freshwater nano

[Nevin]

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]

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]

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 (: