[klockz]

ok guys, i plan on finally getting my ps' this coming week and i just want to make sure everything is ready for when they arrive. MY plan is to get 5 red bellies 1.5-2 inch in a 55 gallon tank. and yes i plan to upgrade as they grow. Ok, i have a crap brand wal-mart powerfilter thats rated for 40-60 gallon tanks and i also added an AC500. I've got the water temp stable at 82 degrees and the tank is properly cycled. I've got all kinds of different decorations and everything. Ph is right around 7. Ive got a cheap wal-mart air pump and 2 airstones. i still have to put tape on my lights to cut down on . and the other thing i was thinking about is that black water stuff i hear people talking about. is this necessary to have or what? now keeping all this in mind, is there anything else i need to add to my tank? thanks guy

 

[thePACK]

you got it down

..and no you don't have to worry about the water color...

 

[RhomZilla]

Yeah.. one and most important thing you forgot to mention and is a solid neccessity is.. "LOVE". You need love for your Ps in order for them to forever be happy!!

Honestly, your blue prints on your tank seems good enought!!

I was gonna disagree with your prefilter, but your AC 500 would help make up for it (but you will still need to upgrade the bigger they get). I have no other suggestions but to add your Ps and become a happy owner!!! Congrats!!!

 

[klockz]

great guys, i cant wait. anyone else have any comments?

 

[Judazzz]

Black water extract is not necessary, but your p's for sure won't mind if you use it.
A word of caution though: playing with the pH (what you will do when adding BWE) can have unexpected and even potentially dangerous effects, since it will cause the pH to vary (greatly). Ph swings are much more dangerous than a somewhat higher or lower pH than the ideal: it's up to you, but keep that in mind when you decide to use it...

 

[SnowCichlid]

looks like you have things underwraps, hows your decor doing?

 

[Mr. Hannibal]

You don´t need black water at all...everything is OK, congrats!