Redo on my 10 gallon

[Cassandra90]

I have a 10 gallon tank.
Inhabitants:
1 male halfmoon betta
5 albino cories

Gravel bottom
Heated
Air Stone
Tetra whisper filter
2 Spiral flourescent 10w daylight 6500k which equals to about 40w normal lighting.

Tomorrow I would like to switch to a sand bottom covered in gravel. I was thinking about 2 or 3 inches of black sand, then a thin layer of gravel on top.

My ideal plan is to make it planted. I have some experience with plants since I have about 10 live plants mixed in with fake ones in my 55 gallon.

Am I on the right track?

Should I remove the air stone? What type of plants would look great in the tank? or easy plants?

Also any other helpful tips are welcomed.


Thank you!

[Pitluvs]

This is what I followed to do my 29g last night... works great! And this is what the tank looked like 30mins after I was done.... Sand In Tropical Tanks



No cloud, no waiting 2 or 3 days for it to clear. I added my fish back in 10mins.

As for plants, I'm just as lost!

[Cassandra90]

if I change it to a sand bottom can I add the fish back in once the water clears up? Of course I know I have to wash the sand.

[pinkninja12]

Yup once in clears up and you've tested the water your all good.

[Fermin]

If you're wanting a planted tank, you might want to consider substrate instead of sand. Eco-Complete is a nice and doesn't cloud the water when you add it to an already-filled tank. The downside is that it's pricy.

If you're interested, you can take a look at my planted tank (I use Eco-Complete) in my profile photos (it's in my betta Pierogi's photos).

Good luck!

[fishman12]

You'll want plants... 5 cories is a little too much...

[Cassandra90]

The cories are small once they outgrow the tank they will be placed in my 55 gallon.
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[fishman12]

Oh, good.

[Cassandra90]

They are under half an inch for sure in length. I have had them for about 3 months now. Well I redid my tank and it looks pretty good.

I got pennywort, watersprite, hornwort, pogostemon helferi, red temple (I think), and another plant I am not to sure on the name.

[Pitluvs]

Originally Posted by Cassandra90

if I change it to a sand bottom can I add the fish back in once the water clears up? Of course I know I have to wash the sand.

That's what I did, the photo up ^^ was 10 minutes after I finished adding the water. I am not assuming you wouldn't wash the sand, but I am unsure you know how much time it takes to properly wash sand. Enough for my 29g took me almost 3 hours. Hence adding the water a certain way and adding fish asap :) If you cut one step or don't do it all the way with playsand... you end up with a clouded tank that takes days to clear lol