Here’s my first scape (40gal freshwater)

This is my first scape it’s a 40gal fresh water aquarium (hard water)
I know rainbows do well in groups of 6 but the others died im working on getting more
I really enjoyed scaping this tank and I hope I can figure out what killed some of my fish recently

stocking: 3 dwarf pea puffers
1 common pleco
2 mystery snails
2 dwarf rainbow fish

 

Arr you youtuber "thedave"?

 

nope in fact I am not

 

Dave’s not here man

Welcome to the forum!

 

Nice set up. That pleco is gonna get big though!

 

I like the scape! Be careful though, looks like you've got a lot of Java fern and Anubius planted directly into the substrate, this is typically a no no. Both plants are epiphytes and should have there rhizome above the substrate/should be attached to wood or rock.

 

I like the scape! Be careful though, looks like you've got a lot of Java fern and Anubius planted directly into the substrate, this is typically a no no. Both plants are epiphytes and should have there rhizome above the substrate/should be attached to wood or rock.

Good call, for sure.
I usually just wedge my java ferns in between stuff. I rescape too often to attach plants to things

 

Tank and setup are fine, the stocking, sorry to say so, is a mess. The plant problem has been mentioned already.

I'd rehome the pleco, stock up the rainbows to 10 and move the puffers to a smaller tank, as they are very surely going to be outcompeted by the rainbows.

Can't say much about the snails. Pomacea are illegal in Europe.

 

I got a lot of good responses thanks everyone for the advice
I'm going to work on the java ferns today
I know the pleco is going to get big I plan on moving him to a bigger tank when he gets too large
I know I need more rainbows I'm working on it but my local fish store is far away and my fish currently have ick that's being treated and I'm just a kid so I'm not nessacarily made of money.
I know pea puffers can be aggressive but I've been watching them closely and they haven't shown any aggression except when the snails get near the plant they have claimed as their territory
and I've been making sure everyone gets enough food
thanks for all the advice I'll make sure to do an update

 

Tank and setup are fine, the stocking, sorry to say so, is a mess. The plant problem has been mentioned already.

I'd rehome the pleco, stock up the rainbows to 10 and move the puffers to a smaller tank, as they are very surely going to be outcompeted by the rainbows.

Can't say much about the snails. Pomacea are illegal in Europe.

I usually see pea puffers in species only tanks. Is this the reason why?
Are they outcompeted by most other fish or specifically the rainbows?
Could the 3 puffers be housed in a 5 gal?
I usually see them in nano tanks..

 

I usually see pea puffers in species only tanks. Is this the reason why?
Are they outcompeted by most other fish or specifically the rainbows?

Many keep them in species only tank due to fear of them nipping other fish.
But my experience is that any fish that is smaller, slower fish and especially a pickier eater has little chances against open water shoalers, be it rainbows, tetras, barbs or pencilfish.

Seen that happening with dwarf cichlids and badis, but it can also happen with cories and loaches.

Could the 3 puffers be housed in a 5 gal?
I usually see them in nano tanks..

I'd go with a 10 gallon. Anything smaller is more of a tank for inverts.

 

Many keep them in species only tank due to fear of them nipping other fish.
But my experience is that any fish that is smaller, slower fish and especially a pickier eater has little chances against open water shoalers, be it rainbows, tetras, barbs or pencilfish.

Seen that happening with dwarf cichlids and badis, but it can also happen with cories and loaches.


I'd go with a 10 gallon. Anything smaller is more of a tank for inverts.

And Rams....

 

And Rams....

Dwarf cichlids.

 

Dwarf cichlids.

I guess I didnt consider them Dwarfs... I have Badis and the Rams are big....lol

I have Chilis with the Badis and they are quick to get the food.

 

Many keep them in species only tank due to fear of them nipping other fish.
But my experience is that any fish that is smaller, slower fish and especially a pickier eater has little chances against open water shoalers, be it rainbows, tetras, barbs or pencilfish.

Seen that happening with dwarf cichlids and badis, but it can also happen with cories and loaches.


I'd go with a 10 gallon. Anything smaller is more of a tank for inverts.

Thanks for the info once again, MacZ

 

I mounted all my Java ferns! I think it looks really good and I hope my ferns continue to be healthy

 

the pea puffers like the new java fern set up and I ordered a carpeting plant

 

My fish seem to really like the new Java fern set up especially my pea puffers I also just ordered a couple carpet plants and tips on starting a plant carpet

 

Looks good! I love Java fern. Besides being sturdy and low maintenance, there are so many varieties to choose from.

 

Yeah I really hope I can form a strong plant carpet as well

 

the pea puffers like the new java fern set up and I ordered a carpeting plant

Good to hear, it is a really lovely tank. Your pleco is nice and vibrant..definitely prepare for an upgrade for him within the next year or so. They grow rapidly in my experience.

 

Nice tank. I can’t wait to set up my high tech planted 55 gallon.

 

Did you manage to get any tips for a carpeting plant ?

 

Gorgeous tank 8/10!! Any idea what are the easiest live plants for me to try to grow? 10 gallon gravel aquarium

 

I think you tank looks nice, and it will look nicer still as the plants grow in.

Just in case you didn't know, the main plant pictured in the 4th photo is not java fern. I believe it's Bolbitis heteroclita.

 

Yea

Gorgeous tank 8/10!! Any idea what are the easiest live plants for me to try to grow? 10 gallon gravel aquarium

anubius idk if I spelled that right but that and hornwart does great