended particles, as some will settle on plants and things. I don't bother, it's not too bad. I just 'dust' things off when it settles.

I don't use any chemicals (other than dechlor) to adjust the water. I've read that they aren't stable, that they are hard to keep on target levels. Also some chemicals will throw off other parameters, like increase the hardness etc. while lowering the pH for example. I'd just assume stay away from chemicals and stick to natural methods whenever possible. Besides I think natural methods are healthier for the fish.

I don't use CO2 because it's not neccessary for the plants that I keep (Java Moss, Java Ferns, Amazon Swords, Hornwort, etc.) But I hope to learn more about it soon and give it a try.

Michael

 

[JG]

That's interesting. I never thought of using the method you use with the peat. I currently have peat plates under my substrate and have inserted peat into the filter media. I'll have to try the method you used to see what luck I have with that. Do you have to do this when performing a water change, etc.?

What type of peat do you use? I've only used Hagen's peat plates and their peat media that is for their fluvals. I've read that peat from some of the local garden centres could be used but am a bit wary of doing so. Any thoughts on that?

BTW, if a moderator is reading this -- I was wondering why I don't receive email notifications that a reply has been included on this thread? The "notify me when a reply is posted" is always selected and is in my profile as well. It would definitely help.

JazzyB 8)

 

[aspen]

peat plates are a very expensive way to use peat. i buy a bale from the garden centre and use it as necessary. doing a google search, or a search on this forum for peat will produce many options for the way people use this stuff. experiment with small amounts till you are happy with a method that suits you. it can be very messy.

sorry i can't help you with the e-mail notification. send a message to gary after you've checked your profile that the correct boxes are checked and the e-mail address is correct.

rick

 

[cootwarm]

Hi JazzyB,

I use pure canadian peat moss. Be sure the label says pure. I do small water changes every few days with 100% peat water until the parameters reach the level I want. After that I mix aged and dechlorinated tap water with the peat water so that it matches my tank water so I can do water changes without changing my pH and hardness values. Usually, very little tap water is needed in the mix. I kept my viejita at 4.5 pH and they loved it. This made it easy. 100% peat water all the time.

Michael

 

[JG]

peat plates are a very expensive way to use peat. i buy a bale from the garden centre and use it as necessary. doing a google search, or a search on this forum for peat will produce many options for the way people use this stuff. experiment with small amounts till you are happy with a method that suits you. it can be very messy.

rick

I agree peat plates are too expensive. What brand of peat do you buy at the garden centre? Do you include it in the fitler via a media bag (pantyhose)?