Aquatic Plant Central - View Single Post

Zapins · 01-17-2009, 05:36 PM

First things first. This project is going to cost a bucket load of cash. He is looking at several thousand dollars I am sure, probably 3-5,000 for a full set up.

He will need metal halide lights, probably 4x250W or the next size up bulb. Probably 3x300w heaters, and 2 canister filters, about 150 pounds of substrate – your choice.

Paludariums are basically like a fish tank + an emersed setup. If you have any experience with those then you will find it second nature.

Fish choices are practically infinite. If he wants rocks and flashy – try some of the African cichlids from Malawi, lots of the labidochromis fish are very colorful. Very much like salt water. I wouldn’t go with discus since they are pretty much the most picky FW fish out there, especially if he doesn’t know much about fish. Discus would probably be the worst first fish to have.

You could try planting orchids in the top part and getting some anole lizards.

Maintenance is essentially the same as with a fish tank. Except large tanks require larger water changes which works out to be more effort.

01-17-2009, 05:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
Zapins Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CT, Connecticut Posts: 2,561 iTrader Ratings: 49 iTrader Positive Rating: 100% Plant Points: 97720	Re: lots of questions First things first. This project is going to cost a bucket load of cash. He is looking at several thousand dollars I am sure, probably 3-5,000 for a full set up. He will need metal halide lights, probably 4x250W or the next size up bulb. Probably 3x300w heaters, and 2 canister filters, about 150 pounds of substrate – your choice. Paludariums are basically like a fish tank + an emersed setup. If you have any experience with those then you will find it second nature. Fish choices are practically infinite. If he wants rocks and flashy – try some of the African cichlids from Malawi, lots of the labidochromis fish are very colorful. Very much like salt water. I wouldn’t go with discus since they are pretty much the most picky FW fish out there, especially if he doesn’t know much about fish. Discus would probably be the worst first fish to have. You could try planting orchids in the top part and getting some anole lizards. Maintenance is essentially the same as with a fish tank. Except large tanks require larger water changes which works out to be more effort.