[fairgate]

Hi, I've been lurking around the forums for a while now. There's so much inspiration here that I thought I'd have a go, it's been a while since my last tank blew a gasket.

Goal - Unheated, unfiltered, no CO2, fully planted tank.

I have one decent spot in the room and I found an old tank that fits a treat, I want the line of sight to run length ways through the tank.



I filled it with a grow bag compost and capped it with plain black gravel. Here it is in situ.





I'll buy some lighting next week, and add flora the week after depending on finances. Plenty of time for research!

Feel free to chime in.

 

[JMex]

The hardscape is looking very good! Can't wait to see it planted

 

[Chizpa305]

I like the idea of the plant and rocks configuration. hope it looks nice

 

[fairgate]

Planted!

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I had mini splurge today and bought a light unit, heater, and flora. Hoping it'll grow now!



This is my first ever attempt at aquascaping, it's not quite how I envisioned it but plenty of time yet to change. I think I'll just leave it for now and see if grows any....



I'm still a bit pleased with it though :icon_bigg



This is the ugly end, a cheap 24W light unit and a mini heater, the HOB filter is to one side.

Lastly, I just couldn't resist this, hope it works!



I'm on holiday soon, if all goes well I'll add some shrimp and White Clouds in a couple of weeks, my lfs had a whole tank full of Japanese Shrimp today, sooo tempted lol.

 

[acitydweller]

very nicely done. what are the details on that light....

 

[fairgate]

Thanks acitydweller. The light is a cheap Chinese import I found at the lfs, branded as HaiYang, model no SNL-450. Its a 24W PL with 8 blue LEDs that stay on permanently.

Although it only makes my tank a low light setup its actually a nice light and fits the size perfectly, the only drawback is its a one time sealed unit, when it breaks its dead, we'll see how long it lasts....

 

[fairgate]

Did some testing tonight, ammonia at 0.25 mg/L, PH at 7.8 according to my test kit, which appears to have a broad spectrum for results. Temperature is 20C which is right where I want it. Tank is in a 12hr light cycle. 1/3 water change.

Creeping Jenny (?) appears to be making headway for the surface which is great to watch after only 2 days.

 

[Chizpa305]

I've heard that the creeping jenny is easy to grow, so I don't think you will have any problem with it. Just let it grow and see if it turns out ok.

 

[fairgate]

A quick update. Tank has two White Clouds in at the moment, 10 RCS coming tommorow, also coming is some Willow Moss. I'm not happy with the Micro Sword I planted front center, so that's coming out and the moss going in. Creeping Jenny appears to be doing well, Anubias Nana shows no changes. I am considering some form of root wood structure for the Anubias at the back to fill in the background. In retrospect I should have planted the Jennys' at the back, ho hum.

Heres how it looks today.

Looking forward the new inhabitants tomorrow, I'm sure the camera will be well used by the end of the night!

 

[fairgate]

Living Things, yay!

RCS are FUN!

 

[fairgate]

Its been a busy weekend for the tank, one in which my noob foolishness has taken over. I have kept aquariums before and have never done some of the stupid things I have done the last couple of days.

After only one week the tank was almost overcome with algae, green and hair like on the plants and fuzziness on the tanks sides. I have introduced ten Red Cherry Shrimp, three black and white Bee(?) Shrimp, an Otocinculus and the white clouds continue to do well.

I have removed the heater as the tank seems to maintain a steady 19C.

Willow Moss appears to have died a bit but still with some new green growth, I think I tied it a bit tight to the slate anchor. Anubias have had the roots trimmed and re-anchored, micro sword is wilting but sending out runners. Creeping Jenny continues to do well and the shrimp love gazing on the leaves, also noticed roots have found the compost substrate so I'm hoping they'll shoot up soon.

Tank is now on a 10h light cycle and I have adapted the hob filter intake to be as far away from the outlet as possible.

All this in a week! It will surely go pop soon..... but I love it and am allready planning my next scape.

 

[fairgate]

3 Weeks In

FTS

RCS on Willow Moss, which is very slooow growing.

It's all a bit messy at the moment, I'm resisting the urge to tinker any more than I have allready. Plants are starting to show signs of new growth, so I want to leave them alone for a while, all the RCS are doing well but I have lost 2 of the Bee Shrimp whilst on holiday, no sign of them anywhere.

 

[fairgate]

 

[librarygirl]

Wow great job, coming along beautifully!

 

[fairgate]

Thanks librarygirl.

Today I have spotted a lone WCMM fry, I'm so pleased it's silly, fingers crossed it makes it to adulthood.

 

[fairgate]

Considering I ventured into my first planted tank with a flagrant disregard for research or collected wisdoms, I'm really pleased with the way it's turning out.

It's not a lush green garden (yet) nor is it a dead stagnant pool. For any noobs out there wandering about all the variables for a good tank, I suggest throwing some dirt in, plant lots and see what happens.

I'm having loads of fun with it, and for me that's the most important thing. It seems I'm not the only one having fun......

Two berried RCS and one lone White Cloud fry, christened Stephen :icon_bigg

 

[amarkantis]

Those tanks are looking solid! Nice job!