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Discussion in 'New members' started by Sheldon, Feb 14, 2022.

Voter count: 5
?

Either shrimp or fish

  1. Shrimp

    2 vote(s)
    40.0%
  2. Fish

    3 vote(s)
    60.0%
  1. Sheldon

    Sheldon

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    Excited to gain some constructive criticism from the pro's. And anyone willing to sell anything mentioned bellow in the Gauteng area.

    Recently invested in a 30L tank with my son on our very first aquarium journey.

    After the nitrogen cycling prosess (Testing the PH level first, then thinking of droping a left over prawn in the tank for the amonia levels. Check back in 24 hours. Testing the ammonia and nitrite levels every day. If both read zero 24 hours after removing the prawn the first step will begin 2- 4 weeks later.

    Firstly adding plants, candidates are : (Amazon swords, Water wisteria, Java moss, Java fern, Anubias, Crypts, Bacopa, Vallisneria, Micro swords, water sprite). Java moss and Micro swords are on top of the list so far. As the gravel and Aqua soil suits it.

    Secondly, we are interested in adding either Cherry, Blue Dream or Amano shrimp to the tank. Although these shrip are especially sensitive in small tanks because of fluctuations... Of course noting diet and water parameters for the individual species. Drip acclimating them with the cycled aquarium water until they can be added.

    Thirdly, if we decide that shrimp is to high of a risk we will rather add fish, examples are ( 1 Betta, 6-8 male or female endlers guppies, 4-6 smaller species of the pygmy rasbora male or female, male of female 6-8 ember tertra). Opting for the 1 female Betta as they are smaller. Noting diet and water requirements. As well as acclimating them.

    Thank you for not falling asleep. If advice should be posted elsewhere, I ask for a mod to kindly assist.
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2022
    Hendrik Bergh, A new day and Radesh like this.
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  3. A new day

    A new day Moderator

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    Welcome @Sheldon !

    Seems as if you’ve done your homework ito cycling and stocking options.

    Your options seem well though through. Perhaps @Hendrik Bergh could share some pros and cons / experiences from his 30L. Endlers are big time jumpers, especially in the beginning when they’re not used to the environment.

    Certainly a small tank (water volume) is riskier ito fluctuations.

    Ito plants- try stick to plants with relatively fine textures, helps with scale. Look I planted an Amazon sword in my 38L but chances are it will completely overtake the tank at some point.
     
    Hendrik Bergh likes this.
  4. Hendrik Bergh

    Hendrik Bergh

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    Welcome @Sheldon and son!

    I've had my 30 L for almost 2 years now. It started out at as hospital tank and slowly evolved into a medium tech planted tank with shrimp and Celestial Pearl Danios.

    This is a great size to start off with. They are affordable and so is the equipment. Smaller filters and smaller heaters = less spending your son's valuable pocket money. They're easy to maintain and clean. You don't have to get your knees wet to clean algae off the glass:tt2:. They don't need a stand and can fill any empty corner in your home, without making alterations to accommodate the weight.

    The size of the tank, is the "only" con. Fluctuations in water chemistry in a tank this small, can lead to problems for your inhabitants. But if the tank is mature and cycled, and you stick to a regular maintenance routine, you shouldn't encounter problems (I do a weekly, 10 liter water change, gravel vacuum and filter clean). It's the unplanned events that causes problems with water chemistry. For example, I had a few Chilli Rasboras that got stuck behind a filter I was using at the time. They didn't make it and caused an Ammonia spike. This can be avoided with a quick daily inspection of the tank. Count the fish and check the equipment.

    Hardscape and Livestock options are limited. Too much hardscape decreases water volume and swim space. The same goes for your substrate. You have the right idea with Nano fish. I've kept schools of Ember tetras and Chilli Rasboras before and current have 8 CPDs. It has also been home to my colony of Blue Dream shrimp. I'm not sure how well a Betta will do in this space. I won't go smaller than 40L for a Betta, but that's my preference. Endlers should work. They're smaller and regularly have fry. Your son might enjoy their colours and nature more than the previous mentioned fish. Seeing the first fry and watching them grow, is also very satisfying. But get a lid for them. Same goes for the Betta. In the end, it's the bioload of the inhabitants that's will give you problems. Shrimp and Nano fish have tiny bioloads, unless overstocked.

    To increase your water volume and planting space, rather try a small Hang- on- back filter with adjustable flow, instead of a sponge or internal filter. If you plan on keeping shrimp use a pre-filter sponge to keep the shrimp from harm. This also increases filtration and provide more surface area for Beneficial bacteria. Nothing you can do about the heater. That needs to be inside unless you plan to go with a canister filter with built in heater.

    Lastly, I would follow @A new day's advice regarding plants. Most of my plants have smaller leaves or finer textures, like she suggested. Try Rotala species, Pearl weed, Ludwigias, small Crypts and mosses. These plants gives a better sense of scale and are great hiding places for shrimplets and fry. The bigger your plant mass, the easier it would be to maintain that water chemistry. Floating plants also helps a lot.

    Just my experience (a mouth full). I hope it helps. Feel free to ask if you have more questions. Good luck and enjoy
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2022
    A new day likes this.

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