[Gonebad395]

Hello all here is my 29 gallon biocube. I have about a inch and a half of miracle grow natural and organic soil, three quarter of a inch play sand cap and about a inch and a half of aquarium gravel in various sizes. Using the stock pump for water flow and a intank media basket with filter floss as filtration. Got it wet today will still be adding larger rocks and wood for decoration. Then plants and fish down the road.

 

[Streetwise]

I think your cap is much deeper than you want. I would recommend removing about half of that gravel since you are also using sand.

 

[Gonebad395]

I think your cap is much deeper than you want. I would recommend removing about half of that gravel since you are also using sand.

Hey thanks cause I’m new I have to ask is it goin got hurt anything being deeper ?

 

[Crazyjayb]

I think your cap is much deeper than you want. I would recommend removing about half of that gravel since you are also using sand.

Hey thanks cause I’m new I have to ask is it goin got hurt anything being deeper ?

Yes and no. A deep substrate bed like that can lead to anaerobic bacteria as well as hamper plant root growth as it takes longer to reach the "good stuff".

I don't know if this would happen in your aquarium but often times when there is a lot of substrate, mainly sand, it can compact and make it so roots cannot easily penetrate as well as kill the roots already there.

I would agree with streetwise and remove a nice bit of that gravel.

 

[Gonebad395]

Hey guys thanks for the advice I’m going to be removing a bit of it tomorrow I bought a few rocks and plants what do you think. Hrmm says I exceeded my quota for files. Can’t post a picture

 

[Streetwise]

You need just enough cap to plant cleanly, and no more. You want your water movement to get a bit into the substrate. The other reason for a minimal cap is to let mulm and fish waste rejoin the substrate to keep it going.

I don’t even vacuum my substrate after the first month, where you might make a mess.

When you plant, twist your forceps on the way in and the way out so you don’t stir too much.

For photos, I recommend Flickr or Google Photos. Check the photography forum for tips on embedding. I have a thread with Flickr advice.

I think you are making a good foundation for a healthy tank!

Cheers

 

[Gonebad395]

You need just enough cap to plant cleanly, and no more. You want your water movement to get a bit into the substrate. The other reason for a minimal cap is to let mulm and fish waste rejoin the substrate to keep it going.

I don’t even vacuum my substrate after the first month, where you might make a mess.

When you plant, twist your forceps on the way in and the way out so you don’t stir too much.

For photos, I recommend Flickr or Google Photos. Check the photography forum for tips on embedding. I have a thread with Flickr advice.

I think you are making a good foundation for a healthy tank!

Cheers

Thanks a lot streetwise I really appreciate you taking the time anything else I should know ?

 

[Streetwise]

Keep posting and asking questions! I am only 18 months ahead of you, so I’ve made the same mistakes first.

I would say be careful of using big stones in a dirt tank for anaerobic reasons. Get a nice piece or two of Mopani wood for your hardscape, and position it so it blocks the least amount of substrate. You can then use it to anchor moss and epiphytes, and provide hiding places for shrimp.

I can’t scroll back while replying, but I love Fluval lights if you are still shopping.

 

[MtAnimals]

Another Fan of the fluval light.I have 2 of them on dirted tanks,almost no algae,plants grow very well.

here's my 75 journal:


https://www.plantedtank.net/forums/12-tank-journals/1299717-mtanimals-75-gallon.html

 

[Gonebad395]

I’m using my ai prime hd just set to natural light spectrum or close to it and I’m definitely going to keep posting and asking questions. Also will be checking that 75 gallon journal out thanks guys

 

[Gonebad395]

 

[Streetwise]

Doh. I just noticed the photo link I referenced includes some marketing code. I will edit my post. Please edit your post too.

Chop out extra code and include a Reason for Editing.

 

[Gonebad395]

Ok how lol

 

[Gonebad395]

Ok trying to figure is out lol

 

[Streetwise]

Hit edit on post 11. Chop out all code except for the main IMG section with brackets.

 

[Gonebad395]

Hit edit on post 11. Chop out all code except for the main IMG section with brackets.

Ok got it so that code I got from going to the link to trade the url for the Flickr code where do I go now since the links not there kinda lost now lol

 

[Streetwise]

I put that link back in my thread, but with a caveat about the marketing bit. I tend to do photos on my computer rather than mobile.

How is the tank progressing?

 

[Gonebad395]

It going good going to mess with gravel later today I’ll put some pictures up

 

[Gonebad395]

Hey everyone I started messing with gravel and it was getting messy so I stopped. I added plants today. Tell me what ya think.

 

[Gonebad395]

Just a little update things seem to be growing well and the fish all seem to be happy. I’m still getting a black filter floss every 2 days but I’m pretty sure it’s the soil leaching. So what do you guys think?