Nick's 75g first planted tank (Fish are IN! lots of pics)

[Rush3737]

My shower/toilet was about 30 feet from the tank, so not horrible. Only really bad part was putting the final water in. Had to put it on top of the tank because I was actually siphoning it into the tank (and still onto a plate) to be as gentle as possible with it. But hey, it's a good workout I suppose!

I should be getting the final pieces for the top tomorrow, and also the filter. In addition I am working with a member here to purchase some of my first plants. I have some rocks boiled, but didn't have a big enough pot for others, and someone will be loaning me a bigger pot tomorrow.

[gt turbo]

Hi Rush3737, just a few things.

Firstly, I see an SNES in your pics. Wooohoooo Gamers unite! These are now the stuff of legend. I hope yours still works even if you have to blow on the cartridges.

Secondly, your layout. When designing aquascapes one should never place the focal point in the center. Just off center either to the right or the left is better for focusing the eyes and the brain. Additionally try to be a lit bit less symmetrical in your layout. Use random patterns and groupings to create some interest.

This thread should really be a sticky - http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=180044

Thirdly, great build. I hope you and the misses enjoy it immensely!

[Rush3737]

Thanks Turbo! I haven't played the SNES in awhile, but it still does work. PS3 and PC keep my attention plenty, but it's always nice to go back for some DK, Mario, or Megaman once in awhile!

As for the thread, I'll definitely read through it after the Flyers game, but my idea has now completely changed from the picture I originally posted so it being center won't be an issue.

Got these guys in today...




First off, I had no idea the Filter would be so complicated and have so much power. I have a basic HOB filter with my 29g that has a single insert, and so this is just a bit of a jump up. The test kit allowed me to begin my fishless cycle today, with 15ml of 10% ammonia pushing me to between 5-6ppm.

Next up is my rock formation. This could very well change, but I do like the cover it would provide my raphael. There are some nice natural dark areas in there and I may put a background on the tank to simply cut down on daytime light coming in from the window.



Here is an overview shot of the tank at this point. Plant is ceratopteris silquosa, and was an experiment in the 29g that frankly was not going very well. I threw away a lot of dying bits and only planted those doing alright. I placed in my first homemade fert tab, and tomorrow I'll start adding the liquid ferts as well. The skull is just a temporary measure from my 29g to help quicken the cycling.



And here is the glass tops nearly completed. I'm going to wait until the tank is 100% done to cut the plastic strip and add it once I know for sure what is going where as far as things going into and coming out of the tank.



And from a member here I've purchased:
2 bulbs of the Red Tiger Lotus, 3 stems of Limnophila aromatica, and 3 stems of Red Ludwigia, and am waiting for all that to arrive. I really don't have plans for much yet, other than I still like the idea of some green grass out in front of the rock with the Red Tiger Lotus planted along side it to grow over it a bit.

[Rush3737]

Considering pulling the trigger on this thread:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...38#post2457338

I *really* like the Asian Ambulia, and it would give me a nice control to base my plant growth off of. If it's not doing well... then I'm really f--king something up. I also think the dwarf sag would be something to try for my little patch of grass. May not work, but can always pull it if need be.

I also could use some suggestions on a type of moss for the rocks!

[longgonedaddy]

I have some plants if you're interested. Purple and green cabomba, a dwarf sword, bought it as xingu sword, it sent a runner that has nine daughter plants and counting. My regular sword just started a runner a couple of weeks ago, and maybe a couple others. I have some blue tetras and a koi angel I am looking to move also.

Let me know what you think, I live in Lehighton, but work in Allentown, and it's no problem to run down there on the weekend.

[gt turbo]

Originally Posted by Rush3737

Considering pulling the trigger on this thread:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...38#post2457338

I *really* like the Asian Ambulia, and it would give me a nice control to base my plant growth off of. If it's not doing well... then I'm really f--king something up. I also think the dwarf sag would be something to try for my little patch of grass. May not work, but can always pull it if need be.

I also could use some suggestions on a type of moss for the rocks!

The Dwarf Sag will work for a nice patch of grass as long as it has it requirements and it grows small and low in the right light.

see pic ->
IMG_9204 by Gt Turbo 1883, on Flickr


IMG_9202 by Gt Turbo 1883, on Flickr

Good Luck with the tank.

[Rush3737]

Hmm, Dwarf sag is a little thinner than I'd like in those pictures. And that link had some great info, but I can already guarantee I will be guilty of too many plant species, at least at first. Will probably plant a lot to see what works and then thin the heard and re-arrange when I see what is doing well and how everything is growing.

LGD: That would be great! Looked up pictures of both of those things and I like them! The Cobomba would be a great sub for the ambulia it looks like.

[longgonedaddy]

Originally Posted by Rush3737

LGD: That would be great! Looked up pictures of both of those things and I like them! The Cobomba would be a great sub for the ambulia it looks like.

Great, shoot me a PM when you're ready for them.

[Rush3737]

Added in some plants today, and I'll have pictures of those later, and will have more from LGD either tomorrow or next week.

But here is a pressing question. Two days ago I added 15ml of 10% ammonia and got about 5ppm. Today, two days later it's down to... 1-1.5ppm. I know putting a piece in from the other tank should help, but can that really be right? Going to start testing for Nitrite now.

[longgonedaddy]

Originally Posted by Rush3737

and will have more from LGD either tomorrow or next week.

Plants are all ready! See you tomorrow.

[Rush3737]

Got the plants and look forward to planting tonight and posting some pictures!

Quick question regarding loaches, can anyone suggest a variety of loach that is both community friendly and will not tear up any plants?

[Rush3737]

So before I had... many stems of Water Sprite, 2 bulbs of Red Tiger Lotus, 3 stems of Limnophila aromatica, and 3 stems of Red Ludwigia.

Now, per LGD I have...
Green cabomba
Purple cabomba
Another cabomba somewhere in between the other two
Alternathera reinickii
Echinodorus tenellus
Lilaeopsis novae zeleandae
Some kind of rotala. maybe colorata?
A mature banana plant without the bananas.

And here it is!





The ammonia processing seems to have slowed some, so even though I waited 24 hours to add it after the batch of Prime I think that probably played a role.

[longgonedaddy]

Glad I could help.

Thought I threw in a small Val too. It was small, but you should have found it in the pile.

[Rush3737]

Just bought some moss from a user here. Peacock, Java, and Taiwan.

Will use some on the left rock structure, some on the right, and some in front of the rocks on the left. Will probably move the grass forward and center a bit as I'll use moss for carpet now I think.

Anyone think I should do driftwood in the middle of the structure?

Also, LGD, after my day of work I remembered the 5 blue tetras you mentioned, but what was the other fish?

[longgonedaddy]

Originally Posted by Rush3737

Just bought some moss from a user here. Peacock, Java, and Taiwan.

Will use some on the left rock structure, some on the right, and some in front of the rocks on the left. Will probably move the grass forward and center a bit as I'll use moss for carpet now I think.

Anyone think I should do driftwood in the middle of the structure?

Also, LGD, after my day of work I remembered the 5 blue tetras you mentioned, but what was the other fish?

9 blue tetras

A koi angelfish.