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New mini project, discount flexi mini lol

Aqua360

Member
Joined
15 Feb 2016
Messages
2,176
Location
UK
Hi all,

Having always had my eye on the Flexi Mini Scape set, I seen it recently priced at around £69 from Maidenhead Aquatics; and was very nearly on the verge of purchasing, but I've been able to procure a low cost alternative.

As in the pic below, I acquired the below tank (12x8x8 inches) for around £10, and the 6W light for around £9 on eBay. Obviously the differences are, that the build quality on the tank is night and day (flexi is optiwhite), and the Flexi led is also superb; however for those on a budget, something like this may be a viable option :)

My plan is to go low tech on this, with some quality plant substrate; then dwarf hairgrass, and nano Anubias; tied to some manzanita. The light wattage ties nicely in this regard, as you'd likely encounter algae issues with the Flexi led if not supplementing co2 etc.

I also have a small hob purchased for £3 from eBay that is currently seeding, with the end result being the addition of a breeding colony of red cherries :)

So yeah, low cost alternative to the Flexi Mini tank for £22 :)
 

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Quick update on this, I've added a backing, hob, JBL plant soil and some Anubias bonsai, coin; then eleocharis parvula. It's definitely missing something though, it's not sitting right, either the hardscape or the plants
 

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Perhaps the rock needs buried more? Open to suggestions, this was put together with some spare plants I had lying about :)
 
The feeling I get from looking at your tank is as if I just stepped out of a forest and onto the beach. I think what you're mostly lacking is time. I'm sure once everything grows in you'll be a bit more satisfied - especially the right side when the anubias grows larger & fills in the tank more. If I were to make some changes, I think I would move the stone just a couple centimeters to the left. It seems a bit right heavy at the moment. Also, the parvula you planted is a little too symmetrical (ignore if this was your intention to have it completely carpet). I think if you replanted those to create some more open space on the left that might also help (moving the pieces from the front left and spreading them to the back and to the right).
 
Quick update on this, swapped out the Anubias for some hottonia palustris, no idea if it will do well or not; as the tank is unheated, with no co2 etc; just ferts and 4w light.

Also added a prefilter to the hob, so that I can stick some shrimps in when the parameters read well :)
 

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