Started a planted (really small)

[anachrotech]

... tank. Over the years I've added plants to my tank with the usual results of death and decay (of the plants) due to insufficient light, no nutrients, and gravel substrate. However, I really liked the look. Thanks to this forum, I decided to try again and started really, really small. Nuvo Pico 4 betta tank with Eco-Complete with some black sand over. The betta likes it better also. Though my "aquascaping" needs work, I think I may convert my 36g over depending on the health of my EBJD who I believe has a internal tumor. Dipping my toe into dark waters here.

 

[Brookster123]

Welcome!! Looks like a good start!! Sorry as this is off topic but you said you're jd may have a tumor? How old? How big??

 

[anachrotech]

Welcome!! Looks like a good start!! Sorry as this is off topic but you said you're jd may have a tumor? How old? How big??

He's about 4 1/2 years old and 6 1/2" - 7" in length. He getting thin even though I finally got him to eat somewhat. The tumor is on his left side and was the size of a dime last year. Now it's almost a half dollar is size. He's currently the only fish in the 36g (I know, too small) I am monitoring the water all the time and at a minimum change 50% weekly - sometimes more.

 

[Brookster123]

If it's a true electric blue jd you may have set a record here on AA

 

[anachrotech]

If it's a true electric blue jd you may have set a record here on AA

He's in my profile pic. I'm really saddened by this. I never thought I'd get attached to a fish.

 

[Brookster123]

Beautiful fish!!!

 

[anachrotech]

Thank you.

 

[Brookster123]

... tank. Over the years I've added plants to my tank with the usual results of death and decay (of the plants) due to insufficient light, no nutrients, and gravel substrate. However, I really liked the look. Thanks to this forum, I decided to try again and started really, really small. Nuvo Pico 4 betta tank with Eco-Complete with some black sand over. The betta likes it better also. Though my "aquascaping" needs work, I think I may convert my 36g over depending on the health of my EBJD who I believe has a internal tumor. Dipping my toe into dark waters here.

back on topic... What are you wanting to grow in the betta tank?

 

[anachrotech]

What I have in the Pico 4 (can't remember the names as the tank had stickers with names all over it) is where I've started. I don't think I'll change this one up unless these plants don't do very well. For the 36 though, I'm just in the somewhat planning stage. I made the mistake of looking at some gorgeous aquascapes and want to go that route. I know I'll have to up the lighting from the current +. I do have a duo T5HO 24" that may be utilized with the appropriate bulbs. The planted tank is much more satisfying for me that plunking in décor. Nothing against it, I just get tired of the décor rather quickly. I really do prefer a more natural look that I can't get with plastic and fake castles. Again, it depends on Mr. Dempsey and what occurs down the road. I have my eye on a 125g later which may be a cichlid tank (no plants) or a really nice planted depending on my abilities, or lack thereof.

 

[Brookster123]

So you have a current sat + on there now?

 

[anachrotech]

So you have a current sat + on there now?

On the 36g I do. I took off the T5HO because I had an algae bloom from h3ll. Had to get a UV sterilizer to take care of that, and rehomed a 7" pleco. , along with really cleaning the substrate.

 

[Brookster123]

So you have a t5 and a current sat?!? You could do a sweet planted tank if you're willing to commit to a daily fert dosing regiment..

 

[anachrotech]

So you have a t5 and a current sat?!? You could do a sweet planted tank if you're willing to commit to a daily fert dosing regiment..

Well, I know where to post to inquire when I'm ready.
Thanks.

 

[FishCr8zy]

So you have a t5 and a current sat?!? You could do a sweet planted tank if you're willing to commit to a daily fert dosing regiment..

+1, if you put both lights on, they will work wonders. You will be able to grow almost any plants. Though you'd need either a co2 system or dose a lot of glut. Algae will be a really major problem

 

[anachrotech]

+1, if you put both lights on, they will work wonders. You will be able to grow almost any plants. Though you'd need either a co2 system or dose a lot of glut. Algae will be a really major problem

I think I'll start low tech . Either the t5ho or the led to start. I've had quite my fill of algae problems.