Mini planted tank

bazil323

bazil323

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May 1, 2008
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Wisconsin
I have this 2.5 gallon bowfront that I used to keep a betta in at work. The betta has since passed on, and I don't want the hassle of keeping a fish at work anymore. Especially once we build the new hospital, it'll be a real pain to change water. Anyway, I was thinking that having a nice little low light planted tank would be really cool.

I was thinking that something small and bushy like subwrasstertang (sp?) would be nice for the bottom along with a taller bunch plant for some spacial/texture variety. I also am thinking about having a small piece of driftwood. I have a nice piece that would work well that is in my 75g tank with some Java moss and an anubia on it. I'll have to check if the anubia would be too tall, though.

I'm thinking of using Eco Complete for the substrate as it's a nice black color, and it's available at my lfs. Otherwise, they do have Flourite, but it's only in red. I think I'll like the black better.

Anyway, my main question at this time is: Do I need to change the water other than topping up?
 
thats a really good question. i would think top offs would be ok since there are no livestock
 
On a regular basis, no. The main reason we do partial water changes is to remove fish waste and food waste. Over a longer period of time, you would need to do some changes, but only due to evaporation. Pure water evaporates, leaving behind it's TDS component. So you would gradually see a buildup in heavy metals and dissolved mineral content.

I was running a 40 gallon tank with nothing but plants in it. It was lit up and had a HOB running so it would circulate. Didn't want stagnant water. I did a 50% water change after about 4 months. But I didn't measure anything, just wanted to freshen it up.
 
you will have some extra eco left over...im thinking you could set up another small planted at home :D a betta would love you forever in there
 
I was thinking of boosting the substrate of one of my tanks at home. I've got a 20g long planted as well as a 75g planted. Both with creatures. This would be my first plant only tank.

I did think about maybe adding a couple cherry shrimp or amano shrimp to the tank, but then I guess I'd have to do some WCs.

Would I need some water movement in that small of a tank? I know it's a good idea for larger ones, but for such a small one, I'd think that it would be fine.
 
No water movement and the water would become stagnet. You can have a small UGF or a small AZOO filter.
 
I've got a small Tetra Whisper filter that came with the tank kit. That I could use.
 
Had another thought. If I use the Whisper filter I have, that would create surface agitation all the time. Would I want any agitation on the surface?

Also, I wouldn't have to run the filter pads in it, just empty for movement, right?

Does anyone know of a small powerhead that would give me some movement without overpowering such a small tank?

Umm, had another question but can't think of what it was...
 
I'd still use a cartridge or some floss in the filter to collect plant debris. Even under ideal conditions, live plants are naturally going to drop a dead leaf now and then.
 
Good point. Thanks!
 
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