Frank Abagnale 40B - "Trying to Find the Flow" - Journal

[Frank Abagnale]

I started this planted tank about 3 weeks ago and am constantly adding and changing the tank until I'm happy. From here on out, I'll post some follow up pictures.

I'm always looking for advice and thoughts...

Equipment
40 Breeder (36x18x16) with Glass Top
2 - Aquatic Life T5HO 2 Light Fixtures (Dual Lamps)
Marine Land C220 Canister Filter
Aqueon 150w Submersible Heater
Tetra Whisper 40 Air Pump - 2 Small Air Stones (Timed for Night) - Probably won't keep
Milwaukee Regulator with Solenoid and 5# Tank
Eco-Complete Substrate


Inhabitants
2 GBR's
11 Zebra Danios
5 Corydoras paleatus

I may move the gourami to my smaller tank with neon's. I definitely want to get heavy on some cardinals.

[Frank Abagnale]

Had an algae problem + diatoms

[Frank Abagnale]

Just started pressurized co2. Pretty crazy to see the pearling!

[hbosman]

You might want to cut back on the light some. Two bulbs would be quite adequate, even with CO2.

[hisxlency]

lovely setup. Have you considered a DIY co2 setup maybe?

[Frank Abagnale]

Originally Posted by hbosman

You might want to cut back on the light some. Two bulbs would be quite adequate, even with CO2.

Really? I figured the light was about perfect. Running the back two for 8 hours and the front two for 6 hours. That's probably too much time I'm sure, but I haven't had much of an algae issue. Used some nerite snails and excel. Plus the pressurized co2 and comprehensive.

[Frank Abagnale]

I am not feeling my scape. It's been bugging me more and more every day. I think I want to add a bigger piece of driftwood and move some things around.

Has anyone used http://www.manzanita.com/aqwood.htm?

Tom Barr and !shadow! have some amazing pieces....I want some like theirs! Haha

Also, I took my DHG and HC out. Not sure if the snails were pulling it up or the fish...But it was constantly floating at the top. I moved it to my 10.

My LFS has only been getting crypt wendtii lately. What are some good online places to get plants from?

[Doc7]

The swap forums on this very site are probably the BEST places to buy plants in the world, let alone just the internet. I sell there when temps in my local area are right, and I buy plants there when I want to fill a need/gap as well. I have not had a bad experience with TPT swap forums yet.

Warning: Once you start buying and selling plants in SnS, your hours-per-day spent on this hobby and PlantedTank forums will increase exponentially.

[Frank Abagnale]

Haha thanks for the reply! Yeah I just checked and there are a ton of plants for sale. I already spend way to much time on this site as is.

I may have to wait until it warms up a bit before I order anything...it was like 10 degrees this morning.

[alipper]

Originally Posted by Doc7

The swap forums on this very site are probably the BEST places to buy plants in the world, let alone just the internet. I sell there when temps in my local area are right, and I buy plants there when I want to fill a need/gap as well. I have not had a bad experience with TPT swap forums yet.

Warning: Once you start buying and selling plants in SnS, your hours-per-day spent on this hobby and PlantedTank forums will increase exponentially.

I'm a great example.

Nice scape too.

[Frank Abagnale]

Actually...The scape has really been bothering me lately. I honestly threw it together pretty quickly.

I ordered a manzanita stump and a 12 piece branch pack. I think I'll be able to figure out something nice with those. Should be here middle of next week.

Also, ordered some Plantex CSM + B, KNO3, KH2PO4, K2SO4, MgSO4. Will be here Thursday!

I have really been thinking about taking off the Marineland canister and putting in a sump with a CPR overflow. Not sure yet though. Anyone have thoughts on a using a sump?

[Frank Abagnale]

Here's a look at the stump I ordered (16x7x14). Said he would pick me out some nice branches.

[Frank Abagnale]

Currently working on building a light fixture hanger for this set up. Few things I want to accomplish.

First, I have been reading more about PAR and having correct lighting conditions. I believe I have too much light with two 36" AquaticLife Dual Lamp T5HO fixtures. 39W T5 HO 6K Lamp and 39W T5 HO 650nm Lamp on each.

Second, It's a real PITA having to take a fixture off to get into the tank. Especially since I have a glass top. Being able to raise my lights above the tank will make my life a lot easier.

I probably won't be happy until I have a PAR meter to know exactly what is going on, but that will have to wait...

[Frank Abagnale]

Did my rearrange on the tank, and also hung my lights. I'll paint the light hanger when it warms up outside. It turned out decent and is very easy to remove!

I hesitate to add these pictures because I have some rocks sitting on my driftwood to keep it from floating. The tannins have gone way down with a lot of water changes. Plants are still acclimating. I'll probably let them all grow for awhile before I change anything.

This was before I tore it down.

[Frank Abagnale]

Nothing much has changed. Plants are looking much better though. Driftwood still has rocks on it, but almost ready. Took the rocks off and it only wanted to float a bit.