Who Gives A Fish Forums

Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like it's doable but needs consistency. Maybe I'll start with a small DIY setup and see how it goes.

I've been keeping a planted 20 gallon for about six months now, mostly low tech plants like Java Fern and Anubias. Thinking about adding CO2 but worried it's too much hassle for a beginner. Anyone have experience starting with CO2 early on?

I just got my first lobo flintix9t on Friday and it's been a disaster. It's looking worse by the day - those spines on the sides are really sticking out now. I've tried everything to get it to open up and feed, but I haven't even been able to get it to extend its tentacles.

Water Parameters:
PH:8 ...