Deep Seven
Aquarium Advice Addict
Heavily Planted Dwarf Puffer tank w/refuge build thread
I decided what I'm doing, now comes the doing part!
29 gallon display tank, with 15 gallon refugium.
DT will have dwarf puffers (DPs), otos, and any shrimp that can avoid being puffer food. It will be heavily planted, with an attempt made at a DP biotope. (Except for the otos, which are from south america. Not sure about shrimp atm)
Refugium will have snails (puffer food), plants snails like to eat, some CUC, and possibly breeder shrimp (if the puffers eat them too). I'm entertaining the idea of stocking the refugium with a betta and some tetras as well. The refugium will be on display.
To do list:
1) DIY CO2 system. Sugar water and yeast style, with a good disfuser.
2) Tank modification. I plan on adding structure to my display tank to add more features, like multi-level display, and a sizable low-light cavern area for plants that prefer more shade and hiding spot with room to move around (most hiding spots are cramped). It will be a stand alone structure, secured by the substrate and other aquascape features.
3) Lighting system. Most likely DIY unless I find exactly what I need for a great price.
4) Aquire needed equipment: pump and filter system, heaters, UPS (my area is prone to blackouts).
I will need to get test kits, fertilizer supplies, medications and anything else I might need in a timely manner. (200 miles from the closest LFS and during an emergency, it could be a week before I can visit it.)
Stuff to do: I'm starting on the CO2 system first, this weekend I'll buy the supplies to finish the CO2 system, and get what I need to build the tank mod structure and lighting system.
Things to know: I'll be researching and deciding what plants I want to use and how they will fit into the aquascaping. Will also need to learn more about the feeder snails and whats required to breed them.
The biggest monkey wrench in my plans: I'm still not sure where I can buy dwarf puffers in my area.
The reefers are trying to get me to go SW, but my mind is made up. Dwarf puffers here I come.
I decided what I'm doing, now comes the doing part!
29 gallon display tank, with 15 gallon refugium.
DT will have dwarf puffers (DPs), otos, and any shrimp that can avoid being puffer food. It will be heavily planted, with an attempt made at a DP biotope. (Except for the otos, which are from south america. Not sure about shrimp atm)
Refugium will have snails (puffer food), plants snails like to eat, some CUC, and possibly breeder shrimp (if the puffers eat them too). I'm entertaining the idea of stocking the refugium with a betta and some tetras as well. The refugium will be on display.
To do list:
1) DIY CO2 system. Sugar water and yeast style, with a good disfuser.
2) Tank modification. I plan on adding structure to my display tank to add more features, like multi-level display, and a sizable low-light cavern area for plants that prefer more shade and hiding spot with room to move around (most hiding spots are cramped). It will be a stand alone structure, secured by the substrate and other aquascape features.
3) Lighting system. Most likely DIY unless I find exactly what I need for a great price.
4) Aquire needed equipment: pump and filter system, heaters, UPS (my area is prone to blackouts).
I will need to get test kits, fertilizer supplies, medications and anything else I might need in a timely manner. (200 miles from the closest LFS and during an emergency, it could be a week before I can visit it.)
Stuff to do: I'm starting on the CO2 system first, this weekend I'll buy the supplies to finish the CO2 system, and get what I need to build the tank mod structure and lighting system.
Things to know: I'll be researching and deciding what plants I want to use and how they will fit into the aquascaping. Will also need to learn more about the feeder snails and whats required to breed them.
The biggest monkey wrench in my plans: I'm still not sure where I can buy dwarf puffers in my area.
The reefers are trying to get me to go SW, but my mind is made up. Dwarf puffers here I come.