Since it seems like this is getting quite a bit of attention i will do a full breakdown.
The tank is a WaterBox 6 gallon which i saw at a big box store for around $40The driftwood is spiderwood also from the big box store it was $20The soil was the leftovers from a bag of Fluval Stratum $18 (Probably used about half of that)The grass is Sagitaria Subulata, the LFS said it was dwarf sag, but i am not so sure. Took these out of my 20 gallonThe plant halfway up the driftwood is Bucephlandra, not sure which variant, it was from the lfs as wellThe top plant which is emergent i am not so sure on i am thinking it is some type of sword but it was from a big box store last year and i have totally forgotten what it is.The light fixture is a Lominie LED Aquarium Light, $40 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07236CXBQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EDIT: oh and the stones are petrafied wood from a craft store.
Not sure if OP is planning on replying, but I found this: https://www.amazon.com/CYS-GCY061-04-Opening-Cylinder/dp/B00J2GRWRC#customerReviews
Reviews say it's about 6 gallons.
Edit: 6 gallons seems like way too much for the size.
Edit 2: Looks like amazon combines all the reviews for the different size options, hence the gallons confusion. My bad. Also, please read reviews before ordering this. It seems like it is very fragile and I would hate for someone to lose a tank.
https://www.amazon.com/Senzeal-Crystal-Aquatic-Aquarium-Aquascape/dp/B074T8BLCF
These were the ones I ordered. Cheaper then I remembered too!
all came intact and in a timely manner. Have fun!
I've had really good luck with UV sterilizers. It cleared up a real bad algae infestation in 5 days in my tank.
https://www.aa-aquarium.com/gkm
This is what I used.
I essentially do the same thing to increase growth on plants that need roots fast so I can trim. What I do is buy bathroom soap dishes with suction cups. Put the plants about 2 inches below water line. And it grows within days.
InterDesign Kitchen Sink Suction Holder for Sponges, Scrubbers, Soap, Scouring Pads, Bathroom Shower Organizer, 6.5" x 2.5" x 2.5", Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004S1DJ/
It’s a nice little light. I have one on each of my nano tanks.
Here is the link for those in the USA.
I’ve had this light for almost two years now and after revisiting this link, I just noticed they used my photos in their product description so that’s mildly interesting.
It's actually super easy. Bought everything off amazon.
ice line kit, attach to your water line under sink
Solenoid Valve 1/4", splice 12v plug and into a timer or wifi timer.
Attach water line inlet to tank
Drill hole in tank or use overflow box for water outlet. I made my own
Optional, get water filter if your water is chlorinated, check valve for safety, 1 gph drip emitter for better flow control.
I'll make a full guide later
And there is more! I bought a paintball canister adapter on Amazon and attached my Fluval regulator to 22 oz of CO2 at 4 bucks a refill from any sporting goods store. The 22oz canister was around $16.
https://www.amazon.com/Hydra-Aquatic-CO2-Paintball-Adapter/dp/B008ZAAP2K
I work at an academic library and the other day a patron ordered a lovely book about marine algae and I thought of you! The Curious World of Seaweed . Very nice book with great photos. Check it out.
I did this dry start on driftwood, but have since used the same method on laval rocks with success.
I bought it from amazon. It has different variety that suits whatever nutrients you want for your shrimps. This one is the mineral shrimp stick :) I bought 4 different types of shrimp sticks for my babies :)
Here is the link
SF6004 Shrimp Sticks Mineral 10... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNG56B3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thank you! Its a CO2 drop checker. It changes colors depending on the levels of CO2 in my tank.
There are dozens online that are nearly identical, but I just got this one:
Wifi Smart Power Strip, Tonbux Surge Protector with 4 USB Charging Ports and 4 Smart AC Plugs for Multi Outlets Power Socket Extension Cord, Voice Controlled by Amazon Echo & Google Home, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0779R4879?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
I am thinking about dart frogs. I am checking the that the temperature and humidity will suit them. I will also add a bit more plants and shelter for them in time. But the data in real time is actually available here: https://thingspeak.com/channels/436974 if you want to see how it fluctuates over time.
https://www.tinkercad.com/things/dXNkANrABFp
Use with 3/8 tubing, just cut a piece to connect the two boxes on top.
Optionally you can also couple the same tubing to the bottom drain to redirect it.
I got it off amazon. it's a PennPlax Aquaterrium, Looks like they've changed designs a bit since I bought this one.
If you're not squeamish about a little modification you can probably still hide the heater in the back like I did.
We bought a little fogger! It sits below the surface of the water, they’re really cool and simple to use. You can’t see it, but the water fills on the left behind the hardscape, goes up and pours into a little dish and then becomes the little waterfall you see. The fogger sits in the little dish!
Get an auto programmable dosing pump. Its 67 dollars for 4 pumps on amazon. I think you can program it to do auto water topoff too. Get an auto feeder and your set. If you want you can install a webcam and watch your aquarium on your phone.
Source:
http://www.amazon.com/Jebao-Programmable-Auto-Dosing-DP-4/dp/B014KKCILE
Youtube video about it:
There are dozens online that are nearly identical, but I just got this one:
Wifi Smart Power Strip, Tonbux Surge Protector with 4 USB Charging Ports and 4 Smart AC Plugs for Multi Outlets Power Socket Extension Cord, Voice Controlled by Amazon Echo & Google Home, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0779R4879?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
33 gallon isn't one of the most common sizes. I looked it up and if it's 48 1/4 x 12 3/4 then you can use the lids for 55 gallons. It looks like at that size they use two smaller ones.
Here's two on Amazon Though I'm always wary of buying stuff that easily broken offline.
WGV Large Bowl Glass Vase, Diameter 19", Height 16", Clear Elegant Huge Round Bubble Vase Jar, Floral Container, Planter Terrarium for Wedding Party Event Home Office Decor, 1 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O7GOJ8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ECzrFbWZXC0DK
Thanks! It is made by Aquarium Masters. I bought it from my LFS. It was one of those ones that came with 2 glass segments that you can use to partisan it off for betta (Obviously never did that because betta need way more room than that). I took the 2 glass segments out and just have snails and plants living in there. It is 12"x6"x6" making for about 1.9 gallons. Here is the tank (I could only find this one link on amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Masters-Breathing-Tropical-AM11003/dp/B01NBDUWBL?ref_=ast_bbp_dp
CO2 regulator and timer.
I went with this one and got a 5lb tank from my local welding shop. Just need polycarbonate tubing drop checker and a diffuser of choice.
Been running perfectly for over a year for me.
Edit. I have it turn on 1 hour before lights on, and 1 hour before lights off.
HEAVILY planted 20 long. Probably overkill, but Ive always wanted to play with CO2.
I know it's not always ideal, but if you put co2 on this the grass and moss will go stupid. Fluval makes a nano co2 kit that's super easy and relatively inexpensive. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049RL3H4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_XGJFT86ZAPX27SZ5MGV1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this set from Amazon and am very happy with it: Vktech 3 in 1 Stainless Steel Aquarium Tank Aquatic Plant Tweezers Scissors Tools. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQ5RBRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Ilp5ub0D2PBNB
I just purchased this kit form amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017IR6WPY/ You want it to be stainless steel, and you want the sand leveler, sharp scissors and tweezers/forceps. I got the 5 piece kit because it also includes curved scissors and tweezers
For about the same price you can get an actual LED grow light from amazon. I use some and they works great.
I run them on a timer for 8 hours when I'm not home.
I use another LED floodlight, just a little 10w one, for accent lighting. Its dim enough that it doesnt cause any algae growth or anything, and it looks like the moon shining in a little pond. I run that one for about 12 hours overnight after the grow lights turn off.
Hello,
I have a 75 Gallon tank with Amazon Swords and Water Wistera Lighting: Fluval AquaSky 48 Inch 3000-25000k Amazon Link Lighting Duration: 10 Hours Substrate: Eco Complete + root rabs Fets: Excel, Flourish Advance, Iron , Phosphorus all by Seachem
Issue: The Water Wisteria is growing like crazy but leaves on the bottom are turning brown and new leaves edges turn black and cant be rubbed off. Amazon sword edges are also turning black, leaves are not growing that tall and are kinda twisty.
AqAdvisor: Your aquarium filtration capacity for above selected species is 258%.Your aquarium stocking level is 156%.
Amazon! I'm from the UK so they might not have the same version but here's the link to the one I have: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CEBF62U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bzS0Cb31M89HP (the green fake moss is obviously darker than the photo).
If you're from the US, when I first asked someone about these tubes they said they got theirs from PetSmart :)
You don't need a diffuser specifically, you could use a CO2 reactor. You do need one or the other though - just blowing big bubbles of co2 into your tank isn't going to help much and may harm your fauna.
Here's a good post:
My personal favorite is an in-line reactor like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Gulfstream-Tropical-AGU00529-Reactor-Aquarium/dp/B005DGJEGC
I prefer the in-line reactor because then I don't have the diffuser in the tank, which can sometimes ruin the visuals. I also feel like it distributes the co2 better, because it's in the water that's returned to your tank from the filter, and is circulated better than just a diffuser letting little tiny bubbles float to the surface.
So I actually took a piece of coarse sponge filter pad I had laying around and zip tied it around the pump to create a sort of prefilter. Hasn’t clogged once.
Also the pump I have doesn’t seem to be available anymore. I can edit this post with something similar if I find one.
E: here ya go on the pump: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SJGKFT7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AI6fFb6C4GSZY
And the sponge filter pad I got; although it is currently out of stock: https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/filter-media/products/sponge-pad-coarse
I would recommend just going ahead and getting a regulator for the CO2. I tried DIY for a few months and it was always a pain and messy.. not to mention it looked gaudy.
Grab a Aquatek regulator (mini or normal) and a paintball tank from your local sporting goods store (Dick's or Academy). I personally don't know if you'd need one or two regulators and tanks since its a 20 long. I've only dealt with 10g and lower using CO2.
Anyways that's my take, I'm no expert and I don't know your budget but that should be less than $100 a tank / regulator.
As for the other stuff, I don't know sorry :(.
Edit: For diffusion methods get one of these bad boys: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058XWDFO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
In case anyone isn't aware, just check camelcamelcamel when Amazon has something on sale. Gives you a nice perspective of the price.
http://camelcamelcamel.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/product/B00GH9HRZ4
In this case, this looks like the cheapest price ever, the previous cheapest was at $48.
Not really half off, but still the best price ever for these lights from Amazon.
Atlas Scientific pH probe and electrical conductivity probe. Both connected to an Arduino which is connected to a RasPi which logs live data to Thingspeak website.
Also, this tool has been incredibly helpful in determining the PAR for a new array.
BTW, this came from this thread over at planted tank.
Amazon!!! I have this one in my tank
LUCKFY Aquarium Decoration Skeleton Hole Resin Artificial Tyrannosaurus Skull Skeleton Ornament for Fish Tank Cave Landscape Pet Reptile House https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082YVLQMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_9NNayivJP9G5K
Since you have a love of plants, you might enjoy a low-tech, natural planted aquarium. Diana Walstad’s book <em>Ecology of the Planted Aquarium</em> is what got me into the hobby. This method appeals to me because it attempts to replicate the plants’ natural environment and avoids extra equipment, additives, and maintenance. It’s basically potted plants under water. In fact, she keeps some aquariums with plants in terracotta pots.
There’s definitely tradeoffs which Walstad points out in the book. Natural tanks aren’t going to look like pristine, untouched islands. There’s soil and decomposition involved but I think that’s it’s own kind of beauty.
One aspect of planted aquariums I find fascinating is how to deal with algae. Walstad details how to find plants to complement the ones you already have to create a balanced ecosystem that out-competes algae for the limited resources that all plants need. It gets quite nerdy if you want to go deeper. Most of the science and chemistry sections go over my head but it’s fascinating nonetheless. At it’s core, the book is full of practical, specific advice written for people who want to keep aquatic plants successfully.
Good luck! This is a fun hobby. 😄
I use a glass lid from Amazon (H2Pro 20" Glass Canopy) with a fluval aquasky led light on top.
H2Pro 20" Glass Canopy 10 Gallon Aquarium Fish Tank (19.33 x 9.65 x 0.16in) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GCBRB9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T3QDA1T4VTHXH6V8ABTA
You would need a paintball to CGA320 adapter. Make sure the threading is the correct one as there are also CGA320 to paintball adapters too.
Paintball has been switching to high pressure air so that's a reason why paintball CO2 has been declining.
This is the one I use and it makes no noise I have two of them in my 29 gallon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKGB88M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BXBJ8EGWPCZT9A0ECRT2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is mine you can see it on the right side below the driftwood I’ve since moved it and hid it better, I also have one on the left side behind my plants. It’s a constant stream of bubbles of oxygen pumped from the outside, the fish will ride the bubbles up!
Its called shrimp stick! I bought it in amazon. They have different variety of flavors. This one is bee pollen flavor
SF6006 Shrimp Sticks Protein 10... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DN47XYF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Im sorry to hear that
I bought them on amazon, they have different variety of flavors as well. This one is protein
Shrimps Forever Shrimp Sticks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DN47XYF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FF890BM1YWJGJP3F87R6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They make a paint on pond liner if you can’t find a preformed liner for the pot you want to use. Pond Shield is a good example. I’ve even seen people use it to paint a wooden box and it seems to hold well as long as your container can hold up to the weight of the water.
That’s an example of a cheap tetra air pump that is for smaller aquariums. You could honestly get one that’s even smaller
A simple paintball co2 tank with a regulator. For such a small tank it doesn't need much. Been a few week since build day and the pressure has only dropped a few psi out of 500psi. Here's an amazon link for the regulator. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0838KW2F9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_0K82M6QTGFHRKPXZ97WH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Plumbers use it alot when connecting threaded lines. A very common item that can be found at Walmart or any number of hardware and home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot.
This stuff right here knocked out a persistent blanket of that crap completely in one treatment over a week and a half. Just be sure to add extra aeration such as a bubble stone while the majority of the blue green algae is dying/decomposing as it will raise your co2. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QSK31M/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_fabc_VVTG779YQ3AJERMZNCAJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
No heater. Here is the filter. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JC6LST2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_H1X1EVRA86EV6M8NSVT9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have 3 shrimp tanks with no heater. But the lowest my house temp will get is 69 degrees for a few hours at night.
I got this Imagitarium 3.7 gal tank for $50 from petco. It has built in filtration but I did a DIY media set up. Upgraded the light from the 3W it came with to this 7W light. Plants: water sprite, water wisteria, moneywort, Hydrocotyle Tripartita, Java fern, Christmas moss on rock, and floaters (water lettuce, water spangles, red root floaters). I tried to stick with lower light plants.
The water sprite, moneywort, and Hydrocotyle Tripartita roots are still in the lead weight + foam wrap that they came in. I just buried it a bit in the substrate. I’m thinking I should remove this and plant the roots as most people advise, but I find it convenient that the weight holds them down and also makes relocation/rearrangement easy. I don’t mind if the plants stay their current size and don’t grow due to roots being constrained. However I don’t want them to die....
Question for planted tank experts: is it ok if I leave those plants in the lead wraps? I think it may be more acceptable for the water sprite (a floater plant that can get nutrients from the water column) vs the moneywort and Hydrocotyle Tripartita. But maybe it’s ok for all of them, at least I hope so, but I’m also doubtful because otherwise everyone would be doing this...
Note: they are aquarium safe weights.
Ok, cool. Then you could go with an in-line diffuser or a reactor, but I don’t know anything about those.
Also, here is a link to the exact Co2 tank I run on my 60.
I used this - one treatment and it was all gone quickly. I put it in a tank with 3 fish, shrimp, and a snail and didn't seem to phase any of them. It's not an antibiotic so it didn't mess with my ammonia/nitrogen cycle either. The reviews are mixed. I put in slightly less than the directions called for, mixed with tank water first until completely dissolved, and then put it in near the filter outflow. Worked great and no harm done. I did a big water change 2 days later and put carbon in the filter for 24 hours. Like I said, though, the reviews are mixed.
https://www.amazon.com/Ultralife-Green-Slime-Stain-Remover/dp/B000QSK31M
I'm going to second for iron - I bought myself a bag from amazon and have been dosing in lieu of my millers microplex every other weeks and also dosing equal amounts magnesium during my iron/millers days just because the water in my town comes from a well with high calcium and low magnesium. I went from the yellowish color in my dwarf baby tears you have to a much healthier looking green in two weeks.
Sure!
It's a 10G tank. I wish I would have known about rimeless tanks before I got into planted tanks.
Also first I regret not doing a dry start method with my dwarf baby tears (I didn't know about it when I started)
10 gallon tank.
Substrate: Fluval Stratum
Lighting: Finnex Planted + 24/7 (lights are on a timer for 7 hours a day)
Co2: 20lb co2 tank, GLA GRO-1 regulator, co2 tubing and a 30mm Atomic diffuser from GLA. (Co2 is on 30 min before lights, and 30 min before lights turn off)
Ferts: Seachem flourish and excel (I dose whenever I remember, maybe once or twice a week haha)
Drop checker: generic drop checker from Amazon (this one Aquatech CO2 Glass Drop Checker W/ 4DKH FLUID https://www.amazon.com/Aquatech-Glass-Drop-Checker-FLUID/dp/B01AVY7K20)
Filtration: National Geographic CF30 (with a sponge on the intake so the shrimp aren't sucked in) I also have it torqued down in flow, at full power it would blow away the shrimp, or at the very least make me uncomfortable in the flow rate being too high.
Temp: generic 10G heater and a generic thermometer (heater is barley used since my temp is usually between 65°-80°F)
When it does get too hot (for me, over 76°F) I have a Jebo quad aquarium fan which will cool the tank to 69°F if ibkeave the fan on.
The plants were bought from either my lfs or online. Other than all this, time was the major factor. This tank took me 8 months to get to this point. From complete beginner to planted tanks to this high tech tank and my 36G low tech (https://imgur.com/7qjQ7ag) I feel comfortable in doing a iwagumi next and expand my skills! Lmk if you need any help!!
Awesome. Thanks for such a comprehensive response. I like the idea of the 6500k bulbs from Amazon, but do you think it is worth spending a bit more and getting something automated like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMX1C/?tag=aqualedlight-20
I would recommend these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E94QGYG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_4AStzbHGFHMZM
For a ten gallon, two to three of those in cheap ($6 at Lowes) small clipon work lights will look better and provide more even light than a floodlight. Those are what I use for all my tanks and they grow everything I have tried that doesn't need c02 injection.
Edit: found the lamps on Amazon, in a two pack for around the same price as Lowe's. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCDTND5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_YLStzbSMX9N0Y
You can buy a small submersible pump or filter (less than 100 gph) on amazon for less than $10.
something like this or this sunsun one is interesting
These are the dry ferts that my friend gave me : http://greenleafaquariums.com/aquarium-fertilizer.html
alternatively there is an all in once liquid fertilizer that have some good reviews in Amazon. The seller is also well known in a forum that I cant remember at the moment.
I have a led shop light on top of mine for 40 bucks. Cheap and energy efficient. 5000k spectrum.
i just checked amazon and its still 40 bucks.
That link is for the original not the SE. The 24/7 mode on the original is basically unusable because it grows a ton of algae. The SE is here and is unavailable from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Fixture/dp/B01MXOGLER
Notifying /u/iamacannibal to fix
I ordered this unit back in July for $47.99.
MOD Complete MDC99005 CO2 Regulator Aquarium Mini Stainless Steel Dual Gauge Display Bubble Counter and Check Valve w/Solenoid 110V Fits Standard US Tanks - LP150 PSI - HP2000 PSI Accurate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C6HKTN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0q0bCbSZYWGKM
Unfortunately, it looks to be permanently out of stock, but the one I have looks damn near exactly the same as the one you’re considering.
It’s been running solid for over 5 months now. The needle valve was a bit difficult to get set right at first, but it’s easy to get used to.
I have since removed the original bubble counter and placed a 3 way splitter on it, and am now using Co2 in all 3 of my tanks. Still, it works fine.
I guess you can say I got lucky with the amount of people who suggest against getting something like this, but it’s amazon so you can easily return for a refund.
Thanks so much! I just planted it tonight and while i chose plants that should be tolerant of fairly low humidity, like the open air of my bedroom, I dont really know how they'll do. So we'll have to wait and see if it stays looking like this. Made a reply to the main post with a plant list and some links. Filter is an aquaclear 20, tank is an aquamaxx 9.1g "low cuboid", Light is a cheap chinese thing off amazon. Heres the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074Z77W14/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's actually not too shabby that it includes the adapter with a shut-off valve. I use this on my paintball co2 setup.
I don't like how the other adapter that gets suggested work as co2 escapes as you screw it on your regulator.
I would also recommend spending a bit more on the regulator and buy a good quality one. I've killed two cheap $40 ones from Amazon that are stuck were both stuck on 50 working pressure. Ended spending less than $120 on a co2 art regulator to replace the second one that died just barely within the return period.
I may have the fluval version sitting around. If you would pay shipping I don't mind sending it.
Fluval Mini Pressurized 20g-CO2 Kit - 0.7 ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049RL3H4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Qu8RBbVNPRQVD
The question of ferts depends which system you're going to use. Many, if not most people here like the estimative index. Personally I prefer PPS (perpetual preservation system). I like the PPS because you dose the same things every day which makes it easier for me to remember.
If you decide to use PPS, there's some decent info here and a simple Google search will find you more.
Here's a link to a MS Excel calculator for mixing your ferts. But you will need to pick up another bottle. You cant mix your CSM+B with your other ferts. The "TE" on the calc is your trace elements (CSM+B).
Take a look at this instead:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B18C6PNK
It's a DIY CO2 kit that has all the parts you need except the two soda bottles, citric acid, and baking soda. Mine's been running for almost 4 weeks and is rock steady.
That's cool but my cabinet just had a plate of metal screwed into the door and a long magnet bar stuck on it. All my tools just gets stuck into the door
If you mean a straight tube then no, these options won't fit. On the bulb it should say "T" then a number and that's the bulb size you currently have. It's probably a T8. That can probably grow things like java fern and anubias.
If you're still interested in upgrading your light you can buy a clip on desk lamp or a work light and use the bulbs I linked before. Like this or this.
Amazon had it for Kindle a little while back. I imagine they'll still have it. I picked up a copy of Peter Hiscock's Aquarium Plants in the "MiniENCYCLOPEDIA" series. It has a "Practical Section" detailing how to set up different types of aquariums including open-topped, hardwater, low-light, pool, stream, and mountain stream tanks. It lists plants by location in the tank: foreground, middle, and background. It then moves to section two "Plant Profiles" where it details plants by species and lists their growth requirements.
I would recommend the second book more than Walstad's book, for some who is setting up their first tank or who is new to live plants. It's a great way to set the stage with some pretty basic knowledge about what plants need to grow and how to go about setting that up whether it be in a dirt-bottom tank or gravel-bottom.
Would you consider saving even more money and buying LED strips from AliExpress and making your own housing? Pricing is on the order of $1.50/meter of 60 .5 watt LEDs. Fully waterproof too.
The key is the SMD5630 LED, which are shockingly bright.
I have the same setup as you. I bought one of these for the lights after my CFL 9w lamp weakened after a year.
Wave-point Mirco Sun 6,500 k Daylight High Output 8-Watt LED Fixture Lighting for Aquarium, 6-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADK3AQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_OCJKub1W0XC8P
However being you have much fewer plants I wouldn't probably get the 8w light, but get a lesser wattage one as I had some algae problems with it till I gave it much less time for the photoperiod. I also am using an Eheim 2211 canister filter on it too.
Fair point!
Here's some pictures of my tank, taken a few days in between each set. If you don't mind taking a look, I'd love some input
Apparently in some species, the seeds are self-sterile
But given the "Ozelot" sword is a cultivar, it's probably not a sterile variety. It is probably self-incompatable.
You can tell you're clearly wrong if you look at the above picture you will see a runner sent out by a true Echinodorus spp. which is behind the stem in question.
That is, in fact, how Echinodorus spp. multiplies when submersed--how I've seen it multiply in my own tanks. When emmersed it will prefer to multiply by flowering or seeds.
It is also true that Helanthium spp. multiply by runners, too. This shared characteristic is one commonality that led them to be previously classified in the same genus. People who label Helanthium spp. under the genus Echinodorus aren't so much "wrong" as they are just using an outdated label.
So I actually just posted about the panel, here.
For that one I used the nonwaterproof ones, which should be fine since it will be on top of the glass and (ideally) not getting wet. Testing it on a real tank, I had it balanced over the water and it got soaked from the evaporation - but it's still working! Signs of corrosion already though.
The new waterproof ones I have on the way are the ones with what looks like a silicone bead sealing the strip, not the sleeve like others. Hopefully it stays clearer than yours. Clear coat paint seems like it will do the trick too.
I'm on mobile, so I couldn't link to all your tank choices/Aqadvisor, but I'll comment anyway, haha.
As far as the tank, I'd go with a five gallon if you are able, something like a Fluval Chi.
If you buy a kit like that, don't expect to use the light or filter. You can get a rimless cube for around $25/$30 without all the extra stuff.
As far as the filter, the ones you linked are fine with fish, but I wouldn't use either with shrimp, it creates too much flow in a small aquarium. Stick with a sponge filter. They are cheap and efficient, and shrimp love to pick at them and eat tiny bits of debris off them. I just ordered this one:
Jardin Fish Tank 6-Layer Sponge Biochemical Water Corner Filter, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DT1XXJW/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_vgKrub023RYRC
It's going in my Chi.
As for lighting, if you don't have a lot of money you can just put a clamp light on with CFL, just make sure your bulb is 6,500K. If you have the money, get a Finnex Fugeray.
Get your plants established before adding the shrimp. I would recommend cycling for at least two months with plants before adding any shrimp. Make sure your parameters are excellent, and don't forget your GH and KH, very important
As far as mystery snails, I don't have personal experience, so I can't say but I would not put one in my shrimp tank. Ramshorns and MTS are probably better. I have them and I just had to move a few over to another tank bc they were eating all the food.
Ecocomplete is good, but I'd go with the finest grade, as I couldn't get plants to root in the gravelly stuff and shrimp prefer sand anyway. Black blasting sand is a cheap alternative, you just have to wash it a lot initially and then supplement plants with root tabs.
Hope this helps!
Well, I'm no lighting expert by any means, but this is the light I ended up putting on my small tank:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QSV8XK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_H7hjub0T3NGZW
It says it's recommended for tanks of 4-8 gallons, and the bulb is fluorescent. Everyone on here is always saying how fluorescent trumps LED and such, so that's what I went with. I've only had it a week, so I can't speak for longevity or effectiveness, though.
I think it's a leech, maybe a Helobdella. See if that looks to be it https://www.ecosia.org/images?q=helobdella
I'm pretty sure they're harmless (they don't suck blood), I have some in my tank too
Everything I read online said the same thing. But for ten months out of the year the average high where HC naturally grows is greater than 80 F and the average low is higher than 70 F eight months out of the year. While I think those temperatures would be too high for immersed growth, I've found warmer temps work very well for emersed.
There’s an app for visually-impaired people to connect with sighted volunteers for any kind of assistance. There are over 4 million volunteers and only 242,000 clients. I've been on it for 6 months and have only gotten 3 calls. People will be eager to help you https://www.bemyeyes.com/
It's been flooded and planted!!
Has 10 neon tetras as tank has be setup for years was just a major rescape.
60x30x30 60 L
Keeping planting very simple with a carpet of hc hopefully the planting took forever and a lot is floating so I might change to hair grass see how it goes. I want the driftwood to stay the focus and have just added 4 plants of crested Java fern. Running 2x24 watt t5 6500k no brand canister from China that just won't die and pressurised co2
Same boat. I cancelled my order because I had $40 in change so I thought I'd go to a Coin Star and put the money on an Amazon gift card since there is no 10% fee when made into a gift card rather than cash. Now I have $40 for Amazon which would have nearly paid for my order and now it barely covers 1 bag. I guess I'll be waiting some more.
Here's a price tracker for it and you can set up email alerts for when it gets below a certain price.
Golden ratio or the ratio of thirds helps.
https://www.invisionapp.com/inside-design/golden-ratio-designers/
Our eye also likes odd numbers vs even amounts.
Having elements that draw your eyes around the tank vs making you focus on one point help the viewer experience the full tank.
And I really like to create layers in both the vertrical and horizontal planes so the scape has some depth and character vs everything being in lines or starting from the same horizontal plane.
Yea their videos are fantastic, they show step by step how they create their beautiful aquascapes. The videos have always been free in the past, but now they want money...
They could have went about this in many different ways, https://www.patreon.com/, or even supporting by leaving a tip through youtube. Instead they want us to now pay for future videos every time we want to watch it. I could understand buying the video once, but not renting it out.
Thanks! I made a slideshare on the setup, sensors, and how the hardware/software works: https://www.slideshare.net/benjaminchodroff/iot-aquarium-2
I just recently redid the aquarium with another dry start to fix an ongoing matting issue. Hopefully this time works out better!
FZONE Aquarium CO2 Regulator for Paintball with DC Solenoid and Aluminum Alloy Bubble Counter and Check Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0838KW2F9/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8XNRPQ727T9FWRTV7HJC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you. I used a sink organizer that can be adjusted lengthwise.
I used this exact item, but it's way overpriced in Amazon. I bought mine for $2 and paid $1 for shipping.
It fits my 41-liter long as well, which I think is 45 cm in length.
Zip ties are a life changing convenience for any do-it-yourself-er. Commonly used for binding wires in place, many people call them cable ties. They come in lots of colors. Pull them tight and cut off the excess and thats that. Never comes loose until cut with wire snips.
Cable Zip Ties,500 Packs Self-Locking 4+6+8+10+12-Inch Width 0.16inch Nylon Cable Ties,Perfect for Home,Office,Garage and Workshop (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0777LWBD9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S5TW2PRXK22X94AVQQFD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I bought it at my local pet store, however here is the link to buy it off Amazon. I removed the plastic plants glued to it because my betta ripped his fins on them but otherwise it's the same decoration!
Lominie Full Spectrum Aquarium Light, Adjustable Saltwater Freshwater Super Bright Fish Tank Light for Reef, Coral, Planted Nano Aquarium Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H8CP6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TM4HEDSJB52P6PGBCNCE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you, good luck!!! I recently switched to RO water. Found a small cheap one that works well here:
Like other people have commented you should seed your tank with gravel, filter media or some decoration from your friend’s established tank to help it cycle faster. Also in my experience, I find it’s easier to maintain the proper ammonia levels with pure ammonia than the fish food method. Just be careful not to add too much (over 4ppm) and test the water frequently while you are cycling
I am planning on setting up my existing tank to a planted one and need a lighting option that would fit under my current hood. It's about 30" long and 15" inches wide with a bow front. Ideally i would like an LED strip i can adhere to the lid. Do you have any suggestions as to what i can do for lighting? (if i remove the top my cats will go swimming in it)
Here is one i found on amazon but don't know if it's what aqua plants would need.
So I bought these seeds on Amazon and want to start them in my 30 gallon tank. I'm having a hard time choosing a substrate. I do not live in a huge city so my local options are somewhat limited but I'd like to not order online if possible.
The Petco near my house has seems so only have black caribsea eco complete, besides regular sand and gravel. This seems to me ike it would probably be too coarse?
Would it be possible to use a layer of organic garden soil over a layer of this eco complete in a planted aquarium?
Water pH is like 7.2
NICREW ClassicLED Plus Planted Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum LED Fish Tank Light for Freshwater Plants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LH2FJNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_70YZ57N26FDVZKH2DYAC?psc=1 This light, it’s 8W
I’ve bought plants from 3 different sellers
The plants are all low tech, dwarf sag., AR, stargrass, Camboda, A valsinera dupe, bacopa, Amazon sword, water wisteria, anarcharis, rotala, baby tears and probably more.
Soil is fluval stratum
For ferts I use Thrive
Thanks for the reply
I use these on my 10s, 20s and 2 on my 75Gallon planted tanks. They're great. They do get a little soft after 18 months. But for $20 who cares.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XBSY32G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_K1TVMYCGF1WPKFJTJMKV