Aqueon 20g Loooooooooooooooog Possibilities! Updated: 1/8/13 Picture Update

[tylergvolk]

Current Photo - January 8th 2013

Attachment 63754


Tank Specs:

Aqueon 20 Gallon Long (30L x 13W x 12H)
Water Volume 15 Gallons


Substrate:

Black Diamond 1" Cap
Miracle Grow Organic Choice Potting Mix (MGOCPM) 1" Deep


Equipment:

Eheim 2213
Aquaclear 30
Coralife 36" T5HO Fixture (x1 39w 6,700K & x1 39w Colormax)
Milwaukee MA957 Regulator


Flora:

Christmas Moss
Bacopa Carolina
Flame Moss
Hemianthus Callitrichoides
Lily
Limnobium Laevigatum
Limophila Sessiliflora
Ludwigia Arcuata
Rotala Colorata
Sagittaria Subulata
Willow Moss


Fauna:

1 Ablino Bristlenose Pleco
2 Otocinclus
6 Platies
5 Rili Shrimp
4 Platy Fry
15+ Red Cherry Shrimp


Finding The Balance (Lights, Co2, Fertilizers)

Currently, I am in the process of finding a healthy balance in this tank. I started at 50PAR (medium light) with 9 a hour photo period; however algae has force me to reduce light intensity by raising my fixture. Right now, I am at about 35PAR (low light) with a 7 hour photo period. I do not dose any fertilizers in this tank at the moment, but I am going to start EI dosing very soon. I hope to add fertilizers, add flora, and increase to medium light while finding a healthy balance in this tank.


The Big Picture

I setup this tank up for the simple fact that I wanted to learn more about this hobby. I am still very new to the fish & plant keeping hobby. This is my first dirt tank, but not my first planted. In fact, this tank is my second planted tank and I have been learning a lot every step of the way. I want to send a special thanks to all our friends here on The Planted Tank (TPT) for helping me out. Please take some time to read though my thread here and comment. Thanks for reading.

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This is the beginning of my 20L.

>Aqueon 20L
Attachment 52796

>Dimensions
Attachment 52798

Just think of all the possibilities!

[tylergvolk]

>De-rimed.
Attachment 52821

[if_fishes_were_wishes]

looks fantastic de-rimmed. I have one from the Petco sale waiting for me to do that. 20L has got to be one of my favorite size tanks.

[tylergvolk]

Originally Posted by if_fishes_were_wishes

looks fantastic de-rimmed. I have one from the Petco sale waiting for me to do that. 20L has got to be one of my favorite size tanks.

Thank you! If you take your time while de-riming the tank you will be able to get the rim off without any chips at all. I have a few minor chips on mine because I was rather rough with it.

This tank cost me $15 new/slightly used on craigslist.

[tylergvolk]

Miracle Grow Organic Choice Potting Mix (AKA MGOCPM)

>Dirt
Attachment 54399

I sifted out unwanted large organic matter

>Closeup
Attachment 54398

Finally got the stand and light ready

>Coralife 36" T5HO Fixture
Attachment 54397

[tylergvolk]

Today, I am cleaning out the tank and getting my rock scape ready. My rock scape will be made this this type of rock.

>Unknown Type of Rock
Attachment 54959

Also, I am rinsing my MGOCPM to remove any unwanted floating particles. In addition to that I am going to soak the dirt for a week or so to help remove leeching ammonia.

Stay tuned until next time!

[KenRC51]

Very nice, what are you going to top the miracle grow organic soil with? Aquasoil?

[tylergvolk]

Originally Posted by KenRC51

Very nice, what are you going to top the miracle grow organic soil with? Aquasoil?

My initial plan was to use Eco-Complete, but I've learned that Eco-Complete doesn't do a satisfactory job as a cap for dirt because the little rocks are too big. Therefore, I plan to use this product called black diamond which can be purchased at local Tractor Supply stores for a cheap price.

Black Diamond not only looks great, but the grains or substrate are tiny like sand. This will do a much better job acting as a cap for dirt.

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

I'm liking this thread I'm going to follow this one....

[tylergvolk]

Here is an update for all you aquadic finatics. I am really happy with how everything turned out with this one. Take a peak because I took a lot of pictures for your pleasure. Notice the difference in the light switch. Few concerns but I will address those in another post in need be.

Enjoy! Please Comment! Thanks

>Filled On 10/9/12


>Added Rocks & Dwarf Sag


>Added Plants From Another Tank


>Added HC From Another Tank


>Side View


>Changed Both Bulbs To 6,700K & ColorMax


>Full View


>Added 5 Platys & 1 Otto on 10/11/12


>Left Side


>Right Side


>Added Filter From Another Tank & Co2


>Top View


>Full View


I will keep this thread updated as the tank matures. Stay tuned...

[synaethetic]

You need to handle the BBA on that anubis, a quick dip in a h202 solution would do the trick, and save you lots of agony later on if it indeed spreads as it likes to do. I had a minor outbreak which turned severe due to not taking care of it when i should have.

Nice looking tank! I really like the hanging t5 and the sleekness of the de-rimmed tank.

[tylergvolk]

Thanks for the tip. I added an otto in hopes he would eat that stuff up, but maybe your right. I should just take care of it.

[Zefrik]

Originally Posted by tylergvolk

Thanks for the tip. I added an otto in hopes he would eat that stuff up, but maybe your right. I should just take care of it.

Ottos won't eat BBA. At least I don't think so.

[tylergvolk]

Took out my drift wood and Anubis today and treated it with H202 in a bucket. It's now turning a pinkish color after I put it back into the tank.

[KenRC51]

I had some BBA in on my tropica 049 and I just added a little more than usual excel and it started to go away.