Good Evening All
New to forum and to fish keeping.
Recently purchased 57L Fluval Flex for my office. Liked the filtration etc for beginner and, of course, the size to fit in the small office. I wonder if some of you experts can look at following for any problems I might face.
Tank size:
41cm wide x 39cm depth x 39 height = 57L
(I do think depth is shortened by 7-8cm for internal housing)
Water hardness in image below
Substrate:
Gravel - 3mm
Wood/rock: not purchased yet but probably seiryu or dragon. No idea on a piece of wood yet
Plants:
Anubias
Ludwigia Repens
Monte Carlo or Vallisneria
Stocking:
Bottom: Red Cherry Shrimp
Middle: 8-10 Ember Tetra or 8-10 Espei Rasbora
Top: 6-8 Clown Killifish
About 14-18 fish with some shrimp
I’ve got all the testing equip (API master test kit and GH/KH test) and tools, which are getting up to the cost of the tank . Will test water hardness later but hope it’s same as water company report above.
Any obvious mistakes?
Not purchased fish or plants as had a couple of questions:
1. is water soft enough for Clown Killifish? (If not will go with ember and Espei)
2. Trying to avoid CO2 so are plants able to survive without that and in gravel?
3. Will Monte Carlo grow? (Read it does grow but slowly)
Not starting to cycle until mid November and hoping to buy fish close to new year when on holiday.
Many thanks for your time and you’ve probably seen these questions a lot (sorry).
Cheers
Axe
New starter and tank
- fr499y
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Welcome to
Sand is always better if you haven’t got your substrate yet.
Plants will do fine without co2 but some might grow slower.
@black ghost @plankton @Vale! over to you!
Sand is always better if you haven’t got your substrate yet.
Plants will do fine without co2 but some might grow slower.
@black ghost @plankton @Vale! over to you!
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Welcome to the forum!
I'll be getting my Fluval Flex 57L cycled around the same time as you (maybe a little earlier). Sadly I do not have much advice to offer on the plants front yet, but will be trying some Monte Carlo under the same light. I'm expecting I might need to dose fertiliser or might try some EasyCarbo if it starts to get leggy...
I'll be getting my Fluval Flex 57L cycled around the same time as you (maybe a little earlier). Sadly I do not have much advice to offer on the plants front yet, but will be trying some Monte Carlo under the same light. I'm expecting I might need to dose fertiliser or might try some EasyCarbo if it starts to get leggy...
- black ghost
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With enough plants, but not too bright, it should be very nice for the killies.
You’re cycling it first, yes?
You’re cycling it first, yes?
I don't keep fish, I keep water. Water keeps fish.
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I like look of the Monte Carlo, just wasn’t sure how it would go. Any fertiliser brand you have in mind?BalloonMolly wrote: ↑Tue Oct 31, 2023 20:28 pm Welcome to the forum!
I'll be getting my Fluval Flex 57L cycled around the same time as you (maybe a little earlier). Sadly I do not have much advice to offer on the plants front yet, but will be trying some Monte Carlo under the same light. I'm expecting I might need to dose fertiliser or might try some EasyCarbo if it starts to get leggy...
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Yes, cycling starts mid November and hope to finish around end of Christmas. Plenty of time for beginner hopefully.black ghost wrote: ↑Tue Oct 31, 2023 20:33 pm With enough plants, but not too bright, it should be very nice for the killies.
You’re cycling it first, yes?
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Not specifically. I remember Seachem Flourish being recommended a few years back but there might be better alternatives now.Axeman wrote: ↑Tue Oct 31, 2023 21:33 pmI like look of the Monte Carlo, just wasn’t sure how it would go. Any fertiliser brand you have in mind?BalloonMolly wrote: ↑Tue Oct 31, 2023 20:28 pm Welcome to the forum!
I'll be getting my Fluval Flex 57L cycled around the same time as you (maybe a little earlier). Sadly I do not have much advice to offer on the plants front yet, but will be trying some Monte Carlo under the same light. I'm expecting I might need to dose fertiliser or might try some EasyCarbo if it starts to get leggy...
- black ghost
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I wouldn’t wait to start cycling. Every cycle is different and it can take a lot longer than expected.
I don't keep fish, I keep water. Water keeps fish.
- plankton
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Welcome to the forum.
Vallis will probably fill the tank, try something a bit smaller like saggitaria.
Be careful with sharp rock like dragonstone. Sand is the best substrate for most species.
I'm not sure about the amount of fish you want in what is basically a 15" cube.....I'd cut down on the number so there's only 12 fish in there with the shrimp.
As black ghost says, the killies won't want it too bright, you may need to look at floating plants, but don't choose duckweed - it's a nightmare!
Vallis will probably fill the tank, try something a bit smaller like saggitaria.
Be careful with sharp rock like dragonstone. Sand is the best substrate for most species.
I'm not sure about the amount of fish you want in what is basically a 15" cube.....I'd cut down on the number so there's only 12 fish in there with the shrimp.
As black ghost says, the killies won't want it too bright, you may need to look at floating plants, but don't choose duckweed - it's a nightmare!
If at first you don't succeed....
...get someone else to do it!
Enjoy your fish, shrimps and snails!
Ian
...get someone else to do it!
Enjoy your fish, shrimps and snails!
Ian
- fr499y
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Twisted vallis is a smaller version that works well.