This will be the journal to document my 10G tank i just set up. I started a 55G planted in the past but due to life getting in the way i had to tear it down, Im trying to make this a low-tech low maintenance tank so we'll so how that goes.
Tank: 10G generic black plastic rim
Filter: Aqua clear 30 with DIY sponge filter
Substrate: Miracle grow organic potting mix, Caribsea flora max, petco black sand.
Lighting: Two 5in Home depot work lights with 13W CFL bulbs
top fin 50W heater.
So here is the tank after the initial setup (lights, filter, substrate), i layered the substrate with miracle grow on the bottom, then the flora max and the black sand on top.
I grabbed the rocks from just outside around the neighborhood.
The water is yellow from the tannins in the wood chips of the potting mix i believe, and i also closed the windows
That sat for a few days while i waited for some plants to come in from a few users here, big thank you to "rainbuilder" and "xxbenjamminxx" for the plants.
Plants upon arrival.
From top left down i believe it's:
Rotala colorata, maybe 2 different kinds of bacopa, Persicaria SP, Maybe blyxa?, water sprite, frogbit?, rotala green
Im not exactly sure on alot of them seeing as how im not a guru by any means, if any one could correct or help that would be great.
I added those plants to the tank, and also went to home depot to get some PVC to try a modified fiilter intake.
As you can see i tried to extend the intake to the left of the tank as it seemed like the water wasn't getting much circulation in that area. I hoped the intake from the left and outake on the right would create more circulation but im not so sure it is or will.
Thats going to be how the tank will sit so it can cycle, that will also probably be the extent of the plants i will add in hopes of them growing and filling in the gaps.
ill take some better pictures when i get home
thanks for looking, CC and comments are always welcome :biggrin:
more to come
Tank: 10G generic black plastic rim
Filter: Aqua clear 30 with DIY sponge filter
Substrate: Miracle grow organic potting mix, Caribsea flora max, petco black sand.
Lighting: Two 5in Home depot work lights with 13W CFL bulbs
top fin 50W heater.
So here is the tank after the initial setup (lights, filter, substrate), i layered the substrate with miracle grow on the bottom, then the flora max and the black sand on top.
I grabbed the rocks from just outside around the neighborhood.
The water is yellow from the tannins in the wood chips of the potting mix i believe, and i also closed the windows

That sat for a few days while i waited for some plants to come in from a few users here, big thank you to "rainbuilder" and "xxbenjamminxx" for the plants.
Plants upon arrival.
From top left down i believe it's:
Rotala colorata, maybe 2 different kinds of bacopa, Persicaria SP, Maybe blyxa?, water sprite, frogbit?, rotala green
Im not exactly sure on alot of them seeing as how im not a guru by any means, if any one could correct or help that would be great.

I added those plants to the tank, and also went to home depot to get some PVC to try a modified fiilter intake.

As you can see i tried to extend the intake to the left of the tank as it seemed like the water wasn't getting much circulation in that area. I hoped the intake from the left and outake on the right would create more circulation but im not so sure it is or will.
Thats going to be how the tank will sit so it can cycle, that will also probably be the extent of the plants i will add in hopes of them growing and filling in the gaps.
ill take some better pictures when i get home
thanks for looking, CC and comments are always welcome :biggrin:
more to come