Lapsed Hobbyist Returning - 65g Build

Hey guys, excited to be back in the game. I used to post at a different forum, but this one seems more active than that one so I am moving here. Basically I kept several aquariums from 2008-2012, but then I made a big life move that got me out of the hobby. I held on to a 29 gallon always planning on using it, so I went to PetSmart about two months ago now to get what I need for it.

That didn't go as planned.

For whatever reason, my local store was running this deal on their 65 gallon stand, tank, and light combination for half off at $200. I couldn't resist and splurged. Here is what I have done since:

1. Upgraded the light to a Finnex Planted+ 24/7 SE. These sure didn't exist when I was last around! Right now it runs on 24/7 mode, but the long term viability of my mostly low light plants will determine if it stays on that or not.
   
2. Speaking of the plants, I added two different kinds of anubias, a crypt, and a java fern that I know will grow. I also have a sword and a moss ball that remain to be seen. No CO2, but I add Flourish after my 50% Thursday water change. I have a coarse black sand substrate from National Geographic that I got at Petsmart.
3. I sourced a bunch of rocks from my yard and driftwood from a local cold water lake. I did the vinegar test on the rocks, scrubbed them, and just put them in. Seems like there is minimal risk there. I pulled driftwood from the water, lots of it, so it would immediately sink and had likely already leached out all the tannins. That comes with risk though, of course, so I boiled them for hours first in a massive stew pot. They've been in for a few weeks now without incident.
4. I bought and added an Aquaclear 70 to pair with the Aquaclear 50 that I kept with 29g. Both are running well.
5. I added a big fake rock with plenty of hiding places that I just bought and an old fake stump that was in my 29g. This tank is delightfully loaded with nooks and crannies for fish to hide in, under, behind, and all around.
6. I cycled the tank with four platies. This took just shy of five weeks as I had no media to transfer to help. I know fish in cycles are controversial, but I have always found them pretty easy. All I had to do was a 50% water change each week like I have always done anyway.
7. After cycling, I added a school of ten Bleeding Heart Tetras and a L204 Flash Pleco. They have been around for just shy of a week. I also noticed I picked up a tiny blue snail on the plants. I know I should have offed him, but I didn't have the heart and he has since vanished into the tank. This massive bio-load add of course triggered a mini-cycle, but that has already about run the course.

Let's see, more details: The tank has a tall, 36" long, 26" high profile. I have well water that is in really good shape with a neutral PH and hardness. I keep the tank 77 degrees.

Shorter version is as follows. Stocking: 4 platies, 10 bleeding heart tetras, 1 L204 flas pleco. Moderately planted and very heavy on real wood, rocks, and hiding places. I plan on continuing to add plants as well.

My current plan is to add a group of young Bolivian Rams until I get a pair and then re-home the rest. Maybe set up the 29 gallon for them if they take long enough. My wife wants an Angelfish, of course, but I am hesitant to let them pair up in here.

Thoughts on those? Also, if it were yours to run, where would you go from where I already am? Be creative and you don't have to use anything I have planned, just what is already there. Thanks!

 

Welcome back! Great find on the tank deal.
Only thing I would add about the plants is the sword will do much better for you with root tabs, as they are heavy root feeders. With the tank being so deep, you may have to mess with the settings, but I have been happy with my (3) finnex planted+ SEs. My tallest tank was 24”, and plants did ok in there, though much better in my shallower tanks.
Love angels, such personable fish. I house mine with rummynose, corydoras, GBR and bn plecos.

Would love to see photos

 

How do you think paired off angels and paired off bolivians would do in a three foot footprint? There are clear divides they could use, but I am still nervous. The rams tank priority for me unless someone changes my mind. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Welcome to the forum!
I am far from a stock or plant expert, so Ill let those more experienced help you!

 

I don’t know about pairs, but my angel and GBR get along fine. Rams stays towards the bottom, angel towards the top. They remind each other to stay in their own space, but nothing to worry about.
Dave125g keeps both Bolivians and an angel pair; he could give you more insight.

 

My rams and angels get along fine. The angels can be bullies when breeding. The rams are my only fish that actually stand up to the angels when they try to steal shrimp pellets. For the most part like angel said they hardly ever see each other the rams stay at the bottom.

 

Thanks @Dave125. I live in upstate NY too, by the way. Adirondack High Peaks region.

So, just to confirm, if I ended up with paired off Bolivians and Angels in the tank, things would likely be okay?

 

Thanks @Dave125. I live in upstate NY too, by the way. Adirondack High Peaks region.

So, just to confirm, if I ended up with paired off Bolivians and Angels in the tank, things would likely be okay?

Cool I live in Catskill. A bit down state from you.

Yea should be fine. I have a mated pair of angels and 4 Bolivians. I keep the temperature at 76-77 , any cooler the angels would be uncomfortable, and any warmer the rams would be uncomfortable.