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03-01-2011, 12:50 PM
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#1
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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10 gallon low-light with dirt
I don't know if anyone on here is aware of Dustin's Fishtanks on YouTube, but after conversing with him and watching his videos, I have been motivated to start a dirt tank. To keep it simple, you pretty much have "natural dirt" as your substrate with some clay, and then leave it like that or cover it with sand or whatever substrate you please. I've done research, and the results in dirt tanks are pretty astonishing. It looks like it could be a lot of fun.
Since it is a rather long "cleansing" process, I am going to purchase another 10 gallon tank, get it all set up, and then transfer my plants, driftwood, filter, and fish over to that tank. Main question is: Will I see a mini-cycle even if I move my filter from the current tank over?
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03-01-2011, 12:54 PM
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#2
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Dividing by 0
Community Admin



Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 13,926
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doubtful you will see much of a cycle if you just swap the filters over. Definitely take lots of pics. Will this be low light?
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03-01-2011, 01:07 PM
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#3
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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Yeah I am going to use the 27W fixture I ordered. I'm really excited for this. I think it'll be a fun project. I'll keep you updated, going to buy the new tank/dirt/everything either this weekend or next. My current tank just isn't working, so I figure it's not a bad idea to experiment with a possible natural remedy.
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03-01-2011, 05:57 PM
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#4
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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I'm interested in seeing it too, haha. There are so many varying methods as to how to go about it...I need to do some heavy research. I am currently having a correspondence with folks over at FishTank TV, and dirt is their specialty. Over the next few days, I hope to get some great information.
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03-01-2011, 06:18 PM
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#5
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Rhode Island, USA
Posts: 550
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Sounds really cool interested in how it will come together
Sent from my iPad using Aquarium
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03-01-2011, 10:51 PM
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#6
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Aquarium Free - 2+ Years



Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Winchester, Ky
Posts: 19,409
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Funny you say that. I was over at Dustins house about a week ago. He has some amazing tanks. He swears by Miracle Gro organic potting soil. He almost had me convinced to go for it, but I figured I'd get these plants figured out before I go all out and do dirt. I am almost certainly getting a 140g tank this week, and when I do, I'm putting either turface or miracle gro in it.
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-Jonathan
"What, exactly, is the internet? Basically it is a global network exchanging digitized data in such a way that any computer, anywhere, that is equipped with a device called a 'modem', can make a noise like a duck choking on a kazoo." - Dave Barry
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03-01-2011, 11:00 PM
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#7
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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Awesome, man! So we can work through it together. How do you know Dustin?
You wouldn't happen to be the guy who was in that video with that sick cichlid tank, were you?
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03-02-2011, 08:04 AM
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#8
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Aquarium Free - 2+ Years



Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Winchester, Ky
Posts: 19,409
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Nope, I'm not on any of his sites. I got all my plants from him. He had an ad on CL so I went over and got some plants. Learned a lot while I was over there too.
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-Jonathan
"What, exactly, is the internet? Basically it is a global network exchanging digitized data in such a way that any computer, anywhere, that is equipped with a device called a 'modem', can make a noise like a duck choking on a kazoo." - Dave Barry
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03-05-2011, 12:08 AM
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#9
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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DAY 1:
-Bought a new 10g (16 bucks, rip off.)
-Bought Miracle Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix
-Opened 27W CF Fixture that Fort recommended.
-Spray painted black background
Fort, the light is absolutely awesome. For it being so tiny, it sure as **** produces a lot of light. How is it safe to keep these over open water? I couldn't get it up that high...what if splashes hit the bulb?
I am going to probably get it set up on Sunday, though it won't be much until I get my other tank treated for ich.
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03-05-2011, 01:46 AM
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#10
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Planted Tank Addict


Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Fiskdale, MA
Posts: 2,561
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can't wait for the pictures...hehe
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03-05-2011, 10:46 AM
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#11
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Dividing by 0
Community Admin



Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 13,926
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Did you extend the telescoping rods all the way? I can get mine to sit 8" or so above the water.
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03-06-2011, 09:42 AM
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#12
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fort384
Did you extend the telescoping rods all the way? I can get mine to sit 8" or so above the water.
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I'll have to look at it again. I can only seem to get it a certain point (definitely not 8 inches)...it reaches a point where it doesn't slide easily and I'm afraid to force it.
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03-06-2011, 10:10 AM
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#13
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Dividing by 0
Community Admin



Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 13,926
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Here are photos of what mine look like fully extended. I always keep it at about only 4" from the surface though. Never had an issue with splashback. I guess it depends on what filter you use but I keep surface movement to a minimum so I don't offgas any co2.
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03-06-2011, 10:55 AM
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#14
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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Yeah that's about as high as mine goes. Excited to set this baby up.
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03-06-2011, 11:25 AM
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#15
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Aquarium Advice Regular
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 98
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I've been planning on using a layer of dirt under small gravel or something for the tank I've been planning and starting to set up. I'm very interested to see your process because I'll be following behind you. Give us details in how every step works out, so I can learn from you.
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03-06-2011, 01:04 PM
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#16
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Queens, NY
Posts: 2,082
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Just to show the light. Lovin' it. No other lights on in the room; thing is nice and bright. Fort, now that I mounted it, I realize it won't be close to the water at all. Finally painted the back of the tank correctly as well. On my current tank there are so many speckles...I put like 6 layers on this one.
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03-06-2011, 05:31 PM
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#17
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Aquarium Advice FINatic
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 988
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The sleek light and the black background manage to make a braced tank look nice.
I'm interested to see how this turns out as well.
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03-06-2011, 05:36 PM
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#18
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Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 26
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sounds awesome. Totally following this one!
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03-06-2011, 05:46 PM
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#19
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Aquarium Advice Addict
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Somewhere in the Midwest
Posts: 5,447
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Definitely following this one. I don't have a planted tank, but maybe someday I will.
In loving memory of Pansa Princess, the greatest horse who ever lived. May you rest in peace.
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Fish are friends, not food! 
-Dakota
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03-07-2011, 02:54 PM
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#20
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Planted Tank Addict


Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Fiskdale, MA
Posts: 2,561
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looking good nick..
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