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Scavangers, Plant care for my aquarium.

23 15:28:32

Question
Hi...!!
I'm an amature aquarist from India.
I've a 85gallon, Fresh water Aquarium, Since last 1 month and is moderately planted with Amazon Sword, Aponogeton Crispus and Hydrocotyle Verticillata, and I'm constantly trying to keep up the Micranthemum Umbrosum planted, as my Kampha loves Nibbing/Uprooting it. I've 1 Kampha 4", 1 Green terror (Rivulatus) 4", 2 pairs Melanochromis Auratus, 2 pairs Peacock Blue Chichlid, 1 Common Pleco, 2pairs Apple Snails, 1 peacock eel.
For Lighting, I've 3, 30W flurocent Aquarium Tubes.
My concern is:

1) Weather, this lighting is sufficient for healthy Plant growth? I've used 8Kgs of Seachem Fertilizer and ~40Kg of 1-2mm Gravel Over it, with fishnet as seperator in between them.

2) What can i keep as Scavanger in my Aquarium (Only, Red Lobster/Corrydora/Loaches available)

3) I've a Silver Arowana, ~4" in another 15Gallon Tank, Will it be safe if i shift it in my above mentioned 85gallon tank whn it grows up?

4) can i put some Schooling fish in my bigger Tank?

Any expert advise, from your end, on my Aquarium Setup will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi,

Your lighting is sufficient for low light growth, but not for plants requiring moderate/high lighting.

I would put Corydora.  I would not put loaches, they will dig up the plants.  I would absolutely never add a lobster to the tank, as he eats fish to survive.

Your arowana will need a much larger tank than 85 gallons.  He will need upwards of 250gallons and no less.  He will never be fine in an 85. :)  He is too large at full growth.

You can put schooling fish in the bigger tank.  I love mine.  I have Tetra species. :)

Happy fish-keeping and I wish you the best.