Cichlidmojo's 25g planted startup thread!

[Cichlidmojo]

I set up a 25g two months ago, it has been cycling since then. The tank will be running an Eheim Aquaball. I will set up a CO2 system in a few months (when i can afford). First the tank will have mostly simple plants (Valisneria, Anubias, Java moss, Java fern etc etc). I will keep a bunch of shrimps in there, a few corydoras and hopefully a pair of bolivian rams. The tanks lighting is not so good and i will get better bulbs when i can afford.
If the tank turns out to look good and process well i will propably turn my 100g into a planted also.
Pics of the tank, bare bottom now, i will pick up gravel this week.
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/76ipcpmt_DSC09507.JPG (http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/76ipcpmt_DSC09507.JPG)
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/3sqfqbob_DSC09510.JPG (http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/3sqfqbob_DSC09510.JPG)

[FISHSHROD]

Good luck with it and why not go with sand instead of gravel ?

[Cichlidmojo]

I just like gravel better. Any advices would be great!

[bluekrissyspike]

good start.
i can give you some advice, since you're asking. take what you like and leave the rest.
get a natural looking subterate. gravel is fine.
start off low-tech. it will just be soooo much easier. low-light means less worries and less expenses, and there are still a ton of plants to choose from. you don't have to do as much maintenance and you don't have to 'afford' or mess with co2 and ferts other than the odd root-tab.
get some plants with different leaf structures to add variety.
that's all i can really think of to try to make it easier for ya. good luck!!

[Rbishop]

Nice.

[Cichlidmojo]

Thanks for the advice bluekrissyspike.
The actual start will be a rooted tank with a bunch of easy plants. I will add plant nutrition though, i will not get some t5's and CO2 in a few months, also i think it is always best in projects like these to start easy.
Thanks also Rbishop.

[Cichlidmojo]

Found a 45kg. bag of sand (90lb) and right now i am cleaning it. I wont put it all in because its way to much, i think i will also add a bit to my 100g.

Pics when i have put the sand in.

[svaha]

Best of luck with your tank.

[Cichlidmojo]

Thanks, here are the pics. I am gonna do a w/c tomorrow and hope the tank will be clear in a couple of days, also i added a small driftwood.
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/grp53wgx_DSC09569.JPG
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/u3vt68nr_DSC09570.JPG
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/sy33tc7m_DSC09571.JPG

[Arturo]

I will keep tabs on this thread and see the progress. Good luck!

[jpappy789]

nice start!

[Cichlidmojo]

Thanks Arturo and jpappy789. I will try to get some roots tomorrow.

[jm1212]

looks good so far!

[Cichlidmojo]

First plant went in the tank today, Anubias, moved it from my 100g.
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/btbt195n_DSC09588.JPG
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/azsxicqp_DSC09589.JPG

[Cichlidmojo]

I added some Cabomba Caroliniana and added some light, fittet right through a hole on the tank..
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/e3nk169h_DSC09593.JPG
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/clkyd9da_DSC09594.JPG
http://www.fishfiles.net/up/0910/anmejwa3_DSC09595.JPG

[Plec123]

sweet tank! if i were you though, i would turn that anubias around so it has more driftwood to grow on.

[ESOXLUCIOUSS]

keep it coming

[Cichlidmojo]

Thanks, just for the information, the cabomba will not look like that, just trying to get them to catch the most light when there arent any other plants exept for the anubias (they dont need much light).

[austinpetemo]

what kinda light is that? its funky lookin.

[Jaykit]

Good looking tank so far. Keep the updates coming.

[Cichlidmojo]

what kinda light is that? its funky lookin.
It is diy, i just took some black plexi, put the lights on. The bulb is NARVA 8W T5.