29g driftwood south american tetra build

I've posted a few questions in different areas for this tank but since I'm starting from *almost scratch* I figured I'd start a new thread for this build so I can share how it's doing, the fish and stuff!
I had neons, halfbeak, apistogramma and glowlites but the recent issue killed them all
Goal is low ph tetra tank. What I want to add.
Neons/cardinals
Pencil fish
Hatchets
Halfbeak
Apistogramma
Glowlites/rummynose
Upside down cat
29 gallon
Light: Fluval Smart Led light
Substrate: Switching to sand. Might mix some black flourite in with the sand. Eco complete didnt work. Right now it's a mixture of black flourite, instant aqaurium, and plain black pebbles and that mixture isn't too my liking either.
Filter: Aquaclear 70 with purigen, chemI pure, bio media(well established) sponge & fine polishing floss
Air stone
Driftwood that is mostly 7yrs old, some new pieces
Natural rocks

Took out all the gravel and water, so glad I did. It was so murky, I should have washed the bio active gravel but now it will sit in a bucket until we get our 55 set up down the road. Washed the sand and man that took way longer than I thought it would.
Used 1 bag of estes black sand and then 3 bags of aqua terra. Threw a little bit of heavily washed black flourite too.
The aqua terra sand is soooo fine and really hard to get to sink. Took a lot of sifting and patting the top of the water. I actually filled up the tank half way and ended up taking the water out as it was too cloudy. Luckily I went to Ace Hardware and bought 15ft of hose to drain the tank to the bathtub. That was effortless.
I skimmed the top of the water with a micron filter bag and poured the water over the 5 gallon bucket top and I am so happy with the results. Sand is in and water is CLEAR. Time to start cycling!!

 

I washed sand last night too and thought the same thing!

 

Heres the tank with everything in it.

 

Love it! Are you planning on replacing the plants with live ones?

 

Love it! Are you planning on replacing the plants with live ones?

Oh I'd love too, but I never have luck with them, since its going to be low PH there's not too many options. But I'm going to still try this time around. I love crypts & aponogetons. I doubt I'll be able to replace all my fake plants though even though I'm all for fully planted tanks.

 

Great looking tank ya got there

 

Amazon swords and frogbit work well in lower pH. I'd give the frogbit a try as it's floating anyway, so no uprooting if it doesn't work out.

Any ideas yet on the quantities for the stocking?

 

Looks great. I’d go with runny nose over the glow light danios. My glow lights are showing some aggression and a food amount of fin nipping in my 75 that fairly heavily planted. I have a school of 10 fish too.

 

Looks great. I’d go with runny nose over the glow light danios. My glow lights are showing some aggression and a food amount of fin nipping in my 75 that fairly heavily planted. I have a school of 10 fish too.

Oh I meant glolite tetras, I've found glow tetras to be very docile. Danios are so nippy! I had pearl danios for a while in a semI aggressive tank and they ruled all the fish.

Amazon swords and frogbit work well in lower pH. I'd give the frogbit a try as it's floating anyway, so no uprooting if it doesn't work out.

Any ideas yet on the quantities for the stocking?

I tried some frogbit before and it melted within 48hrs, for some reason our water and plants don't seem to mix. But I'll certainly try again.
For stocking I was thinking either 12-15 neons/cardinals as the main action (depending on what else I want to add)
Pair of Apistogramma or 1 male
Upside down cat (my husband really wants one)
6 pencil fish(6). I have a species that's my favorite but they are usually unavailable in the pet trade, only coming in by accident with other more common pencilfish (Nannostomus eques) I'll settle for another species
Halfbeak
Would like a school of hatchets for the top
I'll probably be maxed out, would love to put some rummynose in there.
I usually don't have an issue maxing out my tanks but uggg small tank problems haha there are so many wonderful species I want to have. Would love some cory cats too lol

 

I love my half beaks. They are awesome fish.

 

It's been about a week ( no fish) I wanted to get the PH down some. Right now it's still at 7.2 and I need it down to 6.2. Adding neutral regulator & acid regulator. Also added beneficial bacteria from API
Tank water looks a little cloudy but no ammonia or nitrite. Drift wood is starting to grow algae like crazy cause of the light which I already have programmed pretty low. I need to reset my purigen and that will probably help the waters clarity.

 

a half beak might get too big

 

a half beak might get too big

Wrestling halfbeaks are very small fish... the females get 3" and males get 2". Maybe you're thinking of a gar?
Even celebes only get 3"

 

you are correct
they look similar

 

Wrestling halfbeaks are very small fish... the females get 3" and males get 2". Maybe you're thinking of a gar?
Even celebes only get 3"

My halfbeaks have been eating flake food lately. Mind blown but happy because it floats on the surface for a while and they get good opportunity to take it.

 

My halfbeaks have been eating flake food lately. Mind blown but happy because it floats on the surface for a while and they get good opportunity to take it.

Before I had the tank crash my halfbeak would eat the micro pellets, flake, he was so awesome I'm so sad that we lost him. Absolutely love those fish

 

About the pH... why not put in botanicals and leaflitter? Works excellent for that and would be beneficial for the fish, too. Also far better to control in my experience than synthetic chemical regulators.

I tried some frogbit before and it melted within 48hrs, for some reason our water and plants don't seem to mix. But I'll certainly try again.

wow... tried with in vitro or regular?

 

About the pH... why not put in botanicals and leaflitter? Works excellent for that and would be beneficial for the fish, too. Also far better to control in my experience than synthetic chemical regulators.

I have thought about leaf litter! I tried peat pellets last time and it was not a desired turnout. It was way too strong and created a whole mess with my parameters. But I think I will look into adding some leaf litter

wow... tried with in vitro or regular?

Regular.

 

For the upside down cats, do you mean the syno nigriventris? From what I remember on them, they prefer to be in shoals. Your tank is looking very nice!

 

Regular.

Try 2-3 portions of in vitro, make sure the current doesn't float it around too much and it should work. Oh, also blast it with light the first few days.
The rootwork might still melt but it'll grow back.

 

For the upside down cats, do you mean the syno nigriventris? From what I remember on them, they prefer to be in shoals. Your tank is looking very nice!

Thanks! Yes it would be the species Nigri, however it wasn't set in stone. My husband wanted an upside down cat and he doesn't really have much say in the tank since he doesn't really care about it. I was just considering it because he liked them lol. But he also likes cory cats. I know the syno nigrI likes groups so its probably not the best choice but it was a possibility. I think cory cats would do better anyway

 

I'll throw out another vote for leaf litter/botanicals! It's been the easiest way I've found to gradually lower ph and keep it consistent over time. I go low budget for mine cuz I'm usually broke, but if you have the money, Tannin Aquatics sells some gorgeous stuff and even has curated packs of botanicals that come from specific regions of the world.

 

I'll throw out another vote for leaf litter/botanicals! It's been the easiest way I've found to gradually lower ph and keep it consistent over time. I go low budget for mine cuz I'm usually broke, but if you have the money, Tannin Aquatics sells some gorgeous stuff and even has curated packs of botanicals that come from specific regions of the world.

Thanks! I will definitely look into that tonight! I go through soooo much acid regulator. Peat pellets didnt work well for me the last time and my driftwood leaks very little tannins since it's been around forever

Thanks! I will definitely look into that tonight! I go through soooo much acid regulator. Peat pellets didnt work well for me the last time and my driftwood leaks very little tannins since it's been around forever

Omg that site is SO COOL there goes my money LOL

 

Omg that site is SO COOL there goes my money LOL

LOL IKR?!? Seriously dangerous. Lol I used all my christmas money this year to finish setting up my 29 gallon with the basics of a cheap light, heater, plants and the first few fish. If there is anything left over from the tax refund though, after boring stuff like paying bills, I may have to treat myself to some goodies. Or another tank..... Hehehehe

 

For no fish the tank is looking great and cycling nicely with the established bio media, beneficial bacteria, and driftwood. Adding fish this week. The root driftwood has a lot of algae on it already! The Fluval Smart LED light is soooo strong.
The slight foggy appearance I had a week ago in the water is gone and now the water is just a slight color of tannins from the wood. I'm kinda going for a clear Blackwater tank. I think that was when the tannins started to come out it caused a slight undetectable cycle. PH is still high and I dosed again with 9 scoops of Acid regulator & 1 scoop of neutral regulator. Since there are no fish and I don't have botanicals yet, I'm taking advantage of the chemicals to drop that PH. we will be adding an algae eater (not sure on species yet & a large school of cardinals

 

can I get a pic of the front of the tank. What is your stocking plan again?

 

can I get a pic of the front of the tank. What is your stocking plan again?

Stocking plan is still being thought out, however some species are a definite
*Cardinal tetras (at least 7+) definite
*Nannostomus eques (if I can find them) they are my fav but a very difficult fish to come by. Might end up going with another pencil fish species
*cory cats (species unknown right now)
*splash tetras, rummynose or glowlite tetras. Cant decide
*wrestling halfbeak (definite)
*apistogramma agassizii/bitaeniata or checkerboard cichlid
*marbled hatchets but not sure if I'll have the room
Some type of algae eater. Tank too small for a school of ottos I think but this new light makes a LOT of algae

I am going to order some botanicals. Not going crazy cause my husband is a butt and hates the look of natural tanks (hes one of those people who wants the tank to look as fake and gaudy as possible, ug) it's in our bedroom and I'll slowly add them so he can't complain. But I absolutely am excited to add some of these! Out of the bunches they send I'll probably end up only using 1 or 2 from each packet.
I really wanted the magnolia leaves but they will probably be out of stock for a while so I am thinking of substituting them for some guava leaves and just get the magnolia leaves later on. I will only end up using probably like 3 or 4 leaves. If I add anymore leaves my husband will freak lol

 

I am going to order some botanicals. Not going crazy cause my husband is a butt and hates the look of natural tanks (hes one of those people who wants the tank to look as fake and gaudy as possible, ug)

I feel sorry for u. Who doesn't like a natural tank?!?

 

I feel sorry for u. Who doesn't like a natural tank?!?

Yeah I know. It's extremely frustrating. Hes not exactly an animal person to say the least *rolls eyes* we have a lot of animals and he just thinks this tank is another one of my "obsessions"
But I've been dealing with him for 7 years so most of the time I disregard what he says/thinks about animal stuff lol

 

hahahahahahahahaha
Have u ever asked him why he doesn't like the natural look. I transferred over to all natural (except for a sunken pot that fits my aquascape) last Sep. and I'd never go back.

 

hahahahahahahahaha
Have u ever asked him why he doesn't like the natural look. I transferred over to all natural (except for a sunken pot that fits my aquascape) last Sep. and I'd never go back.

He says he doesn't want a tank that looks like a dirty pond and that it's gross looking. He even thinks the big root in the middle of the tank is ugly lol I picked that up last year and it's my favorite piece. That's why I'm going for a Clearwater "blackwater" tank.

 

I love the "root" effect. I have 2 in my tank. Ur tank doesn't look like a dirty pond!!

 

I showed him pictures of the natural aquariums with leaf litter heavy with tannins and he was disgusted. So needless to say I'm trying to keep the tank as natural as I can go for the fish while being careful not to hurt his delicate fish tank feelings hahahah

 

I feel 4 u. soo sorry.


here is my "roots" aquarium.

 

How about showing him a documentary about the amazon rainforest's underwater life? There is plenty. With amaaaaazing views. Of fish in brown water among driftwood and leaves.

Stocking plan is still being thought out, however some species are a definite
*Cardinal tetras (at least 7+) definite
*Nannostomus eques (if I can find them) they are my fav but a very difficult fish to come by. Might end up going with another pencil fish species
*cory cats (species unknown right now)
*splash tetras, rummynose or glowlite tetras. Cant decide
*wrestling halfbeak (definite)
*apistogramma agassizii/bitaeniata or checkerboard cichlid
*marbled hatchets but not sure if I'll have the room
Some type of algae eater. Tank too small for a school of ottos I think but this new light makes a LOT of algae

I'd go:
- Cardinals... 8-10 should be fine if you take bigger ones, 12-15 if they are smaller.
- 8-10 corys

plus:

Now with the others you have to chose:
- Nannostomus, splash tetras and hatchets live in the upper part of the water column and two (nannos and hatchets) are schooling or at least shoaling fish, so there is only room for one of these species. And all of them jump a lot.
- apistos live in the lower part and are territorial, which can lead to problems with the Corys.

I'd sneakily leave algae eaters out and let the aufwuchs groooooow. But if you have to, go with shrimp or snails and not with Otos.

 

How about showing him a documentary about the amazon rainforest's underwater life? There is plenty. With amaaaaazing views. Of fish in brown water among driftwood and leaves.

He doesn't care about animals or their environments. *shrugs* we watch documentaries all the time and every animal he wonders "I wonder what that would taste like" lol
I have 9 parrots, reptiles, dogs, we have 2 tanks, that's all my deal. A person like him can only put up with so much haha

I'd go:
- Cardinals... 8-10 should be fine if you take bigger ones, 12-15 if they are smaller.
- 8-10 corys

plus:

Now with the others you have to chose:
- Nannostomus, splash tetras and hatchets live in the upper part of the water column and two (nannos and hatchets) are schooling or at least shoaling fish, so there is only room for one of these species. And all of them jump a lot.
- apistos live in the lower part and are territorial, which can lead to problems with the Corys.

I'd sneakily leave algae eaters out and let the aufwuchs groooooow. But if you have to, go with shrimp or snails and not with Otos.

Thanks for the feedback! I know it's so hard to choose between the 3. I'd go nanos eques anyday but they are so hard to find. I've kept almost all if the species I've listed before.
Jumping won't be any issue
Love the splashes but they seem pretty decent sized also.
Will definitely go with cory cats, just to decide what species.
Yeah I wasn't to keen on the otto idea, but maybe a bushynose or smaller fancy pleco
I used to keep ancistrus temminckiI cause we had a local breeder. Wish I could find those again!
Picture of my apisto before the tank had the crash with the stupid eco complete gravel. Ahhh I miss him.

Just placed my tannins aquatics order heheh will post pics when that comes in

 

He doesn't care about animals or their environments. *shrugs* we watch documentaries all the time and every animal he wonders "I wonder what that would taste like" lol
I have 9 parrots, reptiles, dogs, we have 2 tanks, that's all my deal. A person like him can only put up with so much haha

Sorry, it just makes me sad and I feel uncomfortably to say anything else about that. So I'll just be quiet about that now.

Thanks for the feedback! I know it's so hard to choose between the 3. I'd go nanos eques anyday but they are so hard to find. I've kept almost all if the species I've listed before.
Jumping won't be any issue
Love the splashes but they seem pretty decent sized also.
Will definitely go with cory cats, just to decide what species.
Yeah I wasn't to keen on the otto idea, but maybe a bushynose or smaller fancy pleco
I used to keep ancistrus temminckiI cause we had a local breeder. Wish I could find those again!
Picture of my apisto before the tank had the crash with the stupid eco complete gravel. Ahhh I miss him.

Hm... in that case: Compromise between priority and availability. Try ordering the Nanos, if possible and if there are no results in a given time try the splashs and if there also nothing happens go for the hatchets, those you get everywhere. Splashs get to 12cm, I think. Not sure about that.

Good idea actually with the fancy pleco and cudos for not deciding for Otos.

Nice apisto you had.

The stocking options actually remind me of an example for a blackwater tank I've found somewhere. Maybe even on tannin aquatics. Ah. here we go: Building a Biotope: A Step-by-Step Rio Negro Aquarium

 

Something is coming tomorrow! Tannin Aquatics order!!!
Still no fish in the tank yet, we've been too busy to go to the fish store. But I guess that's a good thing, gives the tank more time to settle. PH is now 6.4. Doing a small water change today.

I am going to order Nannostomus Eques pencil fish when the weather gets warmer and it's better to ship fish.
(Probably not for 2 more months)
I'm also going to go with Schwartz's Cory Cats which I'll probably be able to order through my LFS
So updated list:
Cardinals
nannostomus Eques pencil fish
Wrestling Halfbeak
Schwartz's Corydoras
Apistogramma
Fancy pleco

(Still deciding on marble hatchets, rummynose, glolites, splash tetras) but none of those are certain.

 

Something is coming tomorrow! Tannin Aquatics order!!!
Still no fish in the tank yet, we've been too busy to go to the fish store. But I guess that's a good thing, gives the tank more time to settle. PH is now 6.4. Doing a small water change today.

I am going to order Nannostomus Eques pencil fish when the weather gets warmer and it's better to ship fish.
(Probably not for 2 more months)
I'm also going to go with Schwartz's Cory Cats which I'll probably be able to order through my LFS
So updated list:
Cardinals
nannostomus Eques pencil fish
Wrestling Halfbeak
Schwartz's Corydoras
Apistogramma
Fancy pleco

(Still deciding on marble hatchets, rummynose, glolites, splash tetras) but none of those are certain.

Your husband is going to kill you!

 

Your husband is going to kill you!

No offence, he sounds more like the kind of person that would call for a divorce.