180 Planted. Video Update 4/07/09

[oblongshrimp]

Looking good, the tank doesn't even look all that big. what are the dimensions? My only suggestion is to put more plants in there to start. Adding a bunch of fast growing plants (like hygros) is the best way to prevent algae problems. These plants can be removed as the tank matures and replaced with more desirable species. You should also try and plant the floating plants so that they are able to get more light and grow faster, thus sucking up more nutrients.

Also if you have enough plant mass you do not need to cycle the tank in the traditional manner. Plants prefer ammonia to nitrates as they are easier for them to utilize and require less energy. In a well planted tank if you slowly add fish you won't see any ammonia spike. Just don't go overboard

You have CO2 on this tank?

 

[247Plants]

I've following your stand build thread, you mind if I ask, are you happy with the results of the build? would you change anything if you can do it over?

I am starting my build this weekend base on your design!
Thanks.

I would maybe use less wood and wouldnt go as crazy as I did with the braces, but I love it overall.

I like the idea of a black felt background. I might have to try that with mine.

Thanks but the idea came from Mgamer2000!

nice, I like the dark sand and driftwood against the bright greens, really makes them stand out!!!!

Thanks that was the plan!

Looking good, the tank doesn't even look all that big. what are the dimensions? My only suggestion is to put more plants in there to start. Adding a bunch of fast growing plants (like hygros) is the best way to prevent algae problems. These plants can be removed as the tank matures and replaced with more desirable species. You should also try and plant the floating plants so that they are able to get more light and grow faster, thus sucking up more nutrients.

Also if you have enough plant mass you do not need to cycle the tank in the traditional manner. Plants prefer ammonia to nitrates as they are easier for them to utilize and require less energy. In a well planted tank if you slowly add fish you won't see any ammonia spike. Just don't go overboard

You have CO2 on this tank?

The tank is 72 x 24 x 25.

I have those plants floating because they were basically stems when I got them, as they get more leaves I will plant them.

As far as the cycle and ammonia, that is the exact reason I have all those plants in there, and they are all hygros mainly. And yes I do have pressurized CO2 but I need a bigger tank, the 10 pounder I got isnt going to cut it for very long with this monster. I also need more light, its only a 4 x 65 4 foot fixture.

 

[jpappy789]

Anything look different?

 

[247Plants]

nah not yet. I dont have much light over it so even the hygros grow slower than usual. I will keep it updated, I plan on getting a bunch more plants and fish soon.

 

[DrNo]

Sweet setup 247! That dark substrate really helps set-off the hardscape and plantings. Looks like Fluval filters.... dual 404's?

 

[247Plants]

Sweet setup 247! That dark substrate really helps set-off the hardscape and plantings. Looks like Fluval filters.... dual 404's?

Yep you nailed it. They run virtually silent for me thank heavens. I have heard the horror stories.

Im going to get some more rocks over the Thanksgiving weekend and play around with some different color combinations.

Thanks for the compliment!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

They run virtually silent for me thank heavens.

lies

I have heard the horror stories.

truth

 

[Rbishop]

Nice tank...the wood almost looks like a limb fell and broke apart...

 

[247Plants]

Nice tank...the wood almost looks like a limb fell and broke apart...

Thanks! That was the look I was going for when I put it together. Kind of a natural river/stream thing. As I get more plants maybe I can make it look a little better!

 

[rill2004]

Great job!! Can't wait to see the end result!! I am dying over here for more pics. LOL


Krista