leaf fish tank

[namxas]

Don't be afraid of flow...just be sure that the current near the substrate isn't too crazy. Like Jake mentioned, alternating current is really great if you can swing it, but even then, you don't want little fish postage stamps on the tank panes if you use pumps.

I've kept leafs in 18T's (same footprint as a 10 gal, but twice as tall) with just HOB filtration and a regulated air line in one corner, but I've also kept them in a NC28 with both pumps alternating with no problems.

HTH

 

[rayn]

When I first set it up and turned on the k3 it blew a open area in the front put of the sand. I considered that to much. The hob filter seems to be good for now though.

 

[namxas]

I think if you need any additional flow, you can just drop a piece of open-ended airline tubing in one of the rear corners. It will give you a bit more surface turbulence without blowing the fish and the substrate around.

 

[rayn]

I remember that from your last post and like that idea. Simple. It may change though when I get a skimmer on it though, as I'm not sure the output.

 

[rayn]

Here are a couple pics of him in the new tank. Ignore the K3 in there, it isn't turned on. Some new dry base rock, one decent size piece of LR, and a very well seeded HOB filter pad.

Question about natural light. Will this hurt the tank in any way? This is coming in through the little window in my front door.

 

[AlexS95]

It won't hurt it, you'll just have more algae growth.

 

[namxas]

Cool little tank.

The black sand will likely end up looking pretty dirty over time (lots of peeps use it for SH setups, which is how I know). You could add a bit of white sand in for a "dark salt and pepper" look if it becomes an issue.

Just a couple of things:

The tank is fine as-is, but since your rockwork is sparse, you might want to consider giving it a low stacking in one area which will leave more open substrate for the fish. See how much of a "walker" your individual specimen is, and keep that in the back of your head.

Ambient light is fine. Just be sure it doesn't overheat the water, as it looks like it's getting lit up pretty well.

You're gonna love the way leaf fish behave...they're pretty comical.

 

[rayn]

I was thinking more rock would be needed, but im not sure yet. This guy hardly sits still it seems. Every tome I look in the tank he is in a different place.

Temp is my worry with the light. Looking at it when I took the pics it went up to 82°. However right now we are in the middle of a heat wave. Temp went to 99 with a 118 heat index yesterday when I asked.

I was hoping a red/pink one was coming today, but the heat kept my lfs from ordering anything. Their distributor has or will have a pink one in for me soon though.

As for the black sand, I figured it might be a issue, but man does it make the color pop out!

 

[namxas]

That's why the black sand is popular in the SH world...peeps are always trying to get their SH to "color-up" and "pop".

99*F!!!! Too hot for ol' Greg!

 

[rayn]

Was wondering what macro algea or plants would work good in this tank. I was looking at some sites in the macro board, but as with any new juncture it was a tad overwhelming. With going a species tank I would like to keep it localized to their habitat as well. Also what type of lighting would work? I was thinking I would go t5, but if more is needed I could go MH.

 

[namxas]

I've tried fretting over certain macros before, but what I do now is find something I want to try and see if it "takes"...we have some setups that will grow anything we add, and some that only grow certain ones. I do find that the reds (such as Botryodladia sp./red grape) tend to like more subdued lighting to keep that vivid red coloration. Otherwise, they tend to go white or brown.

IMHO, T-5's should be PLENTY. If you can, set it up so you can run the actinics on a separate timer to simulate the dawn/dusk pattern. This may also help if you have difficult feeders.

 

[rayn]

I really like the aquaticlife systems. They have all th lights on one timer and each are adjustable how you want. Most likely what I will go with.
Thanks on the red color info. I want some greens, but really like the idea of some red macros in there as well.

 

[rayn]

Got home tonight and the leaf had shed its skin, cuticle? Is this stressful on them, as he is kinda flopping on his side now. Able to stand straight up and move around though.

 

[namxas]

It's normal for them to shed their cuticles periodically.

 

[rayn]

That I remember you and others saying. My concern was the flopping bit. I was actually happy to see the cuticle as I figured they had to be healthy to a point to do it.

 

[seahorsedreams]

Do you have a picture? Flopping is pretty normal in this species. Of course, it could also mean "not such good things", but that's where the picture would help. But sometimes with their natural stance and locomotion, you'd swear there was something wrong with them.

 

[rayn]

So I sit there for five minutes waiting for a flop. So I guess my worries were unfounded, seems like he is fine now. Maybe it was just where he was at in the tank.

 

[namxas]

These fish are kinda like triggers in that they will lay on their sides a bit. I'm sure you've also noticed that they seem to rock back and forth more when they get excited.

 

[rayn]

I have noticed that. I think for a " non swimming " fish it is one of the more interesting ones. The way it moves, eats, and just sways. I find myself just sitting there watching more now.

 

[jarrod13]

How are you liking the black sand? I'm thinking of doing it in my new tank