Setting up TB tank

[azjenny]

I am starting to set up a new TB tank and have been gathering everything over the last few weeks.
It will be around 19 gallons. An odd size aquarium. 24L x 16W x 12H.
It will have a UGF run by an air pump, a fluval 206 canister, and a sponge filter.
I also have a fan and and reefkeeper lite to keep the temp steady in the summer (live in AZ)
I will be using Mosura Mineral Plus with RO water, no CO2 or ferts. Just moss, frogbit, and a couple of other plants from my old tank, maybe Anubias and a couple if crypts if they transfer ok.
I have the Benibachi Crimson balls to put in there.
I will use ADA Amazonia. I have Mosura BT-9 and Old Sea Mud for under the substrate but don't know how much to use under it, and also wonder if I need to have Bio Plus under there too? Or can I get that later and just dose it? Is anything else missing?
Nervous!

[acitydweller]

If you are using ADA products, consider adding the Bacter100 supplement to jumpstart the bacteria culture in there.

Ebiten has their shrimp bacter
borneo wild has enlive

[sbarbee54]

BT-9 is the bacteria equal in Mosura to ADA bacter100. I would add some calcium Montromilite under it as well. Or better yet hit up LIAM for some of his special suace, it is a blend of everything you need under the substrate. That size tank the would say us a whole bottle of each BT-9 and Old Sea Mud. I say use half. Also BIO plus can be added under as well and I would say 1/3. On my 20L I used a whole BT-9 and Old Sea Mud, 1/2 Bio plus 4 TBS of Calcium Mont. Half a bottle of Minerax. Then put 1.5" use the rest of the Bio plus and the minerax and then topped off with the rest of the soil. I also put lava rock in the middle layer to to help build bacteria.

[azjenny]

I will wait if I need to, but can I dose the things I don't have later? So that I can get the substrate cycling? Or do they need to go under?

[sbarbee54]

Best is under, but you can go with out. Old sea mud and BT-9 will work. Still I always give the tank 2 months to fully cycle out and then 2 weeks of cycled tank before adding anything

[EKLiu]

What is the purpose of the Montromilite?

[sbarbee54]

Well it is a water clarifier in general, also a great calcium suppliment to help with failed molts and it also will bond any toxins in the water or inpurities in water. So it helps keep water good overall.

[azjenny]

Do the bee balls have the calcium montmorillonite in them? I thought that they provided minerals...

[sbarbee54]

They do provide minerals I do not know what they have in them. If you want PM me and I can send you a good amount of it for the cost of shipping. I have a 2lb jug that is a life times worth

[plamski]

Isn't that too much bacteria? I thought that TB's doesn't like it in high levels.

[sbarbee54]

I think all shrimp love the use of Anaerobic bacteria, it helps break down all the bad stuff that may be in the tank, poop extram food or suppliments, decaying plant matter or substraye break down. Plus it helps promote the growth of BIO Film

[supert]

I think you are pretty much set to go buddy. Make sure to take picture of the tank

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by plamski

Isn't that too much bacteria? I thought that TB's doesn't like it in high levels.

Isn't what too much exactly? And why do you say that? I don't want to put too much of anything, but I don't want to put too little either!!

[azjenny]

Originally Posted by supert

I think you are pretty much set to go buddy. Make sure to take picture of the tank

Thanks! I will.

[plamski]

When you are adding so many supplements in large amount you are risking to have bacteria spike sometime. Nobody knows when this will happen especially in low PH tank. It is not necessary to happen but if it does TB's won't be very happy.
I'm not using Bio+ any more. After 7 trials in 6 months I always had dead shrimps 2-5 days after feeding with it. It can be only me.