this post was submitted on 25 Jan 2026
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Brisbane
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I spent yesterday putting the cabinet up, getting the tank mounted, fitting the sump, and installing things like lights and heaters and auto top off. Then I filled it up and left it running overnight to check for leaks.
I've got a few bags of pool sand left which is my preferred option for substrate. Some dirt from the yard on the bottom, then a nice thick layer of sand on top is good.
Also have some wood (looks like golden vine, but easy bigger... I think it's from coffee plants?) we bought ages ago from an aquarium. Trying to decide whether to use that or the gum tree branches I've been collecting. Something aesthetic, or something natural?
Got another tank I'm replacing (on account of it leaking) and it's got crypts and java fern and all sorts in it. Will probably end up robbing some plants out of that.
PS - check out aquariumscience.org... especially the bits about under gravel filters. I've got two outside tanks with under gravel filters and they are about as maintenance free as you can get. Top up the water, feed the fish. Actually a bit tempted to go for a reverse under gravel filter in the new tank... Fair bit of extra work in the beginning though, and you have to use gravel as the substrate then.
The option exists also to put a reptile in there, though I’d prefer a sliding front viv for that. This GTP has held up well for 8 years in this.
I wouldn’t mind betting quality of substrate is where I screwed up. I really got disheartened ay, because I’ve heard that if you can’t raise goldfish you’re probably dogshit at aquarium keeping.
Still, look at this cunt. Really proud of him, he’s healthy as. Apparently I can keep these well.
Good news, they have a whole section on goldfish!
https://aquariumscience.org/17-5-goldfish/
Snakes freak me out a little. Like if I see one in the yard (which I do, somewhat frequently) I'm happy to watch it and leave it be, but there's definitely no desire to give it a cuddle.
Happily fed some baby rats to one though:
https://youtube.com/shorts/i1R2Vmg0BVA
Yeah nah this blokes a sook. He loves it.
Just had a brief look at that first link then, yeah there’s some good stuff there. I don’t even know if this tank is still good, it should be. I better find that out first lmao
So there seems to be a lot of similarities in this community in regards to opinion on social networks like there is in keeping chondros.
GTP keepers tend to fight over humidity, vivarium size and height. The biggest debate is larger, display type viv as opposed to PVC tubs in racks. Both of course have their advantages but some among us are fiercely one way or the other.
I will check out that link too, cheers
Failure doesn’t sit well, I’d like to have another go.