Ten Gallon Cardinal Shoal

[chrisfont23]

I know a few of us are coupling the reef fascination with a freshwater tank. Here are a few pics of my 16 mo old's 10 gallon cardinal tetra shoal I put together for him a while ago. Lighting is a Marineland double. All plants are real...no cheesing out in this house.

We're big into dresser tops doubling as stands:



Cardinals are one of the best FW fish out there. They make a nice school in the small tank:


Nerite and ramshorn snails keep the tank clean


Part of the Titanic


Purple waffle isn't entirely what you would call a "full aquatic plant", but it looks nice.


Freshwater clams...since my oldest has a Maxima clam that both boys love, this just made sense


Snail "damage" - swords in the back left


Moonlight LEDs look real nice on cardinal tetras

[Original Fin]

Very nice Chris! Now I can really appreciate how nice your plants look. Mine are kind of, meh. They look a little like bagged salad...kinda limp, dull colors, a little brown around the edges.

Do you think I should be looking at using the same snails? Some of my plants get a black fuzzy algae on the leaves, and it doesn't seem like the Oto or Cories are interested in it. Is this a matter of finding the right CUC, or fixing the root cause of the algae?

Did you harvest the FW clams locally, or is that something you can get at the LFS specific to tropics?

[chrisfont23]

I would. I have never had luck with any fish but a Chinese Algae Eater going to town on that algae you have (assuming black hair/black brush). I have also heard bleach/water (50/50) solution will work , but have never had the courage to do that. FWIW, I have been experimenting with a few types of snails. IMO, the Zebra Nerites do the best in a FW tank. They're not into eating plants and focus more on the algae/detritus than anything. Plus, they're not overrunning my tank as they can't breed in FW (super awesome). I had them in my brackish tank. They're awesome. If you are into clean glass and plants, go with these. I used to feed the small ramshorn snails to my puffers until I gave them away. They're also useful, but seem to have an appetite for my swords and java ferns. They do a good job cleaning the tank and make an occasional snack for my Angel or Boesmani as I have found many shells...and no snails! They breed quite rapidly...they're haven is usually a filter pad or the underside of a leaf. I have an Ivory Snail (apple) in my larger tank. Jury is still out on him. Oh...and Japanese TrapDoor for the pond when you get around to that... a+ on those, but the winters will kill em.

As for the clam, I just experimented on a whim. Since fully planted tanks need some level of nitrates and phosphates to survive and flourish, I rarely ever do any vacuuming of the gravel, rather use it as fert w/ my Flourish Excel. It also allows me to be a little overstocked, as I am diligent on the water changes weekly. So I play to my advantage a bit. However, I need the CUC to go to town on what is left over. Check out African Dwarf Frogs.... I have had good success with them scavenging the bottom...better than cories and plecos.

Don't fret about the plants... you are just starting. Dark greens are easier than light greens are easier than reds/purples...it takes about 6 mos or so for everything to start taking shape. GL!

[Marinefish]

NEVER GET A CHINESE ALGAE EATER!!! They eat algae only when very young, then they get horribly mean and EAT THE SLIME COATS AND FINS OFF YOUR FIS!!!

[chrisfont23]

I think that's a matter of opinion rather than experience no? Just about any fish can be temperamental when put in the wrong setting. I have never had a problem with my 2 year old Chinese Algae Eater - I am posting that from experience. The only fish I would avoid in this context is a Pink Kissing Gourami as he absolutely harassed my tank, removing scales from fishes daily. He was banished to the fish store in a hurry. IMO, if you put the CAE in the right setting - with plenty of plants and the algae wafer from time to time - he will avoid your other fishes. One thing though is they do get big. Luckily I am upgrading my hex to a 55 shortly too.

[Marinefish]

I think that's a matter of opinion rather than experience no? Just about any fish can be temperamental when put in the wrong setting. I have never had a problem with my 2 year old Chinese Algae Eater - I am posting that from experience. The only fish I would avoid in this context is a Pink Kissing Gourami as he absolutely harassed my tank, removing scales from fishes daily. He was banished to the fish store in a hurry. IMO, if you put the CAE in the right setting - with plenty of plants and the algae wafer from time to time - he will avoid your other fishes. One thing though is they do get big. Luckily I am upgrading my hex to a 55 shortly too.

Thing is, in many pet stores I see CAE with other fish and even with big fish there is damage. Also, they only do the slime coat thing at night, and since the coat is clear, it's very hard to tell.

[chrisfont23]

Thing is, in many pet stores I see CAE with other fish and even with big fish there is damage. Also, they only do the slime coat thing at night, and since the coat is clear, it's very hard to tell.

Most LFS - including the ever popular Petcos - use 10 gallon tanks with little to no plants (live or not), caves, hiding places etc. I agree with you if you plan to replicate these conditions. I have a fully planted hex and no issues. Saying it's about the owner, means a lot. I agree with you though...the perception is evil - but unwarranted.