Do!Aqua 12" Cube : The Start

[DaveFason]

Hey guys,
This will be my first FW planted tank. I have been into reefs for over eight years now and would like to try something new. I really enjoy smaller tanks so I will be sticking to that.

Equipment :
Do!Aqua 12" Tank
Glass Lily Pipes
Nano Box 12" LED Unit
Eheim 2211 Canister Filter
Cal Aqua Bubble Counter + Drop Checker
DIY CO2 Regulator Set Up

Like I said I am new to all of this and of course the ADA stuff is appealing for the substrate. Is there anything else? I am looking into a Iwagami set up or a simple driftwood/rock set up. I am leaning towards the Iwagami.

I should be receiving everything with in the next few days.

Here are the few photo's I already have.


Nano Box Unit

Mounting Hardware not installed yet


More to come! Also any advise and help is welcomed! I want to learn!

-Dave

[TLE041]

Welcome to TPT.

That light looks interesting. I'd consider putting it on legs or clips rather than sitting it directly on the rim. Do you know how many Watts or Par it puts out?

[DaveFason]

Thanks! I am looking into the Amazonia ADA substrate.

It will have legs. The mounting hardware is not installed yet. It uses Rebel ES LED's ( 3w ) and puts out some serious PAR if needed. The drivers are completely dimmable.

Here is a PAR video over a reef.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/6330941...in/photostream

As you can see no problem. More than likely it will only run 20-40%.

-Dave

[demonr6]

Go tank baller! At the very least you can say you are not cutting corners and sparing any expense to get it done right from the get go. This should be nice.

[karatekid14]

Wow that light it bright, I doubt you will need that much, all the equipment you have is very good quality.

[shrimpnmoss]

sweet looking light

[Digs]

As far as substrates go I really like the fluval stratum that came with my EBI

[Alaizabelle]

I'd second the Fluval Stratum! Out of all the substrates I've tried, I think it's my favorite

[ADAtank]

looks good!

[DaveFason]

Thanks guys. I would rather start off with good equipment rather than wishing I had bought it before!

I will look into that substrate. As for them is there anything else I need? I see in the ADA videos that they put a white power down before laying the other stuff on top. I understand its for the plants but is it needed?

Thanks for the help!

-Dave

[antbug]

Originally Posted by DaveFason

Thanks guys. I would rather start off with good equipment rather than wishing I had bought it before!

I will look into that substrate. As for them is there anything else I need? I see in the ADA videos that they put a white power down before laying the other stuff on top. I understand its for the plants but is it needed?

Thanks for the help!

-Dave

Not needed at all. Aqua soil is all you need.

[TLE041]

As someone who's used both, Aquasoil >>> Fluval Stratum. In fact, I'd use plain old sand before I'd go for FS again. It's way too light, so plants don't stay planted at all. Growing a carpet with that substrate was a total nightmare. Also, from user reviews that I've read, it doesn't maintain its buffering capacity for more than a few weeks.

I've used all types of Aquasoil, but favorite is Amazona 1 Powder.

[Senior Shrimpo]

I agree with Tony... Unless you're doing a shrimp tank or want a speedier cycle than 4 weeks (with Aquasoil) than I'd go with Aquasoil.

[shrimpnmoss]

Stratum does look better IMO. Way darker and no discoloration. I solved the buffering problem by doing a AS core with a Stratum shell. Buffering of AS but with Stratum looks.

[DaveFason]

Sweet! Looks like that is the ticket! With a smaller tank like this I could just use a small bag as well, correct?

http://www.adgshop.com/Aqua_Soil_Amazonia_p/104-031.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-Fluval-S.../dp/B004OQP9UC

-Dave