Hello,
Well where do I start? I was on here about a month ago trying to get abit of information to help get me started on my first planted tank. But having 3 kids been quite busy and have had no time. So I have decided to start a journal as a kind of learn as I go.
Just a quick get to know me =]
Got my first tank in january 2012 for the kids. Did not do any research! Got a 60litre elite tank which i put 3 fancy goldfish in. After a week kids lost interest (just like any toy i get them lol). I grew fond of the goldfish and realised my tank was like a tin of sardines for these goldfish. So I got a Rio 180 litre (Second hand for £75 😀) for them and now have a 60L spare. having looked around the internet mainly I stumbled onto PFK which then led me to ukaps! Looking at the galleries I just had to have my own! so here we are!
What i have to work with:
60L 60x30x30cm
Interpet PF2 Internal Filter
Any suggestions on a new filter?
I have been looking at this:
http://www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/a...n-filters/aquarium-hang-on-filter-500l-h.html
Lighting
Sun glo 18' 15w T8
Do I need a better light?
Can I just buy a better bulb? or do i need to get a whole new hood unit with better lighting?
Elite submersible 100w heater
Substrate:
JBL Aquabasis +
JBL Manado
OK here's the deal, went to my 1 of my local MA basically not knowing much asked which substrate would be best for a planted tank. After raising his eye-brows for a good minute and eyes up to the sky he gave me JBL aqua basis+, I asked if this is all I need and he said yes and was assured it was the best they had in store for planted aquariums. So I trusted and bought it didn't bother with plants was gonna pick some up next day. Got home put it in the tank, was exact amount I thought was good. Put bubble wrap over the top and slowly filled half way to get it ready for planting next day. 1/4 filled, water was same colour as the substrate which I thought was abit much but thought it would clear. woke up next morning still the same so straight onto the net for some research. Found out I did need something over the top like gravel or sand or the recommended JBL Manado. The aquabasis was just a good source of nutrients for the plants anyway I decided to go with the JBL Manado. So basically started again emptied water and put in the JBL Manado. Much better!
Co2
This costs quite abit so i am thinking of doing 'DIY Co2' have been looking around but there's been so many different ways of doing, mainly when it comes to the right amounts of yeast sugar to use. Can anyone help me on this? or just point me in the right direction? I have looked in the DIY section but cant find it, or maybe its not there as its not very recommended here?
(Excuse the picture quality. Taken with phone.)
OK so next up was the Rocks, wood and plants. TGM has been mentioned many times on ukaps so had a look(great stuff BTW!), loved the look of dragon stone but thought was a bit pricey? £6.08 per KG? then there's the plants, so much to choose from! so confused I decided to put my shoes on and go ADC, at least I can get to see what I'm buying. Good job I went there they had many types of decor rocks and stones, and dragon stone was £2.50 per KG! Bargain compared to TGM. Now plants, loved the look of carpets in people aquascapes so I got Hemianthus Callitrichoides "cuba". Also picked up Hygrophila corymbosa 'siamensis 53B' and Alternanthera reineckii 'pink' (roseafolia). To be honest it took so long for someone to come and help me (seems that way everytime i go there) and I could only see 1 other customer in the shop, i just picked out what i liked the look of.. paid and went.
well I am rambling lol :silent:
here's a few pics of what i have done.
The Dragon Stones
Placing stones in.
Plants in.
Had a few problems with the plants, Mainly because when I was removing the mineral wool... I took alot of the roots with it, the HC was hard to plant because of this. Will it be ok? il give it a try anyway.
HC
My Bearded Cory
Also have a Peppered Cory but doesnt like paparazzi 🙁
OK well all criticism is more than welcome, dont hold back 🙄
Thanks for taking time to read and hope 1 day I can grow to be as good as everyone on ukaps with all your help and guidance hehe 😀
Well where do I start? I was on here about a month ago trying to get abit of information to help get me started on my first planted tank. But having 3 kids been quite busy and have had no time. So I have decided to start a journal as a kind of learn as I go.
Just a quick get to know me =]
Got my first tank in january 2012 for the kids. Did not do any research! Got a 60litre elite tank which i put 3 fancy goldfish in. After a week kids lost interest (just like any toy i get them lol). I grew fond of the goldfish and realised my tank was like a tin of sardines for these goldfish. So I got a Rio 180 litre (Second hand for £75 😀) for them and now have a 60L spare. having looked around the internet mainly I stumbled onto PFK which then led me to ukaps! Looking at the galleries I just had to have my own! so here we are!
What i have to work with:
60L 60x30x30cm
Interpet PF2 Internal Filter
Any suggestions on a new filter?
I have been looking at this:
http://www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/a...n-filters/aquarium-hang-on-filter-500l-h.html
Lighting
Sun glo 18' 15w T8
Do I need a better light?
Can I just buy a better bulb? or do i need to get a whole new hood unit with better lighting?
Elite submersible 100w heater
Substrate:
JBL Aquabasis +
JBL Manado
OK here's the deal, went to my 1 of my local MA basically not knowing much asked which substrate would be best for a planted tank. After raising his eye-brows for a good minute and eyes up to the sky he gave me JBL aqua basis+, I asked if this is all I need and he said yes and was assured it was the best they had in store for planted aquariums. So I trusted and bought it didn't bother with plants was gonna pick some up next day. Got home put it in the tank, was exact amount I thought was good. Put bubble wrap over the top and slowly filled half way to get it ready for planting next day. 1/4 filled, water was same colour as the substrate which I thought was abit much but thought it would clear. woke up next morning still the same so straight onto the net for some research. Found out I did need something over the top like gravel or sand or the recommended JBL Manado. The aquabasis was just a good source of nutrients for the plants anyway I decided to go with the JBL Manado. So basically started again emptied water and put in the JBL Manado. Much better!
Co2
This costs quite abit so i am thinking of doing 'DIY Co2' have been looking around but there's been so many different ways of doing, mainly when it comes to the right amounts of yeast sugar to use. Can anyone help me on this? or just point me in the right direction? I have looked in the DIY section but cant find it, or maybe its not there as its not very recommended here?
(Excuse the picture quality. Taken with phone.)
OK so next up was the Rocks, wood and plants. TGM has been mentioned many times on ukaps so had a look(great stuff BTW!), loved the look of dragon stone but thought was a bit pricey? £6.08 per KG? then there's the plants, so much to choose from! so confused I decided to put my shoes on and go ADC, at least I can get to see what I'm buying. Good job I went there they had many types of decor rocks and stones, and dragon stone was £2.50 per KG! Bargain compared to TGM. Now plants, loved the look of carpets in people aquascapes so I got Hemianthus Callitrichoides "cuba". Also picked up Hygrophila corymbosa 'siamensis 53B' and Alternanthera reineckii 'pink' (roseafolia). To be honest it took so long for someone to come and help me (seems that way everytime i go there) and I could only see 1 other customer in the shop, i just picked out what i liked the look of.. paid and went.
well I am rambling lol :silent:
here's a few pics of what i have done.
The Dragon Stones
Placing stones in.
Plants in.
Had a few problems with the plants, Mainly because when I was removing the mineral wool... I took alot of the roots with it, the HC was hard to plant because of this. Will it be ok? il give it a try anyway.
HC
My Bearded Cory
Also have a Peppered Cory but doesnt like paparazzi 🙁
OK well all criticism is more than welcome, dont hold back 🙄
Thanks for taking time to read and hope 1 day I can grow to be as good as everyone on ukaps with all your help and guidance hehe 😀