How much should I start saving up?

[Geniusdudekiran]

So I want a new tank. I want to set up a rimless Iwagumi tank, and I want it to be ADA. I also want it to be bigger than most of my tanks, so about 10 gallons. As far as ADA goes, I was thinking either the Mini L or the 45P. I kind of like the dimensions of the 45P better than the Mini L.

So do you think I could do an Iwagumi setup with HC, Blyxa japonica, and Staurogyne repens (some of my favorites) with pressurized CO2 (paintball) and a stand (homemade) for about $300? Is it even possible? I'm at a loss as for lighting, so suggestions are welcome.

Also: I want a canister filter. Suggestions are welcome as to what I should use for this. Lily pipes, etc too.

[Geniusdudekiran]

Just looked, the tank would cost me $119 to have shipped to me. That'd definitely be the biggest purchase. If I went with the Do!Aqua version, it would cost me $92, shipping included.

Also: Substrate? I guess AS would be fitting. How many bags would it take to fill the 45P?

[h4n]

I cant help you with pricing, but i hope you end up buying it and I cant wait to see it! hahahha

[Geniusdudekiran]

Thanks buddy. I hope so too. But I think I'm still dreaming now. It's probably going to end up more like $400, maybe $500. Hopefully I can save about $300 by my Birthday (that's very achievable, I think... I've been saving and growing until Christmas where I splurged on some expensive jewlery for my mom that she's only worn twice so far lol. But I'm at $120 and counting after my SSS purchase from Nikki. So hopefully I can breed those and sell them by August, my birthday, along with my other shrimp, and you know how parents are... "Awww, our little entrepreneurial son, he's working hard, doing well in school, I just bought a freaking $100K car, maybe we should help him out and give him the extra $200 ". Fun stuff. I hope to be a powerseller by the end of this year (What? It just started yesterday!?).

To everyone: how many 9L bags of Amazonia would I need to create a decently sloped Iwagumi effect in a 45P?

[Dollface]

You could get away with a 3L.

You're going to spend almost as much on lighting as the tank itself, and that much again on accessories unless you already have the filter/pipes/glassware/etc.

[Geniusdudekiran]

Really? It's like 10 gallons?! 3 will fill it? Steeply enough for some good Iwagumi action?

[Dollface]

A 9L is enough to fill a 60p. 3L with a powersand base is more than enough of a slope for a 45.

[Geniusdudekiran]

Could I do a base of Tahitian Moon Sand with a 3L?

[Geniusdudekiran]

Okay, so an ADA 45-P with a 3L bag of AS Amazonia will be $133 shipped. Now lighting? What is a good light to use on a 45-p? Feel free to post pics

[A Hill]

I spent between $600 and $800 initially on my mini m. I did buy ADA CO2 and lily pipes and a drop checker though which added to the cost along with the matching light.

$300 can get you a start but you'll probably be paying more once it is fully set up. Realistic price is probably around $500. Obviously it depends on your light, filter, pipes, and co2 setup.

-Andrew

[Geniusdudekiran]

What is a good light to use on the 45-P?

[freph]

Might want to look into the Archaea fixtures.

[Obakemono]

Originally Posted by Geniusdudekiran

What is a good light to use on the 45-P?

3 13watt 6500K CFLs. Cheap. Find a fixture or make your own. I added 2 to my 15g column and it has made a big difference.

[Geniusdudekiran]

Any specific fixtures? Not keen on making something here, everything has to look GOOD. Really good.

[freph]

Not 100% sure, but the 36W one might work. It's 18.5" which is maybe a cm longer than the tank if that.

Light