Planted 210

[Superlaz]

I've been into the big fish for a while, but with a very busy year coming up I decided Id like to bring down my collections to one Tank and go for easier management...and decided to go planted. Ive had planted tanks before...low tech nothing crazy, and wanted to go the same route with this one as It will depend on my wife at times for maintenance.

Here are specs -
Tank 210g (7'x2'x2')
Sump 80 gallon
Background - Aquaterra 3D Slimline
300 lbs of Pool filter Sand
20 lbs of Eco complete Black
20 lbs of Eco complete Red
Several pieces of Petrified wood
20 lbs of various river stone gravel
Manzanita Driftwood


Plants are Dwarf hairgrass, Anubias nana, Java fern, java moss, Microsword, and a few Crypts.

Pump is a Mag drive 18, Tetra Pond UV, and Airstones running in the Bio Media in the Sump (ceramic rings, Lava rock, Bio balls) Lighting the tank are 4 Marineland doublebright 48" LED fixtures (got them for free, so can't complain).

Current stock is 100 Lg Cardinal Tetras, 6 sterbai Cories and 6 orange Seam cories. Tank temp is 82, pH 6.2. Only supplement Im using is Flourish at the moment. All critique and advice is welcome...

I plan on adding in another 100 Cardinals, and 75-100 Rummy noses. A pair of WC Tefe Discus, Heckels, as well as some domestics....I like the red cover but need to find the right fish...as well as a pair of Blue diamonds. Love solid coloration. Eyeing some Farlowellas and Oto's as well.

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[Superlaz]

Some quick pics, 3 weeks in -

 

[Angler]

That looks rad man! Good work. I love the stock and planned stock too.

 

[gangster]

Tank looks awesome!

 

[busterbrown]

Lookin pretty sweet so far

 

[Superlaz]

I don't want heavy planting in this tank for the time being...I think Ill just let these take hold and see how they develop. I like having the mid section fairly clear, and the right with only ground cover as it offers a nice viewing area for the fish when in those areas. I actually had a tough time trying to figure out the arrangement for the Petrified wood. Since its so straight I was having trouble arranging them in a natural looking way. They looked like little Towers or skyscrapers...NOT the look I was hoping for. Finally figured what I thought would work, and am happy with the outcome. Reminds me of one of those Lord of the rings scenes...lol

The stones in the mid section (pictured with the Corys) are actually from the beach. My Wife and I went to Puerto Rico in April for a friends wedding, and these were on the Beach. I couldn't help myself and picked the nicer ones to bring home. I will note that if they dry out for extended periods they crack. A friend in CA ( HULON!!) sent me the Manz wood which he picked up for me. Now Im just hoping my plant selection works as intended.

Any advice on Ferts?

 

[octavusprime]

Dry ferts are the way to go in terms of price. You can buy the individual components and add them to your water column.

Another cool trick I've learned for substrate fertilizing, is to make your own plugs. First buy some modeling clay. Pack your fertilizer into the little clay balls. Let the balls dry outside in the sun and bam, you have your own cheap and effective substrate fertilizing plugs. The modeling clay doesn't crack when it drys and provides iron that plants love.

Cheers!

 

[octavusprime]

Oh and I love the tank! Keep us updated, I want to see how the plants fill in.

 

[Superlaz]

Overdue Update Pic. Tank in various stages in the last few weeks -

 

[octavusprime]

Are those rams protecting their eggs?