20 gallon long journal//new pics added 11/18(HC foreground growing)

[mizu-chan]

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AUGUST 4


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NOVEMBER 1



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So a friend of mine sends me this link yesterday showing me a 20 gallon long for only $10 on CraigsList. So of course I can't pass up the great deal and call the guy.
It's in great condition, but now that I have it I have no idea what to do first.

As I only have about 25 dollars left in my name I kinda want to do something nice but extreamly cheap (having no job, and having to pay for gas money is quite the experience)

I know that later on I will need to probably upgrade what I get right now; but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

I could probably take some plants from my 10 gallon, but even that is slim pickin's.

Also substrate is a question. I know that Flourite is cheap-ish, but my LFS doesn't order it. I could go with the kitty litter way, but not sure yet.

Anyone got advice? >.<
Thank you.

[chris127]

i think you should transfer everything from your 10 gallon into your 20. for substrate you could do some Schultz aquatic soil from homedepot as a bottom layer and your gravel up top. i did this in my 20 when i upgraded from a 10 and i couldnt be happier

also i have some plants i could send your way. moneywort, some leftover anubias rhizomes, hornwort

[chris127]

oh and you could sell your 10G for some serious dough. i got 25 for mine on Craigslist. that paid for my 5.5, substrate and all!

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by chris127

i think you should transfer everything from your 10 gallon into your 20. for substrate you could do some Schultz aquatic soil from homedepot as a bottom layer and your gravel up top. i did this in my 20 when i upgraded from a 10 and i couldnt be happier

also i have some plants i could send your way. moneywort, some leftover anubias rhizomes, hornwort

Thanks for the reply! I will be sure to head over to home depot today and pick some up. Hopeful in my price range? lol.
And how much for your trimmings? Thanks for being so nice to offer!

[chris127]

just pay shipping, i'm not looking for profit

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by chris127

just pay shipping, i'm not looking for profit

I'll get back to you on those trimmings once I put some money on my card.
Thanks so much! (:
Also I was wondering if I could possibly mix the Schultz soil with Eco complete.

[chris127]

ive never tried it but i dont see why it would be a problem. what type of fish do you plan on putting in there?

[Raven1]

When you get it setup let me know. I can shoot you a ton of Rotalla for the cost of shipping. I do weekly trimmings and just toss it on the compost pile.

[chris127]

could you send me some as well? im trying to start a rotala forest.

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by Raven1

When you get it setup let me know. I can shoot you a ton of Rotalla for the cost of shipping. I do weekly trimmings and just toss it on the compost pile.

Thanks so much! Will do.

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by chris127

just pay shipping, i'm not looking for profit

Thanks! I'll PM you once it's all set up.

[mizu-chan]

Originally Posted by chris127

ive never tried it but i dont see why it would be a problem. what type of fish do you plan on putting in there?

Maybe some Harlequin Rasboras. Around 10 or so. Not sure, any suggestions?

[nikonD70s]

a school of 10+ rummynose would be nice, they always school. used to have them in my 20g long, now there in the new 60g. i bought some harliguin rasbs and they dont really school that much for me. but you might have better luck.

[mizu-chan]

So went out today and got some Schultz Aquatic Soil from Lowe's. I bought 2 bags, but found
that just one bag of 10lbs work just fine. Still going to have to go and buy something to cap it
with since it is very lightweight (hard keeping it all in the bucket while I was washing it ).



got for $6.78 a bag (:



I actually don't mind the color.



washed it a couple of times..



she so much wanted to jump into it thinking it was kitty litter
after awhile she decided that watching was just as fun.



It gave me a good 1.5"-2". Probably going to either but some black gravel, or use some old really
natural looking gravel I got while I was in Ohio awhile back. Depends on how much money I have left.

Expenses so far:
- 2 bags Schultz Aquatic Soil (-$15.04)
- 20 gallon long (-$10.00)

Already went over my $25.00, I was practically attacking my couch for quarters and other loose change.

I still need to get:
- filter
- lighting
- heater

Hoping I can just ask around and see if anyone has any older equipment that they're willing to give me.

As for plants and such it will have to wait until everything else is set up (chris127 and Raven1 don't worry I
am still going to take you up on your plant offers once I get the money. Trying to sell a couple of
paintings this week).
Since it IS low-tech I'm probably not going put any CO2 in it. I would if I was able. lol.

Well that's all for now.
Comments very much appreciated

[xpistalpetex]

where did u buy the 20 gallon long for 10 bucks >_<