[bcoffey]

so basically this is the first time ive decided to plunge into the world of nature aquariums. i purchased a finnex 4 gallon deluxe and it will be here in a few days just have a few questions about how to get started.....

during the cycle should i have plants in the system?

is co2 injection a necessity? if so how many bps for a 4 gallon finnex?

what's substrate do you recommend? i am torn between ada amazonia and eco complete which do you prefer?

thanks for you time this is really gonna help me out

 

[kcirtappatrick]

I believe having plants in the tank during the cycle phase will help speed things up a bit.

Co2 is not necessary but it does help plant growth (some fish and shrimp are a little sensitive to Co2 though so it all depends what you plan to have in your tank).

I can't really recommend one or the other because I've only used ADA aquasoil before. I have heard both ADA and Eco are pretty good substrates though. I believe ADA has more nutrients but it takes longer to cycle than Eco Complete.

 

[bcoffey]

so i decided to go with eco complete and planted some hg. still waiting for my co2 system and lily pipes to come in new pics soon!

 

[dreamt_01]

these tanks look so exquisite.. maybe 1bps won't be harmful..

 

[bcoffey]

i was thinking the same thing! i was going to do a diy co2 but i think im gonna go for the fluval 88g kit

 

[dreamt_01]

the fluval co2 is like $20+ and you have to buy cartridges..

i started with diy and now i'm using the paintball setup..

 

[bcoffey]

so i just checked my ph and its around 7.5-7.6 is this ok

 

[PinoyBoy]

Ditch the fluval co2, and go with DIY yeast, paintball, or excel.

I'm assuming this will be a shrimp tank?
What other plants are you planning to put in there?

BtW, nice choice for a first tank.

 

[Quentin]

Off to a nice start.

 

[bcoffey]

How do you control the amount of co2 going into the tank with a DIY unit or it it just enough that it doesnt matter

 

[bcoffey]

What other plants are you planning to put in ?

I was thinking some Hc in the foreground and maybe a little Christmas moss but I think my ph might be to high at the moment it's 7.5-7.6 doesn't Hc like a neutral ph

 

[bcoffey]

Just ordered the fluval 88g kit didn't really wanny go the DIY route!! My lily pipes from aquatic magic should be in tomorrow so I'll upload some new photos

 

[FIT BMX]

Looks great!!!

 

[PinoyBoy]

I would have gone with this:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/s...5582-fs-new-paintball-co2-setup-complete.html
Just add a 20oz bottle.

4-5 refills of the fluval will cost more/same* as buying the setup mentioned above. Either way, the paintball setup is cheaper in the long run.

*YMMV depending on the prices of co2 refill, co2 tank, and replacement fluval cartridges.

 

[bcoffey]

Funny thing is my wife loves the tank and said I should get more!!! Picking up 2 fluval specs tmrw and I'm gonna order what you suggested for their co2 systems lol

 

[dreamt_01]

i have a used one that's for $35 shipped.. but without the o rings and diffuser though..

 

[bcoffey]

So I've been waiting 10 days to get my lily pipes I ordered from aquatic magic to find out today that they have been lost!!!! Ordering a new set from gla today I'm so pissed

 

[bcoffey]

heres some new pics!! just trimmed my hair grass and planted some hc

 

[platedlizard]

heres some new pics!! just trimmed my hair grass and planted some hc

That looks fantastic!

My tanks always look a bit messy :hihi:

 

[Legion]

Funny thing is my wife loves the tank and said I should get more!!! Picking up 2 fluval specs tmrw and I'm gonna order what you suggested for their co2 systems lol

Your wife needs to hang out with my wife a bit... Mine has just started rolling her eyes and walking outta the room when I say I want to get something new lol. Some people just don't understand... :icon_wink