Aweeby's Mini-S- Flooded and looking disastrous.

[aweeby]

I guess it's time to start a journal for this thing.

After an impromptu cross island bus journey, I acquired an almost complete ADA Mini-S setup for $100, from a member here who's moving away. It has become my dream tank. So I decided, hey, since I now own a setup that could've easily emptied my savings account had I bought it new, I really should invest an extra dollar or two and do it right. By right, I mean keeping the messy substitutes out of sight and minimal. I do love DIY, but this tank is so beautiful, even my could-care-less parents commented on it. It deserves better. Feast your eyes upon the loveliness.






Yeah, yeah. It's all the same stuff you've seen a million times before. But it's mine this time. that makes it 20x better.

So here are some stats:
Equipment:
Tank: ADA Mini-S
Filter: Zoomed 501
Lighting: Archaea PC 27W
CO2: Pressurized, first via full system, then via PB, jaggedfury style
Glassware: nano drop checker, nano diffuser, 9mm Glass Lily pipes (knockoffs, but who's complaining, really-ADA doesn't even make 9mm)
Ferts: No idea. Probably a light EI though.

Hardscape
Soil: New Amazonia, Normal type, 3L
Stones: Seiryu
Wood: (?) Potentially manzanita twigs.

Plants
No idea.

Fish
No idea, but I know I'd want to live in this thing.

At this point, I really have no idea. I just have all the stuff and am itching to get started!

[aweeby]

reserved.

[Scars]

Nice set of lily pipes! Amazing pickup. I know these things are pricey and to find all this for $100 is awesome. Cant wait to see what you do with it.

[aweeby]

Thanks! I still can't believe I found it.

I have some plans I just drafted up, but I'm feeling uneasy about a split substrate. I'm not sure I want to waste aquasoil in a one time use like this... so, it's tentative at best.



any suggestions?

[aweeby]

I think i might actually use akadama for the substrate, since i won't need much. Maybe it's time to go return the aquasoil... hm. I wonder. I really should have a look at the stones I have and see if they'll work out with this layout. might have to go buy some. argh.

And for plants, it seems like the hairgrass i have is kind of short and is set on staying that way. So my ordering list is growing. meh.

[herns]

Originally Posted by aweeby

Thanks! I still can't believe I found it.

I have some plans I just drafted up, but I'm feeling uneasy about a split substrate. I'm not sure I want to waste aquasoil in a one time use like this... so, it's tentative at best.



any suggestions?

I can tell that's a good hand in sketching.

[Kai808]

Originally Posted by aweeby

I think i might actually use akadama for the substrate, since i won't need much. Maybe it's time to go return the aquasoil... hm. I wonder. I really should have a look at the stones I have and see if they'll work out with this layout. might have to go buy some. argh.

And for plants, it seems like the hairgrass i have is kind of short and is set on staying that way. So my ordering list is growing. meh.

Aquascapes is having their anniversary sale next weekend on 7/14... may be you should take a look.

[aweeby]

Kai: Ooh, good call, I should. Thanks for the heads up! I really ought to start on this tank before summer's over...

herns: thank you!

[DishyFishy]

Oh jealousy! One day I too will stumble on such an awesome deal! Can't wait to see some hardscape!

[RipariumGuy]

Very nice! Your original post makes me laugh, because everything you are doing sounds like what I would do, or what would happen at my house. Keep it up, I'll be watching...

[aweeby]

Thanks guys! And I know, I still am kind of in shock that I found such a great deal. You don't know how many hours I've spent just ogling it, even empty. Unfortunately, this tank remains that way because my 5.5g is a spoiled brat and demands my attention far too often for my taste.

I think I'm going to be starting the hardscape this weekend. but no plants until I get back from my trip, probably.

[aweeby]

i snagged some ludwigia sp red for ~50c a stem at the LFS today. So I guess i will be starting after all.

[aweeby]

I need advice!
I have 5 small support stones that are trying to masquerade as centerpieces. One of them, if you place it a certain way, looks a tad phallic...
Ack! which scape do you prefer? If none, tell me what I should do. I NEED SUGGESTIONS.

[Overgrowth]

The last pic looks pretty good except for the stone on the far right. I would move it with the other two big rocks and maybe put the two small ones around the three.

[Kai808]

I think number one stays true to your original plan. You can you push in the stone on left so it's not so close to the glass? Also may be replace the phallic stone with the toad stone in pic #2. The plants should cover/hide either the phallic stone or the toad stone in time. You may also want to bring the stones on the right a little closer to the front. I like how you have that diagonal angle in your drawing. It give this little tank more depth. The scape looks a little flat in the picture... kind of like mines and I regret it.

I see you may have run into a similar problem that I had. The stones might be too big than what you have originally planned. I think you can pull it off. Don't look at it for a day or two and see what inspires you.

I wouldn't rush it too much. But may be you can enter it in the Aquascapes contest. I heard it's tentatively in October.

Cherrios!