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My clown loaches need a new cave. I was thinking of getting a piece of plastic drainpipe, to go along the back of the tank.

I have no idea where I am going to buy it(as in there are no hardware shops round here), but before I go investigating is it a good idea? I would lay it across the back weighted down with sand/gravel and covered over with plants. is it safe to use in the tank? should I be careful of the sharp edges?


Also I want to redo the 25G with a theme and well I am tempted by these ornaments.......

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_list.jsp?baseIndex=10&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302031301&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1127640718959

The pillar types ones that look kinda greek.........I have an idea in my head all flowing plants entwining with ruins and happy mollies but then the word tacky springs to mind.......what do you think? I am really not convinced it would n't look awful, a thin line between good and yuck....

next idea, the horrible hex tank which i loathe is looking better now I have discovered the joys of "gravel vacing". I don't know how make it look nice? Does any one have a hex shaped tank they like? What can you do to make it look more interesting?

Also where do Keyhole cichilds come from - what type of plants etc would they have?
thank you
GFG

Last edited by goldfishgeek at 25-Sep-2005 13:44

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone

I wouldn't do the Greek thing. I've seen a lot of attempts at it, but not many succeed. It just doesn't look good. I think the best theme for a tank is "natural".

---

They shade the glow of it with their mossy-misty costumes,
They wear masks of silk, porcelain, brass, and silver,
So as not to mislead with their own, ordinary faces.

Hi GFG !

PVC pipe would work great, you could silicone it then roll it in gravel to blend it with the substrate. No hardware stores ? Check your local phone book. Plumbing supply store would also have lots of pipe. May take some looking around ? It's a great idea, your clowns will love caves. You could attach java ferns or moss no problem. PVC usually not sharp edges but check anyway, if you find any, file it down.

With the greek theme - I see elodia densa (anacharis), red temple plant and mini anubias looking good in that theme. But lotsa options..

Hex
Keith has an exceptional hex tank. My 5g hex is just a holding tank for 2 large java ferns, java babies, and moss bits & an unidentified loach.. Bare tank otherwise. No filter or heater. Before that, just one large java fern on the bottom with a small stone dropped in the middle to weigh it down, bits of hornwort, and a paradise gourami.

You could do lots to make it interesting !

You could glue rocks together to make caves.. Plants or (yuck, fake plants) or a theme tank. Sand and smooth river rocks... driftwood bits covered by moss...
Also where do Keyhole cichilds come from.
South America: Rio Orinoco basin, and rivers of Guyana.
Good choice !!! Are they a breeding pair ?

- what type of plants etc would they have?
South American, a link to Tropica's SA list.
http://www.tropica.com/default.asp

But really, you don't have to stick to SA plants.
Plant whatever you like !
Good luck,
DaFish

Last edited by DaFishMan at 25-Sep-2005 13:31

The Amazon Nut...

Janna - it is definitely on the edge of being really naff isn't ?

hmm, are there any themes that aren't?

The 35G is the natural looking tank (wood plants etc) I imagine it to be a cross section of some river some where.... spend far too much time thinking about these things. I just fancied some thing different for the 25G - it has livebearers in. they don't look like "real natural fish" - I know they are but you know how they are bright colours? and now I sound completely mad. any way I wanted a theme to go with them and their brightness.

any ideas of themes that have worked?



GFG

Last edited by goldfishgeek at 25-Sep-2005 13:33

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone

Dafishman-

"PVC pipe would work great, you could silicone it then roll it in gravel to blend it with the substrate."

I hadn't thought od that - was just going put plants in front and hope no one noticed!


With the greek theme - I see elodia densa (anacharis), red temple plant and mini anubias looking good in that theme. But lotsa options..

see Janna's reply - I think it verges on the naff, I 'd love to do it but hmmmmmm.it would have to be carefully thought out.


Keith has an exceptional hex tank.

Yes was considering going to his house and stealing it ......

at the moment the hex has annubus and hornwort and some type of grass - no focalpoint. its boring.

You could glue rocks together to make caves..
-I like that idea.

or a theme tank.
-need more ideas! what themes??? think I will do a google search.

Also where do Keyhole cichilds come from.
South America: Rio Orinoco basin, and rivers of Guyana.
Good choice !!! Are they a breeding pair ?

No they are both girls, VERY cute though, would just like to make them very comfortable. thanks for the link and info. Will make a list and hand it to the mute guy at the LFS!

cheers

GFG



Last edited by goldfishgeek at 25-Sep-2005 13:45

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone

i like the greek theme just remember not to over do it i,ve seen a feww with a atlantis them and they looked great as long as you like it and it dones,nt endanger the fish go with it good luck

"Yes was considering going to his house and stealing it ......" - Hey Keith, who's that sneaking out your window with the hex, the ever friendly and sensible GFG ? OMG

Add a male keyhole, they are so nice ! Maybe they will breed They seem like such nice fish, if I wasn't wanting my rams to breed, I'd add a pair meeself (or discus).

Cheerz,
Da





The Amazon Nut...