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

[MCheuk]

I didn't know where else to put these pictures, so pasted it here.

As you can see, over the past three mos, my black ranchu turned gold! I fed it him Saki Hikari fancy goldfish (purple pack) pellets and Hikari lionhead pellets but it didn't retain the black. As the senior members mentioned, these pellets have spirulina, it didn't help.






So... I guess it's all in the genes and exposure to pond/green water.

I was also told that frequent changes to the water may cause this, suppose to be the chlorine? Perhaps the Docrush or other senior members can comment...