20 Long Planted Journal

[mfdrookie516]

Yes, I'm doing another one. This one, I hope, turns out better than the other 2 have so far.

So, as the title says, I'm doing another planted tank, this time a 20 long. I'm doing super simple, low tech, high-ish light. I plan to keep it very simple, with a couple rocks or a single piece of driftwood. I plan to only have a single plant... not sure at this point, but will most likely be HM as I really like this plant. I *might* do some blyxa in the back, but we'll just have to see about that.

Substrate is Miracle Gro Organic Choice Garden Soil with a layer of flourite underneath, and PFS on top. I chose PFS simply because I had some left over, and I don't plan on the substrate being exposed anyways. Lighting at the moment is a 2x39w T5HO, but might be replaced with a 2x24w or a 4x24w. We'll just see where the algae leads us on that one.

Anyhoo, without any further interruption.. here are some pics so far:

 

[JustOneMore20]

Yay!! I'm excited to see how this one turns out. I can totally see your plan in my head and its gonna look great!

I have 2x39w over my 20L now too...and its kind of overkill, but the algae hasn't been bad. It hasn't been any different than 2x24w.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Here are the two scapes I'm considering at the moment... subject to change at any time.

And with some trimming....

 

[Aspencer]

Low tech=no CO2?

I hope your tank is ready before mine so I can see what the effects of 2 24 T5HO's before it happens to me.

 

[Demonknight]

I like the rock one, feel free to send me that extra wood piece *LOL* can't wait to see this one done

 

[HN1]

Must Follow Definitely.

Can't wait to watch this progress! I like the DW piece, but is the rock on the left basically a cave? It looks like it'd be great for plecs.

 

[Marconis]

Good stuff, Jon. Looking forward to seeing this progress.

 

[rich311k]

Looks like you are off to a fine start. I like that piece of wood.

 

[mfdrookie516]

So, with the help of the great master (fort384), I've decided on this scape. A little tweaking and I'll be ready to plant. Looking at probably doing HM, Blyxa, and giant HG.

 

[fort384]

I like it so far Jon! I think it is going to look great!

 

[Fdsh5]

Seems no matter what, your tanks always look great!!

 

[mfdrookie516]

Well thanks.. I'm glad you feel that way cause I sure don't. Haha.

Got it planted. Well, almost. Gotta wait on the GHG, as I don't have any.

Still cloudy, but you can get the point.

 

[Homedog98]

(cough MTS!!!) lol. Definitely following! Your aquascaping looks awesome!

 

[meegosh]

Wow! Even your glass pearls!

Looking good! Making me want to set up another planted tank... although I'm actually leaning towards a *gasp* reef!

 

[mfdrookie516]

Yeah, gotta love that pearling glass haha. I'm really excited about this tank. I feel like its the first one that I've had a vision of how I want it to turn out before setting it up. Poor fort has had to listen to me talk about it for the last couple weeks, and I finally got the urge to set it up today while I was out and saw the dirt.

 

[Coleallensmom]

Love what you've done so far..looking forward to seeing how this one turns out!

 

[mfdrookie516]

Thanks

So I woke up this morning to find the water to look much like a river after a big rain storm.. very brown. Oh, how I hate the initial setup of a dirt tank. At least water changes will be quicker and easier than in my 125.

 

[Jason7894561230]

Your out of control my friend!

 

[Jason7894561230]

Looks great though

 

[mfdrookie516]

Took some pics today... looks much more clear now (Not that you can tell with this junky camera).