freshwater nano

likwid · #1 10-31-2007, 05:22 AM

Hey guys,

I'm looking at setting up a little freshwater nano for my office. Looking to go anywhere from 3-5 gallons, with some plants. I have done saltwater tanks for a while, but have never done a freshwater tank, so I am looking for advice. What would be the best lighting, filtration, and other equipment for this? Where can I buy a tank this size?

IceTurf · #2 10-31-2007, 03:27 PM

Well it depends what you are aiming for. Freshwater compared to salt doesn't need as much light, even with most plants. You could get a plastic hex-tank which are fairly cheap at most pet stores. -Pjpets, petsmart, petcetera, etc- Then get a light between 5500k&7700k, about 1-4w/G depending on the plant(s). You can get inexpensive filtration units that are rated for 10g which would keep your 3-5 looking quite nice, but you may have more water-flow then you want.

I'm assuming you want low maintenance, so fish that you can count on only getting so big and with low waste output is prefered. *fewer water changes*

I have even seen a 5-8 gallon hex tank that had a built in light&filtration system in the lid for around 50-80$.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10452/product.web
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/...2/category.web

Depending on the plants you want, I suggest you add the decorations and plants long before the fish and give them time to take root or else you will be fighting with the inhabitants to get the plants to survive. Buy some cheap fish *or expensive, but some cheap ones to make sure the tank is ready for more $$ ones*, depending on what you want, many freshwater fish don't need as much room as many saltwater fish do.

Although I may suck at saltwater, but my freshwater tank looks like a gem.

IceTurf · #3 10-31-2007, 03:31 PM

also aviod goldfish for long term keeping because although they may be nice fish or appear nice in their tanks, being 0.5-2inch at the pet store, they really need more room. *can grow up to 1foot in size*

Freshwater tanks are often more forgiving, so have fun and happy tanking!

Nevin · #4 10-31-2007, 04:09 PM

A high-light, high-growth planted tank requires CO2--you can get a yeast-and-sugar generator for about $40 or do it yourself (see www.thekrib.com for more information). Otherwise you can grow many plants with low light. If you have high light without CO2, though, you'll be fighting with algae.

A plant substrate is worthwhile--J&L carries Flora Base at a fair price. Plants eat fish wastes, so at least one fish from the start is good. Shrimp (eg. red cherry or Amano) are good for cleanup and fun to watch.

Planted tanks can be a bit tricky and expensive to set up, but pretty easy once they get going. Water parameters aren't so critical and the only maintenance is changing water and trimming plants.

Regards,
Nevin

likwid · #5 10-31-2007, 05:09 PM

Thanks for all the great info! I was thinking of going with a small 3-4g tank, and have been looking into just getting a dwarf puffer for it with nothing else. I'm thinking maybe doing fake plants for now, since it is my first freshwater. Any of you guys ever keep a dwarf puffer or know where to get them in Lethbridge/Calgary?

IceTurf · #6 10-31-2007, 05:56 PM

Not sure, a specialty fish store such as Pjpets or petcetera or even Big Al's may carry that. Livep lants are useful and you don't need a yeast-and-sugar generator, but one does help. Anyways gl and upload a picture of the finished result (: