This is my first planted tank. Ive dabbled with a 39g plastic decor tank for several years but it was boring and I did basic maintenance only. I bought a whole setup used. A lot of no name equipment. Then bought some of my own equipment.
75g tank
Fluval 407
5lb CO2 tank with Fzone Mini V3.0 Regulator
2" jlardi Diffuser
Bubbler
Power Head
Seriyu Stone
Drift wood
Mopani wood
No Name Full spectrum light.
So I took a long time deciding on a look to shoot for. I figured it out but then decided to keep it simple for my first one. I Used some rigid pink insulation board to build grade. I glued a few pieces together and then coated it with Dry-Loc Waterproofer. I then siliconed it to the bottom of the tank and put some weight on it while it dried. I spent a few hours placing Seiryu stone and wood. Slept on it and came back the next day and moved it around again. When I was content, I filled it with water. I was apprehensive about this because I thought it would be easier to plant with out any water or minimal water. Anyway, I let the pump and heater run for a few days while I waited on my plants.
I had no idea what plants to get, just knew that I wanted reds, purples, and a variety of shades of green. So I contacted a guy that I was referred to and he hooked me up.
He sent me:
Cardamine, Narrow leaf java fern, Ludwigia glandulosa x repens, Grotiola v., Anubias coffeefolia, Pogostemon helferi, AR pink, Crypt ponderifolia, Lobelia cardinalis, Myriophyllum roraima, Rotala blood red, Ludwigia arcuata, Ludwigia atlantis, Red Melon Sword, Subwassertang, Ludwigia Super Red Mini, Bolbitis heudelotii, Echinodorus Aflame, Anubia Nana Golden, Ludwigia Ovalis Pink
If Im being Honest, I didn't really care what I planted because I didn't really know the difference. So they came in the mail and I did my best to arrange them based on the little amout that I knew. I accidently planted the java fern in the substrate and had to fix that.
I did a 20% water change 2 days later, and then after observing decent numbers and getting some questionable advice, I added some fish. My brother was looking to rehome his, so I took his 6 tetras and his rubber lip plecko.(havent seen him since).
7 days later I noticed my Ph on the rise at 7.2 and my ammonia on the rise at 2.0. KH 80, GH 180, Phosphate at 2. Some hair algae growing, Some Staghorn Algae growing, and melting/dying leaves and stems. I did a water change, removed as much hair algea as I could, trimmed some dead stuff. I did observe some new growth!
I have been using root tabs, flourish and flourish trace. I am trying to let the plants establish themselves but I am concerned that My light intensity is too much. I'm concerned about my CO2. My Drop Checker is dark green but i'm counting 2-3 bubbles/sec. Already seems like a lot. I am trying to figure out how to balance but its so new and I dont have a clue really. I did turn up the CO2 a little bit, hoping it will drop the PH a little and help out with the plants. Please help if you have something worth sharing.
I hope I can keep this updated!
75g tank
Fluval 407
5lb CO2 tank with Fzone Mini V3.0 Regulator
2" jlardi Diffuser
Bubbler
Power Head
Seriyu Stone
Drift wood
Mopani wood
No Name Full spectrum light.
So I took a long time deciding on a look to shoot for. I figured it out but then decided to keep it simple for my first one. I Used some rigid pink insulation board to build grade. I glued a few pieces together and then coated it with Dry-Loc Waterproofer. I then siliconed it to the bottom of the tank and put some weight on it while it dried. I spent a few hours placing Seiryu stone and wood. Slept on it and came back the next day and moved it around again. When I was content, I filled it with water. I was apprehensive about this because I thought it would be easier to plant with out any water or minimal water. Anyway, I let the pump and heater run for a few days while I waited on my plants.
I had no idea what plants to get, just knew that I wanted reds, purples, and a variety of shades of green. So I contacted a guy that I was referred to and he hooked me up.
He sent me:
Cardamine, Narrow leaf java fern, Ludwigia glandulosa x repens, Grotiola v., Anubias coffeefolia, Pogostemon helferi, AR pink, Crypt ponderifolia, Lobelia cardinalis, Myriophyllum roraima, Rotala blood red, Ludwigia arcuata, Ludwigia atlantis, Red Melon Sword, Subwassertang, Ludwigia Super Red Mini, Bolbitis heudelotii, Echinodorus Aflame, Anubia Nana Golden, Ludwigia Ovalis Pink
If Im being Honest, I didn't really care what I planted because I didn't really know the difference. So they came in the mail and I did my best to arrange them based on the little amout that I knew. I accidently planted the java fern in the substrate and had to fix that.
I did a 20% water change 2 days later, and then after observing decent numbers and getting some questionable advice, I added some fish. My brother was looking to rehome his, so I took his 6 tetras and his rubber lip plecko.(havent seen him since).
7 days later I noticed my Ph on the rise at 7.2 and my ammonia on the rise at 2.0. KH 80, GH 180, Phosphate at 2. Some hair algae growing, Some Staghorn Algae growing, and melting/dying leaves and stems. I did a water change, removed as much hair algea as I could, trimmed some dead stuff. I did observe some new growth!
I have been using root tabs, flourish and flourish trace. I am trying to let the plants establish themselves but I am concerned that My light intensity is too much. I'm concerned about my CO2. My Drop Checker is dark green but i'm counting 2-3 bubbles/sec. Already seems like a lot. I am trying to figure out how to balance but its so new and I dont have a clue really. I did turn up the CO2 a little bit, hoping it will drop the PH a little and help out with the plants. Please help if you have something worth sharing.
I hope I can keep this updated!
