A few updates on my planted tank...

[jcardona1]

Ok, just a few quick updates. Ordered a 5lb CO2 bottle off ebay, got it for $55 shipped, should be here shortly.

Also, I just ordered my CO2 regulator. I was thinking of going with the Milwaukee regulator, but the more i read about them more i hear they suck. A lot of people have problem with the gauges going out and they say the needle valve is sloppy and not accurate.

since the co2 regulator is the heart of the system, i decided to not be cheap with this and got a very good regulator. this one has all the right parts; Cornelius body, Clippard solenoid, JBJ bubble counter and Fabco needle valve. Orlando at Green Leaf also threw in a free brass check valve there are other pricier options, but for $150, this is a great regulator from what ive read. you can also add the Ideal needle valve for pretty much the best regulator money can buy.

here's the link:
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators/choice-co2-regulator.html#

so, who else has some updates???????????

 

[jcardona1]

wow no posts?!?! heres a bump. my regulator came in, so did my co2 tank. almost there!

BTW, orlando at green leaf is an awesome person to deal with. some of the best customer service ive encountered!!

 

[DaveB]

Looks like I'm not the only one spending money like crazy (and getting ripped off too). I just got my Sumo regulator yesterday from Yassmeena on PT.com and my 20lb CO2 tank should be here tomorrow. My tank is established already, though... it'll be nice to have plants without algae though once I get this all figured out. Got all the rocks I'll need today for the arrangement in the new tank, now all I need is the main driftwood piece and I'm all set. Should be able to do the tank swap monday or tuesday.

I really liked your decisions on your rockwork, it will be cool to see how things progress with the CO2.

 

[jcardona1]

good stuff! i saw that same regulator on PT but it was a little more than i wanted to spend. maybe down the road ill swap out the needle valve to a an Ideal or Swagelok.

Enjoy aquascaping, its a headache! be sure to post some pics of what you decide

 

[bOOsteN aUdI]

any pictures of the tank?

 

[jcardona1]

yup, here you go. im currently growing some plants emersed, so updates will come later. this was before any planting..

 

[Jag1980]

Why don't you just fill the tank up and plant it..?
It's going to be a year before we see anything going at this rate.
Also, isn't the plants going to die back anyway after you do add the water?

 

[jcardona1]

Why don't you just fill the tank up and plant it..?
It's going to be a year before we see anything going at this rate.
Also, isn't the plants going to die back anyway after you do add the water?

relax man lol! the only good things that can happen in an aquarium dont happen overnight, it takes time.

do some research on emersed growth or the dry start method. its a very popular method when working with a delicate ground cover. if done right, there should no no ill effects from the emersed to submerged transition. as long as your co2/light/fert levels are good, youll have no problems.

well at least thats what im hoping for

 

[Jag1980]

ok

 

[DaveB]

good stuff! i saw that same regulator on PT but it was a little more than i wanted to spend. maybe down the road ill swap out the needle valve to a an Ideal or Swagelok.

Enjoy aquascaping, its a headache! be sure to post some pics of what you decide

It was more than I wanted to spend too but I needed something quickly. The tank is a big project for me and I want to just do it all at once.

Luckily aquascaping won't be too bad. Mostly I'm just trying to figure out what to use to make sort of a trough across the back for the swords. I want to keep them in flourite but seal it off from the rest of the tank, which will be sand.

Mine is going to be pretty boring compared to yours. It'll be an eartheater tank and just have the standard swords, anubias, vals, java fern in it without ground cover. But at some point I'll put a splitter in and do a plant-focused 20 or 30g tank nearby and get to have all the planting fun you're having.

Here is a pic of the tank about to be replaced back in March. It's not nearly as full now, I trimmed a ton, the swords are only like 6" high now.