d2mini's 4g Planted Betta Tank

[orchidman]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Honestly, I'd go down to six hours unless you plan to start using CO2 instead of Excel. Algae farm in the making. Any way you could use fiberglass window screen material to filter the light? That could also help a bit if you add a few layers.

Have a feeling it's going to be great once you get everything balanced.

that seems like a lot of light.

[vvDO]

Originally Posted by orchidman

that seems like a lot of light.

I had an algae farm until I dropped my lighting to 6 hours in my excel tank. Looking the reported PAR readings you are definately in the med-high light category.

[d2mini]

Thanks to Frank and Mike, I stopped by ADG today to pick up a few goodies.
This stuff should last me quite a while in my little 4g!

[Green_Flash]

Nice, btw excellent photography!

[d2mini]

Thanks, Green! They're pretty packaging (I'm a packaging designer myself, actually)... figured they deserved a little extra effort. lol

Day 3, changed 75% of the water again.
Everything looking stable.

[Green_Flash]

Forgot to ask what camera you are using?

[d2mini]

For that shot it was just the old Nikon D200 that was at my office.
But my normal camera is the D800 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5.

[d2mini]

Look who just arrived from Thailand.

[artresz]

He is so beautiful! I don't think I'd have the guts to order a fish through the mail that far away.

[Green_Flash]

wow that is a nice betta! is it a dragon betta?

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by artresz

He is so beautiful! I don't think I'd have the guts to order a fish through the mail that far away.

Thank you.
I know what you mean, but the breeder guarantees live arrival or money back if using express shipping from your transhipper. Shipping to the states is around 5 bucks but then the shipping from the transhipper is around 40 for express overnight mail or 20 for priority mail.

Ends up being a pretty expensive betta, but I'm used to $50 and up fish prices from my saltwater tank and honestly you just can't find bettas like this at your local petsmart.

Originally Posted by Green_Flash

wow that is a nice betta! is it a dragon betta?

Thanks! Yes, he's a Copper Red Dragon Halfmoon.

[somewhatshocked]

That Betta is gorgeous!

But I'm thinking you should probably post about a thousand more photos of the tank itself. Have been reading mixed reviews of the Cadlights rigs like that but the construction looks terrific and I'm now tempted to try the reef version.

[d2mini]

Honestly, it's pretty decent for an all-in-one tank. The best part is the super clear glass with no seams. Construction/quality overall is pretty nice. The filter compartment has been improved. It is no longer removable like the website states, but is now sealed which is a good thing. The pump in this freshwater version is pretty powerful for the size of the tank. The light system is just a JBJ Flipper modified for freshwater (no blue leds). I'm not blown away by it, but I'm satisfied with it and was the best option of what's available out there for me. The price point is about right for what you get.

BTW, still no ammonia. Tomorrow is a week that it's been set up. Been doing 75% water changes daily (except today) and have been adding the ADA ferts and bacter since tuesday. Plants are hanging in there. Some browning... more from the hair grass than anything else. Have some brown "dust" on the rocks and glass. Not sure if it's algae or if its from the Amazonia.

[somewhatshocked]

This is going to look amazing. Particularly with the rock work - once the crevices start to develop a bit of algae, it'll look crazy good and will make the stone pop a bit.

Sometimes hair grass needs to be trimmed a bit once planted in order to encourage new growth.

That's good news about the filtration insert. For the price, it just makes more sense (especially with the strong-ish lighting) than to use the other similarly priced all-in-ones.

[Mumford]

Anddddddd....... subscribed