20L planted tank build

[Thepokerkid227]

Decided to do my first planted tank that will be a community tank. Tonight got stand all set up, tank filled, sand in, installed heater, T5 hood, and HOB filter and all up and running. Will be adding ammonia in a few to 4ppm and begin my fishless cycle. Tomorrow I'll be off to plant shop and begin filling it while my centerpiece driftwood soaks for the next month or two. Will be posting pictures along the way!

 

[eduguy]

Looking not bad already
20L or 20G

 

[Thepokerkid227]

Thanks, it's a 20G long

 

[Thepokerkid227]

Planted background plants today after all the suggestions to keep plants in during fishless cycle. Went to LFS, was very helpful as I told him I'm new to plants, suggested I add root tabs now which I did. Only question I have is my lighting, I have two T5s in, a florasun 5500k and a ultrasun 6500k. Should I keep both on for plants and how long a day?

 

[Thepokerkid227]

Still no sign of ammonia dropping or nitrites :-/

 

[Malupoo]

Looking good so far

 

[eduguy]

Any new updates

 

[Thepokerkid227]

Ammonia still at 4ppm, nitrites went up overnight to .50ppm, PH 7.8, nitrAtes were at 20ppm, and plants had pond snails on them. Been removing them when I see them but will add assasin snails once cycled. Think my plants might be goners as I took advice from LFS guy and cut off roots before I planted >_< DOH!

 

[Thepokerkid227]

Recent pic

 

[Thepokerkid227]

Did some re-arranging and more planting.

 

[eduguy]

Did some re-arranging and more planting.

What plants are they?!

 

[Thepokerkid227]

Amazon sword, green hygro, penny wort, red ludwigia, can remember names of other two, got them at petco in their aquatic plants tank. Someone on another forum said the striped one isn't aquatic and should be removed or it'll rot.