Planted Journal

[CAC]

Well this is going to be my first planted tank, so i thought id do a journal, with pics. Here are the specs:
Tank: 24x12x15h" 18 US gallons (70 litres)
Substrate: 9kg of Eco-complete, 2-3" thick
Lighting: Overtank luminaire with 3x 14w white tubes (marine, unfortunately....) to give me 2.3 WPG
C02: Nutrafin
Ferts: 1ml daily, bought off ebay, no brand
Plants: Java ferns, java moss, water wisteria, elodea densa, blyxa japonica, red water rose, hygro polysperma, corkskrew vallis, red ludwiga and nymphea stellata, which i got free, and is some sort of a lilly, i dont really know whether to put it under the substrate, or to leave it on top (where it is now), ive got a pic of it, and theres two shoots comeing out of it...
Filter: Eheim liberty 2040 HOB, with 380 lph, which gives me 5.4x turnover per hour (may upgradeto something better, depending on stocking)
Heater: Jager 100w
Decor: Largeish piece of bogwood, and piece of flat slate
Other: Blue background, though may turn it round so its black

As for stocking im not too sure, i have some amano shrimp allready and some ottos (in other tank) but i may go for something else, more predatory

I have loads more java moss and java fern, so ill be adding them tomorrow or something...

Anyway, heres some pics so far, the lights have two switches, so i can have either 1,2 or 3 of the bulbs on, which is good for taking photos...And i have some actnics.

Still in packaging

Java ferns (thyre all really tall...)

Lilly thing

The blyxa japonicas

Full tank shot

Any suggestions then id be happy to hear them, and thanks for reading.

Mike

 

[puddle_inc]

whats all those white dots? it almost looks like a type of white fungus.

 

[CAC]

Air bubbles, the pictures are from when i just finished planting (note: no C02 ladder, filter etc.)
How long does the C02 take to start coming through, cos i havent seen any movement...

Thanks, Mike

 

[puddle_inc]

not for sure, sorry. where did you buy your plants? i'm thjinking about getting some more. and i'm not really in a good relationship with walmart. there evil fish owners and i'm trying to stop buying fish and living thigns from them. hehe.

 

[Themuleous]

Looking nice

Sam

 

[atmmachine816]

DIY co2 for me takes about a day. Looks nice though the wood might be hidden soon by the plants, maybe rearagne it.

 

[Dave Spencer]

That is an excellent start. Your Java Ferns look nice and should be something else when they develop.

I like the tank as well, and may consider buying one. Where did you get it from?

 

[Castellop123]

I think it would look much better with a black background. (for depth and effect). 8)

Overall, good first attempt.

 

[RadaR]

Nice one. Consider more stem plants to give algae a hard time. Keeping in mind to cover about 75% of the gravel.
And, you've got 2.3WPG.

 

[CAC]

Oh right, yeah i spose i would have 2.3, thanks radar
Thanks for all the comments, but im abit worried about the C02, theres still no bubbles comeing through... It wasnt DIY, i used the sachets that came with it.
I think i will change the background round

Thanks alot, Mike

 

[RadaR]

Oh right, yeah i spose i would have 2.3, thanks radar
Thanks for all the comments, but im abit worried about the C02, theres still no bubbles comeing through... It wasnt DIY, i used the sachets that came with it.
I think i will change the background round

Thanks alot, Mike

The sachets are pants. Have a look at the pinned topic Nutrafin Co2 Basic User Guide for a good DIY recipe.

 

[CAC]

Ok then thanks alot, ill have a look at the recipe, and try that. Cheers


Mike

 

[CAC]

Just went and had a look, and no bubbles yet (with the DIY C02) but i noticed that theres water in the pipe, so will that prevent the C02 getting out, or will it just move it out of the way?

Thanks alot, Mike

 

[RadaR]

The pressure would push out the water.

 

[JamieH]

my diy co2 mix never takes more than a few hours...

did you use warm water in the yeast mix?

if it's too warm it can kill the yeast....