New planted tank.. first try!!

[Godzilla1986]

A try on planted tank without CO2 and low tech plants
Substrate- Seachem Flourite Black Sand
Scape- Volcano rock mix with Driftwood
Plants- Java fern, Anubius, Montecarlo
Fish- 1 Electric Blue Acara, 8 Denison Barbs

after some research and time spent gathering everything I have assembled this. Let’s see how it turns out

 

[Jexnell]

The only problem I can see is the Roselines. These fish are built for speed. I have had them in 6ft tanks and they can end for end it in a second, and if startled can slam into the sides hurting/killing themselves. Having them in that tank I can't see them being very comfortable as during swimming they are always turning and can't really get going at all.

 

[Godzilla1986]

The only problem I can see is the Roselines. These fish are built for speed. I have had them in 6ft tanks and they can end for end it in a second, and if startled can slam into the sides hurting/killing themselves. Having them in that tank I can't see them being very comfortable as during swimming they are always turning and can't really get going at all.

I will put them in my 120G after a month as I’m waiting for my Arowana tank to be built so I can transfer him and the Denison barbs go into the 120 which will also be scaped. I wanted to learn the ups and downs of a planted tank first to take on a bigger project so I’m well prepared.

 

[duanes]

Nice looking beginning, and the plan to eventually move the barbs , sound like a great idea, besides the length of the larger tank, a laminar flow produced by something like a wave maker along the length of the long tank will help.
They are a rheophillic/riffles species, and come from fairly cool water streams in the highlands of India.

 

[tiger15]

Java fern and anubias are fine. Montecarlo will not likely make it as it needs more light and the depth of the tank makes the distance from the light source even more remote. You should not run the air stone as it will strip off CO2 plants most needed. A wave maker directed along the length of the tank will provide cross flow circulation without stripping CO2. I have both rose line and EBE in my planted tanks, but can only keep single sex EBA as breeding EBA will dig up plants. You need to add a few algae eaters such as bristlenose or SAE to control algae.

 

[Godzilla1986]

Java fern and anubias are fine. Montecarlo will not likely make it as it needs more light and the depth of the tank makes the distance from the light source even more remote. You should not run the air stone as it will strip off CO2 plants most needed. A wave maker directed along the length of the tank will provide cross flow circulation without stripping CO2. I have both rose line and EBE in my planted tanks, but can only keep single sex EBA as breeding EBA will dig up plants. You need to add a few algae eaters such as bristlenose or SAE to control algae.

They are actually growing and not melting or turning yellow or brown. I have a 10k light and this is on the lowest setting I’m still working out what is the best intensity and hours to keep them on.
I completely agree with you about the air stone, but I had an ich outbreak and raised the temperature hence the air stone. It will be be gone by tomorrow as I see everything is dead and fish have healed.
Bristelnose is on the way already will be delivered after the New Year.

 

[Godzilla1986]

Nice looking beginning, and the plan to eventually move the barbs , sound like a great idea, besides the length of the larger tank, a laminar flow produced by something like a wave maker along the length of the long tank will help.
They are aa riffles species, and come from fairly cool water streams in the highlands of India.

Yes I have seen them in India my self as I’m from there. I have a wave maker as well that will go in as well. Thanks for the info

 

[Godzilla1986]

Small update after a few days
Got a hygger 957 and reduced the height of the old light and added some Ludwigia super red!!

Monte Carlo is growing slowly which is expected with no C02
Ferns and Anubius sprouting and doing good.
Battling some brown algae but it’s better after introducing the new light. Green algae coming up which is a good sign over brown.

Doing 50% water changes every 3 days.

Will start fertilizer soon any recommendations?

on the fish front lost 1 Denison barb to ICH but all the others have recovered and no sign of it now.

some good and some bad but its a learning curve.

 

[tlindsey]

Small update after a few days
Got a hygger 957 and reduced the height of the old light and added some Ludwigia super red!!

Monte Carlo is growing slowly which is expected with no C02
Ferns and Anubius sprouting and doing good.
Battling some brown algae but it’s better after introducing the new light. Green algae coming up which is a good sign over brown.

Doing 50% water changes every 3 days.

Will start fertilizer soon any recommendations?

on the fish front lost 1 Denison barb to ICH but all the others have recovered and no sign of it now.

some good and some bad but its a learning curve.

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Good update.

 

[SingAlongWithTsing]

Small update after a few days
Got a hygger 957 and reduced the height of the old light and added some Ludwigia super red!!

Monte Carlo is growing slowly which is expected with no C02
Ferns and Anubius sprouting and doing good.
Battling some brown algae but it’s better after introducing the new light. Green algae coming up which is a good sign over brown.

Doing 50% water changes every 3 days.

Will start fertilizer soon any recommendations?

on the fish front lost 1 Denison barb to ICH but all the others have recovered and no sign of it now.

some good and some bad but its a learning curve.

If you want something premade in a bottle you could go with APT Zero or APT complete but at reduced dosage since the amount of plants you have is on the lower side

Fertilizers

The 2Hr Aquarist APT Series. Revolutionary Capstone Technology. The Choice of Award-Winning Aquascapers.

www.2hraquarist.com

Or if you're comfortable with DIYing ferts I would go that route, you'll save a stupid amount of money this way.

When you move your fish over to the 120 I recommend going with DIY Ferts.

There's recipe on how to clone different All in one ferts at UKAPS