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

[kenjione]

This is picture of my oranda set-up.


I use an undergravel filter and an overhead filter. I had to use gravel to keep the wife happy cause its in the living room and she thinks the fish look bored. If you want to use gravel again I have found the combination of the 2 very effective. As you can see in the middle is a small dish. generally my aim is good enough and the pellets land in the dish and the fish can easily find them. Its also good for refilling the tank during water changes. once again provided my aim is good.

I also find putting the gravel in boiling water during a major clean solves any problems with parasite etc living in the gravel. If you alternate between cleaning the 2 you dont need to worry about if the filter is working allowing you to worry about other problems.

Good Luck
Charles