[BassMan]

I'm starting a new 72 gallon bow front planted tank for native fish. I will have in the tank Oscars, bluegill, peacock and large mouth bass, a channel cat, and a pleco. I've been told that a combination of flourite and schultz plant soil would make a reasonable substrate. Is this good? Also, what plants should I avoid having with these species of fish? Lighting? I'll do CO 2 if necessary as well. I really would like to have a healthy and dense tank and would really appreciate any help and advice I can get. Thanks in advance.

If anyone has some equipment/plants that would accompdate my tank just email me some info. I'll be looking to purchase things as soon as this week.

 

[BassMan]

Wow, really fast responses! I'm only planning on having these fish while they are small. I am an avid fisherman and plan on releasing the bass when they approach larger size.

The reference to a "native tank" implies simply that these are fish found locally in freshwater lakes. Here in NY one would not find the peacock and lmb's in the same waters but in Florida they do co-exist.

Any reccommendations on what type of plants would suffice for this tank?

The blue gills are only an option I'm considering, not too set upon them. I currently do have the Oscars, channel cat, and pleco in a much smaller tank and they are looking foward to a transplant into a larger environment.

 

[BassMan]

Substrate referrals anyone?

 

[BassMan]

Ok, so after some consideration (and reading up on some other forums), I may be convinced to avoid housing the large mouth bass. The other species do not grow nearly as large, have a better temperment, and will untimately allow me a greater array of options for my tank. I'm excited to get started (bringing home tank tonight) so I will need the following I'm assuming:

Substrate: mentioned earlier
Lighting: thinking about a T5
Filtration: Going canister with heating in the hose line
Plants: Hoping others can help
Fish Population: Definetes- 1 Blueberry Oscar, 1 firebelly, 1 golden pleco, 1 channel cat. Possibles- 2 Pumpkinseed, 1 yellow perch, 1 peacock bass.

All fish will be under 3 inches.

 

[BassMan]

Wouldn't talk very much Crispo, with the exception of that one day with your four bass (one nice), I usually outfish you! Haha.

I love that tank above with the driftwood and plant cover. I would consider something like that for my tank. Understandably my 72 gallon is small in comparison to others but I still would like to maximize it's appearence.

 

[BassMan]

omg! You found the one that got away! You see! It's a real whopper of a bass ain't it? LOL