Pfk Nano Cube

[TigerIssey]

Ok so I got the tank for my other half as a surprise xmas present, as in the original thread, many thanks to Stuart at PFK for ensuring that the tank arrived well before xmas.

I managed to hide the little filter in my own tank using some mature filter media in order to cycle the tank. Hiding the actual tank till xmas was another matter altogether. I did once I got the tree up wrap it and hide it behind all the other presents. I had purchased a heater and thermometer and placed these inside the tank. I also boughta pack of sand and hid that in the spare room until after xmas.

We live on the lancs moors and travelled to wolverhampton for xmas with tank in tow, how to explain to other half that the large box with no tag on was extremely fragile ?? hmmm.

It managed to be a complete surprise but we had to wait till the 28th to do anything as we stayed with family for a few days.

I set the tank up on 29th and filled with water allowing any dust from the sand to settle.

On New Years Eve we went looking for fish, after giving the other half his choices he decided on a betta, from the first shop we went to out of 5. Who says women are worst at deciding on anything.

He finally settled for what the shop described as a Firecracker Betta, I call him cracker, he says I am daft naming fish, anyway for some pictures.

The whole Tank complete with Hygrophilla from my own tank, Corymbosa Thai Stricta and polysperma.

Cracker swimming

Cracker Posing

I have temporarily placed a piece of cardboard behind the tank as I am trying to decide what background I will pursuade the other half to get!! if you know what I mean. I am going to try painting different colours on card to see what they look like, any other suggestions are welcomed.
He is also very boring and any aquascaping ideas I have put to him have been turned down.
Any ideas and comments appreciated.

 

[Sibelius]

Well, what a lovely story!!!

anyway, hmmm, I don't think it's too bad how it is. It's a lovely fish, and I like the sand, so maybe you could just develop it a little bit furthur into a fast flowing SE Asian river? That wouldn't take much. Just put in some more rocks and change the plants if necessary.

 

[Gill]

Lovely looking tank.
Crackers looks lovely as well.

 

[TigerIssey]

Thank you both for the comments.

Sibelius, you have me thinking.

STONES / BACKGROUND

What type of rocks would you suggest, maybe ones similar to Georges nano or more similar to the stone already in there. I have to say I am of the opinion that Granite or similar coloured stone may look better and give more contrast to the sand. I am not sure what background to go with there though, if the rocks are dark they would stand out better on a lighter background whereas a light stone would lend itself to a darker background.
I am also worried about a light background highlighting the filter and heater in such a small tank. I have today tried white paper infront of the cardboard and the filter and heater stand out badly.

PLANTS

I am wondering what would work here, Valis is out as it melts in our super soft water.
Many plants I know get too large. I have 5 Nymphaea bulbs in my own tank so could possibly transfer one if it fit however they are red and I think I like the green / sand combo.

If anyone has any more suggestions or can enhance sibelius idea, I would love to hear them.
Thanks again.

 

[ulster exile]

Wow, gorgeous tank and betta!

He's got really extended rays, but looks a bit thin to me .

I'd not put a background on at all, as it will show off your cracker to the max! Your hygro corymbosa will grow up in no time and you can use that to hide the filter etc.

Maybe put an anubia barteri v nana in - he'd probably like the somewhere else to rest... or even one of the more colourful crypts in to add a bit more colour?

Anyway, looking good - I'm well jealous!

 

[helsekia]

i think it looks nice as it is and its a lovely story

 

[KimA]

Looking very good

 

[Synirr]

Lovely setup

 

[ICE CUBE]

nice

 

[TigerIssey]

Thanks again for lovely comments.

Does anyone else have any ideas on how I can improve aquascape as per OP.

Thanks for looking.