tiny UNS high tech caridina scape

[S.G.A]

This journal will be focused on my high-tech UNS 45l (measuring 45x17x17cm, 13L). I had an old scape in this but wanted something fresh, so I tore down the old scape and set up this simple yet intriguing hardscape. Here are the specs:

Tech:
-UNS 45l
-Chihiros WRGB II
-CO2 at 45bpm via hongkoong diffusor
-small internal filter
-Dennerle plants + Amazonia V2 soil
-Dragon wood
-Lava rock

Flora:
-Micranthemum tweedei ‘monte carlo’
-Rotala rotundifolia ‘blood red’
-Cryptocoryne parva
-Riccardia chamedryfolia
-Fissidens fontanus
-Bucephalandra sp. ‘needle leaf’ (to be planted)

Fauna:
-Caridina shrimp (to be decided)

Some further info about this tank:
The majority of the soil is used Dennerle plants soil from the previous scape. I also used about a litre of Amazonia. The ferts I’m using is APT 3. I initially set this tank up using a twinstar 45b but I really wanted a light that packs a punch so I opted for this WRGB II. I’m really enjoying it even though it’s overkill on this small setup. I’m using demineralised water from the grocery store as I can’t yet set up an RO unit. On this small volume it really isn’t a problem. I remineralize the water using Shrimp King GH+. I can’t use an external filter as I can’t find any lily pipes that will fit. If anyone knows of some please tell me. The tank has been running for 2 weeks now.

 

[megwattscreative]

I hope you find the right lily pipes! Also love the mf doom canvas (?) 🙂

 

[Little]

Aquario do those plastic Lilly pipes called neo flow. You might be able to cut them to fit somehow? I saw them on a video where they seemed bendy. Someone may have used them and can advise if they can likely be cut.

 

[S.G.A]

I hope you find the right lily pipes! Also love the mf doom canvas (?) 🙂

It has become a recurring theme in every tank lol. Love MF Doom.

Aquario do those plastic Lilly pipes called neo flow. You might be able to cut them to fit somehow? I saw them on a video where they seemed bendy. Someone may have used them and can advise if they can likely be cut.

I’ll look into it thanks!!

 

[S.G.A]

I’ve decided to keep red galaxy pinto shrimp in this tank. I’m going to be remineralizing the water in this tank to GH 7 and KH 0. I can’t seem to get the pictures to look as good in real life with the chihiros light for some reason…

 

[FrozenShivers]

I can’t use an external filter as I can’t find any lily pipes that will fit. If anyone knows of some please tell me. The tank has been running for 2 weeks now.

Aquario do those plastic Lilly pipes called neo flow. You might be able to cut them to fit somehow? I saw them on a video where they seemed bendy. Someone may have used them and can advise if they can likely be cut.

This is correct, I'm guessing your issue is due to the depth of your tank? Aquario Neo lily pipes can be cut down to size with a fine toothed hacksaw due to them being made from PETG, I done this with my UNS 60S due to it only being 18cm deep and even less when you factor in substrate. Tank is looking good, not easy with such a small size.

 

[Courtneybst]

I love this tank in general but especially as a shrimp tank. I kept caridina shrimp in this same tank and it was perfect.

But yes, finding the perfect peripherals for it was the biggest challenge!

 

[S.G.A]

I’ll definitely look into those lily pipes. Currently the internal filter is doing the job just fine but that’s obviously without any bioload so i’m curious to see how that will play out. The light is only turned up to about 25% because it’s a powerhouse for this size tank. I’m really looking forward to keeping the pintos in this tank.

 

[S.G.A]

I added +-10 crystal red shrimp today. I was planning on getting pintos but since I’m planning to rescape my 5N I will add the crystal reds from that tank to this one. I want to avoid inbreeding so I got crystals for this tank too. The tank is running smoothly with some nice growth. The Riccardia is browning so I turned up the lighting a notch. I’m dosing APT 3 twice a week.

 

[S.G.A]

 

[S.G.A]

Everything is going great. The monte carlo grows insanely fast which is getting kinda annoying tbh. I have to trim it almost weekly. The shrimp are doing great. Some of the females are going to have babies soon.

 

[MoFish]

Another great aquascape! have you looked into these mini lily pipes (LILY PIPES LINK)? I just ordered some and they seem pretty decent and I think they will fit into your tank.

 

[S.G.A]

Another great aquascape! have you looked into these mini lily pipes (LILY PIPES LINK)? I just ordered some and they seem pretty decent and I think they will fit into your tank.

I’m going to look into these. The problem is that I just have a spare eheim classic 250 and that would be way too strong. The internal filter is doing great as of now and I think it will be fine in the long run considering the low bioload. For a next scape however these will be my first choice.