My 55g Planted Tank Journal

[FreshwaterJeff]

It doesn't feel like dirt - more like fine gravel or very large grains of sand. More like fine gravel, though.

Also, it's black, not gray - the flash did funny things to the color of it.

Yes, it's my only substrate. No, that doesn't limit my stocking options in any way (that I'm aware).

[micah2012]

Ok cool, I just wasn't sure 'cus I know some bottom feeders like to sift through the substrate. Thank-you though.

[Pure]

Eco is actually easier on bottom feeders compared to regular gravel. Its grains are not as sharp and they are a lot lighter making digging much easier. My plecs always make their own caves under rocks and wood in that stuff.

[micah2012]

Ok great I'll go with that then, thanks for all your help. Pure I posted a question in Aquatic Plants that I would like your opinion on.

[tessalion]

Originally Posted by FreshwaterJeff

One question: what's the best way to get bubbles off the glass? Anything other than patience?

If you happen to have one of those magnet cleaner thingies (yeah im awful at descriptions) you can knock the bubbles off without getting wet

[MOsborne05]

Looks good Jeff, an L260 would look great in there

[FreshwaterJeff]

July 25, 2006
Day 2

Well, it looks like a late night of work - so today's update is that there probably is no update tonight...

I'll post if that changes.

[SANND]

Stunning tank and stand you've got there. You can wipe the bubbles off with a algea sponge or your hand or whatever. They usually go away after a day or two.

As for the potted plants, I usually rub the cotton between my hands to loosen it up a bit and then gently pull down from the top. Don't fret if a little bit wants to stay, it won't hurt anything.

I can't wait to see your progress!

[Pure]

Originally Posted by tessalion

If you happen to have one of those magnet cleaner thingies (yeah im awful at descriptions) you can knock the bubbles off without getting wet

Be VERY careful with one of these on an acrylic tank. You can scratch the mess out of it if your not careful.

[FreshwaterJeff]

July 25, 2006
Day 2

So I didn't get home until 10:00 - but I'm not letting that stop me from making progress on the tank.

I worked some of the cotton (as much as I could) out of the crypt, which looks like it's melting a little bit, and replanted it. I had much more success taking the anubias out of its pot, and planted it shallowly (pictures to come). Also, most of the bubbles are gone from the tank walls, so no more worries about that.

Right now, I just dosed my first ammonia into the tank to start my fishless cycle. I'm writing this while waiting for the ammonia to disperse through the tank and then test the water.

In the meantime, here are some pics (I'm getting better at this photography thing):

A. barteri v. coffeefolia - quickly becoming a personal favorite:


C. wendtii 'green' - see the melting?


R. indica - it was looking a little pekid when I got home, but it perked up for the camera:


Water Sprite:


Long tank view:


Full tank view:


I'm thinking I'm going to put some driftwood on the right, and plant the Rotala around it like a loose field, then put some rocks and caves on the left, where the water sprite will hopefully grow up over to shade them, and the anubias will stay in the foreground. Not sure of the crypt's final location yet, but I'm getting some free jungle val to fill in the back middle.



Got the ammonia up to 5 ppm (2.5 capfuls, for my own reference). We'll see if any of the bacteria in the eco-complete survived by morning.

Temp is currently 80, bumped the heater up to 82 to help the cycle along...

Alright, sleep time. Hope to have zero ammonia to report tomorrow