ADA 120H + 60p

[fplata]

Seems a bit narcissistic on my part, why would anyone want to read what a beginner like me has to say about a planted tank. Years ago I gave it go and I was very successful at growing all sorts of unpleasant algae and some things that have probably never been discovered by science, I wish I had pictures, I guarantee you that these pictures will make you a believer in aliens from a far, far a way galaxy. I digress, I am giving it go one more time, this time it’s a bit different, I read and read and read until I read the whole internet(s), not quite, but I did read quite a bit, not that that is going to make me successful, but it will increase the odds, that along with my hard head should eventually help me grow something green other than algae and those alien things (if I fail I should sell those alien things on ebay, some fool with certainly give me $1.59 with $4.31 for shipping and handling, to recoup my losses). I should also mention that Frank from ADG has spent numerous hours answering all my questions and providing me with guidance. (Aquarium Design Group of Houston = Best customer service I have ever received). Now for the equipment; I am not going to list every little item, as most of you know what it’s needed. But in short, I ordered an ADA 120H, with an ADA filter, lighting, CO2 system, substrate and everything else I needed or thought I needed. I did look at other manufactures, including custom built tanks and the like, I decided on ADA because of the customer support from Frank at ADG. I have built my own stand and will post pictures of that for your critique. I am hoping I get my tank et’al in the next 3 weeks, I will then start taking pictures of the steps I am following, lessons learned, Etc. I will like to know if you are interested in this kind of journal, I am not claiming that you will learn anything from my writings, but I can, with a great degree or certainly say that I will make you laugh at least one time and probably cry as I write this journal from a beginners aqua-escapist (if I can call my self that) and from a failed philosophers point of view. Now I wait until I get my tank. Pictures will come soon and I hope to be of some entertainment to you.


Updated: Immages of a prototype stand i built for the 120H. I will take some better pictures once i have the tank, etc.









Please let me know what you think of it

[fplata]

So i created a sandbox aquarium to play around with hardscaping, much more complicated than I originally thought, the sandbox is one of the 20L from petco tanks with a $2.50 50 pound bag of of play sand. Here is a picture of my first ever hardscape. I have lots to learn so i would really appreciate a critique. This will always be my sand box and it will not see plants, fish or water for that matter. again your critique is more than welcome. once i get the delivery of my 120-H i will start taking pictures with a better Camera, I promise.

[Wwh2694]

Nice. U will enjoy the ADA 120h. They are very nice.

[theblondskeleton]

Great stone - that big one is pretty awesome. You have the stones spaced out very evenly. Play with squishing some together and pulling some apart, layering them front to back, etc. Varying distances will make it look more natural. Also, (I know it's a practice tank, but the best techniques begin with practice!) your substrate line at the glass should be very uniform so that it doesn't distract from the scape itself. Don't be afraid of a steep slope - it adds great depth. Nice start!

[Williak]

Look forward to seeing where you go with this! Love the rocks!

[fplata]

Thank you for the feedback, I'll rework the stones in the morning, That large stone is two stones that play well together. Ill post more pictures and again thank you for the feedback.

[fplata]

i guess i could not wait until morning, here is try 2

[Wwh2694]

Will this be a full ADA setup? That will be really nice.

[theblondskeleton]

Good - nice improvements! Keep playing around with it, trying new things. If you start getting frustrated, take a break. You have the benefit of time on your side, so you can walk away for a day or two, then try again. Keep track of what you do with pictures, then pick the ones you like best! Remember that a 120-H is pretty tall, so you need to make sure it fills the space. Keep it up!

[fplata]

Originally Posted by Wwh2694

Will this be a full ADA setup? That will be really nice.

Yes sir, everything but the stand. I had to build a stand that matched the mid century modern look of my home

[Jason Baliban]

Hate the 120-H!!

jB

[fplata]

Jason, I have read your site verbatim (no kidding). Thank you for all the great information and inspiration, you guys make it seem easy. Also those tutorials on making an ADA style stand are priceless. I build my own as well. Ill post pictures. I like my stand as much as I do the tank.

[fplata]

ok, here is my last try for a couple of days, i am still not connecting with it.

[jcgd]

Pull the fourth stone from the left and squish it together a bit. Try using 5 stones instead of six.

[fplata]

will do, thank you, should i squish to the left or to the right?