New Aquarium

Did I mention my aquarist side....(BKA)



Laimosemion (Rivulus) xiphidius

 

That was just one of a great many over the years from a small boy of 10 until today hahaha a member of various clubs and international associations throughout the years I have carried a wealth of info writing in various journals..I specialise (not so much these days) in Killifish at my peak I had 100+ tanks in my garden shed lol
Just ask a question and I'll do my best to answer bearing in mind there are no experts we are always learning...Regards C

 

I have always been an advocate of Rainwater and i use slimline butts in the garage just for waterchanges..
I have found a permutation that works for me almost every time. basically its 2 parts rain to one municipal tap water...with added peat extract...(you will be able to find your own by conducting experiments and testing) dont use test strips they are useless. and ensure this replacement water remains stable. (without buffers).
What size is your tank?
What fish are you planning to keep??? (to assertain water type etc)

 

Ok no worries buddy.
There are many ways of lowering your pH levels slightly..what is it sitting at
If your on a budget I would get hold of a small bag of peat moss or Indian Almond Leaves...soak it for a time to rid some of the tannins place in a stocking and put this into your filter I use different methods but may be a little long drawn out for you.
Alternatively try your local aquarist shop ..if they keep marines they will probably sell Reverse Osmosis water...could mix this with your tap to a permutation that suits.....
once settled over a period of around 2-3 weeks usually you can begin to add fish
but acclimatise these to your water very very slowly. most people loose fish at this stage and start to complain.
I use a bucket and place my acquired fish into this then with a length of ordinary airline and a plastic clamp I syphon water from my tank into the bucket drip by drip...over a period of many hours..dont just throw fish straight into your tank they will die for sure especially tetras. this will make it easier for them to adjust...keep the bucket covered incase of jumpers.....if the bucket fills too much scoop some out and discard.....add your fish and top up your tank with same water quality....always try to prepare your water in advance even if its only a 10 liter bucket...remove 10 litres per week and replenish...never totally break down a tank or the filters..if cleaning filters do so with tank water..hope this helps a little

 

Whatever floats your boat so long as you dont stress them and aclimatise them very slowly.
A good community tank to me you need to fill all the water levels..top, middle and bottom...shoaling fish work best and fish that get along preferably within the same water parameters...not sure of your size of tank but here is a wee list for the basis of a peaceful theraputic tank
I wont go into the latin names.
Top
Danios or Marbled Hatchetfish
Middle
Cardinals and Black Phantom Tetra shoals
Bottom
Small species Corydoras catfish again they do better in groups
Ottocinclus (sml)

Steer clear of boisterious and problematic species it upsets the balance.
Regards
C

Some old Community shots

 

Not the best for practicality (I make my own tanks for the fish house) but this Fluval makes a nice display for the hallway....Note the Tesco's cat litter as a substrata for the live plants

 

Can be....use live floating plants (Salvinia natans) as a deterant

 

Tescos brand unscented and dust free
Takes a little washing I must admit but its excellent.
This is just a top dressing ofcourse below is a layer of unwashed fine gravel mixed with natural compost with no fertiliser added.
This makes a good rooting medium for aquatic plants...but do not add fish until water parameters settle
They have changed the bag design since then but the products the same, cheap as chips and it looks natural too