New 10G tank planted and running

[irishspy]

I have fast-growing stem plants in my 10g, plus they're getting dosed with Leaf Zone and Excel: the growth spurt already is noticeable, and I think that's what's kept my ammonia at zero. Also, I'm going very slowly at adding fish: Rocky was added this last weekend, and it will be another couple of weeks at least before the next additions, which should give the bacteria time to adjust.

 

[oscaremmy]

I have fast-growing stem plants in my 10g, plus they're getting dosed with Leaf Zone and Excel: the growth spurt already is noticeable, and I think that's what's kept my ammonia at zero. Also, I'm going very slowly at adding fish: Rocky was added this last weekend, and it will be another couple of weeks at least before the next additions, which should give the bacteria time to adjust.

Sounds like a good plan. Glad that your plants are thriving.:headbang2:

 

[oscaremmy]

Just made a CO2 system - pics

Last night made the CO2 system using a couple of soda bottles and some airline and aquarium sealant, as suggested by an AC member. Here's a pic of it today, in situ. I have the outlet feeding into the filter uptake to try to get more dissolving - will buy a proper diffuser though. Works better than I had imagined, releasing a bubble ever few seconds! Also is reasonably well hidden but still accessible.

Also view of the new tank with blurry image of some inhabitants! 4 dwarf albino corys and 4 (true dwarf) platys, busily trying to mate already. This tank is now about 4 days old.

 

[irishspy]

I've read that CO2 left running at night can be a problem, as the plants' respiration reverses. Is that not a problem with DIY set-ups, or do have some way of shutting off the flow with lights-out?

 

[oscaremmy]

It is possible to affect fish respiration with too much CO2 I understand, but I have not noted any problems in my first tank and that runs continuously. These CO2 systems are not terribly efficient, it appears, so although CO2 is increased, it is not to a large degree. I would like to find out how to (cheaply) measure CO2 levels in my water and take some during the day and in the night, to compare the two readings. Can anyone on this site advise how to do these readings?

 

[oscaremmy]

On rbishop's advice, just ran my first detailed water tests for this tank (March 23, 2008). Used API's Master Freshwater Test Kit from PetSmart ($26.95 ouch - cheaper online). Tested everything except RO from source.

Tank established 1st March, so running for 22 full days so far.
Filled-refilled only using reverse osmosis water, plus weekly ferts and stress coat with each 50% water change. Moderately planted. Fish: 6 zebra danios 1-1.5 inches, 4 corydoras (2 peppered, 2 bronze, 1-1.5 inches). 2 Rio Tetras (1 inch), 2 bloodfin tetras (1.25 inches). Simple CO2 system. UGF with c. 3 inches medium gravel, plus Whisper 2000 hang-on-back filter containing ammo chips and standard filter sponge cut to size.

pH 7.4
NH3/NH4 0ppm
NO2 0ppm
NO3 <20 ppm (nearer to 10 really)

Due for its next water change tomorrow March 24 (7 days since previous change).

March 24: 50% water change, this time using standard tap water with added Prime. Took readings of NO3 (Nitrates) after 2 hours and level had dropped to 10ppm. So it is ranging from 10ppm at water change to under 20ppm after a week, prior to next water change.

I am not sure it would be safe to extend water changes to every 2 weeks in such a small, densely populated tank, so will keep to this weekly test/change schedule from now on.

 

[Jason-282]

Yup!

I admire your approach and have similar thoughts about today's "conventional wisdom" about stocking limits. I think the eco systems are varied and that a 1 size fits all mentality about stocking is short sighted. As long as you are diligent in your monitoring I think an approach leveraging plants can allow for more varied levels of stocking than what is seen as acceptable in this forum. Outside of this forum there are lots a varied opinions on what acceptable stocking levels should be. I certainly recognize the dangers of overstocking but I am not convinced that it is so easy to pronounce a tank overstocked without understanding all of the different variabes that go into the determination.

Couldn't have said it better myself! I myself defy all "rules" when it comes to stocking aquariums and have had some pretty succesful tanks thus far! :headbang2:

 

[oscaremmy]

Office tank 10g water parameters - surprises!

Well, have had a flourite planted tank (3 java ferns, 2 anubas, hornwort, cabomba and java moss) running for about 3 weeks now, no fish. Have occasionally added fish food, but only now and then, due to thread algae! 2 x 13w CF in incandescent hood.
Test 24 March: Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate all zero, so that's not great - no bio activity to register nitrates. Checked pH - wow...8.4 - very alkaline (great for livebearers, not much else, apart from rift lake cichlids, but not in a 10g tank)!

Had used drinking fountain water to fill this tank originally.

Checked 'standard tap water' (much easier to collect) using the API kit:
pH 7.2 - much easier to find species that will thrive at that pH. So tomorrow, starting a total water change (no fun with flourite substrate), then adding small fish, since this approach has worked far better for me, particularly as I am not here to attend to daily parameter testing. A small group of zebras will kick off the bioload and I'll exchange them for something different when the bacterial system is established. This will only get a maximum of one change per week, so intend to keep small species here.

Due to presence of algae (no lighting control, often left on for several days when I am away - will get a timer when I get the fish), would have liked something that munched on algae, but algae grazers are all too big for a 10g.

I also have a 5g tank next to it; was thinking of a flashy male betta for that. It has HOB and heater, snails, large gravel and a glass cover, but no lighting, so will be unplanted. Am trying to catch snails from the 5g unplanted to transfer them to the 10g planted tank. Will post pics this week...

 

[oscaremmy]

Okay, added 6 small harlequin rasboras to my 10g desk tank tonight. Can't see them for the plants LOL! Starting the fishy cycle.

 

[oscaremmy]

Office Planted Tank with Fish and Pics

Here's my new office desk 10g planted setup, with pics of the 6 harlequin rasboras swimming in formation! This has a flourite substrate. The browning hornwort came from my unlit tank, rescued hopefully in time. I havce some algae in here, on the anubias mainly, but they are still thriving and sending out roots and new shoots. I have just bought a light timer ($12.99) and an auto-feeder as this tank will be unattended between Thursday night until Monday nights...need to get the cycle sorted before end of semester in May, hence adding the 6 rasboras. Great little fish. Pretty colors and stick in a nice shoal - hope they make it!