Khuligirl93
Aquarium Advice Addict
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2013
- Messages
- 1,945
Just wanted to show the progression of my planted 10g tank to encourage anyone who is considering starting a planted tank but thinks it might be too difficult or time consuming 
So I've had this tank among others for about 5 years but had always gone the plastic route. Just recently learned about the benefits to the fish and water quality that real plants can provide, creating a more natural miniature ecosystem. I emptied the tank of its plastic decor and gaudy blue rocks and started with one bag of flora max for a simple substrate. Next I got driftwood from petco and a few live plants and this is what it looked like:
Very disappointed and frustrated, I wondered why I couldn't get my tank to look like the perfect aquascapes I had researched. I trimmed and I rearranged, trying hopelessly to make it look better. I did more and more research, and gradually became aware of the mistakes I was making. After adding pressurized CO2 and upgrading my light, a month later I had this:
And after 2 more months of being patient, doing regular water changes, and simply dosing flourish comprehensive weekly, I ended up with this:
It's not anything spectacular, but after all the work that went into it I am proud just the same. For anyone who is feeling discouraged about a planted tank- don't give up! Patience is the key. It IS possible to have a beautiful tank without complicated fertilizers and multiple expensive light fixtures! If I can do it, you can do it
So I've had this tank among others for about 5 years but had always gone the plastic route. Just recently learned about the benefits to the fish and water quality that real plants can provide, creating a more natural miniature ecosystem. I emptied the tank of its plastic decor and gaudy blue rocks and started with one bag of flora max for a simple substrate. Next I got driftwood from petco and a few live plants and this is what it looked like:
Very disappointed and frustrated, I wondered why I couldn't get my tank to look like the perfect aquascapes I had researched. I trimmed and I rearranged, trying hopelessly to make it look better. I did more and more research, and gradually became aware of the mistakes I was making. After adding pressurized CO2 and upgrading my light, a month later I had this:
And after 2 more months of being patient, doing regular water changes, and simply dosing flourish comprehensive weekly, I ended up with this:
It's not anything spectacular, but after all the work that went into it I am proud just the same. For anyone who is feeling discouraged about a planted tank- don't give up! Patience is the key. It IS possible to have a beautiful tank without complicated fertilizers and multiple expensive light fixtures! If I can do it, you can do it
