Subj : New Aquarium Questions
To   : All
From : Hamlet
Date : Wed Jun 09 2004 06:19 pm

I'm setting up a new tank (my first, except for one I had as a kid 15
years ago) and I had a few questions.  Some details:

Tank is a 40 gallon breeder (36in X 18in X 16in)
Filter is a Penguin 330 (two wheels for bio-filter)
150 Watt Heater
basic 25 watt flourescent light


My plan (such that it is):

declorinate the water
get temp to 78F
do tests for PH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates

Assuming nothing bad shows up in the tests,

start with 5 platies of various colors (following cycling instructions
from The Simple Guide to Fresh Water Aquariums)

later add 3 swordtails (1M 2F) of various colors

later add 4-6 cories of various types

possibly make additions based on load feedback and suggestions from
this group.

Questions:

1. Why is my tank called a 40 gallon when it holds 45 gallons?
2. Is my filter adequate?  I could add another if neccessary.
3. Will the aeration of the filter(s) be enough, or do I need to
supplement it? It keeps the water at the top moving pretty good.  The
book suggests skipping the whole pump/airstone area for simplicity.
4. Cories are schooling fish.  How many should I get to keep them
happy? Is it ok to mix them a little for variety?
5. Real plants are pretty much out unless I upgrade the light,
correct?  Would Java Fern be ok or should I just go with plastic
plants?

My interest is to have the platies and swordtails breed a little, but
not overwhelm me with fish.  I understand that the fish will eat the
fry, so I'm planning on leaving the fry in the main tank.  I will give
them lots of cover (probably plastic) to hide in, hoping that a few
will reach adulthood.  Does this make sense? any suggestions?

Am I forgeting anything vital?
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