30g Long Startup Log

[meegosh]

I thought I would start a thread for me to look back on later and see how things progressed in my new tank. The picture below is from the second day when I added 4 neons. The black things in the corners are the filter media from my 10g, in case you were wondering.



Added my two albinos and two peppered cories, some more plants, red slate and some more java moss...


One of my peppered cories decided to pose for me so I couldn't resist...


This is the right side of the tank, I think it's almost finished...


Let me know what you guys think!! I have about 6 pieces of driftwood soaking, they have been in for 3 days and they still make the water like tea. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll get them added.

[marchmaxima]

3 days..... mine still leaches tannins after a month, and I boiled it for hours

It does go away eventually.

A lovely little tank, BTW meegosh... How do you get the moss to sit a the bottom like that?

[meegosh]

I just placed a few rocks from the substrate on each corner of the moss. Took quite a bit of patience to get the moss in the center the way I like it... the current is pretty strong there.

As far as the driftwood, I boiled it for 3 hours last night. Seemed to help with removing the tannins, still won't sink! Looks like it'll be in a bucket for quite some time

I have a $50 gift certificate for an awesome LFS that is burning a hole in my pocket. I think I'm going to grab some more plants and fish

[meegosh]

Well I decided to post some new pics of the current layout. I added some driftwood, more fake plants, a live Amazon Sword (that is taking off!!!) and some java moss.


Current layout


My Amazon Sword, it was 2" when I got it, now its over 5"!!!


Some of my neons checking out the new driftwood.


My albinos are hiding in the shade Notice the one on the red slate is growing its side fins back.

I'll keep you updated

[roka64]

Very nice shots!

[SpeedEuphoria]

Hey what kind of light do you have with that Amazon Sword? Are you using ferts or co2?

[meegosh]

I'm using the stock lighting, its a 24" 25w bulb on a 30 long. No ferts or co2. I figured for a couple bucks I would throw a sword in and see what happens. I didn't expect it to grow almost 3 inches! I'm not too pleased with the light in general, leaves the corners of the tank rather dark looking. My cories seem to like the shade though so I don't know what to do.

Thanks for the input

[black hills tj]

What kind of driftwood is that? It looks like either malaysian or grape, and I have heard that grape contains toxins that can harm your fish.

[meegosh]

Those are malaysian pieces but I think I got some grape in the same batch. I don't think its poisonous, just it rots quickly and can mess with your params.

I could be wrong, do you have a link to more information? I can't find anything on google about grape being poisonous... just rotting quickly.