50 Gallon Planted Tank Journal

[Aquastrategist]

Hi, im 15 and have a 50 gallon planted tank. I figured instead of posting many different threads, I would make a journal of progress on the tank. I have had it for a month or so now but ill just call today day 1 as ive rescaped it and added fish and plants. Enjoy!

 

[Aquastrategist]

To start.....

Tank Specs

Equipment-
-Marineland C-360 Canister Filter
- Fluval 60hz Heater
-2 18' Aqueon 15 watt lights (30 watts)
* I am aware 30 watts is underlit to grow my plants but I am trying to get 100 watts as soon as possible

Plants-
-Java Moss
-Indian Fern/Oak Leaf Water Sprite
-Anubias
-Argentine Swords
-Telanthera Cardinalis
- Java Fern

Fish-
-2 Angelfish
-6 Cories (1 albino)
-6 Rainbows (3 turqouise, 3 Boesemans)
-14 Neons

 

[Aquastrategist]

Day 1

*will post new pic once tank is clear, just finished aquascaping and water change














*Sorry, forgot to mention I have onion plant and lily bulbs

 

[Aquastrategist]

Day 2
Going to my LFS to hopefully pick up some root tabs and a better light. I want something with at least 50 PAR and it needs to be 48 inches.

 

[librarygirl]

Nice! I like the moss tree a lot. Some taller plants for the back would fill it in nicely too, maybe some Vallisneria or Rotala.

 

[Aquastrategist]

Yeah, my Argentine swords and cardinalis need to grow more, looks a little off balance now.

 

[Mrs.h2012]

I really like the moss tree as well, looks awesome!

 

[Aquastrategist]

Planted root tabs and spread out the Cardinalis...

 

[Aquastrategist]

Replaced one light with a 60 watt A15 soft white lamp.

 

[Aquastrategist]

If it will let me add a pick...

 

[Saucy840]

nice tank man i will be following your journal to see how far you will go and i also plan adding live plants in my new 75 gallon soon ( 90 gallon stocking and mission thread ) I must say i really really like the tree gives a awesome effect to the tank i might just have to steal your idea if i can find one around here

 

[Aquastrategist]

Thanks man, yeah the tree is just driftwood with java moss on it. Im starting out with live plants, so there all easy ones like java moss, fern, and swords.

 

[Aquastrategist]

Black Angel isnt doing to well. Dont know what it is, all other fish are fine.
On a positive note, my swords have been growing new leaves and the bulbs are sprouting.

 

[Fishperson]

Nice tank! Really fun to look at with all of the different plants!
What exactly is the angel doing that makes you think that something is wrong with it?

 

[Aquastrategist]

This is a bad pic, normally it lies on its side on the bottom and flaps around like a dying bird. But sometimes he gets up and swims around. Weird hahah.

 

[Aquastrategist]

Got rid of the cardinalis, it was rotting. My swords have had lots of new growth and all my bulbs are sprouting.



Water Lily




On the left is the water onion, right is a fern. All of these are bulbs.

 

[Aquastrategist]

Also my Angel has been dying and I was thinking maybe someone could help.



He's beem lying down looking to be dead for 5 days, but when I poke him he swims around. I do water changes 1-2 timea a week and the other fish are neons corys rainbows and another angel. I watch him closley and the other angel doesnt bother him. Actually, he patiently waits by his side when he is lying down. I feed them enough amd all water parameters are stable. I thought he had ick, but he has jusy one white spot and it isnt a bubble just his skin color. His mouth seems to be cut up and flaky, he was like that when I got him. But clearly he can eat as he's been like this the past week (ive had him for 3). Btw when I say he I dont know what gender. Any advice or help?

 

[Aquastrategist]

Also, my cories seem to be skittish so I think ill do a rescape later so they have more places to hide.

 

[Aquastrategist]

Havent made an update in a while, so here it is.
The swords and anubias have made steady growth, as well as my java fern and bulbs. On fern bulb has gotten over 2 feet tall and has 5 flowers. The java moss has exploded across my driftwood, so I made a nice cave for the cories. My stock is
1 Angel
12 neons
10 Brass tetras
7 black skirts
5 cories
4 otos
I also still have 6 rainbows, but they will be moved to my uncles 90 soon.

 

[Aquastrategist]

Heres a couple pics...