Shopping List Help Needed

[KathyM]

Hi you lot. I thought I'd better post in here as I've asked this question in my other thread on the tropical chat bit, but it might be more relevant in here.

I'm getting a 6ft x 2ft tank with an FX5 and some bits and bobs. In it are going to be (to be added to):

2 angels
2 bolivian rams
5 penguin tetras
7 cories
1 gibby
1 royal panaque
1 baby bn.

If anyone's got any tips/inspiration for setup on a VERY tight budget, I'd really appreciate it. I'll tell you what I've got to spare in my old tank and what's coming with the new one (minus actual eqipment):

Old tank:

Mid sized pea gravel (don't want)
2 pieces of bogwood
6 large vallis plants
4 amazon swords
3 twisted vallis (small)
Small amount of cabomba as it keeps getting uprooted (drives me up the wall)
Duckweed
Two small pieces of slate positionned into tunnel/cave

New tank:

Lots of very fine pea gravel
Pot drainpipe (t shaped)
Fake plants (hmm)
Lots of "fake" bogwood tunnels etc.


I would like to build up the gravel somewhat in one back corner and slope it (there won't be enough to use gravel alone), with amazon swords in the background maybe the vallis too. Eventually there will be lots of bogwood in there, but inspiration greatly appreciated.

I'll be buying more real bogwood as and when I can afford to, but will have to add these over time.

I could really use advice on what I'll need straight away for the initial setup (ie. the bits I can't do over later) - originally I was wanting to use sand (with pond compost underneath) but as we're on a tight budget the fine gravel will have to do.

If anyone has any tips on making a very low budget shopping list for what I *have* to have next week that would be great. I want to get the tank up and running ASAP so I can sell the other one (new filter is ready cycled and will be adding one of ours too).

 

[Themuleous]

I dont really see what you're asking here? I take it you want a planted tank?

 

[KathyM]

Sorry. Erm. I'll ask elsewhere then if this isn't the right place. I was asking what I'll need to do initial stuff for building up the back corner and planting, yes. I don't want a heavily planted tank as I have plecs. However, I thought this was the best place to ask about what I'll need that I can't change later when it comes to substrate and the likes.

Never mind...

 

[Graeme Edwards]

No no, your in the right place, its just hard to understand what it is you need help with.

Am I right in saying, you haven't set your new tank up yet, but here is what you have, and what can you do with it? And if there's anything really cheap you may need to add to make it more successfully?

I would say if you want a basic planted tank, try layering some of this below your pea gravel...........

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...products_id=431

Then as for your sloping area, perhaps use some rocks or what you have to hand and build a wall from one glass side to another , and fill behind the wall with gravel, then build another wall on top of that and so on, if you get what I'm trying to say

Then with your wood, try incorporating that into your sloped area, almost as if they were tree roots creeping into the water at a lakes edge.

As for your planting, plant your plants in between wood and rocks, too make it look like to wood and rock has been there for all of time.

Its hard to describe what i can see in my head but i hope this helps.

Actually Kathy I would suggest using this.

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...products_id=192

You spread it on the very bottom of your tank then you put about 2-3cm at least of gravel over the top, Ive had allot of success with this product, dead easy to use, Yep id go for this one

 

[KathyM]

Thank you so much - you got exactly what I meant (sorry for not wording it better).

I drew a plan on Paint (badly) of what I want in the long run - I'm a bit embarrassed to post it but I will, but please bear in mind 1) I'm rubbish at creativity despite having an artist for a mother and an artist uncle *lmao*, and 2) I drew this based on a 4-5ft x 2ft x 2ft.

Photobucket's resized it but basically darker grey = deeper gravel/sand/whatever. Brown = bogwood, green = planting (circles being amazon swords, squiggles being vallis, and God knows what for in front of the bogwood). Grey circles = rocks of some description.

It was only a two minute doodle and I'm really embarrassed.

 

[Graeme Edwards]

Don't be, we've all started some where.

Its not a bad start and you will find that you will always want to change it,but hay thats why we like the planted tank hobby, you will only get better.

 

[KathyM]

Thank you very much Moody I'm really grateful for your advice - got to admit after the first reply I wondered whether I was just not genned up enough to do it, everyone's much more experienced than me in this forum and I can understand it must frustrate people getting newbies asking advice.

I already want to change that pic by the way!

 

[Themuleous]

Kathy, Im really sorry about my first post the last thing I wanted to do was put you off, that really wasnt what I meant, sorry TBH i was in a funny mood and I think I took it out on you, and that wasn't fair. Hell I hadn't a clue what EI was in March! You tend to learn quickly in this hobby!

The advice Moody has given is good and your plants will appreciate the added plant substrate under the gravel.

Keep us posted re the progress, I'll try and be less of an idiot next time

Sam

PS - and a big welcome to the forum

 

[KathyM]

Hi Sam - me too! I was in a huff, had a migraine for two days, maybe it's time I listened to the OH and got my arse away from the computer when my migraines are playing up

Thanks both of you - I still haven't decided whether to just stick with the really fine gravel that's coming with the tank - I suppose it's easier to switch from gravel to sand than the other way round.

Oh I dunno!

 

[KathyM]

While I'm on, is there any link that anyone has to information on which plants are Central/South American? Thanks

 

[Graeme Edwards]

I would go with the finer gravel, and stay away from the sand. Sand has this habit of starving plant roots of oxygen, you get black smelly (sulphur like smell) and it just isn't that good.Also when it goes anaerobic the gasses that get released ( I'm not 100% sure on this ) are toxic, so IMO stay away from sand.

As for the plant list from the Americas, have a look at this website, you will need to click on the plants in the list on the right hand side of the page, when you click through the plants list they will tell you all you need to know about the plants and where they are from.

Theres allot to go through so get clicking

http/www.tropica.com/default.asp

 

[KathyM]

LOL - thanks very much Moody! At least it gets me out of watching the bloomin' football