Who Gives A Fish Forums

Just got everything up and running, temporarily using a trickle filter while I wait for a longer pipe for my external. Ammonia's still on its way, was supposed to arrive yesterday, but I'll start dosing as soon as it gets here.

Got a local guy offering me some seeded media, so that might speed up the cycling process. I've also got an API master kit and some Tetra dip tests for quick checks.

As for stocking, I'm thinking of going with:

- 5 Yellow Labs, 1 male, 4 females
- 3 Red Swedish Hongi, 1 male, 2 females
- 3 Red Zebra, 1 male, 2 females
- 3 Afra variants, 1 male, 2 females

Still learning about other options, but I'm planning for 20 fish in total, with 50% weekly water changes and regular tests. The tank's over-filtered at 2000l/ph.

I'm also toying with the idea of a Blue Hap pair, but that's a gamble. Thinking about adding 3 Golden and a Strawberry Peacock male too.

Looks the business

Nebulon wrote: ↑Fri Nov 24, 2023 10:26 am Looks the business

Cheers mate

Lovely setup, they'll thrive in that environment. The tank itself is a real head-turner, those rounded corners are a great touch.

If you're planning on breeding fish, I'd advise against keeping multiple species of zebras in the tank, as they can crossbreed and become more territorial. You'd be better off with just one species, and if you want to minimize aggression, having only males is the way to go.

For cycling the trickle filter, you can actually do it without the tank. Just add ammonia directly to the filter and position the return hose over the sponges, so the sump water gets pumped over the filter materials. This way, you'll use less ammonia. Alternatively, you can leave it connected to the tank and run it through, but that depends on the cost of the ammonia.

Tank is now mature, got some mature filter pieces in both filters, made a big difference.

My stocking idea for 65 gallon is a bit different now,

Have -
2 x Red Top Hongi 'Sweden'
1 x Red Zebra
1 x Blue Hap

Wanted -
8 x Yellow Labs
1 x Red Top Swedish Hongi
3 x Perlmutt

Still thinking about
Yellow Tail Acei
Rusty
Strawberry Peacock

Working on getting the rest of the fish in, should be a good mix, still learning about some of the others but excited to see how it all goes.