New Planted Aquarium Setup Plan

[SvenKai]

Hello everyone,

this is my first thread on Aquaria Central and I'm posting this in the hope of getting some helpful advice on this new planted aquarium I intend to set up in the near future. Just tell me what you thinkopcorn:

AQUARIUM:
First off I am buying a 60 US gallon (48 x 15 x 20) acrylic Aquarium with a contemporary black acrylic canopy.

For lighting I'll use an Ice Cap 48" T5 Pre-wired Retro Kit (for existing canopies/hoods) with 4 X 54 Watt (2x 5600k and 2x10000k).

As a filter I intend to use the EHEIM Professionel II Filter 2028.

I'll add a Rio 90 mini as well.

SUBSTRATE:

This is where I wouldn't mind a little more feedback. I'll be using top soil which I've been soaking and drying in order to help it mineralize before it's used. I'll be covering it with a light colored (cream white) pool filter sand.

PLANTS:

Background (left to right)

• Myriophyllum mattogrossense
• Limnophila 'hippuroides'
• Wisteria (hygrophilia difformis)
• Giant Hair Grass (Eleocharis montevidensis)

Midground (left to right)

• Ludwigia Neddle Leaf (Ludwigia Arcuata)

On Bogwood (left to right)

• Java Fern
• Anubias Nana
• Bolbitus Heudelotti

On thin split and stacked black slate (only on right)

• Java Moss

Foreground (left to right)

• Dwarf Hairgrass
• Dwarf Baby Tears

INHABITANTS:

Fish

• 12 Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus Minor)
• 8 Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri)
• 12 Neon Tetra
• 3 True Siamese Algae Eaters (Crossocheilus Siamensis)
• 3 Albino Bristlenose Plecos
• 6 Kuhli Loaches
• 3 Triple Red Cauckatoo Chichlids (2 female 1 male)

Shrimp

• 10 cherry shrimp

Pictures will follow as soon as the tank arrives and I'll begin adding pictures to document the setup.

I'd be thrilled to hear any comments and also criticism about this setup.
I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to read this thread and your help means alot to me.

kind regards,

Sven

 

[fastlight81]

Sounds like a very well thought out planted aquarium sven. Cant wait to see the pictures. I take it this isnt your first planted aquaiurm? If so you have done a lot of homework. The only thing I can see is that you have 2 5600k lights...did you mean 6500? or did you want a more yellow look? As far as your substrate....wish I could help but I have never done it that way so I couldnt help ya on that.

 

[ChrisK]

:welcome: to AC. As far as substrate I like Eco Complete but thats JMO. I assume you meant 2x 6500 and 2x 10k in the fixture? Sounds like you've got this planned out very well. Any CO2 in the plans?

 

[dundadundun]

do a search on this site for chrosecheilus langei. those are the sae to look out for.
i would up your cherry shrimp stock by 2 or 3 fold at least.
i'm not too sure about a couple fish on your list but don't have experience with them to comment.


all in all this sounds well thought out. welcome to a/c. :welcome:

 

[mjordan29]

those cherry shrimp will be gone in a week. uping by 2-3 folds will just waste your money. you have tons of predators that will eat every baby plus the adults suprisingly. just about everyone in that tank besides like neon tetras will have them for a snack. remember in the wild shrimp are a natural food source


EDIT: btw you have tons of bottom dwellers which is not a huge problem (potential territoy despute but doubtful) but do make sure they get supplemental feeding in abundance. the plecos and khulis are pretty messy. i can not vouch for the glass catfish though.

 

[fishycat]

Welcome!

I believe glass cats are mid-water type fish... I'd up your kuhlis in a tank that size to at least 12, or you'll never see them. The plecs will be on bogwood or walls as much as the bottom...

Have you considered a top-swimmer like hatchets, or a centerpiece like pearl gourami?

I have to agree about your shrimp - at least 30 to 40. I put 20 in a 20 gallon and barely see them... I don't think adults will be eaten, but not sure babies will make it - with plants like wisteria & hairgrass, there's a chance.

Good luck!

Edit: Oh, and kuhlis will burrow... not sure how that's going to affect your substrate plans.

 

[dundadundun]

the b/n, sae's and neon tetras shouldn't be an issue for the rcs. not sure about the rest.

if the tank is planted well enough survivors should stick around for quite some time.