Mcheuk's Tank And Filtration Setup, Experience/comments on use of pebbles Options

[MCheuk]

Dear veterans,

Originally I had pebbles & plants in my tank for visual appeasement (see attached picture). However, after two months, I found that the pebbles retained a lot of poop and debris. I also discovered baby snails developing (which could be a good / bad sign, depending on the person).

I made 20% water changes per week, but noted some of my ranchus developing red sores on the bodies and blood veins in their fins recently (Water temp was 26C. The tank was running a week before any fish were added) Therefore, I assumed the water quality was inferior. I decided to revamp the tank and it is now a bare tank. The pebbles and plants made the tank look nice, but it created water issues.

Have many of you experienced this?
For goldfish/ranchus - is the best suggestion to have a bare tank?

Thank you.



This post has been edited by CP: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 4:26 pm
Reason: Topic moved & renamed

[The Matrix]

hope yr experience will bring more knowledge to RG as well.

My tank is also with gravel and plants except the setup too me 2 mths to complete. I dun use small sand based pebble, but I like to use glass or clear plastic marbles. That add shine to the tank. Also, much easier to clean compare to sandy base. Can always try larger rocks, plastic plants and even golf balls ... hahahaha some of the RG people will know what I meant. Nothing stops u from being creative.

Yes, cleaning the sand base will release some form of toxic. Actually pretty toxic. I remove my fish before changing water and run for a while before putting them back.

Plants also need nutrients. U need to feed the plants as well. Leave usually turn yellow before rot ... probably lack of magnesium, I think. Erh ... this one must ask our plant expert Laserguy liao.

anyway u really have very good chinese ranchu.