New Tank

[LooksLater]

I definitely would advise against discus.

[Chris.d514]

Would a discus or two work in this with a brochis Cory cat?

[LooksLater]

Definitely since it's new and still has to cycle- go with initial plants like anubias, swords, java fern, and mosses, that are hardy and will likely survive the process. If you don't like them, toss or trade them when you're done cycling, if you do like them, keep them and add others.

I'd recommend upgrading filters if you can- that filter is weak for that size tank. Always helps to "overfilter"...those ratings are spotty, those numbers usually mean what they will push with NO media (the sponges, etc inside the filter), and the biofilm (the funk that adds up) slowing everything down, etc...always double what you think you need, in my opinion. Aquaclear is the best hang-on-back filter (HOB) that I have ever used, not too expensive and works like a champ. Maybe leave what's there and add a Aquaclear 20 on that size tank. Check amazon for good deals.

[Chris.d514]

The filter that came with it is the aqueon quiet flow 10 that does 100gph. I am looking for bright colors that will move decently and i love the look of the clown loaches. I went with the dark substrate so that the bright and vibrant colored fish would really pop. I am still wondering what plants would be good with minimal maintenance as this will be my first planted tank unless you count the moss ball in my daughters tank.

[LooksLater]

I like a South east Asian Biotope...think loaches (bottom feeders), rasboras, definitely move over the danios from the other tank!- they will work well with these. What are you trying to achieve, focus point? Or all over movement?

Other bottom dwellers- it depend on water movement. What kind of filtration are you running? Lots of water movement means more options, less means simple things such as kuhli loaches.

[eklikewhoa]

If you're going to do planted the do a lot of plants and do that first so it will help with the cycle.

[Chris.d514]

Cool well if anyone in the Deer Park, La Porte, Webster, or 45/belt south read this and are willing to share I would very much appreciate it. Should I begin stocking with plants or fish as I want to have both? And what are some good plant choices?

[eklikewhoa]

Find someone nearby with clean tanks and use their old filter media in your filter/tank and the bacteria will seed your tank, You could slowly start stocking fish at this point too if you like.

[Chris.d514]

Also I just started the tank with water and the amquel plus but is there anything else that I can do relatively inexpensively that will help cycle the tank?

[eklikewhoa]

Ditch the tiger barbs, they are mean mofos

[Chris.d514]

I just bought a new Aqueon 14 gallon kit, 20lbs of black sand, and 2 medium white lava rocks. I plan on putting black film on the back and sides. Anyone got a recommendation on some fish and plants? I was thinking some albino cherry barbs, tiger barbs (reg and albino) and some bottom feeder.