My 20G Planted Tank

[Fedex3d]

Hmmm. Hard to know. I'll have to ask the guy at the LFS what he thinks. I mean, they're not all sick. I wonder how you know if they have the disease.

According to the article it's the ones being bred & imported from Singapore. But even then it's not all of them either. Mine scene healthy for now

 

[callisto9]

Substrate (Eco Complete) and fish food (New Life Spectrum) arrived today!

 

[callisto9]

Substrate in (though I might add more) and three gallons added. Heater added (but off). Getting my plants on Friday. Manzanita should be here late this week.

Snail's not in yet, but look how cute he is:

 

[Paxdaddy]

Callisto I just wanted to say. I've never seen blue and pink ramshorn snails. After seeing your post I looked them up a d had to order some of my own. Can't wait to get them!

 

[callisto9]

Aren't they neat! I can't wait to get them. I got some purple/magenta mystery snails in the mail today and they are so cute!

 

[callisto9]

Some of the plants I'll be moving over. Little snail by the bottom of the heater (purple/magenta). Big snail at the top. Both are Apple snails.

 

[callisto9]

Love these little guys:

 

[callisto9]

The tank is in progress! I got a bunch of plants today and moved over the other ones from my 6G tank. I noticed several slime tubes with snail eggs. I've got a busy snail in there somewhere. I think it's this bugger:

Water has been conditioned. Filter and lights are on. Filter squeezings put into the tank to get the BB going. I'm still waiting on manzanita and I'll rearrange some more once that gets in there (tie down the floating anubias, etc.). But here it is as of today:

I CAN'T WAIT! I have many many many snails waiting to go in. Pink/blue ramshorns arrived today.

6G tank is mostly cleared out. I bet the guppies like the extra space.

Look who's streeeeeeeetching his siphon:

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Thumbs up! The tanks coming along nicely, and fast. Excellent work.

 

[callisto9]

Thanks! It was really hard not to buy fish today! But, it was cool to see what some of my options were up close.

I'm interested in the sparkling gouramis. And harlequin rasboras. So much cool stuff at the LFS.

 

[callisto9]

Tested water today:

• NitrAte: 5.0ppm
• NitrIte: 0 ppm
• Ammonia: .50ppm
• pH: 8.0

So, any of you cycling experts out there... is this good or do I have a ways to go? I know ammo and nitrites should be zero, but I can never tell if this means I'm just getting started or I'm close. Help!

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Still have a little way to go. You're almost in the green.

 

[callisto9]

Still have a little way to go. You're almost in the green.

Woo! Considering this is day 2, I'm pleased.

In the meantime, I need to research lighting. I have a feeling the LED hood that came with this tank won't be good for a planted tank.

 

[CorallineAlgae]

How did you get 5ppm nitrate on day two? Did you use an old filter sponge from another tank?

 

[callisto9]

How did you get 5ppm nitrate on day two? Did you use an old filter sponge from another tank?

I squeezed some stuff out of my other filter and swished it around in the tank. Also brought over my plants from that tank. And added some Quick Start stuff by API.

 

[Ryleyman]

After a four gallon and a six.6 gallon, I finally decided it was time to upgrade. I moved a few things around and found a spot where I could have a bigger tank. We have a really small house and space is at a premium. We have two large birdcages in the livingroom and moving them was not an option.

I finally settled on a 20G tank (instead of 26G) since it was easier to find a stand for it and it fits better in my bedroom. Filter is a Marineland Penguin 150. Lighting is LEDs.

I have Carib Sea Eco Complete for the substrate. It will arrive Tuesday.

I have manzanita on the way from eBay.

And I also ordered a few blue and pink ramshorns from eBay, too.

Also have a magenta/purple mystery snail coming, too. OK, so it appears I like snails...

I can't wait to get started! I am thinking of doing a fish-in cycle, but the jury's still out on seeding from my previous 6.6 aquarium. I've had some guppies die in there, but of what, I don't know. The two remaining guppies and my mystery snail are doing well.

My plants will be getting moved over, too; anubias, java fern, amazon sword, marimo moss balls, water wisteria, anachris and hornwort.

I know I'll need to upgrade my lights from the LEDs that are on that hood, but I'm trying to figure out what I'll need to cover the tank with once new lighting is on (since it won't cover the entire top). Any suggestions are welcome. I do not want to dose ferts, but am open to root tabs. I've been doing fine without either in my 6.6 tank.

I've had some recommendations on fish and I'm interested in:


[*]galaxy rasbora
[*]neon green, ruby, ember tetra
[*]red cherry shrimp
[*]pygmy cories
[*]chili rasboras (need low pH) - this might be out for me.
[*]celestial pearl danios
[*]endler's livebearer (males only)


Any advice there would be appreciated, too.

I want ramshorns sooo bad but I don't know where to find them where did you get yours??

 

[Foliveira323]

Tank is looking real good and with the plants and snails looking real nice..... Way to go!!!!!

 

[callisto9]

I want ramshorns sooo bad but I don't know where to find them where did you get yours

eBay! Just search for pink ramshorns and you'll find them. The seller actually sent me a half order of each - blue and pink. If mine were any bigger, I'd send ya' some!

You can also get them on Aquabid, but I don't have an account there, so eBay was easier.

 

[Ryleyman]

eBay! Just search for pink ramshorns and you'll find them. The seller actually sent me a half order of each - blue and pink. If mine were any bigger, I'd send ya' some!

You can also get them on Aquabid, but I don't have an account there, so eBay was easier.

Lol k il look how much did they cost??

 

[callisto9]

Tank is looking real good and with the plants and snails looking real nice..... Way to go!!!!!

Thank you! I'm happy to be doing this one the RIGHT way instead of how I got into fish-keeping (like everyone else) the first time a few months ago.

I can't wait to add fish!