What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway?

On Sep 20, 3:21 pm, John DeBoo <jsde....RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote:
> I'm new to this group too and tire of their BS so please don't encourage
> them. Time to use the filter I guess<sigh>. I'd hoped to learn a lot
> more about aquariums & fish etc as I plan on doing a 29gal tank
> (probable size) before long but I note little of value here so far.
>
> John D.
>
>
>
> St. Clair wrote:
> > Just curious, since I'm new to visiting this group, what started the hatred
> > between the two?
>
> > They both seem nice and knowledgable when they talk to other people, but
> > when they talk to each other, there's just a lot of contempt there.
>
> > Was just curious the history of how the fight came to be...- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Well John, evidently you have been lurking more than anything , but if
your interested in fish and aquariums there is nothing better to do
than at least ask a few questions and get the ball rolling. Everthing
yo may need toknow or want to know surely will not be addressed
without asking about it. Perhaps if TYNK just ignores and resists the
temptation to "explain" her actions and to ensure foks knows whats
going on in her opinion, and her dire need to have to point things out
to everyone, this mess may just dry up and blow away......Evidently
TYNK is not embarrased by what she contributed to, and loves the
attention unlike Gill and Jan and some others who just plain went away
or when they do particcipate its too the point no matter what is poked
at them and off they go to the moderated forums again.

I'll let you in on a little secret with usenet participants. Its not
good to advertise your gonna kill file some one. Just do it and shut
up about it and truck on........ no one but you will know. If no one
drags you nilly willy into a conflict, don't get involved in it in
any way.......just make a kill filter and truck on............Kill
filters are so easy to get around why give any person the advantage
and let them know your disturbed and now kill filtered them, as all
they will do is make yet another new nym and come in as some one else,
and from that point on things tend to only get worse.

So whats your questions John?
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

"John DeBoo" <jsdeboo.DeleteThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:CpSdnSglwK36S2_bnZ2dnUVZ_gGdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> I'm new to this group too and tire of their BS so please don't encourage
> them. Time to use the filter I guess<sigh>. I'd hoped to learn a lot
> more about aquariums & fish etc as I plan on doing a 29gal tank (probable
> size) before long but I note little of value here so far.
==========================
Don't give up just yet. This was once a good group full of knowledgeable
people. Once the off-topic cross-posting stops it will return to the group
it once was. If you have any questions please ask them. There are people
willing to help who mainly lurk waiting for the storms to pass. They will
reply if they see your message.

Have you any idea what kind of tropicals you want to keep?
--
RM....
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
~~~~ }<((((*> ~~~ }<{{{{(ö>
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

Tristie wrote:
> On Sep 20, 3:21 pm, John DeBoo <jsde... RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote:
>> I'm new to this group too and tire of their BS so please don't encourage
>> them. Time to use the filter I guess<sigh>. I'd hoped to learn a lot
>> more about aquariums & fish etc as I plan on doing a 29gal tank
>> (probable size) before long but I note little of value here so far.
>>
>> John D.
>>
>>
>>
>> St. Clair wrote:
>>> Just curious, since I'm new to visiting this group, what started the hatred
>>> between the two?
>>> They both seem nice and knowledgable when they talk to other people, but
>>> when they talk to each other, there's just a lot of contempt there.
>>> Was just curious the history of how the fight came to be...- Hide quoted text -
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> Well John, evidently you have been lurking more than anything , but if
> your interested in fish and aquariums there is nothing better to do
> than at least ask a few questions and get the ball rolling. Everthing
> yo may need toknow or want to know surely will not be addressed
> without asking about it. Perhaps if TYNK just ignores and resists the
> temptation to "explain" her actions and to ensure foks knows whats
> going on in her opinion, and her dire need to have to point things out
> to everyone, this mess may just dry up and blow away......Evidently
> TYNK is not embarrased by what she contributed to, and loves the
> attention unlike Gill and Jan and some others who just plain went away
> or when they do particcipate its too the point no matter what is poked
> at them and off they go to the moderated forums again.
>
> I'll let you in on a little secret with usenet participants. Its not
> good to advertise your gonna kill file some one. Just do it and shut
> up about it and truck on........ no one but you will know. If no one
> drags you nilly willy into a conflict, don't get involved in it in
> any way.......just make a kill filter and truck on............Kill
> filters are so easy to get around why give any person the advantage
> and let them know your disturbed and now kill filtered them, as all
> they will do is make yet another new nym and come in as some one else,
> and from that point on things tend to only get worse.
>
> So whats your questions John?
>

*plonk*
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

Reel McKoi wrote:

>
> Don't give up just yet. This was once a good group full of knowledgeable
> people. Once the off-topic cross-posting stops it will return to the
> group it once was. If you have any questions please ask them. There
> are people willing to help who mainly lurk waiting for the storms to
> pass. They will reply if they see your message.
>
> Have you any idea what kind of tropicals you want to keep?



After much reading, lurking and reading through the many messages here
and in a couple other forums which went sour, how refreshing to actually
read a msg related to aquariums & tropical fish.

I think I'll likely go with a 29gal tank, probably from Wal-Mart as I
simply cannot afford a better setup at this time. I'm thinking I'll use
plastic plants more than likely. Fish-wise I anticipate adding 6-8
Zebra Danio's as they are touted as great fish for beginners. Once they
are established I'd like to add 8-10 Neon Tetra's. They also seem to be
good for beginners and will add some great color that my grandchildren
should enjoy (me too!). My only concern with them is that the Tetra's
are much smaller than the Danio's but so far I've not read anything that
presents that as a problem with these particular species.

If all goes well, I'll eventually add 1-2 Pleco and 2 or so Cory
Catfish, once they have something in there to eat, incl algae. Farther
down the road I'd dearly love to add a couple different types of
Gourami's - Pearl's(pair), Dwarf's(pair) & Kissers(4 or so). That'll
pretty much do it as anything more may be too many fish. If any one
species has got to go, I'd prefer it be the Tetra's.

That's the plan anyway, unless someone chimes in with some compelling
reason(s) not to.

So the questions are:

1). Any reason I should not buy a WM aquarium given limited funding at
this time? IIRC, Aqua-Tech is the brand they sell as complete sets.

2). Are there any accessories I *must* replace with another (heater,
filter etc) should I buy a WM aquarium because they are no good or
totally inadequate?

3). Is this too many fish for a 29gal aquarium?

4). Will size be an issue with any of these fish?

5). Do any of them have specific requirements that might be detrimental
to the rest?

6). Will either of the pairs of Gourami's (or the Kissers for that
matter) interfere with the other Gourami's?

That's it for the moment - Thanks!

Grandpa John
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

On Sep 20, 12:38 pm, "St. Clair" <info@REMOVE*THIScichlid-world.com>
wrote:

> Just curious, since I'm new to visiting this group, what started the hatred
> between the two?
>
> They both seem nice and knowledgable when they talk to other people, but
> when they talk to each other, there's just a lot of contempt there.
>
> Was just curious the history of how the fight came to be...

Hi there.
The person known currently as "Tristie" (he has many different screen
names that he uses) simply decided one day that it was my turn for his
made up, crazy, often vulgar attacks.
Reel McKoi herself was once a long time, and just as nasty a target of
his too. He did it to her for years.
I don't hate him, I pity him.
You'll see his true colors soon.
However, I would really much rather discuss fish and the hobby than
him and his lies.
Hopefully he will keep treating you nicely.
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

"John DeBoo" <jsdeboo.TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:GvWdnZKo4OP4sG7bnZ2dnUVZ_obinZ2d@comcast.com...
> After much reading, lurking and reading through the many messages here and
> in a couple other forums which went sour, how refreshing to actually read
> a msg related to aquariums & tropical fish.
>
> I think I'll likely go with a 29gal tank, probably from Wal-Mart as I
> simply cannot afford a better setup at this time. I'm thinking I'll use
> plastic plants more than likely. Fish-wise I anticipate adding 6-8 Zebra
> Danio's as they are touted as great fish for beginners. Once they are
> established I'd like to add 8-10 Neon Tetra's. They also seem to be good
> for beginners and will add some great color that my grandchildren should
> enjoy (me too!). My only concern with them is that the Tetra's are much
> smaller than the Danio's but so far I've not read anything that presents
> that as a problem with these particular species.

That's a nice size tank. Allow me to suggest you get an Aquaclear filter.
They last forever and the sponges last for many months. Some other filters
have expensive innards (filter pads) that must be constantly replaced.
Danios are very active fish that at times can harass or stress slower moving
fish like Neons. You will have to watch carefully at feeding time that the
neon's get their share as danios are fast and aggressive at feeding time.

> If all goes well, I'll eventually add 1-2 Pleco and 2 or so Cory Catfish,
> once they have something in there to eat, incl algae.

Get the plecos that stay small. Don't get the regular inexpensive ones all
the stores carry as they get huge. I have the clown plecos and some ottos
to keep the algae under control. Cory's need to live in trios to avoid
stress.

Farther
> down the road I'd dearly love to add a couple different types of
> Gourami's - Pearl's(pair), Dwarf's(pair) & Kissers(4 or so). That'll
> pretty much do it as anything more may be too many fish. If any one
> species has got to go, I'd prefer it be the Tetra's.

Groumies that have thrived in my hard alkaline water are the pearls, cosbys
and golds. They others didn't live very long. The Kissing Groumies get
quite large. Rethink them until you get a bigger tank.

>
> That's the plan anyway, unless someone chimes in with some compelling
> reason(s) not to.
>
> So the questions are:
>
> 1). Any reason I should not buy a WM aquarium given limited funding at
> this time? IIRC, Aqua-Tech is the brand they sell as complete sets.

I personally wouldn't buy these sets. The quality isn't there (thickness of
glass etc). I would go a few bucks more and get the best quality tank you
can find. Buy the other components separately. Buy good and you'll have
them for a long, long time. Also, remember to get that white foam
insulation to set the tank on for even weight distribution.

>
> 2). Are there any accessories I *must* replace with another (heater,
> filter etc) should I buy a WM aquarium because they are no good or totally
> inadequate?

Rethink buying from Wal*Mart. Seek out a large chain store like Petco or
PetsMart or Superpets. To save money buy your gravel at Home Depot or
Lowe's. They sell the SAME fine brown gravel for a fraction of the price
the pet stores do.

>
> 3). Is this too many fish for a 29gal aquarium?

I would say no. Water changes and filter maintenance are important the more
fish you have in the tank. But if you add fish that grow large like P.
Hypostimus and Kissing Groumies..... you're looking for trouble.

>
> 4). Will size be an issue with any of these fish?

See above. As for the smaller graumies - how many of each do you plan to
add? No more than two I hope.

>
> 5). Do any of them have specific requirements that might be detrimental to
> the rest?

Watch those danios...........

>
> 6). Will either of the pairs of Gourami's (or the Kissers for that matter)
> interfere with the other Gourami's?

Some times the males take exception to each other. That's something to
consider. If one becomes constantly "picked on" you will have to remove it.
I hope a few others jump in and add their two cents. :-)

>
> That's it for the moment - Thanks!
>
> Grandpa John
--

RM....
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
~~~~ }<((((*> ~~~ }<{{{{(ö>
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

Reel McKoi wrote:
>
> "John DeBoo" <jsdeboo RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote in message

<snipped>

> Danios are very active fish that at times can harass or stress slower
> moving fish like Neons. You will have to watch carefully at feeding
> time that the neon's get their share as danios are fast and aggressive
> at feeding time.

Bummer, perhaps I'll hold off re: the Neon's all together. They were a
thought because they were supposed to be pretty compatible with others,
hearty and provide lots of color for the grandkids, and my eyes too<G>.

> Get the plecos that stay small. Don't get the regular inexpensive ones
> all the stores carry as they get huge. I have the clown plecos and some
> ottos to keep the algae under control. Cory's need to live in trios to
> avoid stress.

Cool, I was wondering about the Pleco's as I had one years ago that
started about 2" long and several years later was about 6" long. A trio
of Cory's, interesting, I didn't know they needed to socialize so much.

> Groumies that have thrived in my hard alkaline water are the pearls,
> cosbys and golds. They others didn't live very long. The Kissing
> Groumies get quite large. Rethink them until you get a bigger tank.

Hmmm, since we too have alkaline water here, that's a consideration.

> Rethink buying from Wal*Mart. Seek out a large chain store like Petco
> or PetsMart or Superpets. To save money buy your gravel at Home Depot
> or Lowe's. They sell the SAME fine brown gravel for a fraction of the
> price the pet stores do.

We've a Petco and a PetsMart close by, however Petco seems to have a lot
of dead fish in their tanks, more than I see elsewhere anyway. PetsMart
rarely has one that I see.

PetsMarts tanks all seem to be acrylic vs glass and scratching is an
issue when cleaning. I'd be most unhappy (like extremely PO'd) were I
to scratch it during cleaning, and I know I will sooner or later.

>> 4). Will size be an issue with any of these fish?
>
> See above. As for the smaller graumies - how many of each do you plan
> to add? No more than two I hope.

I'd thought of a pair of the Dwarf's, same for the Pearl's as I read
they get aggressive unless in pairs, thus only one pair/tank was
recommended. I very much like the Gold ones too, beautiful critters.
As for Kissers, I though maybe 4-6 small ones. I've seen them recently
maybe 1 1/2" long max. We had them years ago that were 2 1/2" long and
they didn't grow that I noted, plus I had really good luck with them.
My son's at the time enjoyed watching them as they were fairly active.
I'm thinking the grandkids would enjoy that now, and so would I.


>> 5). Do any of them have specific requirements that might be
>> detrimental to the rest?
>
> Watch those danios...........

Will they harass the Gourami's too or just the Neons (which I'll
probably not get as they're so small).

>> 6). Will either of the pairs of Gourami's (or the Kissers for that
>> matter) interfere with the other Gourami's?
>
> Some times the males take exception to each other. That's something to
> consider. If one becomes constantly "picked on" you will have to remove
> it.

So if I get a couple different species pairs of Gourami's (those I've
read should only be kept as pairs) I may still have a problem. Hmmm,
looks like fish have some of the same problems people do when it comes
to socializing<G>. I want a nice variety, a balance of movement, size,
color and compatibility as opposed to just one species, thus the mix.

Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.

Grandpa John
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

On Sep 20, 11:58 pm, Tynk <TY... RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote:
> On Sep 20, 12:38 pm, "St. Clair" <info@REMOVE*THIScichlid-world.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Just curious, since I'm new to visiting this group, what started the hatred
> > between the two?
>
> > They both seem nice and knowledgable when they talk to other people, but
> > when they talk to each other, there's just a lot of contempt there.
>
> > Was just curious the history of how the fight came to be...
>
> Hi there.
> The person known currently as "Tristie" (he has many different screen
> names that he uses) simply decided one day that it was my turn for his
> made up, crazy, often vulgar attacks.
> Reel McKoi herself was once a long time, and just as nasty a target of
> his too. He did it to her for years.
> I don't hate him, I pity him.
> You'll see his true colors soon.
> However, I would really much rather discuss fish and the hobby than
> him and his lies.
> Hopefully he will keep treating you nicely.

|See what I mean folks, TYNK bitches and raises hell and is quick to
point a finger at others yet l ook what she has done in this thread
already. RM gives a great informative bit of info and what does TYNK
do, She feels compelled to poiint out who or what |Tristies does. I
rest my case that TYNK is stioll in her combative thorws to overtake
the grojup and join forces with Gill as was her original plan. To
tell the truth, T|YNK, no one gives a rats ass what yu really have to
say and your like a broken record with your inept need to spout off
and rant. Your worse than any other troll I have ever seen or heard of
when it comes to rambling on about nothing. I own yiou and yu just can
not accept that.............now go take a hike if you can not refrain
from trashing RM or anyone elses posts.You and you alone right now can
not stand it when RM or any others reply to posts as your not in
charge and your not getting the attention you desire. Too bad Tynk,
you lost, and you know it. Our resident troll TYNK suffers from|Lack
of attention and the need tob e in charge.sorry we do not play those
games here TYNK.no go directly to JAIL, do not pass go, do not collect
$200.
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

John DeBoo <jsdeboo.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote in
news:CpSdnSglwK36S2_bnZ2dnUVZ_gGdnZ2d@comcast.com:

> I'm new to this group too and tire of their BS so please don't
> encourage them. Time to use the filter I guess<sigh>. I'd hoped to

THe best filter I use for this group is to ignore anything x-posted. Of
course, Tynk's removal of x-posts circumvents this, but the filter cuts out
almost everything else off-topic. Only trolls ever x-post anymore, anyways
;-)


> learn a lot more about aquariums & fish etc as I plan on doing a 29gal
> tank (probable size) before long but I note little of value here so
> far.
>

Argree. Specific questions here will still get a number of sensible
replies, but the spam is a nuisance. A moderated forum will always have a
higher signal to noise ratio. Try "the Freshwater Aquarium" Google group,
or search for online forums, as well.
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

"John DeBoo" <jsdeboo.TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:GvWdnYyo4OPF3G7bnZ2dnUVZ_obinZ2d@comcast.com...
> Reel McKoi wrote:
>>
>> "John DeBoo" <jsdeboo.TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote in message
>
> <snipped>
>
>> Danios are very active fish that at times can harass or stress slower
>> moving fish like Neons. You will have to watch carefully at feeding time
>> that the neon's get their share as danios are fast and aggressive at
>> feeding time.
>
> Bummer, perhaps I'll hold off re: the Neon's all together. They were a
> thought because they were supposed to be pretty compatible with others,
> hearty and provide lots of color for the grandkids, and my eyes too<G>.

I would get the neon's. They are peaceful and gentle little guys and very
colorful but get a group of them as they're schoolers. Shop around, I've
seen them priced from .99 to $1.99 each.

>> Get the plecos that stay small. Don't get the regular inexpensive ones
>> all the stores carry as they get huge. I have the clown plecos and some
>> ottos to keep the algae under control. Cory's need to live in trios to
>> avoid stress.
>
> Cool, I was wondering about the Pleco's as I had one years ago that
> started about 2" long and several years later was about 6" long. A trio
> of Cory's, interesting, I didn't know they needed to socialize so much.

Many fish need companions if you want them to live out their natural
lifespans. Isolation stresses them and they don't last long. I have 3
little albino corys in my 55g tank.

>
>> Groumies that have thrived in my hard alkaline water are the pearls,
>> cosbys and golds. They others didn't live very long. The Kissing
>> Groumies get quite large. Rethink them until you get a bigger tank.
>
> Hmmm, since we too have alkaline water here, that's a consideration.

I'm assuming it's my hard alkaline water. But when I try fish twice or
three times and they don't live.... I give up on them.

>> Rethink buying from Wal*Mart. Seek out a large chain store like Petco or
>> PetsMart or Superpets. To save money buy your gravel at Home Depot or
>> Lowe's. They sell the SAME fine brown gravel for a fraction of the price
>> the pet stores do.
>
> We've a Petco and a PetsMart close by, however Petco seems to have a lot
> of dead fish in their tanks, more than I see elsewhere anyway. PetsMart
> rarely has one that I see.

I'm talking about where to purchase your tanks, not your fish. For fish,
go where they all look the best and healthiest. Price should be secondary.

> PetsMarts tanks all seem to be acrylic vs glass and scratching is an issue
> when cleaning. I'd be most unhappy (like extremely PO'd) were I to
> scratch it during cleaning, and I know I will sooner or later.

Then check out the other stores. Glass tanks can be found everywhere I
live, and I'm talking about the larger towns and small cities. Almost every
pet shop chain here carries them.

>
>>> 4). Will size be an issue with any of these fish?
>>
>> See above. As for the smaller graumies - how many of each do you plan to
>> add? No more than two I hope.
>
> I'd thought of a pair of the Dwarf's, same for the Pearl's as I read they
> get aggressive unless in pairs, thus only one pair/tank was recommended.

One male per several females are OK if you have the tank space. Even female
pearls, golds and some others are very attractive.

I very much like the Gold ones too, beautiful critters.
> As for Kissers, I though maybe 4-6 small ones. I've seen them recently
> maybe 1 1/2" long max. We had them years ago that were 2 1/2" long and
> they didn't grow that I noted, plus I had really good luck with them. My
> son's at the time enjoyed watching them as they were fairly active. I'm
> thinking the grandkids would enjoy that now, and so would I.

Then give 'em a try! :-) But if the kissers didn't grow there was
something wrong. Healthy well cared for kissers can reach 6" or more in a
tank. One shop here had a few on display that were at least 8" long. You
may also want to Google every fish on your list. You'll find some excellent
information on just about everything.

>>> 5). Do any of them have specific requirements that might be detrimental
>>> to the rest?
>>
>> Watch those danios...........
>
> Will they harass the Gourami's too or just the Neons (which I'll probably
> not get as they're so small).

Sometimes they don't harass any of their tankmates and sometimes they do. A
woman I know lost all her fancy guppies after she added some to her 30Long
tank. She just shrugged when I asked her why she didn't just take them back
to the fish store. Stress can kill fish. If I see a trouble maker of any
kind in my tanks I remove them. Groumies I mentioned above will do some
chasing of each other but no real harm. I don't keep more than one male per
groumie "type" either.

>
>>> 6). Will either of the pairs of Gourami's (or the Kissers for that
>>> matter) interfere with the other Gourami's?
>>
>> Some times the males take exception to each other. That's something to
>> consider. If one becomes constantly "picked on" you will have to remove
>> it.
>
> So if I get a couple different species pairs of Gourami's (those I've read
> should only be kept as pairs) I may still have a problem. Hmmm, looks
> like fish have some of the same problems people do when it comes to
> socializing<G>.

This is true. You just have to watch them and remove any that become overly
aggressive.

I want a nice variety, a balance of movement, size,
> color and compatibility as opposed to just one species, thus the mix.

I love mixing them also. Three clown loaches are next on my list. Pretty
little guys in yellow and black coats. They eat anything and leave the
other fish alone. :-) Consider a pair of them.

>
> Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.
>
> Grandpa John
--

RM....
Zone 6. Middle TN USA
~~~~ }<((((*> ~~~ }<{{{{(ö>
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

I typically ignore, however caca was all that was being posted for a
couple weeks and I got tired of even seeing them, thus I'm now using
filters. This 'appears' to be the only USEnet group that is somewhat
active and deals with freshwater issues, fish, aquariums etc. I'll
snoop for the other one - a google group you say?

Grandpa John

atomweaver wrote:
> John DeBoo <jsdeboo RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote in
> news:CpSdnSglwK36S2_bnZ2dnUVZ_gGdnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
>> I'm new to this group too and tire of their BS so please don't
>> encourage them. Time to use the filter I guess<sigh>. I'd hoped to
>
> THe best filter I use for this group is to ignore anything x-posted. Of
> course, Tynk's removal of x-posts circumvents this, but the filter cuts out
> almost everything else off-topic. Only trolls ever x-post anymore, anyways
> ;-)
>
>
>> learn a lot more about aquariums & fish etc as I plan on doing a 29gal
>> tank (probable size) before long but I note little of value here so
>> far.
>>
>
> Argree. Specific questions here will still get a number of sensible
> replies, but the spam is a nuisance. A moderated forum will always have a
> higher signal to noise ratio. Try "the Freshwater Aquarium" Google group,
> or search for online forums, as well.
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

On Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:33:09 -0600, John DeBoo wrote:
>
> I think I'll likely go with a 29gal tank, probably from Wal-Mart as I
> simply cannot afford a better setup at this time. I'm thinking I'll use
> plastic plants more than likely. Fish-wise I anticipate adding 6-8
> Zebra Danio's as they are touted as great fish for beginners. Once they
> are established I'd like to add 8-10 Neon Tetra's. They also seem to be
> good for beginners and will add some great color that my grandchildren
> should enjoy (me too!). My only concern with them is that the Tetra's
> are much smaller than the Danio's but so far I've not read anything that
> presents that as a problem with these particular species.
>

You've gotten some good advice from others, but I'll add my 2 cents worth.

I like live plants rather than plastic. If you don't want to spring for
fancy lighting, get some low light plants. There's a very good plant
guide at www.tropica,com. I've had good luck with cryptocorynes and some
of the sword plants (echinodorus). If you can't find what you want
locally, I've bought plants from aquariumplants.com and I've been happy
with them.

It's always better to understock than overstock. For a 29 I'd suggest 4
or 5 albino cory cats as cleanup, some Maylasian trumpet snails to keep
the gravel stirred, and then a group of a single species. A dozen or more
White Cloud Mountain minnows make a beautiful display and you'd be
helping them survive as they are supposedly extinct in the wild. I also
like Dwarf neon rainbowfish (about 6 or 7 for a 29) or a dozen forktail
blue eyes.

Most aquarium gravel is too large for plants. I've bought "tube sand" or
"traction sand" and sifted out the really small stuff. What's left is BB
size gravel that the plants (and the catfish) seem to love. And the price
is definitely right. Most of the aquarium gravel has too many sharp edges
for the cory cats.

I'll second the Aquaclear filters. You may eventually want to go with a
canister filter, but that's too much of an expense for starting out.

For heaters, I'd go with a 50 or 75 watt for that tank. The stealth
heaters have worked well for me.

Good luck.
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway? 

Larry Blanchard wrote:

<Snip>
>
>
> It's always better to understock than overstock. For a 29 I'd suggest 4
> or 5 albino cory cats as cleanup, some Maylasian trumpet snails to keep
> the gravel stirred, and then a group of a single species.

Are these the type of snail that are prolific breeders? Last thing I
want is an aquarium over run with snails. My MIL had as Aquarium years
ago and got a couple snails. After that it was a disaster!

> Most aquarium gravel is too large for plants. I've bought "tube sand" or
> "traction sand" and sifted out the really small stuff. What's left is BB
> size gravel that the plants (and the catfish) seem to love. And the price
> is definitely right. Most of the aquarium gravel has too many sharp edges
> for the cory cats.

Size was a concern for the Cory's as the gravel I saw with the complete
set looked a bit too big for them, and I shied away from using crushed
granite due to the sharp edges on it. Didn't want to hurt the bottom
feeders. If BB size is about right for fish and plants, does it have a
specific term to define its size so I know what I;'m looking for?

Thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

Grandpa John
 >> Stay informed about: What's the feud with Tynk and Tristie over anway?