New starter and tank

[Axeman]

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!

I take it the water conditions (hardness) were fine for the Killies?

Many thanks again

[Axeman]

I wouldn’t wait to start cycling. Every cycle is different and it can take a lot longer than expected.

Sadly, currently decorating room so have to start in 2/3 weeks time.

[plankton]

I take it the water conditions (hardness) were fine for the Killies?

Many thanks again

I think it's at the absolute limit of hardness, but it could work as long as the killies you get aren't wild ones. Make sure you acclimatise them properly.

[Vale!]

[Just seen the 'mention'. Um ... am I meant to be doing something here? Help!]

[fr499y]

stocking advice lol

[Axeman]

Eventually finished the decorating (which ultimately turned into the whole house) so set up the tank at the weekend. Started the cycling on Sunday using your very handy guide (using Dr Tim’s ammonia and tetra aqua safe). Started testing today but no movement as of yet,

One quick question regarding water hardness. I tested my tap water before Christmas and the GH was coming out at 12 and KH 5. I’ve tested again over the last few days and it’s still saying 12 & 5(both tap and aquarium). Because this was very different to my water report which I put on the very first post of this thread, I decided to try a different test. Again, the API test came out at 12 (other tests using NT labs).

Is it common for water hardness to be different to your water report from the water company?

Thanks again for the help

[Martinspuddle]

Is it common for water hardness to be different to your water report from the water company?

...Nah, never, say the water companies.

God, I could tell you terrible facts about UK water suppliers, but I won't here. Just remember as far as their concerned the water supplied is for human consumption only.

[Axeman]

Is it common for water hardness to be different to your water report from the water company?

...Nah, never, say the water companies.

God, I could tell you terrible facts about UK water suppliers, but I won't here. Just remember as far as their concerned the water supplied is for human consumption only.

That’s more of a relief my testing isn’t faulty.

Hmm, best change the fish stock ideas then

[Martinspuddle]

Good Evening All

New to forum and to fish keeping.

Stocking:
Bottom: Red Cherry Shrimp
Middle: 8-10 Ember Tetra or 8-10 Espei Rasbora
Top: 6-8 Clown Killifish

Reading the start of this thread, I hadn't seen it and BTW ...Greetings & welcome to , I see your just starting out. Is the Fluval Flex cycling yet?

Seeing as your a newbie, I'd suggest you start something easier than Clown Killifish, which frankly are better of in a species only setup. Avoid 'Dragon' stone, looks pretty until you or your fish cut themselves on it and it's very expensive.

I like your thinking with Neocaridina shrimp but as a long term keeper of these Shrimp, trust me when I say they get everywhere.

[Axeman]

Good Evening All

New to forum and to fish keeping.

Stocking:
Bottom: Red Cherry Shrimp
Middle: 8-10 Ember Tetra or 8-10 Espei Rasbora
Top: 6-8 Clown Killifish

Reading the start of this thread, I hadn't seen it and BTW ...Greetings & welcome to , I see your just starting out. Is the Fluval Flex cycling yet?

Seeing as your a newbie, I'd suggest you start something easier than Clown Killifish, which frankly are better of in a species only setup. Avoid 'Dragon' stone, looks pretty until you or your fish cut themselves on it and it's very expensive.

I like your thinking with Neocaridina shrimp but as a long term keeper of these Shrimp, trust me when I say they get everywhere.

Yes, started cycling yesterday. Set-up currently is:

Gravel
Seiryu stone
Mopani Wood
Planted - just basic anubias/java fern on stone/wood, ludwigia and Hygrophila

My stocking (taking advice from here included) hopefully will be:
12 Galaxy rasbora
8-10 shrimp