JerSaint's 36 Gal 1st Planted Tank *Photo Heavy*

[JerSaint]

Hi All! Thanks for taking a look any feedback is welcome!

I took my retired 36 Gal cichlid tank (some minor scratches on glass<sorry>) and cleaned it up and got ready to go. I got started today and am so excited to share!

I am using the following:

40lbs Eco-Complete Black
20lbs Black Sand
2 pcs Mopani
1 pc Driftwood
Penguin 200 Bio-Wheel Filter
150w Heat Stick (Deep Blue)
55w Power Compact 7000k
*1
*1 Looking for a way to also add on the traditional strip light to up total watts. Advice is appreciated.
Hardscape


Hardscape w/ Substrate


Eco-Complete


Red Clay


Started Planting


Overhead View


Plants Water and Light!


Plants and Structure

[Azarakiah]

last time i checked that clay in the store it was modeling clay, a synthetic clay, not natural

[JerSaint]

Originally Posted by Azarakiah

last time i checked that clay in the store it was modeling clay, a synthetic clay, not natural

I just looked at the package and couldn't tell if the clay is natural or synthetic. I didn't add too much as a iron supplement. What are the ramifications if it is synthetic?

[JerSaint]

New additions today, plus a little rescape!

Here are a few of the new inhabitants.
2 Bolivian Rams (I think I may have been lucky enough to pick out a male and female!)

9 Cardinal Tetras

2 Sterbai Corydoras (more to come when available)

2 Sparkling Gouramis

[JerSaint]

New Photos plus a few additions!
New Profile Photo

Side Views


It's a crypt jungle in there!

My Rams colors are filling in!

New growth


Golden Mystery Snails added 12/14/12

Added Water Wisteria as a backdrop and a few more leaves of Java Fern

Sterbai Cory's are beautiful funny fish!

taken without flash

[skywhitney]

The tank is looking great! How are you liking the Eco-Complete?

[BoxxerBoyDrew]

Very Nice!!!!

Really like the fish you have in there!

Drew

[JerSaint]

Sky: I think I am liking it so far. I ended up going pretty deep substrate wise. THe sand cap makes planting fairly easy and I added fish pretty quickly after setup. I think the Eco-Complete aided in establishing the tank quickly. I hope to see a lot of growth soon, as the root systems develop in the EC.

Drew: Thanks! I am planning on upping the total number of Cardinals to 11. I am also looking for a nice shoal/school for the top water section. I am thinking either threadfin rainbows or some hatchets.

[HybridHerp]

I say hatchets, cause I think the rams would be a little rowdy for threadfins.
Maybe get some Ottos as well, or bushynose plecos, for algae and detrius control

The mystery snails are nice, but be careful because when they die it is a HUGE amonia spike. I learned that the hard way when I had 12 adult ivories die in unison in a 75.......bad bad times there.

[JerSaint]

Hi HybridHerp, I didn't think of that with the threadfins. I will likely go with hatchets. Also, great tip on the snails. These are the first I have ever had. I will keep a close eye. It's funny you mention Ottos, I have 5 in QT right now. I will add them Monday. I am about check out your tanks. Thanks for the feedback!

[Woody0229]

I really like the color of light the compact puts out. Very well done.

[JerSaint]

Thanks Woody! I also have the traditional strip light (adds a softer color) as well. The compact is a 55watt fixture and the strip light ups it 20watts. Total of 75 watts on 36 gallons.

[JerSaint]

Hi All,
A nice little update. I think this will look great in a couple of weeks. I moved a few Crypts and made a nice little area for the Dwarf Hair Grass from Petsmart. Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Before

Moved a nice little Crypt to a new home

Packaged DHG

Out of the package

Clumped up

After

A few Close-ups



I can't wait to watch these grow!
How do you like the placement?

[JerSaint]

I will take some better photos tonight with my Nikon.

[alipper]

Looking good, I like the stocklist of fish in there also.