[tenzero1]

Background: I am a poor graduate student and therefore decided to de-rim an AGA 5 gal instead of buying a new tank. I am trying to go for an iwagumi-ish scape.

Equipment: Aquatek mini paintball CO2 system, Aquaclear 20 (now need to replace after dropping it today while cleaning), two different Ikea lamps with 6500k cfls, craigslist video cabinent for a stand, ecocomplete substrate, seiryu stone, cardboard painted black for a backdrop.

Flora: Dwarf Baby Tears and Blyxa japonica

Progression from day 1:







Why my stand has light emitting from within:Growing my clippings!

 

[tenzero1]

That's really nice. I will say though that thermometer is awful. I had the same one and happened across some reviews that said it was off by 5 degrees all the time. Tested my tank it was in and sure enough it was off by 5 degrees.

Did you do a dry start for your HC? How much did that CO2 setup cost? I am guessing you have to run it manually?

I don't even use a thermometer anymore. My plants seem to do well no matter the temp and I don't keep fish or shrimp because I like to dose a high amount of co2!

I did start with a dry start which is usually how I begin to establish some root structure. Plants seem to transition really well with ferts and co2.

The first co2 system in the earlier pics I built based on guides I found on here. I kept it on at all times, which isn't great, but it worked crudely (sucked co2 down fast). And that only cost me a couple bucks in parts as I already had old paintball stuff. The new system I have cost me ~$80 for the regulator.

 

[tenzero1]

Update

 

[tenzero1]

Thank you! Thats what I hope to achieve. Need a better camera so I can actually get a good photo.

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[tenzero1]

The blyxa is growing like crazy, but nothing much else has changed. In need of a carpet trim.

 

[tenzero1]

I don't focus as much on wattage as I do spectrum of light. Both bulbs are 6500K. I believe the watts are in the 20s maybe 23w or 26w...hope that helps.

What wattage of CFL are you using? Need an inexpensive way to light a 2.5 and if you're able to grow a carpet with only CFLs then that would be golden (or is that green?)

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[tenzero1]

My Blyxa is about 5 inches tall per stem. They seem to grow out more than up. The one in the corner appears taller because I let it grow with only root tips below the substrate. So it's anchored by long roots to give it a taller look.

And yes there is some algae growing on the rock, hence why it looks a little bit grownish green. It is cleaner in the last set of photos I took.

How tall is your blyxa? All mine are staying short.. but I want them to get to their max height. And is that a coating of algae on the large rock or just its color/texture fooling me?

 

[tenzero1]

I usually do it when I change the water as well.

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[tenzero1]

Here are a few new photos...i know i'm in need of a trim! Thinking of tearing it down and selling it off due to a baby on the way.....

 

[tenzero1]

Thanks guys!

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[tenzero1]

Thank you, but no I do not particularly care for the fish aspect, mainly plants. I do keep shrimp in another tank. Ironically I am going to school for Fisheries Biology haha!

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[tenzero1]

Tore the tank down today. My wife started going into preterm labor and it looks like the baby is coming earlier than expected. Although he isn't here yet, it put me into baby mode and I don't think an aquarium is going to get much attention! Hope you all have enjoyed the tank!

 

[tenzero1]

I am keeping the reg and equipment for future builds. Only the plants are going.

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[tenzero1]

Congrats, man. I'm w/ you. I'm more into the plants than the fish. Good luck, sir!

Thank you, and I find it funny that fish got me into aquariums, but plants got me hooked. I end up with a lot of questions about where my fish are in the aquarium.

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