Beginner tank

[sg3531]

Hi, thank you for welcoming me to this nice forum.
Was a little busy during the chinese lunar new year,
sorry I didn't visit here for awhile.
Always admire and wonder how people managed to keep those
beautifully decorated planted aquarium.

Now, with some available time, wish to get my hands
setting up a simple planted tank at home.
Well, since my first visit here, I had my tank setup.
So far, lots of casualties and plenty of dead plants.
Just created an album and posted my tank photo.
I will visit often and will pick up more nice tips
from here. Most happy to have your suggestions and comments.

Currently, maintaining my tank water pH at 6.5,
added some liquid fertilizer for the plant.
Have the lighting on from 8am to 9pm by auto switch.
Change about 1/4 of water weekly (w/anti-Chlorine).
Added a very small amount of API aquarium salt, 2 tablespoon.

 

[marchmaxima]

Welcome to AA.

13 hours of light might cause you some algae troubles. I'd consider dropping it to 10 hours a day if the algae starts up.

 

[sg3531]

Welcome to AA.

13 hours of light might cause you some algae troubles. I'd consider dropping it to 10 hours a day if the algae starts up.

Thank you, and yes found brownish algae fast coming up.
Will adjust lights on 3hrs less daily. That will be a great saving in
electric power. Thanks.

 

[joy13]

Your tank is very nice, once you start getting more plants in it you will have to take more pictures.

 

[buddha_red]

good looking tank, good job

 

[Zagz]

Welcome to AA! Nice looking tank.

 

[fort384]

Welcome! I like the beginnings of your tank! I usually don't like the look of anything man made in a tank but I like that. I think when it grows some algae/diatoms it will look really neat in your tank.

 

[sg3531]

Thank you guys, feel nice to have your support.

Here is a close-up of my Clown fish, relaxing inside his landed property. specially bought for him.

 

[sg3531]

Today, added new plant (Anubias Garbon) and
a UV filter (2in1) but sponge removed just only
UV and pump running.

Now I wonder, should I leave the UV continously on?
Nothing mentioned in the manual.

 

[dmoney87]

First welcome to AA.. and honestly I cant say ive heard of anyone using a UV lamp on a freshwater aquarium .. and to be honest im not entirely sure of its purpose.

 

[fort384]

I have heard that planted tanks with a UV sterilizer are bad. It can break down important trace elements in the water essential to plant growth.

 

[sg3531]

Thanks, dmoney87 & fort384, the favorite store guys recommended after hearing about my several casualties in my tank.
Also after learning that adding medication won't be good too. So UV seems logical to me.
Will monitor and feedback on any changes.

 

[sg3531]

Just had my UV lamp replaced, bulb blown.
While at my favorite aquarium store, consulted the guy there about duration UV needs to turn on. His immediate reply was off it as soon as the
water clear up. Well, after learning that my tank is not cloudy he
suggested to on when the needs arises. So there is no need to on it
24/7. I have it hook to my lighting timer, had the pump on automatically.
UV had another switch, so will on it whenever I need it.
Verdict: Still unsure.

UV rear left, rear right co2, added plant

 

[melosu58]

Welcome to AA. Nice looking tank.