TheEssigs

I have a 6 gallon eclipse tank that I keep on my kitchen counter.
I was using the tank for fry. However, the fry are ready to be released into the main tank, and now I am looking to re-do this little tank. I am going to leave the substrate in the tank, (mainly, so I dont have to re-cycle) its a natural, cream, tan and brown small size gravel, but I want to remove everything else and start over...

So, I thought that I could come in and get a few ideas from you guys. There are two issues... how to decorate it, and then what to put in it. What would you do?

bhcaaron

Freshie or Saltie?

TheEssigs

Fresh.

bhcaaron

Are you wanting planted or fish only? Thinking of theme or just select pieces? What about plants only and keeping it as a refugium for when fishies need alone time?

TheEssigs

Well, I have 8 tanks, soon to be 9. We already have a hospital/QT tank so I would rather not have another possibly empty tank and this tank sits on my counter in the kitchen so its in full view from both the kitchen table and the family room. The counter also is a breakfast bar, so there are two chairs that are very close by. I wanted something different, that will be worth looking at in full view. All of my tanks are "natural" in design... ya know - river rocks, plants, drift wood... blah, blah... so I kinda wanted to pick a theme that would match the inhabitants... kinda thing... ya know?

bhcaaron

Well, instead of going with a fictional theme, such as sunken ship etc., why not a regional theme? Pick a fish that you like, read up where they are found in the wild. Preferably pick one that is found in a few places in the world. Then look at pics of their habitat and try to recreate it using same or similar looking plants and debris. Maybe even splurge and import items from the area if you cannot find the same kind of items near by. (In case I'm confusing you, here is an example. If there are three kinds of plants that are found on the river or lake where they are from, get those three. Find out what kind of trees are found in the area and get driftwood of that same kind of tree etc etc etc)

TheEssigs

All my tanks are currently "natural" settings of just different plants, roots, woods, rocks and the like, but none have any ships or buildings or any type of fictional decor... This tank is small, so I really cant go overboard either... maybe a dwarf or pygmy somthing.

bhcaaron

Well, I don't know anything about freshies, so I guess this is my chance to learn. I'm lookin! I'm looking! lol What kinds of fish doy ou have thus far?

Sorry for my spelling. Alcohol is such a prohibitor (in spelling that is lol)

COBettaCouple

you could put a couple of dwarf puffers in there with some natural decor. Those little puffers are cool and full of personality.

bhcaaron

Is 6gallons big enough for them though?

COBettaCouple

yea, i think so. Dwarf puffers need 3g each. i love how the little guys swim right over to us when we are at petsmart and i've heard from dwarf puffer owners about how much personality they have.. and they LOVE snails!

bhcaaron

I'm hoping you mean they snuggle up against them

COBettaCouple

well, they'll snuggle up to the shell and suck them out..

bhcaaron

At this point I'll keep my mouth shut... wait... umm... nevermind! lol ahahahahahaha

TheEssigs

Puffers... That sounds like a cool idea.

Ive read that they are very active fish, so thats a plus!! I wanted something that would be very different and very active because of the placement of the tank.

They are a species specific tank fish, that require live or frozen foods (especially snails - do they sell feeder snails?)... various articles also say they need plenty of caves/hiding places as well as lots of plants. I hope a 6g would be adequate.

Anyone have em? What do you think?

Bonochick

Poor snails...

COBettaCouple

have you read over the old posts in the puffers forum?

TheEssigs

Yea, I did this morning! Thanks CO!