bl4nket's ADA Mini-M (my first project)

[bl4nket]

It's time to begin my first high-tech planted tank and I'm going to be documenting everything right here. I thought about doing the 120p right off the bat, but I figured I should get my hands dirty with a smaller tank first. Here's what I bought today:

Tank:
Cube Garden MINI M CLEAR GLASS

Lighting:
SOLAR Mini M

Filter:
Eheim 2211
Violet Glass MINI MP-1 10D
Violet Glass MINI MV-1 13D
BIO-RIO 1 liter
NA Carbon 750ml

Substrate:
Aqua Soil- NEW Amazonia (3 liters)- Normal Type
Aqua Soil- NEW Amazonia (3 liters)- Powder Type

CO2:
GLA Paintball CO2 Regulator
Atomic CO2 Diffuser - 55mm
CAL AQUA "CLIP" Drop Checker

Update: Update the list of items bought today, I think that's going to do it. Now it's the process of waiting for everything to arrive

[Quentin]

Nice choice on the tank. Look forward to the pics.

[TLE041]

Nice list of equipment so far. Looking forward to more updates of the setup!

Originally Posted by bl4nket

GLA AQUA "CLIP" Drop Checker

Just nitpicking, but the company is "Cal Aqua (Labs)". GLA is the retailer.

[Capsaicin_MFK]

Nothing but top of the line gear. Good choices!

Good luck with the "plunge" into this hobby.

[bennett1995]

Looks good so far

[bl4nket]

update: ADA items came in the mail just now. Mini-M, Glass in-flow, out-flow, bio-rio, na-carbon, Eheim 2211, Amazona regular and powder. Only thing I'm missing is the Solar Mini-M



First items to arrive. 20oz CO2 cylinder, paintball regulator, Gla atomic diffuser, Gla drop checker, tubing, scoop measurements, black mat from the dollar store.


Driftwood I found around my neighborhood.


Lava Rocks I found around my neighborhood.


Some okay rocks I found around my neighborhood.


Most likely going to be using the driftwood, but still unsure with the rocks I found. I want to do something iwagami, but iwagami with my style. More pictures coming soon.

Question: Are lava rocks safe for aquariums?

[Couesfanatic]

yes, i've heard they are inert.

What plants are you going to do?

[bl4nket]

I was thinking of doing a carpet of glosso or hc, and maybe something else later when that has plush.

[bl4nket]

Went to home depot around 6pm and bought 2x4's and 4x4's and started working on my DIY stand today. It stands 3ft tall, and I gave it about an inch and 1/4 extra all around so my mini-M sits pretty comfortable on it.



Next phase: Add side panels, top and a front door. Stay tuned.

[thief]

Wow I love your stand! Wow of the setup please!

[bl4nket]

First attempt at aquascape

[TLE041]

The arrangement is... definitely unique, but it's way too centered and symmetrical. I'd move three of the pieces either to the left or right and keep one of the shorter, gray stones on the other side.

[bl4nket]

@thief I'll put all the details as I go and a summary once the project is complete, but definitely will be posting up more pics.

@TLE041 thanks for the pointers, will make some new drafts.

More pictures of assembling the stand. Bought a plywood top 1/2 inch or so, wood glue, 2 and 1/2 inch nails, sand paper. Using my phone as a level, works pretty good actually once you calibrate it


4 long nails on the top plus wood glue all through the inside. Holds it nice and sturdy.


After a bit of sanding down.


Close up


On my way back to home depot to get some side panels.

[Quentin]

I'm liking your stand.

[bl4nket]

@Quentin thanks!

I put on the side panels and doors, but couldn't take pictures since my phone died. So I started sanding and priming the whole thing. Luckily my dad paints cars so his equipment was at my parents house.



Primer


Patching up so everything is smooth with another sanding. Can't even use flash, because it's so flashy.


First coat


I added another coat of black, plus my dad had some car gloss lying around so I figured why not I wish the picture did more justice because, the gloss is so clean!