need decoration ideas for 30g

Personally I use crushed coral in all my freshwater tanks. Substrate is a personal preference. If you're going to keep plants in the tank you may want to look into getting a plant substrate like Seachem Flourite.

 

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:32 pm
Driftwood would definitely give you a natural look.

 

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:39 pm
CHEAP SUBSTRATES: Pea Gravel can be found at Wal-mart>>Play Sand (check it) can be found at Lowes>>Silica Sand or "blasting sand" can be found at a local quarry---just if you use these RINSE, RINSE, and RINSE again in freshwater.

 

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:47 pm
For the extremely cheap route you can use Terra cotta planters found at wal-mart as they can make nice caves OR plant holders, you can do some slate and build it up which can be found at your local hardware store, you can do cholla wood--anchor it by placing it a few inches into your substrate and know that larger pieces will float until they fully absorb the water, pvc tubing/connectors that can also be found at the hardware store (usually in the plumbing section), i've even used a porcelain scouring pad holder that was a fish (can be seen in my photos of the 90g african cichlid tank).

 

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:17 pm
For a natural look i wouldnt suggest the pots, I would suggest rocks, slates, and driftwood along with plants.

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:44 am
Cheap substrates - My way

1 50lb Play Sand from Lowes - REALLY fine (I would buy a bag and use this as a base in a planted aquarium. IT IS MESSY! Even after several rinses. You will not need the whole bag, put down 1/2") - $5

1 bag of Pool Filter Sand from Wal Mart - It is MUCH easier to work with as the sand is much coarser but still not coarse enough to hurt any fish and only needs 1 light rinse. Add this to the top layer to help hold the plants down, about a 1/2" - 3/4" depending on preference. - $8


Deco:
Rocks are cheap as you can go rock hunting for them. LOOK UP AND READ THE ROCKS YOU GET as some alter water parameters.

Driftwood you may need to buy. You can go driftwood hunting on a creek/river/stream/lake but you need to clean the driftwood thoroughly. You can bake, boil or bleach the driftwood. Bleaching is how I did it because my driftwood was too big for my oven or a pot.... not the recommended though. Baking and boiling are best, specifically boiling as it will help the wood absorb water quicker.

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:07 pm
perfect lemon!

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:50 pm

That is what is in my tank

Gotta be careful again with the rocks and the wood..... careful selection and thorough cleaning and it works.

Plus it looks more natural than that Malaysian wood. (I like branchy wood)

IF you do this DONT take any wood that looks like it homes ANY critters (termites etc...) Also be sure you dont get certain woods. You want to add all of the outside stuff and run your tank a while before stocking. You have to take your time with this way of doing your tank!

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:10 pm
Rocks: if you pour vinegar on them and they fizz they will alter the water parameters aka prolly shouldnt use them.

Driftwood: be very careful when looking for this along the river and creek beds, many species of poisonous snakes and spiders like to call these pieces of wood home, and you dont like people coming into your house you dont know do you? Just be mindful that you are taking an animals potential home so if you take it please use it! Also, I have read that pine species will eventually become toxic in a tank, so stay away from anything that smells "piny". You also want to watch out for rotten wood, anything soft and mushy, leave it. Look for the hardest heaviest pieces.

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:15 pm
O ok, didnt realize you were a pro.

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:19 pm
Yeah I heard cedar and pine, bad. No rotton stuff like he said.

And yes, the vinegar test is what you do. Quartz is good, along with slate. Limestone is a BIG no. I go with washed river rocks myself.... looks more like it belongs in water.

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:20 pm

Such a animalatarian

 

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:21 pm
always.

 

Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 2:56 pm
shoot anyone that grew up around all those rivers and stuff has got to have some great knowledge of the area!