Evolve 8 w/ Fugeray (Updated Pics 1-22-2013)

[PRSRocker3390]

Well it's that time again where I start another tank up! Here are the specs for this tank so far:

Aqueon Evolve 8
Aquasoil New Amazonia
Finnex FugeRay 12"
Yamaya Stone

Fish/Inverts:
Leaning towards CRS maybe some chili rasbora, IDK

Plants:
HC (waiting arrival for dry start either today or tomorrow!)
Still need to decide on what else
I think I want some blyxa or hairgrass in the back, and anubias petite somewhere in the middle....ideas please

I plan on a modified form of EI dosing, I'm thinking a little lighter. Excel for CO2 but I don't know if I may try adding a DIY CO2 just as an extra kick. Water changes should be once a week, 50%

Here are some pics of what the possible layout may be, let me know if it is good or if there are any suggestions.

[gus6464]

Looking good, where did you order your HC from?

[Lowe]

Love scape so far! Can't wait to see the HC and possible blyxa in the back.

[PRSRocker3390]

Thanks everyone for the comments so far. Lowe, I'm hoping the FugeRay will be able to grow some HC in this nano tank so I'll be testing the fixture out to the max lol. I love the fixture so I guess the is a test for me to see how the HC will do under it.

Gus, it was hard to find HC in the swap and shop, usually not hard but everyone was currently out. So this actually came from an old user who isn't too active here anymore but they have their own site. I don't really want to advertise in the journal though so feel free to PM if you want to know.

HC just came in the mail and looks great, but I had to go to work. It will have to wait till tomorrow before I get to plant it.

[PRSRocker3390]

Okay, so I planted some HC today and started my dry start. I decided to go with a slightly different layout. It may not be perfect to some but it's my first time making a rockscape and I like it alot. Hopefully the HC does well in the AS and with the new LEDs. Time will tell.

Does anybody know if anubias petite will work with the dry start method pretty well? If I got some and just placed it on a rock, will it grab hold by itself during the dry start period?

Anyway, here are pics from Day 1...

[PRSRocker3390]

Not sure how HC will do with this level of light, a bit on the lower side but I seem to be still okay. Not much for melting and if you look in the new pic, it seems certain patches have actually spread a tiny bit.

After 1 week....

[GMYukonon24s]

You have a good start here. I like the hardscape

[PRSRocker3390]

Thanks, I'm hoping the hc works out. So far everything looks alright.

[acitydweller]

wow a fugeray on an evolve! so awesome.

[PRSRocker3390]

The fugeray is a perfect light for the evolve, I like it way better than the stock light.

[PRSRocker3390]

Okay, another week has past so I figured I would update with another pic of the hc. Seems to be a bit more fuller, spreading slowly but surely. Good thing I'm patient and have other tanks to keep me occupied during the dry start. Here is the latest pic after 2 weeks.

[PRSRocker3390]

Okay, time for another update. (I know DSM is boring...) The HC is still filling in and looking back at the pics definitely shows me. The aquasoil is perfect for the DSM with HC. Anyway, here is the picture of the HC after 3 weeks.

[PRSRocker3390]

Quick update, HC after 4 weeks...

[GMYukonon24s]

Nice hardscape

[PRSRocker3390]

Thank you! It's hard to really show it from the above shots. I'll have to try to take a front picture but it's hard with the dry start considering there is condensation all over the acrylic on the inside. The hardscape did change slightly since the original dry pics I took in the beginning.