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

[chochiss]

Dear Mcheuk,

I've read this thread from the start again & noticed that you fed your black ranchu Saki-Hikari Color Enhance (purple pack). As for black fishes, get the fish feed specified for non-red fishes. Saki-Hikari have another type for this blackies, it's Saki-Hikari basic (light green pack). This saki have no color enhancing content & will give your fishes almost the same amount of nutrition provided by the purple pack.

Sorry for your lost & all the best for your new arrivals.