Suggestions for a FW setup?

[albert_dao]

A couple things:

- Clown Loaches reach the 5" mark very rapidly (within the first two years), but from there, the growth rate tapers off to a crawl.

- Planted tanks can be EZ if you take the time to hunt down certain species. Java fern, Anubias and Cryptocoryns are all species that will do well REGARDLESS of your non-existant care routine - - Snails notwithstanding.

- Don't bother with the whole bleach thing. Give everything a quick clean with a stiff brush and warm water. Replace the media if you've got a real slime bucket on your hands and start from there.

- Length or volume? Six of one or half a dozen of the other? It's a matter of personal preference when you're talking about clown loaches that you don't plan to keep to full size. Figure out what works best for the space you have. That said, bigger is always better - and I know lots about big.

- Jebo brand lights have been known to spontaeneously light aflame. You have been warned.

- Dechlorinated tap water is fine if you're planning with the more robust plants.

That's all I can think of right now.