[sohankpatel]

So, this is my third journal. I do not care for my other 2, as they were uninformative and lacked detail. The tank also looked like trash, so here we are with a NEW LAYOUT!
Equipment:
-55g, w/ stand
- Eco Complete Substrate
- SunSun hw-302 (Fine floss, bio balls, Purigen)
- 5lb co2 Cylinder
- Azoo co2 regulator
- Here is the good stuff:
2x BML 10000k Planted XB 48" lights
I got these for $100 each off Craigslist, total steal!
The 10000k Spectrum is not 10000k, it is just the name, it is more of a 6500k fixture, like the Dutch, but less reds.
Flora:
- Rotala Ramosoir 'Sunset'
- Lobelia Cardinalis "small Form"
- Rotala Macrandra mini type IV
- Ludwigia Brevipes
- Pogostemon Erectus
- Eleocharis Acicularis
- AR Mini
- Ludwigia Arcuata
- Ludwigia Pantanal (I hope it grows, new plant!)
- Ludiwgia Red
- Blyxa Japonica
-Pogostemon Octopus (Grows an inch a day)
- Hydrocotyle Japan (mini variety)
-Staurogyne Repens
Fauna
- 5 Neon tetras
- 1 Bolivian Ram
- 7 Pristella tetras
- 3 Bronze Corys
- 2 SAE
- 1 Male Betta
- 3 Rummynose tetras (Others died :crying
- 7 Praecox Rainbows
- 4 Otos
- 1 BN pleco
- Hundreds of Pond snails
Water Stats
- GH 11
- KH 7
- Ph 7.8
- Phosphate - 5 PPM (Tank), Nitrate 0 PPM (Tap) 30 PPM (Tank.
Picture Time! - Incremental growth, about a week between each picture

Feel Free to leave feedback, criticism is welcomed!

 

[BettaBettas]

I like the left portion of the tank, looks like a total dutch! but on the right side, the Pogostemon Octopus I think gets in the way to much. I suggest replacing or trimming that Way down and planting something else (green) in its place or beside/in front of it

 

[sohankpatel]

I like the left portion of the tank, looks like a total dutch! but on the right side, the Pogostemon Octopus I think gets in the way to much. I suggest replacing or trimming that Way down and planting something else (green) in its place or beside/in front of it

Yeah, right now I am searching for a replacement for it. I have a diagonal scape, more foreground on the left, down to little on the right, but the ocotopus is a stupidly fast grower. and it overwhelms the right.

 

[Opare]

Ooo very jealous of your lights and the species you managed to get! Excited to see this fill out more.
I agree with Betta the right sIde could use a bit more variety, but I think you have picked up on that.
On a side note I think you are the only other active member who is about my age on here hahaha. But hey its us that will keep the hobby going in the future!


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[PEdwards]

That's some nice weekly improvement. 55s are really hard to aquascape with their narrow front to back dimension, but it looks like you're getting the hang of it. Keep it up!

 

[KayakJimW]

Feel Free to leave feedback, criticism is welcomed!

Looks Great! As I mentioned in your last journal, I think a background would make a big difference. For instance, a solid black aquarium backer would help camouflage the pumps and spray bar and really make your plants POP! It would hide the chair rail and help to add depth to the aquascape. First I would Windex the glass. Looks tight back there, may need to rubberband some paper towels to a wooden spoon or something and spend a few minutes cleaning up the water marks. Then simply tape some backer/ foamboard/ black plastic back there and boom! It's a pretty easy thing to do and I think it would turn your good looking tank into a jaw dropper

 

[sohankpatel]

Looks Great! As I mentioned in your last journal, I think a background would make a big difference. For instance, a solid black aquarium backer would help camouflage the pumps and spray bar and really make your plants POP! It would hide the chair rail and help to add depth to the aquascape. First I would Windex the glass. Looks tight back there, may need to rubberband some paper towels to a wooden spoon or something and spend a few minutes cleaning up the water marks. Then simply tape some backer/ foamboard/ black plastic back there and boom! It's a pretty easy thing to do and I think it would turn your good looking tank into a jaw dropper

I want a really deep, solid black background, what is a good material to use. Painting is not an option as it is already set up. Do you have any ideas?

 

[KayakJimW]

Most fish shops sell aquarium background by the linear foot. A common one is black on one side, blue on the other. Just make sure you get one tall enough as they come in different heights. Black foamboard usually costs more, but works too. Its sold at Staples, Walmart, etc for presentations/ projects. Even cutting a black trashbag/ contractor bag could work but may have visible folds in it.
My #1 choice (besides paint which is out) would be the store bought aquarium backer. Just cut to fit and tape the corners with little pieces of scotch tape.

https://www.amazon.com/9092-Fish-Ba...070&sr=8-2&keywords=black+aquarium+background

 

[Jmcdaniel0]

I want a really deep, solid black background, what is a good material to use. Painting is not an option as it is already set up. Do you have any ideas?

I ran my tanks for years without a black background, and once a friend of mine talked me into trying it, I have never went back. Check out my journal(Its is in my signature) to see my 40b with black backing.

 

[sohankpatel]

I ran my tanks for years without a black background, and once a friend of mine talked me into trying it, I have never went back. Check out my journal(Its is in my signature) to see my 40b with black backing.

What did you use for the background. I was looking at black felt, because it is do dark and doesnt reflect light.

 

[Jmcdaniel0]

What did you use for the background. I was looking at black felt, because it is do dark and doesnt reflect light.

I believe this is what I used.

Blue Life USA Water Colors Aquarium Background - 48 x 30 Inch Black - Marine Depot

 

[Mattb126]

Black poster board works really good, I've always used it on my tanks. Only cost $1 for a sheet at Walmart, and you need 2 for a 55, so $2 as opposed to $10+ for a black "aquarium background".

Beautiful tank btw.

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[BettaBettas]

also if your up for even more differentiated constructive criticism, I got some more.
The stocking I just noticed in that tank, guppies, could be better since its such a good looking tank! you'd want good looking fish to, (guppies IMO are the lowest level to me, coloration on them IMO looks fake as all get out) maybe some emperor tetras so the blue constants against the other colors of the tank. maybe a large school of cardinals or something. idk, stocking could be better IMO, hope you benefited from this comment lol

 

[burr740]

I had regular black poster board on the 75, the thin stuff not the foam board. Scotch tape

Tank looks to be off to a great start. Nice!

 

[sohankpatel]

also if your up for even more differentiated constructive criticism, I got some more.
The stocking I just noticed in that tank, guppies, could be better since its such a good looking tank! you'd want good looking fish to, (guppies IMO are the lowest level to me, coloration on them IMO looks fake as all get out) maybe some emperor tetras so the blue constants against the other colors of the tank. maybe a large school of cardinals or something. idk, stocking could be better IMO, hope you benefited from this comment lol

Lol, I actually like guppies, they have a great level of activity and I enjoy being able to breed them with no special treatment. I am broke at the moment, so even if I wanted new fish, I couldnt get them .

Bump:

I had regular black poster board on the 75, the thin stuff not the foam board. Scotch tape

Tank looks to be off to a great start. Nice!

Your 75 was what made me stop trying to have some kind of "category" like aquatic garden, or full dutch. I saw what you did and really liked it, so I decided to have a similar style. I don't know that it is quite up there yet, but I am glad you liked it. Since I drew inspiration from you, what do you suggest for the right side, octopus is kind of going insane, but I am at a loss as how to go about rescaping that area.

 

[BettaBettas]

Lol, I actually like guppies, they have a great level of activity and I enjoy being able to breed them with no special treatment. I am broke at the moment, so even if I wanted new fish, I couldnt get them .

lol I hear you about being broke, just got a job so I guess im out of the broke zone for now! I was just about to edit my comment to about if they are special guppies don't read my comment! :laugh2:

 

[sohankpatel]

Pictures!

I have a new picture. I finally got the black background, it is just some black posterboard that was 99 cents.

Might as well share more info on the tank:
Dosing - Slightly reduced EI with full phosphates and 1/2 KNO3. Full Micros.
I have a slight GSA issue on AR mini, any ideas? My po4 is already dangerously high at 5 PPM, so I dont want to increase phosphates.

 

[dbl_dbl17]

Love this tank!

 

[Opare]

Why half on the KNO3 if I may ask? Out of all the nutrients being dosed I would think those 2 are the ones you could probably dose the most heavily without worry.


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[sohankpatel]

Why half on the KNO3 if I may ask? Out of all the nutrients being dosed I would think those 2 are the ones you could probably dose the most heavily without worry.


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My nitrates are always at 30 ppm even with 1/2 dosing.