So, this is how it starts...

[davocean]

Ok, after taking a break from reef, and downsizing for low maintenence, I just can't deal w/ a lifeless house and no shimmering water to gaze at!
So, cruising through Walmart, I decide to grab a beta for my vase w/ lucky bamboo.
No betas.
Hmm, that's a pretty cool goldfish over there, nice markings, I'll take him.
I get home, put in vase, and immediately think he needs more room.
So, go to petco, and grab a cheapy 10g.
Trying to keep this cheap and from getting out of hand(yeah right) I look for my used lights, all too big.
No prob, I'll just go get the 20g that first caught my eye.
Now, I get home, and I'm like, this is way too big for one little goldfish.
So, I guess we begin a new journey into a cool planted tank!
It's been a while since I've had FW, so anyone that can give me some advice please feel free.
Will it be stupid to keep this goldfish I already dig in a planted tank w/ others like cory cats, cardinals?
Or do I gotta go buy a big fishbowl too?LOL

[Techknowledgy]

.... I know a good counselor Dave.

[davocean]

LOL, yep, need a checkup from neckup!

[Techknowledgy]

Go planted. I want to have one, but don't need another tank to maintain. I have seen so many of these that are so cool. Very Zen.

[davocean]

Yeah, just read that long comment from Socalboo, very informative.
I want to keep very low maint plants that don't require Co2.
So far at least one, maybe two mistakes, I already put gravel w/ no planting soil(had no clue about that stuff) but that is easily correctable.
I also bought a plant attached to a piece of driftwood, kind wide leaf, teardrop shape, no clue what that is.
And this is bedroom tank, so yeah, ZEN, peace, love, all that groovy stuff!LOL

[DaveMorris]

I'm not sure that a goldfish and tropical FW fish will be compatible. Java ferns are pretty good low light, no CO2 plants to get. The best part about FW is the fish are cheap.

[davocean]

Yeah, so here we go, now goldfish gets a new 10g for himself, and 20g will be tropical/planted.
Soon I'll have new reef, so from nada, to 3 fish houses!
Instead of crazy cat lady, I'll be crazy fish guy.
Neat.
See how this goes?!LOL

[OceanBeach1502]

hey! nothin is wrong with being the crazy cat lazy

[Techknowledgy]

Audrey has like 27 cats now.

[OceanBeach1502]

Audrey has like 27 cats now.

meh.... minus 23 but cares right?

[davocean]

4 cats don't quite make crazy cat lady status in my book, but once I dated a girl w/ 9 cats, AND a giant tattoo of that egytian cat god, afraid that poor girl is doomed!

[zoa]

Enci tropical fish is getting more and more FW plants and the guy w the glasses knows a lot about the FW side. Dropped your contact info to my LL will let you know either way.

[AlabasterEskies]

I'm not sure that a goldfish and tropical FW fish will be compatible. Java ferns are pretty good low light, no CO2 plants to get. The best part about FW is the fish are cheap.

you have obviously not seen the price tag on zebra plecos recently

anyway Most the fish are cheaper...

Pm me if your interested in the plant substrate, etc we talked about today.

[davocean]

Yeah, trying to keep simple and not break the bank on this one, so no zebra pleco's!
I really like swords and fancy guppies, tetra's/cardinals, cory's.
Plants I have no clue, but will go w/ what I've seen posted as easy to keep.
Thanks Jen, pm replied

[davocean]

Oh and thanks to mike as well, will check encinitas, those guys have been cool to me.