Filterless 10

[thebrandon]

I'd loose c02 for the plants, which reminds me I think I forgot to mention something. I think I might be going the diy co2 route on this tank. Would it be safe?

 

[shawnhu]

Yes, DIY CO2 would be safe, and help with O2 levels in a non-filtered tank.

 

[jpappy789]

Some people actually diffuse through PH's...just set it below the water line so it doesn't make a disturbance.

 

[Bethany1979]

Yes, DIY CO2 would be safe, and help with O2 levels in a non-filtered tank.

Hey, I was going to say that! Sounds like an interesting project. If you plan on going the sand route, flourite black sand is awesome, easy to plant in looks great, and my plants are growing like nuts (well worth the money).Good luck, and keep a filter handy just in case.

 

[thebrandon]

I'll have a cascade 200 HOB I think, I'm not sure on the model number I just know it's rated for aquariums up to 50 gallons, but it will be running on one of my tanks full time so if I need to switch it over I'll be set.

I'm going to take a pick of what the tank looks like right now.

Any advice on how to go about swapping out the gravel with sand without bothering the fish too much? I was thinking putting them in a bucket with a filter going or something then swapping everything out, I just don't know if this would cause me to go through a mini cycle or not.

EDIT:
Here is what the 20 looks like now. I really have no idea what kind of bulb I have in there right now, but I might be able to run two lights on it.

 

[Bethany1979]

I personally would take the fish out while doing all that work. Do you already have the plants for the tank? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but if your tank is heavily planted cycling isn't necessary????

 

[thebrandon]

I have some of them in my bigger tank, but I think I'm just oging to go to the lfs to grab some more, one plant should arrive tomorrow in the mail. I have play sand I can use for the substrate, but I like the look of moon sand better, although the play sand does look more natural to me.

 

[thebrandon]

Just thought of this. What do you guys think of lava rock in there? I use it in my filters because it has so much space for good bacteria to inhabit. Do you guys think it would be beneficial if it was just sitting in the tank? I have a ridiculous amount just sitting in my backyard

 

[thebrandon]

Hey everyone,

Just an update. I picked up some flourite to mix in to the new substrate, should look petty nice I also grabed a couple plants to get me started.

Here is the plant list so far

Moneywort
"Large sword"
Wysteria
Hygro sunset
Dwarf hairgrass
Corkscrew val
Taiwan moss
Java moss

I might toss in one of my anubias plants from the 125 too. I also have 2 large java ferns in the mail for this tank.

I'll take some pics for you all when I get everything set up the diy co2 is also ready to go on, this won't become filterless though until I know the plants are doing good, then we'll see how they do without it

 

[thebrandon]

ok you all saw the before shot, here it is as of now. Still needs some work, and still needs to settle a little bit

These are the plants so far
Hygro sunset
Taiwan moss
Bacopa colorata
Trichocoronis rivularis 'variegated'
Moneywort
wysteria
dwarf hairgrass
corkscrew vals
"large sword"

just waiting on the java ferns which may end up in my bigger tank actually

any suggestions?