about:DisgruntledUser

[DisgruntledUser]

Hiya,

My name is Kai. I'm in the process of collecting pieces to build a modest 29g planted freshwater tank. I'll be lurking around researching info, possibly will share some pictures if things go well with this project. It's a little intimidating and mysterious setting up an aquarium for the first time. Anyhow, it's great to have this resource. Thanks to all for sharing and thanks for welcoming me!

Kai

[Sploke]

Welcome to the site, there is a ton of information to be had for the willing researcher. Be sure to check out the article section too, a lot of what you are looking for may be covered more concisely already.

[DisgruntledUser]

thanks Matt!

just read the article on aquascaping, thanks for pointing me to the articles.

also just researched some of the plants i randomly picked up the other day, turns out 3 of the 5 kinds of plants I got arent really meant to be submerged and wont do well in an aquarium.

gonna have to check if the wrong ones (white ribbon, kyoto grass, aqua fern) can be taken back, and try to get ahold of some anubias, cryptocoryne, nana, and java plants. I read these are suitable to be submerged and also low light is acceptable.

will post the outcome later if there is one.

[jpappy789]

Good to hear you found some good info here! Make sure to post some pics in the photo section of you tank! Welcome!!! :)

[mee-mee]

Hello and Welcome to the AC...

[DisgruntledUser]

thanks jpappy and meemee. glad you are here! Just finished planting the tank this evening. installed the heater and filter.

I got some more new aquatic plants today also, some anubias and java thingies, will have to find out exactly what they are. also got a new t8 bulb, to replace the used t10 bulb that came with the tank. seems to be working in the same fixture, maybe i lucked out on that one.

so its all up and running for a total of an hour or two now. I did add a little dechlorinator and water clarifier also, hopefully that will be beneficial.

The tank is pretty plain looking, but it's so exciting to finally have it started.

I'll possibly start a new thread to record progress and share pictures of the tank. i have these water test strips which I plan to give a try when the dust settles in this new tank

Will keep you posted of what happens.

cross yer fingers!

[Rbishop]

Welcome to AC, DU!

Most of us here do not feel the dip test strips are very accurate. I would recommend a good liquid test kit, like the one made by API.

[Weezer]

Hello........:welcome: API liquid kit.........:)

[DisgruntledUser]

hiya Bob and Weezer,

some good news, I was able to take back the extra plants that were questionable along with the unopened test strip kit. It's funny, the api test kit was the one I had my eye on originally. but for some reason thought it was much more expensive than it really was, so didnt get it the first time. but have the api freshwater master kit now. it looks pretty decent. thanks for the heads up.

another tidbit, when I planted the second batch of plants, i noticed a tiny snail in the bag with the water from the store. went ahead and added the water with the snail. the snail has been cruising around the tank quite a lot and I figure the water from the store must be pretty decent since the plants were healthy looking. my assumption is this will help get the tank established?

will do some water testing probably tomorrow. today was day 1. I figure it might be smart to wait 24 - 48 hours before performing the first water test?

thanks for checking in!

[Mgamer20o0]

Welcome to AC.

[DisgruntledUser]

Mgamer, thanks for the welcome. I took a look at your low light plant sale. I like the look of the brazilian pennywort. May pm you about that. May have to get a bundle actually :D

[H3D]

Hiya DisgruntledUser! Welcome to AC!

[shaggbark]

Hey there, welcome to AC! I like your user name, lol.

[DisgruntledUser]

Thanks for the kind welcome, h3d and shaggbark.

update: i've started cycling the 29 gallon tank with ammonia. today is the 4th day cycling, and ammonia is just about reaching the 4.0 ppm level.

[DisgruntledUser]

I've attached some pictures that were taken when the tank was first setup. it's a 29 gallon tank, 20w power glo t8 bulb, aquaclear 50 filter, 150w heater, flourite under gravel substrate. I also added a bubble wall on the back recently, hoping it might help decrease the cycle time. Along with setting the heater to keep the tank about 84 or so. The thermometer reads 2 to 4 degrees higher than the heater is set. Any feedback is welcome. I know the plant arrangement will likely change along with the lighting and addition of fish eventually. The rocks came with the used tank, they look pretty good. Was actually hoping to get black gravel like the bag said but it looks a lot more like gray to me, I don't mind though it's my first aquarium. Thanks for having a look!

[shaggbark]

It looks great!

[DisgruntledUser]

Now that the tank is stocked with some fish I have posted updated pictures in the gallery area.

have a look: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130704

thanks!