"Donald Kerns"  wrote in message
news:b54pit01afc{at}enews2.newsguy.com...
> Bogdan Wid³a wrote:
>
> > If I were you, I'd try cycling with Ancistrus ( I forgot the english
name
> > :/ )
>
> Probably because there are so many names!!!
>
> Bristlenose|bushynose  catfish|pl*co
>
> Dem armored, sucker mouthed catfish do put out da poop.
>
> HTH,
>
> -Donald
> --
> "There is nothing so strong as gentleness, and there is nothing so gentle
as
> real strength." St. Francis de Sales

Awww but you gotta love those ugly suckers.   My rubber noses seem to leave
to sign....

Midposted for clarity. to original post below

"Bob D"  wrote in message
news:puia7v4tgua2gb3aru0m76tao78fkhr7cv{at}4ax.com...>
>
> I'll be setting up my first aquarium this week. I've been reading the
> aquaria groups, including the FAQ, and read Aquariums for Dummies. I
> still have a few questions, and hope you can give me some feedback.
>
> I have a 37 gallon tank (30 x 12 x 24 high). It was the largest I
> could find based on my 30 inch width limitation, which is dictated by
> where the tank will be placed. I ultimately hope to stock it with
> about a dozen neon tetras, 3 to 5 clown loaches and, if space permits,
> perhaps one angel (last). I want to try live plants as well. I'll be
> running a Fluval 204 for filtration.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1. I had planned to cycle it with 2 or 3 neons. However, reading has
> lead me to believe ich is quite likely when I first stock the loaches.
> If I recall correctly, the most effective ich medication is
> incompatible with neons. Is this correct, and is there any way around
> it? I'd really rather start with the neons if I can.
Both are bad choices for cycling with fish.  Don't cycle with any fish you
aren't willing to loose.  If you don't want to wait of fishless cycling, get
some cheap feeder fish.  If they live, give'm back to the LFS when you are
done.

Also what is in your tap water... treatment of chloramine produces ammonia.
Trying to deal with an ammonia spike during cycling by water changes can be
a bit self defeating with my tap water..

> 2. Because the tank is relatively tall, I'd like some plants for the
> back that will grow tall as well. Any recommendations?

No mention of having bought lights.I assume that means you have standard
lighting which won't be enough for anything but very low light plants.  Try
Giant Crypto (Cryptocoryne blassii) 14", onion plant (Crinum thaianum) up to
65", and Wavy Edged Sword (Aponogeton crispus) 15" are all are supposed to
be low light plants. For the front dwarf Anubias (Anubias nana), Java fern,
water hedge (Didiplis diandra) (9") are also supposed to be low light plants

Put the plants in at the git go.  They will make cycling much easier, help
with ammonia and nitrite and nitrate and generally keep the fish happier.
>
> 3. Is the Fluval OK with live plants? It has a powerhead or
> powerhead like return flow, and in another thread someone emphasized
> minimizing surface agitation if you have live plants.
Agitation reduces the CO2 in a CO2 augmented system.  Won't have any effect
in a non CO2 system

> 4. Am I correct that using carbon in the filter is not good for
> plants?
Most use carbon only to remove medication.  It isn't necessary in a stable
tank.

> 5. How necessary is a CO2 system for live plants?
Absolutely, if you want a jungle.  Otherwise, not all that necessary.  I
tend to overstock my aquariums, CO2 lots of light and regular pruning keeps
the nitrate buildup in line.  Besides, my Kuhli loaches like a mini tree to
hang from while waiting for feeding time.
>
> 6. The gravel I got is Water Pebbles. The stones are somewhat larger
> than pea-sized, with the larger ones being about the size of a
> bottlecap. Is this too big for loaches to forage in?
My experience is that loaches will get along fine, my Kuhli's love fine sand
that they can burrow in, but that causes problems so now they are fat in
coarse sand.  My experience with clowns is all they need are a cave, company
and food (and no ich).

> 7. Everyone says loaches love caves. I could only find one rock-like
> decoration that even comes close to creating caves. I know some
> people use flowerpots, but I'm shooting for a totally natural look.
> Ideas?
Hit the nearest garden supply/rockery.  With a little searching you can find
blocky rocks and some thin slates that will stack like Leggos.  You can
build anything you want.  Or just superglue pebbles on a piece of PVC pipe.
>
> Any other generic advice regarding my plans is welcome and
> appreciated.
>
Having recently gone from no fish to three tanks ....Go fishless cycle.. It
is cheaper.   The only time I've ever had cycling with fish to be painless
was setting up a 10 gallon for the grandkids with water, sand and sponges
from the 55 gallon.  Other wise, expect some grief.   Plants will help.

.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob Dainauski
> bobd{at}ptd.net
>
You'll need a small pleco type.  Rubber nose or something like a bushy nosed
that will stay small.
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