75G Planted For Beginners. Haha.

[FishFanatic04]

Because I can't sit still. And I am always over thinking. I did my background today. Better that its black when I am planting.

Water pumps are terrible to look at. I think we are just going to go with Cardinal tetras. Thats what I wanted. My ph is sitting around 7.6-7.8 Which is def. high for them. I don't know.


Serious question. My brass bubble counter says it is a check valve as well, should I still use my metal check valve before it after the regulator?

 

[Biulu]

What about pearl danios? They will love the space and they are shoaling zippers.... They are in constant movement and will give you something to look at.

I recognise the Rena filstar equipment . I have just installed mine but need a strong hand to get the tubes far enough over the inlets and outlets.

I wondered though why you didn't put the spraybar at one and and the koralias at the other end? I think it will give you better flow.

 

[lljdma06]

Nice hardscape.

L

 

[FishFanatic04]

The guy I bought the plants from suggested it...It's balanced and I wanted the water to go down the front glass and out across the sand so no dead spots...

I'll be able to move it over if it doesn't do what I thought..but I test with some silk plants...seems to be working.

I wish I had known this ahead of time but someone told me to run warm water on the tubes to soften them. We muscled through it and my hubby hurt his hands

Nice hardscape.

L

Thanks

 

[gregswimm]

I dig that you are starting your first planted tank in a large tank. I find larger tanks easier as they do not fluctuate as much and are more forgiving. And love that wood, what tree did it come from?

 

[FishFanatic04]

I'm actually very, very new to fishkeeping as well. {Other then a lifetime of Bettas} I have never kept tropical fish before, but it grabbed me up in a whirlwind and I found a new passion In my research before I bought my first tank, I read that big tanks are easier to keep stable. So we went for it! Now I'm learning how to keep fish alive, plants alive, and my 2 year old & 4 month old humans alive.

Sorry for the speech... I'm a talker. it's Manzanita wood from CA. It's supposed to be a very hard wood, but it seems soft after soaking. I hope it holds up.


Any ideas on the bubble counter and check valve? I'm setting up the co2 next week, right after I plant and I am worried about the setup.

 

[Steve H.]

Nice work so far FF! Thought I was doing good until I peeked at yours. I'm starting to wish I had my bigger tank now!
But, I have to prove to myself that I have any talent for this...oh ya, and the wife.
She already thinks I'm nuts because I am so wrapped up in this hobby. If I can put together something half as stunning maybe she will let up on how much money I am spending for my "fish stuff".

When will you be ready for plants?

 

[FishFanatic04]

That was really nice. thanks! Plants are shipping today and will be here Wednesday.

 

[Biulu]

I wish I had known this ahead of time but someone told me to run warm water on the tubes to soften them. We muscled through it and my hubby hurt his hands

Thanks

I know what you mean! I had the same problem; the palms of my hands were really red afterwards. I have my spray bar at the side but the hood doesn't allow for that angle as it keeps getting out of the clip on one side.

Good you're getting your plants on Wednesday! All of it at once, or will you be getting some later as well?

 

[FishFanatic04]

It's about 50 plants or so, all at once...but I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of rearranging later. Hopefully not because the plants died. My anacharis is dying in my other tank, and I'm getting discouraged...

I like this filter so much, I'm thinking about switching my 46g to the XP2.

I have a 90% water change today and then I'll take out 50% or so to plant tomorrow....No fish until Saturday though, which means partial water changing all week so the ammonia in my tap can keep the filter cycled.

 

[snazy]

It looks great even without the plants. Can't wait to see it planted though.

 

[gregswimm]

Humm, anacharis is generally very hearty, make sure that it isn't too bunched up and that it's getting plenty of flow (you should see your plants swaying gently). Also be careful that it doesn't block the light from other plants. Anacharis is a nutrient sponge so you might need to add more ferts. Generally when I keep anacharis outside my main displays it gets its own tank where it can float on the surface and be slightly exposed to air and I blast it with a power head.

Good luck, I cannot wait to see it planted. I still cannot get over how awesome that hardscape is.

 

[FishFanatic04]

I was going light on the ferts...my cories were pretty stressed after my last water change even though I use prime, and the ferts seem to make it worse. I'm wondering if it was that AND the Excel. I can't seem to find a good balance in that tank. My tap water is bumming me out.

My plants will be here today!!! So that cheers me up. Good thing is that my hubby is off work today and will entertain the kids. I'm putting on some headphones, and gonna shake my bootie and play in the mud!!!

 

[Biulu]

Good luck! Hopefully the plants don't come too late....
My water is getting better; I stuffed a HOB with filterwool and it seems to be working. I will do a water change today, replant and see if things will be better tonight so I can take pictures.

 

[snazy]

Excel will melt certain plants like Anacharis. Also, careful overdosing with it or pouring it without being diluted directly over fish or plants as they can die.