New Planted 40 Gallon

[Hippocampus]

I'm finally able to start setting up a new tank! This one is a little bit larger than the two 30 gallon longs I had several years ago, and this will be the first tank I've had since. I have realized that quite a few things have changed since I've kept an aquarium, and there are more options to choose from with lighting, filtration, and substrate. I've decided to stick with a few of my tried-and-true basics and build on those.

Here's what I have setup so far (I'm moving yet again, so this will be a slow process, but I will update as much as possible):

40 gallon breeder aquarium
Aquarium stand
80 pounds Eco-Complete
EHEIM Ecco Pro External Canister Filter
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Python and a few random pieces of equipment

Tank and stand have been setup and leveled and leak test performed:


The two boxes on the left contain 80 pounds of Eco-Complete, and the paper bags contain random stuff. The Eheim arrived after the picture was taken.

The picture has been moved to a different location, and I am still trying to figure out how all the equipment will be hidden underneath the stand.

[Steezy B]

how many inches does the 4 bags of eco give you?

[Hippocampus]

I'm hoping for 2.5" to 3" depth in the substrate.

I know I will have some leftover, which means...oops...new tank. }

[Dan's85]

I have the exact tank and stand In the next few months, I'm going to get to work wrapping the stand. Good luck with the tank! Do you have and ideas for plants?

[Steezy B]

Originally Posted by Hippocampus

I'm hoping for 2.5" to 3" depth in the substrate.

I know I will have some leftover, which means...oops...new tank. }

some left over?! I have 3 bags sitting in the garage, and I'm waiting to buy 1-2 more. The substrate calcualtor said 108lbs is needed for 3". I feel like that is over exaggerating though

[Hippocampus]

Originally Posted by Dan's85

I have the exact tank and stand In the next few months, I'm going to get to work wrapping the stand. Good luck with the tank! Do you have and ideas for plants?

Did you catch the $1/gallon sale at PetCo? The tank cost me $40, and I was able to get the stand for $30 on clearance.

I've had a few ideas with hiding equipment under the stand:

• Use magnetic curtain rods with curtain panels on the inside of the stand legs so they can be removed for maintenance.
• Curtain panels with magnets sewn into the seems.
• Modify a trunk and hide the cords along the backs of the stand legs.

I'm going to try a few things and see what I like best. I was also thinking about having a board cut to fit the bars long the bottom.

As for plants, I definitely want to get manzanita wood, lots of stem plants, and Anubias nana. Plants are another thing that has seen a lot of changes in the last few years since I had a planted aquarium, and I am still browsing around and doing research before I make any decisions.

[Hippocampus]

Originally Posted by Steezy B

some left over?! I have 3 bags sitting in the garage, and I'm waiting to buy 1-2 more. The substrate calcualtor said 108lbs is needed for 3". I feel like that is over exaggerating though

I had a planted 30 long that I had bought 4 bags for, and I had enough left over for a 10 gallon and a 20 long, and I think I still had some leftover from putting it in three aquariums. ha.

I had used the substrate calculator then and used it recently to figure out how much for this new tank.

[Steezy B]

Oh cool. I'm glad I checked out this thread. I'lll just go buy 1 more bag then,, thanks!

[Dan's85]

Originally Posted by Hippocampus

Did you catch the $1/gallon sale at PetCo? The tank cost me $40, and I was able to get the stand for $30 on clearance.

I've had a few ideas with hiding equipment under the stand:

• Use magnetic curtain rods with curtain panels on the inside of the stand legs so they can be removed for maintenance.
• Curtain panels with magnets sewn into the seems.
• Modify a trunk and hide the cords along the backs of the stand legs.

I'm going to try a few things and see what I like best. I was also thinking about having a board cut to fit the bars long the bottom.

As for plants, I definitely want to get manzanita wood, lots of stem plants, and Anubias nana. Plants are another thing that has seen a lot of changes in the last few years since I had a planted aquarium, and I am still browsing around and doing research before I make any decisions.

No, I didn't catch the sale. I bought the tank and stand in Feb and had to pay full price for it, but I did get the stand on clearance, I think I paid around $30 for it also. Good choice on the plants, I'm a big fan of stem plants. Have you made any decisions on lighting or CO2?

[Dan's85]

Updates?