So, I'm new to the freshwater scene... Help me...

[mnemenoi]

Pool Filter Sand, just inert cheap sand that is easy to maintain. They sell bags at nearly any Pool Filter Supply store and it works great. We got ours at the local Leslie's Pool Supply off of Tamina near Oak Ridge.

[flipside]

Yeah, they are super nice! Only thing is, I've never known anyone to keep a pony tank for more 8 months... well... maybe up to a year, but never more. Even them ORA variety (premium, aquacultured ones).

Any way... WTH is PFS? Sorry... acronyms run rampid in this hobby.

[LooksLater]

Shooo! Hijack away! I don't mind, really. I just wanted to spawn some thoughtful insight as to what I need to do, even if the topic strays to Kimbo Slice's early years on YouTube...

So, I like looking at planted tanks. I've always loved puffers.

As stated, I'm in the reef game but I really want a nice (and I guess) large FW tank, too. The personality of a puffer is second to none, so keeping one is number one with the plants at a close second.

So, what about water? Do I need to use my RO/DI from Vertex unit for these types of tanks? Or do you all just pump tap right into the tank and dechlor it? As far as substrate is concerned (puffer in mind), would aragonite work? I hear it helps keep the pH steady, but I really don't know...

And, yes... I've seen some really nice goldfish tanks in the past. I definitely would have to agree with Aquabee's statements (but... who am I?) :)

Thanks thus far, ya'll! I live really close to Fox Run, too! I mean, right around the corner (literally). Can someone PM me the information on the tour? I'll try to come see for myself as I truly don't want to kill anything that I buy. That's the only reason I haven't done a seahorse tank (pardon the digression).

Thanks!
Leo

lol Good deal! And I'm guessing if you can handle reef tanks, you'll have no problem with planted.

Yes, we have just PFS as substrate and I throw Flourish tabs under the plants as well as lightly dose with liquid ferts. The aragonite might pull up the pH more than you want, gotta love that liquid rock we call houston tapwater!

We've been pleasantly surprised at how many FB neighbors we have, it's great. Anytime! The tank tour thread is under the GHAC sub forum, sign up to take the south side tour there or if you don't have time for the whole thing, just PM us for a number/addy and head to our house after- there will be jerk chicken, beers and fish nerd shennanigans aplenty, I'm sure!

Oh, and also- if you ever did do a seahorse tank, I would be envious for the rest of my life...I wish they were easier to keep, I absolutely adore seahorses! Sigh.

[mnemenoi]

We use tap on our fahaka tank with Prime, ro/di water would be too mineral poor and can swing crazy in a tank like that. I only use argonite in my tanganyikan tanks, the fahaka prefer harder water just not that hard. It could be done, its just harder to vaccuum and simple PFS should do fine.

The tank tour thread is located in the GHAC club subsection, but anyone is welcome to show. Just look up Spring Tank Tour and its all listed under that info

[flipside]

Shooo! Hijack away! I don't mind, really. I just wanted to spawn some thoughtful insight as to what I need to do, even if the topic strays to Kimbo Slice's early years on YouTube...

So, I like looking at planted tanks. I've always loved puffers.

As stated, I'm in the reef game but I really want a nice (and I guess) large FW tank, too. The personality of a puffer is second to none, so keeping one is number one with the plants at a close second.

So, what about water? Do I need to use my RO/DI from Vertex unit for these types of tanks? Or do you all just pump tap right into the tank and dechlor it? As far as substrate is concerned (puffer in mind), would aragonite work? I hear it helps keep the pH steady, but I really don't know...

And, yes... I've seen some really nice goldfish tanks in the past. I definitely would have to agree with Aquabee's statements (but... who am I?) :)

Thanks thus far, ya'll! I live really close to Fox Run, too! I mean, right around the corner (literally). Can someone PM me the information on the tour? I'll try to come see for myself as I truly don't want to kill anything that I buy. That's the only reason I haven't done a seahorse tank (pardon the digression).

Thanks!
Leo

[LooksLater]

yeah i didnt mean my girl as a daughter. we have no kids lol.

seriously, gold fish?

I knew what you meant. If you want your lady to love fish, you got to let her love what she loves, man. Her tastes will change same as every one's as she gains more experience and wants to try new things. Puffers are difficult, I just don't recommend it for beginners.

Now quit hijacking this guy's thread!!

[aquabee]

yeah i didnt mean my girl as a daughter. we have no kids lol.

seriously, gold fish?

Little girl or girlfriend, why's it matter? She likes what she likes. I don't consider goldfish inferior in any way. Her tastes may change, but for now, they're colorful, active, inexpensive, not aggressive, and given the right filtration, not too sensitive. Good choice on her part IMHO.

[R_sustaita]

yeah i didnt mean my girl as a daughter. we have no kids lol.

seriously, gold fish?

[LooksLater]

my girl wants a danm gold fish, so was thinking of getting her a puff instead of the gold trash. lol. after all both of them are round and move slow.

I agree with Aquabee! IMO, the best way to get your girl interested in the hobby is to let her get what she wants!!

[aquabee]

my girl wants a danm gold fish, so was thinking of getting her a puff instead of the gold trash. lol. after all both of them are round and move slow.

What's wrong with getting her what she likes? I've seen some beautiful goldfish setups.

[mnemenoi]

my girl wants a danm gold fish, so was thinking of getting her a puff instead of the gold trash. lol. after all both of them are round and move slow.

Puffers are much more difficult then most fish, they require dedicated hubandry and routine water changes and daily attention to water parameters. I'd be wary of them for children's tanks as they are so quick to become ill and can go downhill very fast (1-2 days) if you don't notice very small issues quickly.

[mnemenoi]

Will any puffer be able to share a tank with others?

Some can be social (dwarf puffers, Red eye red tail, South American puffers) and others can tolerate others in the tank for small amounts of time when juveniles. There are quite a handful if different species and they span most of the continents so its a bit tricky and each one can baffle all the sources you have ever read. All I could really say is that sometimes they will work, but every one is entirely different...

[R_sustaita]

my girl wants a danm gold fish, so was thinking of getting her a puff instead of the gold trash. lol. after all both of them are round and move slow.

[LooksLater]

Hahah, I was sooo not quick enough to beat Mnemenoi to this! Yes, definitely come over at the tour or anytime, check out our puffer tanks and see what you think, if that'd help. We'd love to have you.

[R_sustaita]

Will any puffer be able to share a tank with others?